Anniversary trip

I surprised Ken one weekend in July with an overnight getaway to celebrate our 16th anniversary(early). We went up to Cascade, ID and stayed at a very "girly/frilly" hotel and rode on the Thundermountain Railroad. On the train we enjoyed a mystery dinner where we got to eat a very delicious meal and be entertained by a mystery play with a baseball theme. It was fabulous especially because I pulled it all off and Ken was very surprised!

Everyday Emilyism

The girls were in the craft room organizing all their school supplies and Emily told them that mom has a lot of "crap books". I guess she won't be much of a scrap booker...breaks my heart.

Everyday Emilyism

The other day the kids and I were talking about growing up and we said they were growing up fast. Ashley commented that Ken and I weren't growing up we were really on the down hill slope to dying. Emily agreed with her, " Yea, you and dad are dying." I asked her what we were dying of or from and she replied " You are dying from growing down."

Everyday Emilyism

Today Ashley was making breakfast for Emily. Emily wanted her usual oatmeal, but Ashley told her she didn't know how to make it. Emily asked her if she knew how to make cereal. Ashley told her yes she did, but offered to make waffles for her instead. Emily raised her hand up in the air and shouted "Waffles! I call dibs! Waffles!".

Everyday Emilyism

A while ago Emily was at Mrs. Laidlaws house and Mrs. Laidlaw asked her what her mom's name was. Emily looked at Mrs. L like she had gone mad. Her mom's name was mom of course. Mrs. L asked her what her mom's first name was and Emily told her "my mom's name is sweetie". Since this is what Ken and I call each other, it is natural for her to think that would be my name.
Yesterday she was sounding out words and I asked her what letter mom started with. She said M. I asked her what dad started with and she said D. Ashley asked her what Ken started with and she thought for a moment and said "Shh, I am trying to spell sweetie!" Guess her parents are sweetie and sweetie.

Bummer.....

Ashley purchased a really cool mountain bike at Target yesterday with birthday and Christmas gift cards and money and some $$ from her savings account. She rode it around with her sister and friend today and this afternoon they decided to ride to Sonic and get something cool to drink. I had them take the cell phone and check in A LOT! They were done at Sonic and asked if they could go over to Walgreens (right next door) to get some water. They were in the store for less than 10 minutes and when they came out, Ashley's bike was g o n e. Someone decided to "trade" bikes with her. We say that because there is a ratty green mountain bike left at the bike rack. Ken was doing some undercover work this afternoon (sitting in his truck watching the bike rack and driving around the neighborhoods looking for her bike). I have filed a police report, but we didn't even record the serial number from the bike. She only had it 24 hours. Next time we will buy a bike and a bike lock.
I have to tell you that she has a wonderful attitude about it. She has been without a bike for so long that she says it is okay, she won't miss it that much. She also said since all the money was given to her that it isn't that hard to think about losing it. She is so mature for her age and I am very proud of her. I hope we can find her bike or she can get another one sometime soon.

Some older favorite photos to share...

Just wanted to share some of my favorite photos of my kiddos. They are precious to me (photos and especially the kids) and I thought you might enjoy them as well.