Family of Four

Pinewood Derby

2012-01-30T06:39:00.001-08:00

This was Jared's last year at the Pinewood Derby. He is now a Weeblo and will be heading off to Boy scouts in July! WEIRD! Boy does time fly! Jared designed his car himself with help of our neighbor helped cut it out and then did the design on the top by himself. Wow he's growing up!

He just finished adding his weights and getting his "official weight".

Greasing his wheels. :-)

A little "Move it Twister" before getting started...

A few of the cars. Once they've been "officially weighed in" and signed in, they can't be touched.

Getting the board all the up.

Some of the "big kids".

Heat one...

Our little neighbor boy came along too.

Goof ball!

I think Blake was very excited! He has won every heat.... we'll see if he can beat the other undefeated one!

All the boys! Great job guys!!!!!!!

Showing his award.... "Most creative"

The "big kids" :-)

Week 4

2012-01-30T06:21:00.001-08:00

I have begun to really enjoy thinking of what to post each day. The different events of the day, challenges, memories, which one to choose, etc. It's also fun to see which pictures strike a chord with each individual.

So here we go...

Last Monday we finally got some much needed snow! It was a small amount, But while running errands I snapped a pic. (I know it's SUPER close up, but I couldn't figure out how to make it smaller... so there it is. LOL)

Since they got the keyboard, they have been practicing and challenging each other daily. They all love it thank goodness. :-) Here's Cai Lynn practicing before going to "Activity Days" at church.

Doing my weekly "Ruby grooming session". :-) She's so patient, and sweet. She's used to it by now.

The boys playing chess... on a Thursday evening.

Friday night was the Pinewood Derby. (More pictures to follow on that.)

Saturday was a long day of work, Michael at church basketball, picking Jared up from his friends, Cai Lynn working on her primary talk and lots of etc. There is nothing like a good book in the bath to end the week.

As usual we stopped to talk to everybody after church. Cai Lynn and I were a bit later than the boys and when we got into the car we caught Jared in her booster seat. HMMMMMMM

Have a great week everybody!

Another week at a glance...

2012-01-22T22:05:00.000-08:00

So another week down on the Project 366... This week was very weird weather wise and we had yet another major fire in the area.

The first picture for the week I added one of my favorite sunset pictures. It looks like a volcano. I was on a walk and spotted this on my way home. I absolutely LOVE it!

Very early in the morning on my way to work and as I'm driving the kids to school we had an AMAZING cloud show! The kids were spotting all sorts of objects, creatures and people in the clouds. It took twice as long because I kept having to stop to take pictures. This one reminded me of George Washington. Can you see him?

Ok this next series tells it all! Duchess the cat STILL has not made friends with Duncan the now 9 month old puppy. He still doesn't know he can squash her, and is terrified of her. Michael was trying to take a picture of Cai Lynn and I with the dogs and cat... there were at least a dozen pictures taken... you can see how well it went here with these few.

This is the "best" one we got. Ruby looks scared, Duchess looks annoyed and Duncan is in avoidance mode.

Duchess was growling here...

She had enough!

As I mentioned earlier, we had another major fire. This time in South Reno... Washoe Valley. It was a TERRIBLE fire! All caused by neglect with ashes from a burn barrel. 29 homes destroyed, countless animals lost and families displaced. Thankfully many MANY homes and businesses were saved! The fire came within less than 100 feet from Galena High School and got very close to a major mall. We desperately need some moisture!!!!!

I did not take these two fire pictures. I got them from a local news station.

These clouds are promising a bit of moisture. We'll take ANYTHING right about now!

Michael posing with Duchess at the end of the day.

We DID get a small amount of ground covering. It was gone and melted by the rain just hours later, but boy did we need it! Jared is getting ready for a badge event.

This afternoon when we returned from church, we made sandwiches and then fruit or veggies of their choice. Of course nobody had the same choice. :-)

Have a wonderful week everybody!!!!!!!

Another Week....

2012-01-15T21:08:00.001-08:00

Another week down of adding pictures! It's getting much easier to remember and a lot more fun adding them as well. So here's this last week at a glance...

Ruby all finished with her bath... she wasn't too excited to pause and wait for me to take the picture, but I just couldn't resist! SO cute!!!!

Duncan was NOT happy about his bath, but he's a good sport about it. He has such a thick coat it takes SOOOOOO long, so he waits patiently... almost.

Michael had a powerpoint presentation in Spanish class on Buenos Aires. Duchess of course at his side, faithfully.

Duncan happily relaxing on Jared as we watch the movie. They're great buddies!

The kids like making Duncan do tricks. He's so eager and get's so excited!.... (maybe it's because of the treat???)

And finally today... All ready for church. I can't believe how quickly they're growing!

Thanks for looking! As I said before, this picture a day is a lot of fun! Much more fun than I thought... :-)

The week at a glance

2012-01-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am doing a "Project 366" on Facebook and figured I should put up the pictures on here too. (I can go into more details on here.)

Here are some pictures from the week...

The kids were still down with my family and I came home earlier because I had to work. Duchess is usually attached to the kids' feet, and she was missing them. She wouldn't move from me and sat by my side the entire night, even while on the computer.

New Year? Clean kitchen! I took my stove apart, re-did the foil etc and scrubbed until it shined.

I just wanted to take a picture of the view from my front yard. The weather has been unseasonably warm lately and the skies were crystal clear!

This is one of the bunnies that invades my front lawn every day, happily killing the grass. :-/ I am not zoomed in here. I can just get close enough and then they dart away. The kids have tried to chase them away every chance they get, but the bunnies don't seem to mind the flailing arms and screaming kids... they just come back.

This was a U-Swirl night! MMMMMMMM

Every year I do a photo album from the previous year, and I do a photo calendar. They both came this day! They are so much fun to look at!

We watched "Star Wars" the night before. This is what I woke up to as I got ready for work. :-)

Our little Duncan is now 8 months old and he is SO cute! He gives "hugs" and "kisses". Sometimes it's hard to remember he's just a baby... he's so big!

