it's been documented....

McKay: (while cleaning up after dinner) "I hate kitchen duty. My husband will always do the dishes when I get married."

Remind me to tell her this in another decade or so.

the doctor is .... in

Hannah and Rocky needed an escape from the city life and came and visited us in the country this weekend. Yes, it was still cold and rainy, but we always love it when Hannah comes! Thanks for the games, chats, and fun!

June's birthday is almost over.....

Happy Birthday Katanya! My (not-so) baby turned three today.Katanya is full of life and we enjoy having her as part of our family. (I am also glad that she was saved for being the last.)Because from the first picture and the expression below, you can tell she is also full of attitude.She kept things simple today though. She played on her new tricycle all afternoon and chose to have waffles and strawberries for dinner.

We love you Katanya!

It's been a long time

This past week with all the rain (and no work) I decided to start reading a series that many people were into last year. It's been a long time since I have picked up a book. The last book I read was in 2003, I believe. It was Harry Potter, book 5. If I remember right, it was the day that we traveled up to Yellowstone with Betsy, her family, Karl, Axel and Maddy. I didn't like how they killed off Sirius so I stopped reading it after that. I know, it sounds dumb but I really get too involved when I read. In fact, McKay brought this up today too. She said that the only thing she was going to ask for Christmas was for me to finish the Harry Potter series. What is she thinking? Back to the main plot...

So while my blogging may be slow again, my mind isn't. After reading about 1100 pages in the last 6 days, I've enjoyed it tremendously. My only conclusion is this: After watching the actual Twilight movie tonight I am extremely disappointed. I would honestly rather stick to the books. (And I am so glad I read the book first.) So while they predict yet another week of rain (although we may get into the 70's this week) here's to the next two upcoming books that I will be reading.

A camping she will go

McKay went to camp for a week on Monday. I think as a parent, you never think your kids are old enough for what they want to do. It's good that she knows what she wants and that she has the "courage" to do it, but as her mom, I miss her.

I also got a major "parenting" lesson as I dropped her off. We picked up one of her closest friend on the way into town because both parents were working. When I dropped her off, I snapped one quick picture (only one) and followed the instructions the leaders gave us. When it was time to say good-byes and depart our own ways, it was all I could do to just get a hug from McKay. I'm really hoping in the back of my mind that she was just too excited and wanted to get going on the bus than the option. I really hope she's not too embarrassed or think she is too old to get a hug from her mom in public. Gee, some of the mom's were making there sons give them kisses on the lips. I don't think I was that bad.

I've noticed that when your oldest is gone, that the younger kids are twice the handful. McKay loves to play with Katanya and she is a sweetheart on helping me with all my "little" things that help me get everything done during the day. I will have to remember to give her an extra hug when she gets home and not take her for granted on all the little things.

the first of many

McKay had her first violin recital last night. She played "O Come, Little Children." She looked calm and played beautifully! We are so proud of her!

Sweet Surprises!

I got a phone call on Tuesday afternoon. It was Jake's mom saying they were in Utah and were wondering if they could come up tomorrow and spend a day with us. Of course, I said yes and moments later my kids were jumping up and down. This was a sweet surprise.We had the garden just about ready, and Jake saved the "last" tilling for his dad. I guess this was a favorite of his. (I didn't have my camera and I regret not getting a picture of that.) Katanya took a very quick liking to Grandma and wouldn't let her out of her sight. They colored and played all afternoon.

After bath time Katanya played dress up.When morning came we were sad to see them go. After playing games and talking all night, you realize how much you can really miss your family. So far this summer has been off to a good start with family. My dad has been here for two weeks, my brother and sister-in-law were up last weekend, and this week has been Grandma and Grandpa Kerksiek, and now I am watching my niece and nephew for the weekend, with Grandma Smith coming up later today. Maybe Idaho is finally getting a little more popular????? (P.S. I can't forget that Hannah and Hester started it off a little early and saw us in April. We can't forget that fun visit either.)