Toaster of all toasters

It's here..FINALLY! This was a Christmas gift from Shawn. The original one did not work. I returned it and it was on back order for 4 months. Williams Sonoma must have had a rush on them. So far it is worth the wait. It is kind of the Mercedes of toasters don't you think?

From Jedi Knight to Black Belt-don't mess with Park!!

Parker has been a very dedicated student in Tae Kwon Do. He just received his first degree black belt. So whether it is dueling with a light saber or awesome kicks "you've got skills!" these pictures are with Ms. Wong, one of his favorite instructors. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Some things never change!

When B was a baby, if he was tired, he would fall to sleep doing whatever he was in the middle of at the time ie. highchair, sandbox or playing. If we didn't get him to bed on time he would ask "Can I take a n-a-p" (he would spell it because always did, thinking he wouldn't know what we were talking about ha!) He was one of those perfect sleeping babies. Boy, did Hannah change all of that.. a literal rude awakening for us all!!

Just wondering

Since the parade on Saturday I have been just a little bugged. As the color guard approached us, we stood up and saluted the flag as it went by. WE WERE THE ONLY ONES ON THE ENTIRE BLOCK!!! I found it annoying that no one else would stand up and show respect for the flag. I was always taught that it is proper flag etiquette. Maybe it is just a " small town Utah or Nevada" thing. Please tell me that patriotism and respecting our flag isn't a thing of the past. I am sure the uniformed men carrying the flag must have been a little disgusted themselves. The more I think about it the more torqued it get. What do you think?

Happy Birthday to you!!

Today we celebrated Parker's birthday! He informed all of us that this is his day of stepping from boyhood into manhood, all that we know for sure is that life would be very boring without him to entertain us! He is rather outspoken compared to his older siblings, we never quite know what he might say. Thanks big 11 year old for keeping life interesting!

I love a great parade!

A fun part of living downtown is the college life. The Aggies sponsor a fun "picnic day", an open house of sorts for the school. We are in the middle of it when we step out of our door. It starts with the parade. It features all sorts of clever entries. Parker got to ride in a million $ hydrogen fuel cell car (sorry no photo). These are just a few photos to give you and idea of what it is like. After the parade everyone walks to the campus to see the events ranging from cow milking to the famous"doxie derbie" ( hilarious daschund racing), each department sponsors some kind of event. It is a long standing tradition and a lot of fun to be part of. Some of these photos include the double decker buses that the college uses, the "wimcycle" bike club, and of course marching bands. This humboldt student asked Hannah to throw a pie in his face and she gladly granted his wish.

maggot art

An event not to miss is Chandler's favorite, "maggot art" amusing fun sponsored by the entomology students, Don't knock it until you've tried it. Here's what you do:

• Gently grab maggot with tweezers
• Dip it in desired color of paint and drop on blank canvas
• When it has used that paint, move on to next desired color until satisfied with work
• Put maggot back in container

Each creation is a unique work of art and you will never look at maggots the same!!

battle of the bands

This is one of my favorite events at picnic day. All of the UC bands compete just a few blocks from our house on the banks of Lake Spafford. They play well into the night. These bands are a lot of fun to watch. They are crazy and I think it is a requirement to wear a wacky outfit. I threaten that I am going to join the Cal-Aggie marching band. I love hearing them practice and march through downtown.

party at the neighbors

I am certain that most students will miss school on Monday. There was an obscene amount of alcohol consumed this weekend. Our neighbors aka Theta Xi are awfully quiet today. I believe most of them are still in bed with wicked hangovers. I am certain that climbing on the roof of a second story building while wasted is the least of their risky behavior.

Recipe for a fun weekend

1. Take one supportive husband who picks up all of the slack on the home front
   
2. Add one daughter with amazing friends that kidnap her and throw her a surprise party
3. Escape Fri. afternoon to Sonoma to pick up Amy, my BFF for 38 years (not that were that old or even close!)
4. Do a lot of shopping, laughing, talking , reminiscing, and eating (we only see each other once in a blue moon so we have to fit a lot in)
5. Spend a day in the city doing more of item # 4
   
6. Try to figure out a way to make it last longer!!

Amy is one of those friends that no matter how long it has been, we can just pick right up where we last left off like we've never been apart. Hannah was amazed and how much we are alike. Amy is my alter ego: professional business gal with a wardrobe that would make anyone envious. She always looks fabulous, is always fun and always there for me. Thanks Amy for the great times that we share. How about Dallas in the fall?

Adorable new purchases

How Sweet is this?

It is great to have talented friends that sale great things! This is a new family tradition-it's funky and fun and green (as in reusable). Just doing my part to help my world and my friends business. She would love to do a custom banner for you. Check her out by clicking here!
Thanks Jessica, it's adorable!

Can My Princess be turning 14?

I can hardly believe that she will be 14! I can't imagine this household without our "Lissidoll" Even though Braden is still telling her to be quiet, he wouldn't know what to do without her either! It is so much fun to have a daughter. Hannah is sweet, sassy,responsible, funny, helpful, smart, kind, fashionable, and clever to name just a few of her qualities. We are so glad that she is part of this family!!

Miss Obedient

I thought this picture was a hoot! This darling teacher is Dr. Sophia Yin. We call her the "dog whisperer". Maisy is the star in her movies that she is doing for training other vets. Maisy has gone to Dr. Yins for a sleepover and to play with her good pal Jonsie (Dr. Yin tells us that Jonsie is much naughtier than Maisy) The dogs all look so obedient in this picture, Dr. Yin tells me it's good it didn't show the few minutes before this moment. If you need dog tips this web sight is great. Just click here for some good advice! I only wish she helped with naughty children also!

P.S.

This is the adorable cake that Shawn and Parker did for the"feller's cake bake" in scouts. It was in Feb. but I just ran across the pictures and thought is was to great not to show! The Theme for the Scout Birthday was "Chinese New Year". Scouting is on our minds a lot right now as Parker is just finishing up his Webelos, Duty to God and Arrow of Light. Oh, and I should mention this is his last Pinewood Derby Car, and as in prior years it will probably race while the paint is still wet! Don't worry Shawn, you can do a car with Chan next year, by the time our scouting years are done, you will learn to love making the cars! O.K., maybe not!