Last night we all met at my mom's for dinner. Jessica and the girls weren't able to come over Christmas Day, so we came over to my house before dessert and I gave them their presents a couple of weeks later. :-)

A friend of mine did a "project 365" last year and I decided to follow in her footsteps and try it myself. I hope I can keep up this momentum. :-) I'm off to a good start. :-)

Just Hanging Around

2012-01-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

In the evening we loved to hang out together by the campfire and just goof around a bit. My kids' favorite thing to do is to hang out by the fire pit.

Emma and Cai Lynn taking the dogs across the street to see the goats

One of my favorite memories is to go see the neighbor's goats and horses. Now it's her turn to carry on the tradition.

The Aerobee (however you spell it) comes out once again. It is SO cool to watch fly across the sky.

A couple of goofy brothers... My Uncle Dennis and Uncle Ed

The tickle torture doesn't work on me as well as it does Michael. :-)

Ohhhh the fire pit....

Jared was playing "Angry Birds" and apparently couldn't look up long enough to take the picture.

On the phone...

It is so weird how the times are changing. My wonderful Grandmother passed away this year and it's only a matter of time that things change for good. So many wonderful and amazing memories were spent in that house, around the campfire, on the deck. I remember when each of us brought our babies to the house for the first time. So many cousins, so much family, so many memories.... We tried to soak every bit of it up as much as we could.

Into the City...

2011-12-31T17:52:00.000-08:00

We decided to drive into San Francisco on Thursday for a little walk around the Warf and some dinner.

My hansom little cousin is all ready to go!

The seagull was eyeballing us. :-)

The fog cleared just enough for us to see Alcatraz

Cute Cousins

And of course... what's the warf without a nice bowl of clam chowder?

The nice waiter brought a little treat for Ruby.

All bundled up for a cool evening walk.

For December in The Bay it's suprisingly warm.

We stopped by an art gallery on the way back.

Another fun evening.

Global Wonderland

2011-12-31T00:37:00.000-08:00

My wonderful uncle gave us all tickets to Great America's "Global Wonderland". It was SOOOO cool! Everything was made out of Chinese lanterns. The pictures don't do it justice at ALL! It was amazing!

This was one of several creations made out of spoons and tea cups...

The Astrological signs...

After a wonderful day, off we went back to the house and of course the sweet cat who was not as fond of us as we were of him. :-)

He HATED Ruby! LOL Poor guy! And Ruby was a little nervous around him too. LOL

Happy Hollow

2011-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

Every year we are fortunate enough to be able to come down to the S.F. Bay Area where a lot of the family is able to gather together for the Christmas season. We are able to meet with lots of family and try to take a TON of pictures soaking up every moment.

We met with Heather and Xara and went to "Happy Hollow" to have a little fun. WE all loved looking at the animals...

...and the animals liked looking at us... and Ruby too.

Xara wasn't too sure about some of the animals.

Taking a little walk.

The ring-tailed lemurs REALLY did not like Ruby!

We also we able to spot the illusive Michael in the brush...

Stopped for a little photo-shoot

The little meerkats were very interested in Ruby.

SOOOO funny!

Off to play!

"Where are yooooouuuuu???"

Helping her up the stairs...

What a fun afternoon!

Pictures of a wonderful evening to follow soon!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

2011-12-29T23:52:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is... Christmas Eve once again! This year FLEW by!

So as tradition calls for, we opened up our Christmas P.J.s on Christmas Eve before heading out to see the Christmas Lights, followed by hot chocolate, Luke 2, a wonderful poem, etc etc.... What a wonderful evening Christmas Eve is! We were even able to have the missionaries over for dinner before hand.

Christmas morning was also VERY nice. We got to see what Santa brought us, opened up our presents and a great breakfast.

Silly Duncan

Ruby and her booties

Our elf was having a little fun too!

The day was filled by an amazing Church program that the kids and my mom got to listen to. ( I had to work) Then the evening was spent at my mom's for dinner.

Billinghurst Christmas Program

2011-12-22T22:45:00.001-08:00

Tonight I got two sets of pictures for two concerts! YAY! I was not able to grab pictures of all of the performances but most...

Billinghurst has a total of 250 choir students. They have 6th (boys and girls), 7th (girls only) and 8th (girls only) grade choirs, Advisory girls choir, and a concert choir. Michael is in the Concert Choir again this year. Last year the Advisory choir was a combined choir but this year girls only. They have FANTASTIC choirs! And a FANTASTIC teacher!

"The Little Drummer Boy"

Getting ready for "Somewhere in My Memory"... concert choir...

The one signing is the choir teachers daughter who attends High School. She did this in her choir group. Amazing!

After all of the separate groups went up they all combined. 250 students up there!

They always end the concerts with "A Hot Cup of Cocoa"... I helped serve and was able to snap a few pictures afterwards.

This is the Principal and The Choir teacher

Some very talented boys!

And a couple of goofy ones!

Another great job!!!!!!

Shopper's Square

2011-12-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

This is performance number 7 out of 9 for the week. One of our little malls invite their school to perform every year at Christmas. They have ramps that go to the upper level and the singers spread out. It's a weird set-up but the patrons gather around at the bottom and there is plenty of room for parents and families as well.

It's kind of hard to see who's who but you can see Cai Lynn in a couple of the group pictures.

Our amazing pianist... They actually had to have the conductor's daughter lead for the pianist because she couldn't see each other. :-)

You can barely see Cai Lynn's little face but she's there.

Great job guys!!!!!

Silver Legacy Performance

2011-12-21T20:22:00.001-08:00

While Cai Lynn and Jared were with the rest of their choir practicing and preparing to go to the Silver Legacy after school, my mom dropped Michael off with me at work. We had a little Christmas party with the residents, families and Santa!

Michael is enjoying his egg nog. :-) Then I stop and pose with Santa before we rush over to the Silver Legacy to hear them sing.

By the time I got there they were up on the risers and had completed their sound checks. I caught both their attentions so they would know I was there. (I had promised that I'd be there, I just didn't know how close I'd be cutting it.)
LOL I didn't realize how angry Grace looks. (That's not her normal face... she ALWAYS has a smile! )

Jared's solo

The view behind us...

