Minnesota June 2010

Okay, so we drove to Minnesota again this summer as a family. Before going to Wells to see my mom, we stayed in Bloomington and visited the Mall of America. This was the first real rollercoaster that Richard was able to ride. Due to his smaller stature, he needed some help so MeeMaw and PawPaw bought his some boots(which he wore). He still needed about 1/2 of an inch, so daddy folded up some brochures and inserted them inside the boots...worked like a charm. Richard was able to ride every single ride and had the time of his life. The very first ride he rode was the Fairly OddParents rollercoaster. It went on a track and turned circles at the same time...looking at Richard I wondered if he really wanted to be on it...by the time it was over he was already screaming "LET'S DO IT AGAIN!!!!!!"









Being that I am the one who always takes pictures, I am never on the vacations(according to the pictures). This is the one picture I was in before Richard's first rollercoater ride. Ricky and I rode every ride with the kids once and decided we are to old.

Since we were at the Mall of America, and they have an American Girl Boutique and Bistro, we had to experience it with Emily. She took her doll Kit to get her a new outfit. She also got Kit's hair done with a braid to one side. We all, even the boys had lunch in the Bistro. Emily had a great time; and I am glad I was able to do that with her, as she is getting so grow up. Dolls will surely be a thing of the past soon.
Richard was able to visit LegoLand that is in the Mall. He got a Lego kit that will build three different houses. Emily helped his with the first one, and maama helped with the other two.

We had a great time on our trip. The kids and I are looking forward to going back in July for Grandma Ruth and Bob's party. Thanks Mom and Lyle for letting us stay with you...we had a great time and loved spending time with you guys.

Emily turns 10...oh goodness

Emily has turned 10...where did the time go??

She had her party at the nail salon with several of her friends. They had a great time getting pampered. Emily made her own birthday cake...mom helped to bake the cakes, but Emily decorated it all her own(mom is thinking she doesn't need the cake decorating classes). Here are a few pictures of the party.

1st Spring Update

Okay, so I said on my earlier update that I would keep up...well it isn't happening.



So here is the rundown, we finished putting in wood floors all downstairs at the end of February. We absolutely love it. Our dog Walker, however has different feelings. No more carpet to lay on...so he has taken to sleeping on the stairs and if he is lucky he gets a bed or couch upstairs when doors are accidently left open. We have our bathroom left to do downstairs in the master bedroom, and will soon start the shopping process for that.

For Easter, I cooked my first holiday meal. I had Ricky's parents over for a small get together. I think everything turned out okay...we are all still alive. I had fun and hope to do more of the cooking so the Grandparents can enjoy the grandkids more.

Emily has been so busy with the social outings. She is invited everywhere. I guess part of that is her age. She is going to be a big bad fifth grader in the fall...my goodness where did the time go.

Richard has also been busy establishing some independence. He goes to the park in the neighborhood and has made several friends. He does this without Emily and is really doing well.

We have tried fishing once this season so far...no luck...oyster shells and seaweed we all we caught...and Rich lost a pole...his cast was so strong that he threw the pole and all. I have started scrapbooking again and have really gotten caught up...Ricky is playing poker once a month...holding his own...staying even.

Other than that...we stay busy running around...last weekend, we went an saw my dad at a BBQ cookoff...he just started doing the cookoffs...I was proud of him...he placed 8th or 10th with his chicken...go DAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will definitely go to more of those to support him.

That is all for now...more soon...have started to get pictures so I will post soon.

It Has Been a Whole Year...WOW

Okay, so I feel absolutely horrible...it has been an entire year since I have updated our blog. I have also not scrap booked in over 6 months. Our lives have become so busy. I guess I will write updates on everyone and then start posting pictures. One small problem for posting pictures...I am typing on a new computer...my 6 year old laptop finally died...and I have only saved pictures to Kodak Gallery. I am taking it to see if they can get the pictures and Itunes off.

So Ricky...well he is Ricky...such a wonderful husband and dad. And let me tell you what a saint he is. He is still into playing poker, but only goes about once a month. He has been taking lesson off of YouTube, learning to play the harmonica...yes, the harmonica. This all started when we were tearing out the carpet from the downstairs. I was working, he was playing the harmonica. At least I was serenaded though out all the work. He did help me paint everywhere and now the house looks wonderful. He is still at Walgreen's and works very hard. We love him for that.

I am still teaching in Pearland...still Special Education. This has been quite a challenging year, but I will make it through. I have offically become a "soccer mom" but instead a "basketball mom". Both kids played basketball this season with Upward. They both did well. I still scrapbook, but haven't had much time.

Emily is in 4th grade. She has grown like a weed. She is doing really well in school. Her next extracurricular activity is going to be cake decorating classes.

Rodeo

This is a picture of the kids in the parking lot before the rodeo. We took the kids to see the Jonas Brothers. Richard really loved the rodeo part and took lots of pictures. Emily loved the concert and took lots of pictures of that. I think the favorite part for everyone was the bull riding. It was a long day, but we all had a great time.

Sock Hop

Kids in order from left to right...Hannah, Emily, Kayleigh, and Richard. This was toward the end of the night. All kids has a great time.

We went to Fuddrucker's to eat when the Sock Hop was over.

This is one of my best friends Shelley. She has been a rock for me at school and I love teaching with her. She may also be my son's future mother-in-law...gotta practice.