Day 361/365 ~ 2012

Before Mom and I went shopping and Dan's parents made the trip back to Richland, 

we finished the puzzle!  

Minus that pesky missing piece.

Day 337/365 ~ 2012

The end of a very quick trip to Richland.
Last stop on a cold and very windy morning: The cemetery to put up Dad's Christmas tree.



I'm certain Dad would love the tree that the little hands decorated.

Day 336/365 ~ 2012

Reindeer feeding started our trip to see Santa!



Santa was visiting one of my favorite stores in Richland. Full of beautiful holiday displays like this one.  We took a quick picture and then....

it was time for the big moment!
The kids shared their letters...



{Since Mom and Dad won't let me get an itouch}, "Santa, I'd like a Ninjago Lego Set..."



"I'd like Epic Mickey II for the Wii, or a new Bike."



"I'd like a 'Garden Doll', please."



I love the magic of Christmas with children!

Day 327/365 ~ 2012

Thanksgiving.

 Much to be Thankful for.

 

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Day.

 



Thankful for family present with us...







And for family present in our hearts...



 

Thankful for plenty to eat...





And fun family traditions...

 

Much to be thankful for.

Day 294/365 ~ 2012

It's been 4 years since we lost Dad.
It's starting to feel like it's been so long since we've seen him...talked to him...we all miss him, and getting to share life with him, dearly.
There's much I'd like to talk to him about.  Especially now.....



Arranging the flowers was a family affair.



My Dad's friend Carl, spoke at my Dad's memorial. We have since developed a dear friendship.  Carl came to the graveside and then joined me and my mom for lunch.

Carl and his wife put together thoughtful gifts for each of the kids that perfectly represented them and their interests and each of them were so happy.



This photo doesn't do this basket justice that was filled with gorgeous cut flowers (with a stargazer lily in the middle ~ it seriously looked like a flower girl basket!) and complete with bulbs for each season for planting for future enjoyment. Kaitlin was thrilled and said,
"It's so beautiful, it's like a garden!"
Not to mention the sweet vintage apron (that had to be immediately worn ~ you can see it in the photo). :)



Our little scientist loved his magnifying glass (which you can't see in this photo) but you can see the delight on his face.



And look at this little man! With his new "army guy" hat and REAL canteen!
Oh. My.  He had his camo pants on and was out protecting us in the backyard at Nana's house.

Thank you so much, Jeannie and Carl for your thoughtfulness and the time that you spent preparing these gifts ~ the kids were delighted. 

Day 266/365 ~ 2012

Sausage Fest!

We travelled to Richland to attend Sausage Fest with the family.  We had a wonderfully relaxing weekend spent at Dan's parents house.  Saturday morning we attended the big fund raiser for Dan's childhood school.



The kids had a ball playing the same games we played as kids.
At the same place.
With the same booths!



Andrew wasn't short on help with this game!



The boys (big and little!) enjoyed shooting the cork guns.
A special lesson was given by Grandpa.



Always a proud moment at the church function when your son passes up the cross necklace for the dollar sign gangster ring.

In his defense, the cross was pink.



The excitement over their junk treasures was so much fun.



We discovered a central theme among Katie's prize selections.



And when we ran out of tickets...Nana couldn't have that!  She does love to spoil her grand kids!  Notice Kaitlin's reaction on the bottom right?  My little mimic.  Perhaps my sign that I need to start keep my comments to myself over the spoiling?  Classic.  After all, I plan on spoiling my grand kids too.  I believe that is an earned right!



We ended the day with a visit from a friend.

And Matthew working for hours with great determination on the pogo stick until he accomplished over 200 consecutive jumps!

Day 188/365 ~ 2012

A trip to the zoo!
My dear friend, Diane is in town and we made a trip to the zoo with our kids. The weather was perfect and we had such a fun day!



What a treat to see her again so soon after our last visit!



It was fun to have mom in town to join us as well!





Andrew was still hobbling a bit from turning his ankle on the 4th, so we rented a double stroller. It was sometimes a triple stroller! :)



The lion training was a definite highlight. These magnificent animals were pacing by the window I was sitting at while waiting for the training to start when I caught this shot.



Megan was so sweet and attentive to Kaitlin. She doted on her and held her hand through the zoo. I hardly worried about her as Mother Megan took excellent care of her. I could definitely use a little Megan at my house! :)

It was such a fun & special day at the zoo! I know during my next trip I'll happily revisit the sweet memory of this day.

Day 186/365 ~ 2012

4th of July was different for us this year.  Because it landed on a Wednesday, we didn't make our usual trip to Richland.  We celebrated here instead.  And while we missed our traditional day spent with family BBQing and swimming, we still had a great day!

We started with a picnic at the Park with Mike & Michelle








Followed by the "Brave" Matinee (photo to come)

Where during the previews they showed an advertisement for a Batman wii game.  Dan wanted me to record this  moment for his memory...at the end of the ad for the game they said "Ages 10 & up."  After which Andrew's voice could be heard saying, "Oh GREAT."  Like his hopes had been raised only to be crushed by those four little words.  As he is only six.

Dinner Al Fresco







Followed by Fun & Fireworks with friends!









The firemen stopped by with candy for the kids.



There was sparkler dancing.



LOTS of noise! And chasing of parachutes that came out of fireworks. Andrew turned his ankle near the end of the evening in his excitement and hobbled around for a few days afterward.



Liberal firework laws (compared to what we're used to) made for an exciting night for the kids....



They were SO excited about the fireworks.  Lots of noise, things being shot high in the air....
On the way home from fireworks Kaitlin said, "I am so so happy!" The kids LOVED the fireworks and had a great time with friends. 

Happy 4th of July!!!