During "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" they had snow falling from the ceiling

With their hot cup of Cocoa....

Honor Choir and 3rd Grade Program

2011-12-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight was Jared and Cai Lynn's honor choir and Cai Lynn's third grade program. Program number 4 out of 8 this week! No joke!

The kids had a choice if they were 3rd graders to wear regular clothes or Honor Choir clothes. Cai Lynn obviously chose her Honor Choir clothes.

Waving to their families before the performance...

Hello to Jared!

Jared's "Grinch" solo...

Time for the third grade program....

Weather around the world

Cai Lynn's turn

Great job guys!!!! Several more posts to follow this week! Stay tuned!

Ward Christmas Party

2011-12-18T08:08:00.001-08:00

Saturday night after I got off work was our ward Christmas dinner. Our first Christmas in our new ward. (We went to our old ward's Christmas party last Saturday... :-) )

I had my nieces for the night, Sarah and Emily, so of course they came with us. They had a lot of fun.

I was up leading the sing-along and Michael took this one of Sarah. Not sure what was going on. :-)

Each table had the name of a song tucked into one of the centerpieces. They didn't know it until right before the sing-along. I called the name of the song and those tables had to come up and sing them. It was so much fun! Emily stayed with me and wanted the microphone. :-)

At the end of the sing-along, we sang "Here Comes Santa Clause" louder and louder until Santa showed up. I called them by age groups starting with the youngest.

I thought Emily would have liked Santa a lot more than she did... She was NERVOUS! She looks a little like she's about to cry.

Cai Lynn had no problem!

Sarah's turn!!!!!

Not sure what he even asked for... but it was a very meaningful conversation.

I think Michael was the MOST excited! LOL

See! Scene stealer! LOL

The girls wore matching dresses so a picture of course!
Emily had a mouth full of candy in the first one. :-)

Ho Ho Ho! (And that would be a candy cane in Blake's mouth.)

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Michael's Concert Choir Comes to My Work

2011-12-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

As part of their service to the community, they went to three retirement homes on Saturday. One of them was of course the one I work at! Saturday is my day in activities so it was nice to have them come. The residents LOVED them and I was so proud. Of course most of the residents knew Michael and told me afterwards how wonderful HE was. LOL Like he was the only one singing. It was so cute!

Since we don't have a stage, we crammed them all in. :-) First the girls came in and sang a couple of songs, then the boys came in and joined them. (Some were even sitting on the floor.)

The boys' turn to join in.

It was so much fun to have Michael's concert choir come!

The Summit Lights Up

2011-12-05T20:23:00.001-08:00

Every year one of our local malls "Lights Up" and they have fireworks, Santa, Mrs. Clause, music, and lots of friends. This year the day before it was scheduled, there was a major fire in Reno destroying over 30 homes. It was fueled by terrible winds that destroyed the tree that was supposed to "Light Up". Soooooooo it was postponed for two weeks and, off we went.

Warming up by the fire pit.

Jared is having too much fun with his hat. :-)

Santa and Mrs. Clause was brought in by fire truck and escorted by The Police and the Sheriff Dept. They made their was down the long barricade, shaking hands and posing for pictures as they came. They were led by a group of children and their families from "The Children's Miracle Network". It was VERY cool.

Santa helping his lovely wife up.

Throwing out his magic dust to get the fireworks started.

I didn't get any good pictures of the fireworks. We were standing behind a light pole, you'll just have to trust me that they were cool. :-)

Stopping to take a picture.

Just one more great thing I love about his season!

The Reno Tree Lighting

2011-11-23T20:40:00.001-08:00

For the second year in a row Michael had the opportunity to sing at the Reno tree lighting. His "Concert Choir" was the only group to sing at the lighting. SO much fun. It's really neat! It's in Downtown Reno (which we go to for events only. LOL) So anyone is able to attend. They choir sings for about an hour and then the Mayor or Vice Mayor comes, speaks and lights the tree.

We met the school bus down there.

Looking at the skating rink

Goofballs...

More goofballs...

We haven't seen her in awhile... We miss her. (She was in our old ward)

LOL Long story...

Kicking back, manning the jackets and backpacks.

Reno's Vice mayor

And it's lit!

Santa Christens the rink for the first time of the season.

And yes... Michael is HOLDING his jacket instead of wearing it.

And they get their hot cup of cocoa...

Game 2--- This time with Jared

2011-11-19T20:39:00.001-08:00

This was the second game, but the first set of tickets I had won from work. YAY!!!! So much fun! I worked for a couple of hours and then left to get to the game with Jared. This time UNR was playing Louisiana Tech. Again, I don't get to spend a whole lot of one on one time with the kids, so this was a nice opportunity.

Some of the band before the game began.

A little pre-game photo-op

Go Pack!

The game is about to get started.

Goof-Ball!

Half-Time

Oh yeah.. and there were players on the field too. :-)

We had a lot of fun and for the most part it was a good game... until the 4th quarter. The score was 20-3 until the 4th quarter and then.... Dun Dun Dunnnnn.... The final score was 20-24. :-( BOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Go Pack!

2011-11-14T09:54:00.001-08:00

I had the pleasure of winning two sets of game tickets for the UNR football game. I gave the boys the choice of which ones they wanted to attend and Michael chose the UNR vs Hawaii game which was at night. After work I ran home grabbed my backpack full of gloves, hats, scarves, etc. and off we went. (It was COLD!! But we were prepared!)

I don't get to spend one on one time with the kids often enough so I was VERY excited!

Friends of ours, Joey and Amy were across the field but stopped by to say hello! They laughed as Michael happily munched on his.... Chocolate covered bacon! EWE!!!!!! He said it was "Yummy!" I'll just take his word for it.

A quick smile before kick-off

Out comes the team!

Gimme a "Boom!"

It was the day after Veteran's Day so they of course had a wonderful tribute and a swearing in of the newest military members.

We had a lot of fun and I really enjoy the time I get to spend with them individually!

GO PACK!

Oh! And by the way... We won! 42-28!

