Stocking Stuffers

Well, it's still June and I bought my first stocking stuffer this weekend. It's a High School Musical necklace that was on clearance at Target for $1.24. This is how it starts. I also bought movies at Hollywood Video. They have a special 3 previously viewed for $18. I got Abba a Barbie and Matthew a Sky High. I'll put them in the Christmas vault as well but I'm not sure they'll make it. We may end up giving them to 'em if we take a road trip.


And it all begins again...

The floating trash can

Many of you may not remember but the spring after we moved in the house they did construction in my alley. It was supposed to last 2 weeks and it lasted 6. It didn't hinder my neighbors ability to get in and out of their driveway's so we were the only ones inconvenienced by the construction. I don't know what they did back their for 6 weeks but now and always when it rains it creates a very fast river in my alley. Can you see it? It also sweeps our trash can away about a block. It is a community trash can but we seem to be the ones always pushing it home after the flood. Why I bring up this story after 2 years is because today it was really comical. Here we are coming home from church and Mark wanted to scavenge the neighborhood for our trash can. I told him no need it's always in the middle of the road at the end of block. Sure enough it was and we pushed the trash can home with our Tahoe passed 8 houses to it's current destiniation until it rains again. Yes, it's mighty large and full of trash one person cannot drag it. The kids thought it was so funny, Mark and I thought it was so funny, Matthew got the hiccups.

The point to the story: I've got the river of life flowing out of me....... Along with a river of water flowing down my alley.....

I guess our 4 wheel drive is good for something after all.

6 Years Young

The sandy beach was and still is a HIT.
Abba and Campbell
WHEE
Benjamin and Matthew
Matthew and Matthew. What a pair!
Some of the kiddos finishing up cake and such
Look at that face that is a true definition of excitement

A unexpected visit from Kirksey
The cake was simple to make but putting the bionicle together took me an HOUR.
Dadda and Abba had enough of partying!
Mixing a little swinging with a little floating?
The Birthday boy trying to wake up!

What he woke up to
What he really, really, really wanted was this Pirhana.
Birthday gifts from momma, dadda and abba
His McD's breakfast with candles
A day of wishes come true

Matthew at 6 months old
Newborn Matthew with Dadda

Well, for whatever reasons my pictures didn't post in order and I couldn't rearrange them. Oh well. Matthew turned 6 on June 19th and we had a blast. The waterslide held up to 15 kiddos and no suprise to all the kids liked the sand just as much if not more than the slide. Isn't that how it goes? Kids would rather play with the box than the expensive toy.

Thanks to everyone who came and made this day special. It's been a great six years. He will be starting Kindergarten in the fall and is already reading, writing and doing math. Even with all his achievements in these years I'm still most proud of his sweet personality. He is a rule follower and is has more confidence that I had at 20. I'm proud of the little man he's become and thank God for everyday that I get to spend molding him and watching him grow.

Happy Birthday to our SuperBaby who's turning into quite the SuperKid.

hogan LOGAN bogan's 2nd birthday

Logan

Me and Matthew
Camille, Teresa, Suzanne, Amber, Alice and me.

First I have to start off with isn't he a cutie? Logan is Camille's littlest man. He turned 2 recently and his party was at May Farm, which was a wonderful place to have a birthday party. My kiddos are pretty attached to the little man. They have taken him under their wing and play with him as much as they can. In fact, everyday Matthew asks if he can come over and play. (he lives next door so that makes it convenient). They are kind of like 2 yr old babysitters. He has their undivided attention and they enjoy looking out for him. It goes both ways because he likes following them around and doing whatever they are doing. And you know Mark and I, we love having little ones around to give all that extra loving to. Someday, I know the kids will grow up and be very loving, affectionate, and protective parents the way they look after him. Thanks to Camille's bunch for sharing him with us.

Speaking of Camille, that's her one the horse with her clan of closest friends. They are all military wives who relocate together. They have a unique and close bond and they are all so blessed to have each other. I've enjoyed getting meet and know all of them. And of course, our most recent family photo since Christmas, thanks Teresa.

Goin' to the chapel and... ...Annie got married.

Isn't she Beautiful? Yes, I thought so too. Well, this past weekend our Annie got married and we had so much fun at her wedding and reception. The day started with hair appointments and then mine went completely straight (imagine that) and we had to start all over. Thanks to Camille's superduty professional curling iron and lots of bobby pins and hair spray my hair had curls. After that, the bridal party all came to my house to get ready, and even Abba had to put on her "dress-up" bridal outfit to be just like Annie.

Of course, I had to pull a "27 dresses" and watch the groom and she walked towards him and he was smiling and crying at the same time. It was really sweet. They also wrote their own vows and they both cried while saying them. We all prayed over their union and I know God is watching over them and the beginning of their new life together. Don't you just love weddings?

And now, I can finally stop tanning :) You know what else? I even learned a few new line dances at the reception. I have to admit it made me feel a little old not knowing the newest and latest dance moves.

Finally!

After much anticipation the slide is FINALLY here! We got word about 5:30 that it was at site to store pick up so we hussled over and got it. By the time we did some grocery shopping, got home, set it up, and put our suits on it was 7:00. Matthew took to it right away but it took Abba a little convincing. However, once she went down once she was hooked. In fact, the only thing that enticed her enough to come inside was a warm bath about 8:00. I can't wait for the memories we will make over the summer months putting this to good use. We really want everyone to come and enjoy it with us. So don't forget your towel and sunscreen.