Birthday Girl

My Sierra turns 12.

She is such a great girl. 

I love her so much.

She is almost too cool for some mom hugs

and kisses. But, I threaten to lick her

from chin to forehead,  and right away

she will lean in and let me hug her.

Threats....I love to use them!

Happy Birthday Beautiful!

Love,

Mom

Short Stop

Las Vegas Nevada

We stopped for ice cream at

Serendipity's and the 

Statue of Liberty in front of

 New York New York hotel.

Everyone was in need of some 

R&R. Earlier in the trip that day

Sydney commented that Easton smelled

like "rotten hamburger helper"! 

She always speaks truth...even if it hurts.

So, Easton and all other rotten hamburger 

smelling siblings

showered up.

Now we smell pretty for our ride

tomorrow across the Mojave Desert.

What are your summer plans?

Road Trip? 

1700 Miles of Pure Fun

Our Summer Fun 

began last week.

We have planned 1700 miles

of pure fun. 

Were visiting the Ranch at the end of 

"the bumpy road"first.

The ranch of my childhood is truly what you would picture 

in a country magazine.

An orchard for climbing. Fields for exploring.

Ponds for wadding. Chickens and Ducks to feed.

Four wheelers to drive and a shooting range for guns.

The minute we hit the drive everyone

 in the car started screaming in delight.

Our week at the Ranch was

restoring for me. The smell of Russian Olive Trees mixed

with the smell of alfalfa and dirt remind me

of my childhood. My father turns 80 this month. We celebrate

him and his life. What a great guy!

 I love you dad.

My mother surprised the kids with a DVD

they had never seen, Anne of Green Gables.

We were hooked (even Easton). We watched a disc every evening.

I recommend a movie marathon this summer.

Next Stop, Las Vegas.

I'm sure it will be a PG 14 visit.  Good thing it's just a short stop on

our way to the main attraction....

CALIFORNIA. We have missed you.
HAppy Summer Friends.

Thank You Teachers

For a great 2011-12 School Year.

 My first Middle Schooler

Mr. Bender said she was a focused and dedicated

student this year.  He really enjoyed teaching her and hopes she makes

it to Africa on a service mission someday. She

has a great sense of humor and is a loyal friend.

She sang with the sixth grade choir and loved Art Club.
Oh, and don't forget she still spends evenings in the pool with an amazing breast stroke.

 My Elementary Gang

They all worked really hard this year.

Collectively and individually

they are amazing!

 A Cute Native American.

 Our Artist

 Anna and her "Twin" Darby.

 Easton and his friend Liam

 JJ, Annie and Easton. Quite a Trio!

Kindergarten Cinco De Mayo and Mr. Palmer

Dillon was on the Fourth Grade Student Council and worked hard at

Playing Violin for the fourth grade Orchestra. He even played basketball and soccer

and still found time for reading a book series and a Math Award.

A special thanks to:
Mrs. Donna Symkowski
Ms. Taylor Aubrey
Mrs. Shawna Eaker
Mrs. Dava Simpson
Mrs. Bettsy Solberg
Mrs. Bethany Taylor
Mrs. Marsha Ratzel
Mr.  Micheal Arbucci
Mr.  James Bender
Margret Minea, our secretary who always reminded me that I forgot yet another early release.
Our School nurse, Margret who I think has me on speed dial for bumps and bruises.
Mr. Joe Palmer, Our elementary Principal who has a great sense of humor with our family. He is amazing.
 See you again in August.

FYI

Become an Organ Donor with me.

  DonatelifeKansas.com

Did you know you can become an organ
donor on your face book account?

We found some FUN

Mission Kansas Family Fun Carnival & Parade


What a fun time. 
The first ride was the scariest,"Ring of Fire".

Anna insisted on going, Easton also. My stomach started rolling even before they were both buckled in.
Then, to my surprise Easton asked to get off the ride of death. Which I personally was relieved about. Anna would not budge. (No surprise there) I guess hanging upside down is her thing.
Everyone loved it. The ride was the highlight of the day.


Then we wasted all our allowance on a shooting game. 

All the boys said it was so addicting.

But, it was a good lesson on loosing BIG.
Everyone had a turn choosing an activity.

 I chose........

 It has always been one of my favorite. It was special because it was a first for all my kids.  We wrapped up with a funnel cake or two to share and it was a perfect Saturday!
 What did you do last weekend?

Puppy Diaries

12 Weeks

 Rosco Loves his girl Sierra

 He is very helpful with the dishes.

 We like to play

Rosco loves taking a bath, He is a water dog after all!
Have a great Monday Everyone.
Sweet Madness