Happy Veterans Day! 111111

2011-11-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated those men and women who have fought for our every day freedoms. We have the freedom to vote, go to church, go to school, marry who we want, the list is endless. So many things we take for granted, but we forget sometimes about the families who have been without each other for so long, and those who fought and sometimes lost their lives defending our freedom that makes this Country so great. Today we celebrated those who have fought, who are fighting, or who will fight for our blessed freedom.

We began our morning by going to my work and riding down with some of the residents and my co-workers. We got into the perfect spot with an amazing view, wrapped up and waited as the streets were closed and the parade route was cleared.

We got some yummy hot chocolate, bundled up and waited.

Before long, we had a moment of silence then the parade began over the Truckee river. (about a block from where we were seated.) I took a TON of pictures, here are some of my favorites...

After the amazing parade, we headed down to the Marina, had our lunch and went to the dog park. After we played a bit, we continued around the entire Marina path. (2 miles) What a nice and relaxing day.

Heroes

By Jared Jenkins

In war, there are lives risked and lives taken

Men and women giving their best to defend what they love

They defend their country

Their honor

Their people

Some call them soldiers

Others call them heroes

Our veterans have risked their lives for us

They have lived through hell and fought with honor

Many have killed

And regret doing so

For every life, there is a soul

For every soul, there is a life

For those who have died, we show great appreciation and remembrance

For those who live, along with them live the horrific memories of battle

Some, memories of defeat

Some, memories of victory

Our veterans were more than soldiers

They were, and still are heroes

Family Pictures

2011-11-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time again! Time to grab the tripod and head off to take some family pictures. It's cracks me up how much they change in such a short period of time! Even their smiles and facial expressions change drastically.

This time we added a new element. Our 6 month old monster... I mean puppy. Sure he looks gorgeous, sweet and kind, but beneath that exterior lies a puppy trapped in a giant and almost full-grown body.

As usual, I took over 100 but these are a few of my favorites.

His looks are changing SO much! He looks so much more mature here to me. 10 years old.. wow!

Once a toothless grin, she is now growing into her smile. My "baby" is certainly not a baby anymore!

It is absolutely shocking to me that he is now a teenager and in just a few short years he'll be driving, dating, and lots of etc! WHERE does the time go???

Yep that's me! Cheese!

The poor little ducks kept following us thinking we had food I guess.

My sweet little Ruby waiting patiently until it was HER turn for pictures.

We'll just pretend getting this picture was Easy Peasy!

And this one too! My "little" Duncan...

The swans and ducks were so funny. They even followed the dogs out of the water.

Ready to report to work!

WCSD Honor Choir

2011-11-06T17:32:00.001-08:00

For the second year, Michael has gotten into the Washoe County School District Honor Choir. It is AMAZING! The three groups are 6th grade, Middle school and High School. Jared is excited to be able to try out next year. Last year it sold out at 1500 people at the Pioneer Center. This year it sold out at 2000 at the Nugget. As I said, they are amazing!

The 6th graders were up first

Then the Junior High schools.

That happens to be Michael's choir teacher playing the French horn. (The lady in red. ;-) )

Then the High Schools

This has been all three of my kids' choir teacher. Cai Lynn is now lucky enough to have her for honor choir. (She also teaches music to all the grades in their elementary school.)

Michael has had her for 2 years now, and hopefully the other two will get her as well!

What a great night! I just LOVE music!

Trick-Or-Treat!!!!!

2011-11-02T17:37:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween to one and all! Even though Halloween is one of my least favorite holidays, (if not THE least favorite) we are always SUPER busy! I know that it can also be so much fun and exciting, and thanks to great friends and family we did just that.

I hate the grossness and gore of the day (and season) and all that it CAN hold. But I also know how fun dress-up and candy gathering, etc is.

We had SO many Halloween parties to attend! With friends, neighbors, ward members etc, we were VERY busy! There was a total of 7 parties we attended and Jared's costume even changed once.

While I would like to be "themed" as a family, I haven't been completely able to talk the kids into it yet. ESPECIALLY the oldest. ;-) So there you have it.

We went trick or treating at my work that morning with the only two of my kids that didn't have school. :-)

My littlest lobster

That night of course out came the candy sacks and off they went...

This is the first year my kids have both been old enough and we know SO many of our neighbors that they were able to go trick or treating by themselves. I stayed home, manned the door and the dogs. :-)

Jessica and the girls came over about 15 minutes after the kids headed out, I told her the route, and she was able to catch up with them.

Tick-Or-Treat!!!!!

Another Round at Apple Hill

2011-10-31T18:24:00.000-07:00

Once again we were off to Apple Hill. We absolutely love it! WE have our favorite ranches we visit for various reasons and it is well worth the 2 1/2 hrs once a year to pick apples, pumpkins, and visit with friends.

A view of South Lake Tahoe on the way there. (Michael took this from a moving car. :-) )

One of the little pumpkin patches

They got theirs! Now to get mine...

A quick photo op...

Jared and Ryan

Shawna and me :-)

You can always meet friends at Apple Hill!

One of my former students we happened to see there. This is our favorite place to have some lunch. The boys always get their tri-tip sandwiches.

Off to feed the goats

And pet the calves

And cluck at the chickens

A few of the kids I could round up long enough to pose for a picture.

Another pumpkin photo op

We saw this guy walking down the road with his emu on a leash. We found him again at one of the ranches where he sells his emu products.

Just like "Fisherman's Warf" I take a picture of the kids at this spot each year.

Now off to feed the ducks and fish. (The fish eat right out of your hand.)

Someone wants a pony ride

A couple more stops and then home. This is Tahoe on the way back. We collected some pine-cones and took a couple of pictures.

Another great day with friends and family.

October Overture

2011-10-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Once a year Michael's school does a concert called "October Overture". It usually consists of Jared and Cai Lynn's school, His school and the High School. This year the High school was unable to make it, but it was still VERY good! (Later in the school year the high school will have their own invitational concert.)

This is the first time all three of them have attended.... Cai Lynn is officially old enough and she made the choir!

First the Elementary school goes...

