Tree Huggin with Friends

A couple weekends ago we went to dinner with friends that are moving and afterward we went back to our place to let the kids play and hang out. The kids had tons of fun hanging like monkeys from our tree in the front. I actually really don't like this tree because it's hideous looking with about 8 trunks. However, the only benefit is that it is a pretty cool climbing tree. I suppose my kids are going to miss climbing on it....as we are going to replace it with a new tree....one that actually looks like a tree. We are going really going to miss our friends and we know our kids will miss their kids as well.

Nostalgia

Some things in life are just nostalgic. For me fresh cut roses and lilac bouquets brings me back to my childhood. My mother has always loved planting. I have fond memories of having fresh bouquets of lilacs and roses in the spring and summer. It's funny the older I get the more similarities I find I have with my mom. From the time David and I dreamed of owning our own home I would tell him that I would love to have rose bushes and lilacs. It's funny how I believe the Lord knows our desires and blesses us with these things. We didn't realize that we had lilac bushes until this year.....because of last years frost our lilacs didn't bloom. And then this year we found a great place to plant 5 rose bushes. Right behind the new deck David built. It is our first time planting. I am so thankful to my loving husband who has diligently planted my rose bushes and 4 other new bushes in our front. He knows that this is special to me and made it happen. The only thing that would be better would be a huge raspberry bush which I used to pick when I was little. Oh and thanks mom for these fond memories of my childhood.....memories I once took for granted.

Memorial Day fishing

David had the day off for Memorial Day so we thought we would take the time for a little family fishing outing and picnic lunch. However, we didn't actually catch anything. In fact, I don't think anyone even got a bite. It wasn't for a lack of trying though. We started the day off at a pond nearby that is supposedly stocked with 5,000 fish for tournaments and such. After 45 minutes of nothing we figured that we may have more luck in Helena. So we made the scenic trip to Hauser lake. After another hour of no fish we thought we would look for another spot. The third destination was Canyon Ferry lake which was by far the most promising and beautiful spot. But apparently the fish were not biting. And I know it wasn't us because no one around us at every spot caught anything either. The kids were dissapointed that we couldn't have a fish fry like intended.....but they seemed to still enjoy it. They got lots of practice casting....and daddy got lots of practice juggling tangled lines and baiting hooks. Nathan just seemed to enjoy throwing rocks in the water. I would do it all over again. But still we are 0 for 2 for family fishing.....maybe we are too loud and we are scaring the fish away.

We made it!

So when the beginning of this year began I was a bit petrified of how my brilliant first born boy would behave for his new authority. Well, I am pleased to say that he did outstanding this year! Apparently, structure is good for him.....something that is hard to give him at home. His teacher recognizes that he is like a little sponge for knowledge and believes that if he is challenged he will do very well in school. So today was the last day of pre-school and he had a great party with a carnival of games, toys, candy, cake walk and a picnic lunch. He also received his official diploma. And when he received it I couldn't help yelling out a big wohoo.....and "you passed". This was all in jest of course....and you could tell Elijah was proud of his accomplishment and he is so ready for big boy kindergarten. I think we made the right decision by holding him back due to his August birthday. Sorry no pics until they are emailed to me. I didn't remember to bring it my camera this morning. I am lucky if I have my kids in tow. It didn't help that I went to bed at 1 and woke up at 6 either. I let you visualize this one in your head.

Ballet 2009!

Can I just say how much I adore going to Gracie's Ballet Recitals. She loves the whole theatrics of getting all dressed up in the costumes and makeup. It's such a great girl bonding time for us. I would be so happy if one day she became a professional ballerina just for the mere fact that I love watching beauty. I think it's funny that I was sitting there with butterflies before she got up on stage. She did fantastic and seemed to be enjoying every minute. And it's so much fun to see the older girls too...wondering if one day she will be the one in point shoes!

Spaceman

So I got a little spoiled for Mother's day! David bought me some actions for my editing software and he also got me a squash racket because I have been playing every week on a women's league. Really my squash skills don't warrant owning my own racket....but nevertheless I need one so that I can practice and get better. So what does this have anything to do with Spaceman. Well, I got the package in the mail the other day and Elijah took the packaging and turned the plastic bag into a "space suit" and the box into the rocket! I am in love when my kids use their creativity. It makes me feel like I have not ruined them! I had to snap a picture.....but by this time he had taken his suit off....and put it back on again. So it's not quite as cool as it first was when he made it (with little wholes for the arms and legs). Guess that's why they didn't use plastic bags for space suits.

I Love Girlie Showers!

This past week I had the privilege of throwing a shower (along with amazing help...umm check out the desserts) for baby Mikah the newest addition to our small group. Gracie loves showers and babies as much as I do. And it's even more fun when the baby has arrived. We kicked the boys out and they went and played at the park. We had a great turn out of about 20 ladies....any more and we might of bust at the seems in my house.