Memorial Day 2008

We were dog-sitting for friends this weekend. Caden and Allyson love to "help" feed the puppies. While we were playing with the newest puppy, Rosebud, Allyson asked me "can we bring Dora back and get this one" I told her that Dora would be sad if we brought her back.
My guess is she likes the fact that Rosebud is little (yet).














We took a hike on a trail at Oak Grove, and stopped to take a few pictures.

































We worked outside mowing and cleaning up around the yard, and then finished off the day by trying out our new grill. (It is a Mother's Day and early Father's Day gift)
I love grilled food, so it was a great end to the day.

Roasting Hot Dogs

On Sunday, we spent most of our time at Oak Grove. We started out having our church service outdoors by the river. It was such a beautiful day. There is something about worshiping outdoors where you can see the beauty and splendor of God's handiwork.
Later that day, we sat around the campfire and roasted hot dogs. This is a first for the kids. They were pretty tired and hot in the pictures, but did enjoy eating what they cooked.

"Big Kid Bike"

This is the first time riding a "big kid bike".
Allyson was able to get on and ride without any problems and didn't need any help.
Caden was also able to get on and ride without any help - but he wasn't quite sure about pedaling himself. He liked sitting on the seat and pushing with his feet on the ground better.

Rainy Outdoor Supper

Friday evening was cold, windy, and rainy. Despite the weather, we got together with friends that were camping and grilled for supper. The first picture gives you an idea of how we all ate under the awning of one camper. There were 13 adults and lots of kids. It quit raining after we ate, and the kids all had fun playing. It was cold when the sun went down, especially since everyone was damp (or in the kids sake - wet) from the rain, so we got out blankets and cuddled for a little while. We did also manage to sit around the campfire. It was a fun evening.














Kay and Caden














Ariana and Allyson

Baby Shower

Tuesday evening, we had a surprise baby shower for Kara.
We were able to pull off the surprise until we arrived in the driveway of the party.
She noticed other people's cars that weren't in our bible study group - which is what we told her was going on. (We have bible study every 2 weeks and was a scheduled night for bible study - our last one for the book we are studying "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World")
Here is a picture of the group!

Swiming on the Pirate Ship

After the graduation party, the motel (Ramada) had a pirate ship pool area for kids, so we took advantage of that. The kids loved it! I have 2 little fish! They loved going down the slides, and playing in the water! Samantha took turns taking both kids down the big water slide. They both wanted to do that again! They swam for over 2 hours and then we finished the evening by going out for pizza. Allyson was asleep before we left the parking lot to go for pizza, and Caden wasn't too far behind her. When we got to Godfather's, Caden slept through most of the supper, but woke up towards the end and ate 2 pieces of pizza. (Swimming is hard work!)

Graduation Celebration

This afternoon, we helped Jake (Broc's nephew) celebrate his graduation from high school. The graduation ceremony is Sunday! Congratulations Jake!



















Here are some more pictures from the party.

E-mail updates

I added a feature to our blog tonight called Feedblitz. It is supposed to allow you to enter your email address, and then when I enter a new post to our blog, it will automatically let you know.
You can subscribe by entering your email right into the box on the sidebar.
I thought it might be nice for those of you that like to know what we are up to, but don't like to check all the time to find nothing new. (I don't blame you!)
Let me know what you think.

Tulip Festival

Thursday evening, we went to the Tulip Festival. Part of the fun of this event is the food vendors - Caden and Allyson both had a corn dog, and I had an Indian taco. Then later we got popcorn, carmel apples, and funnel cake.
































We watched the parade. These were a few of our favorites. When the kids saw the horses, they said, "see, I told you there would be horses!" They also loved watching and listening to the "marching bands".

















Tyler, Eli, Caden and Allyson in front of the tulips. Mom and Caden riding the bumper cars - Caden's favorite ride.



















Dana and Caden went down the Super Slide together, and Mom and Allyson went down together. It was a race. Guess who won?

Surprise Party

Yesterday, some co-workers and I celebrated a 50th birthday. 7 of us met and drove to the 8th's house to get her out of bed and take her to breakfast. It worked. She was surprised.
I must say I am a little worried for my 40th birthday - luckily I have awhile to go.















Lin (birthday girl), Dianne, and Sara















Sherri, Jennieva, Pam, and Alma