Then it's their turn... Michael's part

I just love this picture! Everyone has their own interesting expression. Michael has probably looked at it a dozen times and laughed so hard it was like his first time.

Great job guys!!!!!

First Honor Choir and 5th Grade Concert

2011-10-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well, we've hit the first Honor Choir concert of the year! (And Cai Lynn's official first) Last night was also Jared's 5th grade Program.

Posing before they get started. This is their first year together.

SOMEBODY is making silly faces at them behind my back...

Smile!

Cheese!

Jared's program... He's playing the "Soprano Xylophone"

What a great way to kick off the concert year!

Bryan's "Birthday"

2011-10-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

On a more solemn note, Bryan would have been 29 years old on Sunday. This particular morning I was filling in for my boss at work, so I stopped by with some flowers before I went to work. When I got off and when my mom and the kids returned from church we met back and spent a few moments there.

Bryan, we miss you every day!

Monster Mash

2011-10-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

The Next night after the school party I headed off to a friend's Halloween Party.

MMMMM Coffin goodies. :-P

Alice and her Zombie

AWWWWWW My darling little man

MMMM candy!

HMMMM On second thought, maybe not!

Who's the creepy chick in the background?

The Marina and the Dog Park

2011-10-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

I'm usually off on Mondays, so I decided that while the weather was still nice, I'd take the dogs down to the Marina. They loved it, and so did I. The weather was PERFECT! Not too hot and not too cold. 1/2 way around from where we parked was the dog park so we stopped in to see if Duncan would play in the water. (We have been completely unsuccessful before.)

Checking out the other dogs in the water.

Meeting new friends

This was COMPLETELY by accident! He chased the other dogs into the water and then realized where he was. We were there for another 1/2 hr and he wouldn't go back in.

Nothing doing!

See! He puts his breaks on JUST as he gets near the water.

I knew SHE wouldn't attempt it...

Down on the beach with the geese

He just turned 6 months old a few days ago... What a good boy! Ruby is teaching him well! :-)

The Elementary School Halloween Party

2011-10-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

So one more year down for us! Vickie and I have been co-chairing this event for 4 years now. (We've been assisting other years, but actually in charge for 4 yrs now.) We have it pretty much down to a science now but it is always an amazing event!!!!! This year we combined it with the Science Fair as well. Each grade was in charge of a "Mad Science" game. SOOOOOOO fun!

Yep, This would be Michael. LOL (That's Cai Lynn's teacher in the background.)

My little Panda Bear Cai Lynn, complete with her meal ticket and one of her first prizes.

The cake walk...Jared's on the right....

Here we are

Some of the goof-balls... I mean Jared's classmates.

Aren't they cute?

Bieber Fever

LOVE the hair!

Ready to roll!

SO much fun!

Had a Wonderful little Visitor!

2011-10-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

Or shall I say "Little Visit"? It was unfortunately a VERY short visit, but I'll take what I can get!

Jen and I have now been friends for 22 years in August. Unfortunately she lives 2,000 miles away, but we still get to see each other when we can and of course technology is what it is and so we get to keep in touch that way. :-)

Jared took these right before we dropped them off at school so I could take her to the airport.

I miss you!

The sun was RIGHT in our eyes!

The Doggie Ate My Homework!

2011-10-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Look at that guilty little face!

So what to do with a giant 5 month old? Right before the picture was taken, he even had a piece of paper in his mouth. :-)

A little tape and an explanation was all that was needed. :-)

Cai Lynn's Baptism Day

2011-09-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Cai Lynn's big day arrived and she was SOOOO excited! She's been talking about it since the boys were both baptized, and she talked about it every chance she got. She turned 8 years old just a couple of weeks ago but to her, it seemed like forever that she had to wait.

Her big day arrived and now it was time to go get dressed.

SO excited!

Her wonderful Uncle Mark baptized her just as he had the boys.

The primary children sang "Baptism" as the opening song.

After her baptism, she changed and got back into her dress.

Happy smile!

Cousins

Congratulations Cai Lynn!

UNR Pep Rally at Work

2011-09-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

We bleed silver and blue at work! We are getting ready for the new Football season at UNR, and of course we invited the cheerleaders and the mascot to Atria right? Yes, of course!

They practiced outside before the pep Rally.

Cai Lynn was with my mom, so I ran to go get the boys right after school so they could be there for the fun!

Taking a moment with "Wolfie"

And... a few cheerleaders...

The residents were presented with their "President's Challenge" awards. (They have to exercise at least 1/2 hr a day at least 5 days a week for 8 weeks.) There were 14 residents! Great job guys! After that, the cheerleaders did their thing. (I took a ton of pictures, but these were the only ones minus the residents... privacy issues.)

Look out for the chandelier!

Then I stopped to pose with "Wolfie"

This cheerleader made the boys promise to say hello to her when they go to a game. :-)

*giggle* *giggle*

They even "pinkie promised"

Two days later UNR played at San Jose and we had a "Tailgate Party" with the residents and their families complete with raffle prizes, before the game. SO much fun!

Happy Birthday Cai Lynn!

2011-09-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!! 8 years old! Where on earth did the time go?

Cai Lynn is an amazing little girl! She is sweet and kind and makes friends very easily. She is so much fun to be around. And ALWAYS has a smile on that toothless little face. She does very well in school and most recently Honor Choir.

We started the morning getting ready for church and then she opened a few presents.

Then off to work we go. There was a pancake breakfast at work to honor the firefighters, policemen, ambulance drivers and all others that helped in 9/11 10 years ago.

Kerrie walked out with a birthday hat, balloon, and pancakes slathered in whipped cream, blueberries and strawberries! YUM!

She was SO embarrassed!

Make a wish!

The balloon is attached to her hat.

There's that toothless smile I love so much!

After church and work we headed home and I made a "taco bar". (I was going for quick, easy and something that will please everyone.)

Here is her birthday cake I made.

After dinner it's present time... nice Michael

Cousins...

Cheese!

balloon fun!

Sisters

Pile on "Noni"

a little Science lesson about static electricity.

