A Little Bit of Everything

I have a bit of catching up to do.  Manson Apple Blossom brought the good and the bad.  The best news was having all my kids home for the weekend.  And since Travis was there the week before I felt like we were complete.  The picture above shows all the racers in the pig jig.  It was wet and rainy so they were true sports.

Babies seemed to be the theme as we were watching the parade.  Doesn't this look so natural.

Some great moms in training.

The great news is the purchase of this helicopter.  Dale's baby.  He took Nick up yesterday, flew to Stehekin Bakery, then flew home.  Dale is in heaven.

This weekend the girls, my friend Bonnie and I went to the annual concert.  This year we graduated from the current Idol concert to a past Idol contestant, Carrie Underwood.  Of course I tried to spend as much time as possible with my boys.  Ryker is much more expressive and fun to talk to, because now he talks back.

Rock and I got some baseball practice in.  I know why I wasn't a pitcher in school.  I seem to flinch every time he swings the bat.

Marissa and Whitni were part of a radio promotion trying to see Craig Morgan who was singing before the big act.

The Sons of Sylvia and Craig Morgan came before Carrie Underwood.  They were okay, but she was amazing.  It was quite the production.

One of my favorite parts was above.  She sang in the back of the pickup suspended from the ceiling as it moved along a track around the arena.  Gutsy.

She had many wardrobe changes.  The above change was part of a video display.  It was pretty cool.

After a ride in the shuttle with a crazy drunk woman yelling at everybody in the van for being selfish jerks who pushed her husband aside we enjoyed eating dinner (way late) at Denny's with what most likely were high school graduates who seemed to only have one volume as they spoke to each other.  It was not of the reverent variety.  Our trip ended with stealing Rock to bring home, then even better his parents and Ryker followed.  A great weekend.

Oh yeah.  Happy Birthday to Aaron.  Sorry my dear boy.  I'm so glad you were patient with me.  When I find the pictures of us singing to you I will post it.

Happy Birthday, Aaron!!

It's a little late, but happy birthday, Aaron!!

More Family Fun

For the big weekend with all our kids I used the condo we bought at the school auction..  I think they goofed big time.  Rock loved to go out on the deck and watch all the cars.

The problem is the slats that are found on deck rails.  On most decks I see the slats go vertical.  At this condo they are horizontal.  A perfect climbing rail for busy two-year-olds.  It scared me to death!  Rock would have loved to climb right to the top and watch the cars.  

We didn't stay out too long.  Grandma's heart can only take so much.

I'll let these beautiful girls take a turn watching him.

Time for a very late dinner at the hibachi grill.  We had a good time.  Rock loved the entertainment.  Most of the time, though, he sat very serious watching the chef.  The chef pulled out all his tricks with lots of reaction from the older kids.

Rock, however, stayed Mr. Serious.  The tricks were over and the serious cooking was beginning.  The chef grabbed a pizza pan full of rice and dumped it on the grill.  Rock excitedly said, "Wow!"  I guess he just wanted to eat.

Feed us!!

A pro with the chopsticks.  Another day of fun with the family.  We enjoy getting silly, laughing and eating.

Happy Birthday Dear Lindsea!!

I was really looking forward to having Lindsea and Travis visiting us from Florida.  It seemed to go too quickly and apparently we all weren't feeling well.  They did a lot through the week, I worked.  We did have a big blow-out birthday bash for Lindsea.  I'm not sure if people came to tell Lindsea happy birthday, meet Travis or just eat cake.

One of the many cakes that we enjoyed.

These tough critics gave the homemade ice cream and cakes three thumbs up.

Here's the best testimonial to the tasty nature of birthday cake.

I have more from the weekend, but it will give you something to make me think you might be looking forward to.  Happy birthday Lindsea.  Love you lots!!  I miss having you around, but luckily planes fly pretty quickly.

Superstar

In my cleaning attempt in the office I found the Good Fruit Grower issue that featured Dale and Len.  It was refreshing to see him in print nonsheriff related.   You'll notice below that Doug somehow enters the picture with a quote.  Not sure how that happened since everywhere else it says Dale.  

Dale also celebrated a birthday.  He never asks for much, (helicopter) but is always giving so much.  I've been spoiled with meals being prepared and driving everywhere we go so I can sleep.  

He even shared the candle blowing with Poly.

I don't think he knows how to just smile.

Happy Birthday!

Weekend Fun

It's pretty nice to take off after school and see two cute little boys for the weekend.

Aaron related on his blog one of the many things Dale likes to teach his little grandson. This is what I get every time I'm with Rock.

Spring Break Wrap Up

My spring break was completely filled with family.  How can you go wrong with that?  I enjoyed the time I had helping Aaron and DeAndra move to Renton.  I loved playing with Rock and Ryker and getting to know their very individual personalities.

We are very excited to have the kids closer to us.  We 're hoping to see this face more often along with his cute little brother.

After helping the kids move I flew to Utah to play with my own babies, my parents and siblings.  One event I enjoyed was seeing Whitni play basketball again.

It is very weird not having to travel to away games or being involved with the high school anymore.  This was a treat to see her in action again.

I also enjoyed my time with KC.  I had seen the other kids the weekend before as written below.  I always enjoy being with KC.  He works at night so that cut down on our being together, but the time we had was great.

Again memories came of the many years cutting my boys' hair.  We couldn't get clippers to work so I had to do the scissors and comb method.

I also got some hair treatment.  Whitni, Marissa and I were watching a movie together on my little DVD player.  Marissa started playing with my hair and giving me great braids.  It did feel great as she was doing it, but took a little bit of time getting them out.

I enjoyed our bonding moments, although they did keep me up too long every night.

One night we made dinner.  Marissa wanted to try the gnocchi recipe from Kelli.  I should have taken a picture of us trying to roll the potato mixture with a fork, or the mess that we made.  All in all the potato gnocchi was a bust, but the sauce and chicken above was great with noodles.  I will just have to get out to Chicago and force Steve to make the real thing.

All in all this is my favorite view.  I love the relaxing atmosphere of "home".  I love visiting with my parents and being part of their every day life.
The last night we had a dessert night with my siblings and their families.  I wish I would have taken pictures.  Since I didn't, here are some of my snapshots:  (There were many, so here are just a few)
Lia's beautiful drawing - she's got great talent.
ABC's of Washington county - a great idea for a vacation, have fun Blake and Tonya.
Hearing some great stories of patients at the hospital from the big guy in scrubs.
TJ bringing out the smiles in all he visits with.
Kindle talking - our family has many, but most belong to Sherry.

School starts tomorrow.  That means the break is over.  Thanks for the memories!