There's a first time for everything

Well, this weekend was fun...and interesting. Katie had a small party with some friends. It was supposed to be an "office" party because they were excited for the tv show, The Office, to start this coming week. Anyway, the interesting part was that some of her friends were boys. So, there were three boys at our house hanging out with Katie.

It's hard seeing your little girl grow up. They sure seemed like good kids, but boys nonetheless. I don't know if Tyler will make it through the teenage years. He kept going out to where the kids were and looking at Katie, then doing the two fingers to the eye thing. You know, "I'm watching you" thing. I don't know how to explain it if you haven't seen "Meet the Parents" movie. I thought it was funny. I'm not sure what the kids thought.

I would have pictures to put with this post, except I refrained from taking any. I was pretty sure that would be embarrassing to Katie. I told her later I wanted to take pictures but didn't and you should have seen the look on her face, "I'm soooo glad you didn't, Mom." Yep. Good to follow your instincts sometimes.

Boys at our house is a first, but I'm sure it won't be the last. Better get used to it, huh.

Oh, The Memories

I came across this old 2004 Halloween photo and thought it would be fun to post. Every year we have a Halloween party at my work and you can bring your kids in to "trick or treat" at employee's desks. Usually there is a fun Halloween movie playing too.

They wanted to dress up as babies that year. I think they are so cute! They both look so much older now. Oh, the memories!

Get Together for Dave, Nikki & Eric

Last Monday, a bunch of us got together to say good bye to David, who left for the Marine Corp that night; and, also, to say good bye to Nikki and Eric who were visiting from Indiana.



I'm so proud of David for deciding to join the military. I think it is such a noble and selfless thing to do with your life. I'm in such awe of our men and women that serve and the sacrifices they make. The military isn't for everyone, obviously, but it's comforting to know that there are those that are willing to serve in this way.


David chillin. You'd think I could have gotten a better picture, like one with the kids or something.


Nikki and Eric relaxing on the couch. Ha, ha, ha. That's funny because if there was sound with this picture, you would not think of "relaxing" to describe the room. All those little kids in our families have some great lung capacity. It was really good to see them both though because it's been a while.
Finally got Tyler to go to a family function. Big crowds and noise are just not his thing. Doesn't he look so excited to be there? He really was glad that he went.

Here's a picture of Steve, his wife Joanne, and daughter Kayla. His son, Nathan, is probably racing around somewhere. Anyway, Steve is another brother of mine, who was a marine in his younger years (not that he's old now). So, David is following in his footsteps, which is a good thing. Oh, and my niece, Marqi is the half-person in the picture. :)
Here is Julie (my brother Gary's wife) and her daughter Kaisa. Aren't you honored to be on my blog, Julie. I thought so.

Oh, look at the cute baby. I just want to squish those cheeks and. . . maybe pop her head off and hang it from my rear view mirror cuz she's so cute (just trying to bring back a little of the good old American Idol days). This is Avery Rae, my brother, Rob's, daughter.

It was great to get together and visit, but we did miss Kim, Lori, Donnie and Tom, Ellie and Elizabeth. Which reminds me. Tom and Ellie came down for a visit a couple of weeks ago from Arizona. The visit was great and we did have a get together with them also -- I was so happy to see them and their beautiful new baby. Unfortunately, I was so busy visiting and playing with Elizabeth that I forgot to take any pictures. I'll have to get them next time.

School Starts and We're Off and Camping

I guess I should comment on the start of school. Katie is now in 8th grade. Kelsey is in 5th grade. I can't believe how time flies! Katie is enjoying school - I think. Kelsey likes 5th grade. She has a new teacher fresh out of school. Kelsey says she really likes her, so that's good.

The first week of school Kelsey brought home a note saying that they were going on the 5th grade camping trip the following week (last week). So, of course, I volunteered to chaperon. I went with Katie when she was in 5th grade so I definitely wanted to go with Kelsey too.

This overnight trip has been a tradition in our school district ever since I was a kid. I went to the same camp as both my girls. It's a lot of fun. The boys stay in one cabin, the girls in another. They play games, go on hikes, and just generally have fun.

Here are some pictures from it....

Kelsey eating lunch with her friend, Aubrey, when we arrived.

Kelsey pouring water into a tube for a water game I was in charge of. There were holes along the tube that girls were trying to plug, while other girls tried to fill the tube. It was pretty hard to do, and Kelsey's group was the only group to do it.
Kelsey with her friend, Mikayla.
Kelsey getting ready for bed. Fun, fun, fun!
Kelsey makes a craft. Something called a boondoggle? She had fun doing it.Kelsey with her friend, Josie.

The cabins we stayed in. Ours was the 4th from the left - "The Pot Gut Hut".