Cai Lynn's Favorite Things at Age Eight

Grade: Third Grade

Food: Pizza

Friends: Noelle, Katelyn, Josh, Dylan, and Jacob

Color: "You can put in any, 'cuz i like them all!"

She likes to Do: "Play with my friends and make new ones."

Hobbies: Trampoline, swimming, drawing, and making jewelry.

Songs: "Go My Child", "Be A Friend", "I Am A Child Of God", and "One Little Candle"

When She Grows Up, she wants to be: A vet

TV Show: "Spongebob"

Movie: "Rodrick Rules"

Favorite Teacher: Mrs Holmsley

The Great Reno Balloon Race

2011-09-14T22:23:00.000-07:00

Once again the time has come for the "Great Reno Balloon Race". Every year we wait and wait and reluctantly drag ourselves out of bed at 4- something in the morning. but there is something about watching the balloons fire up in the pitch black, and the sun rising behind the eventual 100-plus hot air balloons of all shapes, sizes and colors that makes the experience well worth it.

This one just touched down from "Dawn Patrol". There are a select few of pilots that are allowed to fly in the dark. Only 5 of them fly at this time in the morning.

The sun is coming up! And more balloons are being set up! YAY!

There it goes! (We happened to be sitting next to the tarp.)

The fly-over

The "missing man" formation

From across the field I spotted a Storm Trooper! I knew that it meant that the "Darth Vader" balloon had to be close by! The kids and I hurried over to where we thought it would be setting up. (There are over 100 balloons being set up and trucks and baskets all over the field. It sounds easier to find one particular balloon than it actually is. ) Just as we got there the crew was pulling the basket out of the truck. We got to watch it from start to finish! (OK I'm a TOTAL Star Wars nerd! But this was SUPER exciting for me!) This was Vader's first trip to Reno and hopefully not his last!

There he goes!

Getting the inside all filled so it can stand up.

Getting stood up. (I love Jared's face.)

Apparently I'm the most excited! LOL

There he goes! 105 cubic feet of Lucasfilm Awesomeness!

Balloons balloons everywhere!

Another morning of fun!

Scottish Games -- Part 2

2011-09-12T10:28:00.001-07:00

Ok ready for part 2?

As I said, we wait all year for this event. I wasn't even able to capture a small percentage of all the things we did. We went behind the scenes and listened to the bands practice, watched a soccer game played by almost professionals, watched the dog competitions, the highland cattle, sword fighting, and other field games, listened to a TON of wonderful music, had great food, amazing dancing, watched the 'birds of prey' demonstrations, and lots of etc. It's a come see for yourself type of event.

On the second day, we headed down to the Marine's booth where the kids and lots of adults (NOT me ;-) ) did timed tests and had a little bit of military training.

My amazing Cai Lynn did this chin-up thing for 74 seconds!!!!! She made it seem soooo easy!

This is at the end of her 74 seconds.... still smiling!

The boys did chin-ups... Great job Jared!

Michael's turn! They make it look so easy! Great job!

Stopping to take a picture

Off to see Uncle Mark.

Xara playing with my necklace while we wait for the "Mass Bands" to arrive.

Trying to see my eyes in my sunglasses. She looks SO intense.

"Cheese!"

Uncle Ed and Susan

Cousins playing while we wait...

I can't even describe this part to you.... AMAZING is the only thing I can think of.

Attacking Uncle Donald... he does a bit of the attacking himself. :-)

Then off to Grandma's house for a late BBQ... MMMMM Yummy!

Jared looks really old to me here! WOW!

Fun Times with family.... I love them!

Scottish Games 2011 -- Part 1

2011-09-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

There are going to be a couple of Scottish Game posts. I took a TON of pictures, and we were there for two days as usual.

We go every year without fail. It is a great time to be with family, and we absolutely love all of the events. It's an amazing time. This year was a little tough. It was the very first year my grandma wasn't there. She also looked forward to it every year. Last year I sat for hours with her sitting at the bag-piping competition. She was definitely there in spirit though.

This year we were able to have Donald, Heather and Xara join us. They loved it and even came the next day too.

Ok, well, the pictures are backwards, beginning with the end of the day. :-/ Sorry. LOL

Goofy cousins at Grandma's house.

Our family tree is full of nuts!

The pipers and the Marine band heading off the field.

Susan playing with the girls

Uncle Mark and the boys

Heather and Xara

Xara and Donald

Me and Heather

Auntie Crystel and Me (We're weirdies)

Donald and Cai Lynn found a friend.

Michael and Heather

Peek-a-boo!

AWWW siblings

Uncle Mark and the Dunsmuir group

Watching the sheep dog competition....

A VERY happy Xara!

cousins

Part two two follow shortly. :-)

Back to School

2011-08-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

Today Michael started the 8th grade! Holy Cow where did the time go? it is so hard to believe that he is now 13 and the top of the totem pole at school.

He of COURSE has his own taste in clothes. ;-)

I snapped a few pictures before the dogs and I walked him down to the bus stop.

Have a great first day Michael!!!!!

The other two are in yr round school so they started a few weeks ago. This is one of the pictures from a previous post. (5th and 3rd grade)

Ice Blocking

2011-08-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Who needs snow to go sledding?

We sure don't! Just grab a block of ice from your local grocer, a towel, and a nice hill.

The boys love to do this at scouts and young men's. The church is literally across the street from the High School and they have the perfect sledding spot.

Michael already slid off his, but Jared goes down...

Michael and Duncan are friends again after Duncan knocked him off several times on his way down. :-P

Cai Lynn is getting the hang of it now...

She spent more than her share of time chasing her ice block.

Duncan is trying to help.

There's her towel...

...and there's her ice...

Weeeee....

I don't like to go too fast! LOL (These are NOT flattering pictures. ;-) )

It's a bird, It's a plane...

Concentrating...

Time to "break the ice"

It's getting dark now. Time to go home...

A fun and cheap way to spend a Friday night after work/school.

Fun at the Farmer's Market

2011-08-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

Some friends of mine came up from the Bay Area to spend a couple of days here. We grabbed dinner and headed to eat it at the park. Then we headed across the street to the Farmer's Market.

