How do we love Thee...

Let me count the ways -

1. We love your sweet smile - It was very rare that we could catch you smiling for the camera.



2. We love your crazy faces - It was even more rare that you would be animated while I snapped a photo.



3. We love that you are a rough and tough girly girl - breaking a bone in your elbow while doing a wheely on your bike over a dirt pile when you were 5, qualifies you as rough and tough.



4.We(I) loved that you were a girl and could dress you in pink ruffly dresses.





5. We love that you aren't afraid to get dirty.



still...



6. We love what a great sister you are - Always the peacemaker





7. We loved watching you play with Cody-



You always got along and played like you were the best of friends.



8. We love the sweet spirit you bring into our home.



9. We love you for your wonderful example



10. But, most of all we love you for just being you!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAITLYN, We love you more and more each day!

Pinewood Derby

Ryan had his 1st Pinewood Derby this week. He was very nervous and excited. They had a few practice runs last week and Ryan's was not the fastest car, so we had to add some weights in hopes of speeding it up.



It seemed to do the trick, because HE WON! --Ryan after receiving his 1st place Ribbon.



The cheering section, who enjoyed making creepy faces for the camera.



The entire group of racers.



Ryan and his friend, who placed 2nd.



Great Job Ryan(and Casey). Now it's onto district this weekend!!



some photos courtesy of Chris grant

Landscaping

Casey has wanted to do some landscaping around our yard, mostly to save the roots of our trees. Since we live on a hill, when it rains the water runs down and washes out the grass/dirt around one of our oak trees. Casey thought by lining our driveway with monkey grass and covering the roots of the tree with pine-straw, it would eliminate the problem. It was a good idea and has solved the rain/mud-slide issue.



However, with a teenage driver who cannot back out straight 80% of the time, it did not last 3 weeks before a portion fell victim to Kaitlyn's tires.



Unfortunately, Casey was leaving for work at the time and witnessed the whole event taking place. I heard some commotion(Casey) outside and looked out the window to see what was happening. That's when I saw the result of Kaitlyn's latest "driving in reverse" incident.

That afternoon Casey was back outside in the rain, fixing what had taken him 2 hours to do a few weeks before and Kaitlyn only a few seconds to take out.



He has now rearranged the parking arrangements, so as to prevent any more problems with Kaitlyn's driving and his landscaping work --Hopefully I can veer to the right better than Kaitlyn!

Birthday Boy

Poor Seth woke up early on his birthday sick with the flu bug that infected almost everyone in the house within 48 hours of Ryan being sent home from school. Fortunately Seth's bug was pretty short lived, and he was able to enjoy his day with minimal discomfort. We sure enjoyed having him here and celebrating his birthday with him. He's such a sweetheart, full of boundless amounts of energy. Although, by 7:00 it had all caught up with him and he was out for the night.



Happy Birthday Sweet Boy! We love you!!

A very looooong week!

And it all started last Friday when the office at Ryan's school called at 9:00a.m. to let me know he had just thrown up in a garbage can. Poor boy, mommy forced him to go to school even though he said he didn't feel good. I thought he was embellishing his sick feelings in an effort to stay home with our visitors, who had arrived late the night before(Andy, Seth & Janelle). In my defense - he has done that(faked sick) many times before- Little did I know we would all be dropping like flies over the next several days. All I can say is that it was quite the bonding experience, and today was the first day that all 3 kids made it to school. I am worn out and already looking forward to April(spring break) when we get to follow Casey around and go...

HERE -


AND HERE -


Let's hope we all stay well enough to enjoy it!

Blue and Gold

Last week was Ryan's first Blue and Gold Dinner for Cub Scouts. He loves going to scouts. If you ask him what his favorite part is, he'll tell you the Loop-a-ramas and spending time with Sister Grant, his Den mother.



We had a delicious dinner, and the decorations were so much fun!





They planned and preformed a few funny skits.



And ended the night with a group photo -



Great job to the boys & a big thanks to Chris, their creative & fun Den mom!

photos courtesy of Chris Grant.