Family Photos

Elli and my sister, Elise. Elli just licked the frosting and left the cake.

My mom and Amy. Amy was pooped!

Riley and me in the kitchen at Aunt Nell's house. She always lets us stay for free when we come to visit. We got to see most everyone from both sides. The kids hated to leave and keep talking about what they want to do when we move back to Idaho. Keep dreaming. Who knows when that could be.

Heise Hot Springs

The family at Heise. Riley and I used to come here when we were little. (not together... before we knew each other... though I've often wondered how many times we were at the same place at the same time) There's a pretty big water slide and hot pools in the back. Good memories.

Riley and the girls.

I love how Adam is in the air. He loves to jump off the diving board. He even felt the slap of his first belly flop this year. He said it felt like a bunch of arrows hitting his stomach.

June Happenings

This is the spot the kids stand and eat so that they are technically in the kitchen, but can still see the TV. When we moved, I was so excited to have a dining room where the TV was far from view. This is what we have resorted to. Sad.

Here are the kids at swimming lessons. Elli and Amy were in the same class and Adam was in a level up. It kept us from being too lazy this summer.

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day we took a little road trip to Cape Lookout Lighthouse. If you look at a map of NC, we were on the little strip of land that runs along the coast. It was really pretty. On the boat ride over to the island, Elli lost her hat when the boat turned. Luckily it floats! The driver turned around and Riley saved it for her.

Amy stuck the googly eyes to her head by licking them. I thought it was pretty funny.

Wild Life

We have been able to see so many different animals right in our neighborhood. The lizard and toad are on the side of the house. We've had tree frogs, snakes, and turtles in our yard. When we go for walks or runs we see deer, raccoons, foxes, and turtles. Down the hill to the beach we see crabs and dolphins and find shark teeth. I think we've seen 20 different birds around including really bright woodpeckers. NC has the biggest and ugliest bugs and spiders. There are always opossums and squirrels in the road and I've heard crazy sounds in the trees that I can't even imagine what they come from. Who knows what's out there that we can't see! Oh, and watch out for fire ants!

Just Right for a Kite

It was windy and cool and perfect for flying a kite. Amy was waiting for me to get it untangled.

We finally got it up and she did a good job all by herself. This is our front yard!

Riley's Promotion

Here's Riley and another Lt (Maria) at their promotion from 2nd Lt to 1st Lt.

I got to put on the new silver bars. I accidentally dropped one of the old gold ones and thought I was going to be in trouble. His platoon was standing in formation behind him and I'm sure they saw the whole thing.

Congratulations! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! and Thank you!

Elli's Cake

Elli being so carefull and ladylike. The cups were small, but they went thru so much lemonade!

The Teapot Cake. I think it's one of my personal favorites.

Make a wish!

Elli's Party

This is the "Tea Party" dinner. I found the plates and mini glasses at an antique store. The girls wore gloves and pretty dresses.
A few extra kids came that we weren't expecting, so it was unorganized fun.

End of Season

Adam and Elli in the dugout getting ready to bat. It was a HOT day!

Elli played left field all season and didn't get any balls. She never complained and didn't even sit down. She did a good job

Adam played first base most of the time. He would count to see how many kids he got out each game.

Go Little Caesars! They finished with a 13-0 record! Undefeated! Elli wants to sell her uniform and Adam wants to play little league.

Elli's Birthday!

The party had to be rescheduled, so we did a little family bowling and cake to celebrate.

Elli and Amy tied for the high score of 84.

This is the cake Elli picked out at the store. She wanted bubble gum ice cream to go with it. I can't believe she's 5!

Circus

The circus came to town for one day. It was everyone's first time. It was just like Dumbo!

We went with our friends, the Martins. Top row: Jake and the mom, Debbie. (the kid smiling on the top is not part of our group)
Bottom row: Amy, Brooke, Elli, Adam, and Kyle.

Here they are in the middle of the preformances. Doesn't it look like they are having a good time?

Elli's first day of Dance class. She gets to do tap along with ballet. She asks everyday if it is tap class day.

Easter

I took about 5 pictures and Elli is sobbing in all of them. Why? No one knows.