Michael chose the yellow raspberries and ate them all. :-)

Cai Lynn chose red ones....

And Jared chose the grapes. And yep he ate them all!

Relaxing and listening to the music.

Off to the snow cones! I even have my little umbrella. :-)

What a nice way to spend the evening... Fresh fruit, music, meeting up with friends, and seeing more at the Farmer's Market. :-)

Our Little Duncan

2011-08-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Little Duncan is now three months old and growing like a weed. He is such a little doll and we just love him to pieces!

This is him the day after his bath.

Isn't he gorgeous???

He is not so thrilled about his bath... even though he gets one every other week. :-( He looks pathetic but he is still adorable! :-)

Family Home Evening in the Park

2011-08-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Through-out the month of August we have Family Home Evening in the park. It's always so much fun and we get a chance to talk to friends and get to know new people better.

Up the slide she goes...

Alyssa is SUPER tall!

Cheese!

MMMMMMMM....

A bunny joins in the fun!

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 points!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Emily and Sarah were there too with my mom.

MMMMMMMM........

Cousins :-)

Back again for another ice cream sandwich.

I don't know...

First Day of School!

2011-07-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that the summer is gone for Cai Lynn and Jared already! They are on year-round school so their summer is shorter than usual.

What is Jared doing in the 5th grade???? Where did the time go? My fiery little red-head is now an upper-grades man. Which means... he gets to play on the bigger playground full-time, and he changes classes several times through-out the day. He is especially excited that he gets to try out for solos now. :-) Keep your fingers crossed!

How did Cai Lynn get to be in the 3rd grade? She is now required to take more AR tests, and this year she will be learning the multiplication tables and cursive! She also gets to try out for Drama club and Honor choir this year! Keep your fingers crossed for that too!

*Please ignore the sun's early morning glow

3rd grade!!!!!

5th grade!!!!!

Standing in line at his number.

This is where she will line up!

Hard to believe!

*In a few weeks I will be posting my 8th grader's first day of school!!!!!

OOPS!

2011-07-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Apparently, when Michael filled the dog food container today, the lid was not snapped on! All of a sudden I hear the crash and this is what I saw.

Now guess who gets to clean up this mess?

"You?"

Nope! You do! :-)

Siblings are thrilled that HE made a mess and not them!

(Jared came running-- just out of the shower and had yet to put his arm through his sleeve.)

Artown comes to Atria

2011-07-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

Artown comes but once a year in our fair town of Reno. http://www.renoisartown.com/ Every year Atria's residents unveil their beautiful artwork. It was open to the public, there was live music, artwork, pies, and so much fun! The theme was "A Slice of Life".

Most of the time the kids were with the residents, but since I can't show the residents' faces, You will see very little of the kids either. LOL

Playing on the rockers.

Of course I had to bring my Grandma's wonderful painting... The residents LOVED it and loved it even more when the realized it was me.

MMMMMMMMMMM

A few of their paintings.

The tall one on the table was done in Atria by the residents. It's so much cooler up close!

The fire behind our house...

2011-07-18T18:16:00.000-07:00

*Fire on July 17, 2011

While in church we heard sirens and of course didn't think anything of it. (We are up the street from church) As we pulled out of the parking lot, we saw the fire retardant being dropped from a plane... then realized it was coming from OUR MOUNTAIN!

As we tried to pull onto our street and plead with the police officers who didn't believe i live "Directly under the fire" I was forced to drive 10 minutes around...

As we made it home, the kids realized just HOW close it was. (I had seen it before at this same house while my mom was at the movies one night and knew exactly what I was looking at... unfortunately!)

This is our mountain... I am leaning on our fence.

See... there's Duncan

These are Jared's trees Joe and Bob... Bob is engulfed in flames and Joe is now a gonner...

They got stuck...

This happens to be the officer that stopped me. he pulls up and says, "oh my gosh! You really DO live right here!" UHHHHHHHHHHH YA!!!!!

Here come the hot shots...

They think it started by dirt bikes...

This is not a very good picture, but all that black happened before we got home.

Our view of town

Our roof...

My mom's house

There's our house and the mountain behind us...

Here come the orange jump suits....

Independence Day

2011-07-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

Since I had returned from my vacation at about 1:30 in the morning on the 4th, (3 1/2 hrs late and a loooong story!) I was tired and wanted to take it easy. It was nice to have a relaxing evening at home. I BBQed dinner (burgers, (turkey and beef) chicken, and put corn on the cob in the fire pit. And of course Smores to finish everything off. MMMMM

Jared gives the family home evening lesson. (Complete with marshmallows in hand)

EWE!!!!

Relaxing...

MMMMMM

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

More of the museum

2011-07-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

So we went to the museum two days in a row. It was absolutely amazing! It was so nice to see Jen and Rob, Becky and Erick. (Although they had a shorter stay than the rest of us. :-( ) I wish the kids were there with us, but it was really nice to have some adult time too.

I don't get to see them more than once a year or so, and it is SOOO nice when we do get to see each other!

We saw several movies at the IMAX theater in the planetarium...

Evolution at it's finest...

Dum Dum... Me want Gum Gum!

More proof of evolutionary flaws?

The Butterfly Exhibit

2011-07-13T20:24:00.000-07:00

We got to go to the Museum a couple of days in a row. One of the days we went through the butterfly exhibit. I was in heaven!!!!! I've been through different ones many times, and each time, I absolutely marvel about these little creatures that only live a few weeks as an adult, but go from a fuzzy little worm to this amazing butterfly. (I even have on my wall and checkbook "If fuzzy worms can fly, anything is possible.")

This little hitchhiker hopped on for the ride and didn't get off until the very end. We were buddies!

Just amazing!

Their little hatchery.

My little buddy changed sides and got a friend to join us.

Right on Jen's shoulder. So cool!

Bye bye butterflies!

Summerfest!!!!!

