Happy Birthday Cai Lynn!

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

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

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!