Our Memorial Day Weekend

On Saturday, we were supposed to be getting 10 yards of dirt delivered to our house at 4pm. Our backyard is in desperate need of leveling and 10 yards should just about do it. Aaron and I had been watching the weather forecast for the weekend. Thunderstorms and rain were what we were to expect. Actually the thunderstorms were supposed to be coming the afternoon we were going to get the dirt. We really weren't wanting to shovel mud and then try to level it. Our deliver date was changed to this coming Saturday.

Saturday, of Memorial Day weekend, was nice. Jared and Lydia had offered to help with the dirt. Since we weren't getting it they came letterboxing with us instead. Then we played at Avery Park. The weather was beautiful. While at the park we could see big clouds forming in the west. We were feeling good about our decision. After the park we ran some errands. While at Safeway we were at the check stand and in started to rain so hard. The drops of rain were huge. Aaron ran to the van drove up to the door and we quickly got everyone in the van along with the groceries in less than 30 seconds. Aaron's hair was dripping wet along with his shirt.

Not getting the dirt was definitely the right thing to do. As we drove home through Avery Park, The rain started to slow. Once we got home it wasn't raining at all. There hadn't been any rain all day at our house. The whole weekend was dry. But we did have a great time at the park and the rest of the weekend was very low key. Hopefully the rain will continue to stay away until we get the grass seed planted.

the kids ready for letterboxing

Hot on the trail

Gretchen found it, but thought it looks gross

Doesn't this make you want to run and run

Hunter, Jared and their walking sticks

What kids doesn't love climbing on the dinosaur bones?

The train

See the cloud in the background.

The kids are always asking to go to train park, even when it's raining. It was fun to finally get there.

Surprise!

Aaron sent me to get a manicure on Thursday for my birthday. Little did I know this is what I would come home to.

A surprise party!! Darin helping Alice enjoy a beverage.

Jared, Lydia, Dolcie and I in the background.

Maya, Roxie and Ian

The Brisbines and Dan in the background.

Dolcie and I enjoying some pizza from American Dream and soda.

Gretch, Harrison, Gavin, Ender and Joshuah. My kids would eat every meal outside if I'd let them.

More of the kids having fun. There were more people at the party than were photographed. Aaron's goal was to have 33 people there because that is who old I am. We had more than that there. We had such a great time. Thanks Aaron and all who came to celebrate!

Hunter's Violin

Wednesday Hunter had his last strings concert for the year. He is in level 2. It was exciting to hear the level 1 and to then hear the level 2 after. Wow, there is such a difference. We also got the chance to hear the level 3 and 4 play, very impressive. Hunter's level also got the privilege to play a piece with the level 3 and 4s. It was so cool. I have video of all of this. It is taking so long to get in on the blog, we'll have to share it when ever you come to visit. Hunter really has a good time playing the violin. His practicing isn't so great, but he does enjoy it.
We also signed him up for lessons next year and Gretchen has decided to play also. Wahoo! She wasn't quite sure, but decided it might not be so bad. We love having the music in our home.

A New Do

Tuesday Gretchen got 6 inches cut off her hair. This was here idea. Her hair is so thick that once it gets to a certain length it tangles very easily even with conditioner in it. So for awhile I've been hearing she wants a haircut. I finally made the appointment. This was the result. I think it is adorable and it will be great when summer actually comes and we are at the pool several times a day. One of the first things she said in the van after the cut was, "I can't put it in a pony tail." Which has been one of her favorite ways to wear her hair. Then she realized how much easier it is going to be to maintain it. She couldn't be happier.

Burnin' Up

We have been so fortunate to have some great weather this week. The temperature has reached the 80's and mid 90's. Sure wish the pool was open. I'm certain when it finally opens up the weather will be back to the same rainy, cloudy days. but until then we are going to soak up the sun.

Here are some pictures of us on Saturday. What started out as washing the car at 10 am turned into a water street frenzy. It was just our kids, then the neighborhood kids heard us and came to join the fun. The fun moved to our backyard onto the trampoline, with the sprinkler underneath. Of course Hunter did request we turn on our underground sprinklers. We already had 10 kids in the backyard when didn't want it to get to crazy.

That afternoon we were able to see Prince Caspian. What a great movie. Hunter and Gretchen had read the book before we went. We went to the 4:30 show and didn't get out of the movie until 7. It really didn't seem that long. Good times.

Keepin' Me on my Toes

We've had a busy couple of weeks. The kids have taken turns have a fever and headache combination sickness. It lasted about 2-3 days per kid. Of course they didn't get it at the same time. It has been spread out for the last week and a half or so. I'm hoping that it is gone for good. I have spent many hours holding a feverish child. I'm not complaining. It seems like I don't take the opportunities to just hold my kids as much as I could.

Allergy season has hit. I've been trying to put off the Claritin for a week or so. Today I couldn't handle it any more. I finally took the first of many Claritin for the next month and a half or so. Luckily it doesn't make me drowsy.

This was one of my mother's day gifts- a garden. I love being able to go get things from the garden. Aaron made an appointment for a massage for me and then wanted to get the garden put together while I was gone. He was going to try to keep it a secret until Sunday. That is a little difficult. Especially when Harrison runs out to the garage as soon as I was home from my massage and says, "Hey mom we're planting. It's so fun."

Harrison had such a great time doing the garden. He is still talking about how much fun it was and doing it with dad. Digging is definitely one of his favorite things to do.

Schools is nearing the end. It has certainly sneaked up on us. The weather is getting warmer and the kids keep asking when the pools opening up. Already we're looking forward to those lazy days by the pool.

Graham is starting to say so many words. Everyday there seems to be a new one. It amazing how quickly they grow up. All of the kids are just sprouting.