2011-07-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

Friday night we headed off to Summerfest.
http://www.summerfest.com/flash2011/1.cfm?codeString=home#app=250&8b6e-selectedIndex=0&71fe-selectedIndex=1

There were many, MANY bands, and musicians. But the main reason we were there was to see Toby Keith. I was SOOO hoarse after the concert. My throat stung. It was SO good!!!!!

Shortly after we entered the park...

What a GORGEOUS view!

In... the.... Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki room...

Off to the concert... First Eric Church

Behind us...

BFFs!

Toby Baby!!!!!

Toby recorded "Made in America" his newest single, at the concert.

All I can say is AWESOME!!!!!

Off to Milwaukee to play!

2011-07-09T18:20:00.000-07:00

My wonderful BFF Jennifer, sent me to Milwaukee to play for my birthday. They bought me tickets to the Toby Keith and Eric Church concert at Summerfest, we played around, it was just so much fun!!!!

Rob took us to 'The Safe House" it was a hoot! It was a "confidential" place in the center of town and we each spent a bunch of the time running around finding little hide-outs. It was so much fun!

The secret entrance is somewhere in here...

Rob playing hide and go seek... looks a little like Jack Nicholson I think!

After playing and finding our way around we headed out the secret exit. (We just COULDN'T go out the regular exit could we?)

Booooorrrrinnnnng!!!!! These guys literally took the easy way out!

The old buildings were amazing!

Restaurant on the river...

Miller Park... They weren't in town... :-(

Cool huh?

We met up with our buddy the Fonz!

knuckles!

Over the next few days I will be doing new posts... We had SOOOO much fun!!!!!

Fountain Fun!

2011-07-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

We love to go down to the fountains on a hot summer's day for a few minutes to cool off.

He looks like a dinosaur here, but he's really laughing at the fact that he's squirting Michael as Michael is trying to dry off and get warm... What are little brother's for?

Yep, that's snow! Three weeks ago Donner Summit was closed due to snow! Now, it's 90 degrees!

They look like beached seals.

Happy Birthday Jared!

2011-06-30T06:11:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that my little firecracker Jared is now double digits!!!!! Seriously WHERE does the time go? In the morning Jared opened a few things from us before trotting off to summer day-camp with "Doughboy's Donuts" in tow and 3 dozen donut holes to share.

In the evening after I picked them up and I got off work, we had a little family get together. I made cake and ordered pizza. MMMMMMM

Make a wish....

Did it come true?

Weirdo!

Yummy!

Happy Birthday Jared!!!!!

My MOM got him this... NOT ME!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid... 2

Jared's Favorite Things at Age Ten

Grade: Fifth Grade

Food: Sushi

Friends: Gregory, Jalen, Katelyn, Noah, and Mathew

Color: Silver

He likes to Do: Play Basketball and Football

Hobbies: Basketball, Running and Football

Songs: "Beat It", "Dynamite", "I'm Reading a Book"

When he Grows Up, she wants to be: A paramedic

TV Show: "Johnny Test"

Movie: "Top Gun"

Favorite Teacher: Ms Coover

Our New Puppy!

2011-06-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Last week we officially added a new someone into our home. Since we knew we were moving into a house, I began looking for a good Collie breeder. This is my third collie. I had one when I was little, and one as an adult. I just LOVE the breed! I spoke to many breeders and finally decided on a woman in Texas and bought our little "Duncan" at 5 days old. (The first time I spoke with her he wasn't born yet. ;-) ) Soooooo after many phone conversations, emails, pictures, etc he finally arrived at our airport. A good friend went with me and we were there an hour early and anxiously awaited his arrival.

Here he comes!!!!

He's FINALLY HERE!!!!!

Duncan and Ruby finally meet

I picked up the kids and they were SOOOO excited to finally see him in person. We had narrowed it down to three names and finally after meeting him we decided on "Duncan".

It's so funny how much he has changed in just a week's time! his ears no longer look like this.

Gotcha!!!!!

I just love this little face!

Cai Lynn's Anthology

2011-06-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

All year long the kids work on their anthologies. The book is bound and they have a party for all of the available families to attend. both boys did one in both 2nd and 3rd grade. They still all look at each other's books. They are so cute!

She's reading her dedication....

Her amazing 2nd grade teacher.

I just can't believe my youngest in now in 3rd grade!!!!!

Squirrel!

2011-06-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

When we moved in, my mom's 2 big dogs moved out and the squirrel family quickly moved in. Ruby is a terrible watch dog and frankly the squirrels don't even care when she's in the yard. :-/

To the average on-looker they're cute with their chubby little cheeks completely full with our bird seed, but look closely at the stick next to the fence. It used to be a really cute little fruit tree. It is now stripped and the blossoms were pretty yummy I suppose.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO when I knew I was finally moving into a house I began looking for another collie to patrol the yard one day. I have had two collies in the past and wanted a third. They are wonderful with children and have an amazing demeanor.

One day I will finally have my yard back! :-)

Sarah's 7th Birthday

2011-06-08T18:43:00.000-07:00

I just can't believe Sarah is already seven years old! Everyone is growing up too fast, including my nieces!

Michael's family party was the night before at my mom's so this time I hosted Sarah's. On the menu? Spaghetti (sauce that sat in the crock-pot all day. MMMM), garlic bread, salad, and cake and ice cream for dessert. :-)

Happy 7th birthday Sarah! The whole making a pattern with the M & M's thing was a MUCH better idea the first 1/8 of the cake. LOL

Off to open presents...

Noni and Papa trying to turn on the Tinkerbell toy.

Sarah and Emily's other grandma came too.

Now everyone's playing with the toys. LOL

The happy birthday girl.

After presents it was time to eat the cake!

We area also celebrating four other birthdays this month... including Jared's. I think we are going to be "Caked out". :-)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game....

2011-06-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a good friend who game us their tickets they couldn't use, off we went to a Saturday night game. The weather has been so topsy turvey that it was rainy and chilly in JUNE. LOL Oh well, it was still fun.

Out in front....

Yep, hat, gloves, blankets, scarves...

Myra sporting her "cotton-candy bag hat". As I said, it was raining.

I'm having cotton candy issues...

Once again the little ball that sings "Take me out to the ball game"