Boat Races

We have had a lot of rain this spring so I've been waiting for a chance to get the kids outside.  I knew this weekend was supposed to be sunny and gorgeous, so when I saw a sign last night for some boat races down at Wakanda park and I jumped! 

We packed a picnic lunch and stayed for about 2 hours watching the races.  It was pretty cool.  Lots of action.  The boats are tiny, but fast and LOUD!!  After the kids had seen enough we headed to the park for a bit of playtime before heading home. 

Weeding With Grandma Kris

Today Carley helped Grandma Kris weed the garden!  She was very excited to be asked to help.  It will be fun for all the kids to watch the garden grow this summer.  Our only attempt at a family garden failed so desperately 2 summers ago that we've given up, so I'm glad my mom is doing a proper one. 

A New Trick

I learned a new trick today...we might even be able to call it a talent!!  A friend from church, Deb Grotjohn taught me a few tricks of how to decorate sugar cookies with cool designs in the frosting.  It was a great day and lots of fun to play with the colors and create!  The best part was eating them though!!

Shadow Shot Sunday #10

I haven't joined in the shadow shots for a few months, but I'm back at it!!  I have been so caught up in life the last little while, it has been absolutely crazy.  My kids only have 10 more days of school left!!  10 days!  The excitement for summer vacation is already creeping into our conversations.  I've got them signed up for swim class, summer school, reading program at the library and tennis.  I'm not signing up for anything else because we have cousins coming and I want to PLAY!!

Last summer never really warmed up too much, so this year I've got my fingers and toes crossed for hot weather.  I'm feeling the need to get a tan, swim, picnic, eat popsicles, grill, and swim some more.  I'll tell you what I'm not looking forward to are the mosquitoes!  Yuck!  I could do without them.

Here I am rambling and I haven't even said anything about my image this week.  I took it at a restaurant during our recent trip to Palm Springs, CA.  It was a Mexican place with a mariachi group and yummy food.  Fabulous atmosphere!  I am really happy with how it turned out.  I am in love with the colors in the shot.  To me it's a little mysterious and romantic...or maybe I just feel that way because I was with my sweetheart and it reminds me of the fun we had during our trip.  Either way, I like it.

Don't forget to check out the other shadow shots at Hey Harriet!!  Peace Out!

The Neighbors

Today was a day of discoveries!  While I was driving a new running route, checking the mileage, we discovered a fox's den!  Emry saw them first.  They are living in a culvert under a backroad.  We saw 4 babies, I think they're called kits???, I'll have to look that up when I get a chance.  One was on the road chillin' out, two were wrestling in the ditch and the last was passed out on a pile of dirt.  After watching them for a few minutes I speed back home to grab my camera. 

By the time we got back, it was misting heavily and we could only see 3 babies out.  I got out of the car as quiet as I could.  I didn't know how close they'd let me get.  One ducked into the culvert almost immediately, but the other two were more curious.  While they sniffed at the air I tried to get a better shot.  I only had time for about 6 shots before they disappeared too.  I'm totally going back tomorrow!!

Since we were already in the car checking out the neighborhood wildlife we decided to head down the road to see the baby donkey.  My mom spotted it a few days ago, but I hadn't seen it yet.  What luck we had.  The farmer was out in his field working, noticed us parked on the side of the road and came over to chat.  He turned out to be the brother of a girl I went to high school with.  He was so nice to us.  He even went into his barn to grab treats for the donkeys so they'd come by the fence for us to get a closer look.  They were all over that!  It didn't take too long before they were trying to raid his pockets from behind!!  Sneaky guys!

Finally, we went to check on the "old folks" at the retired performance ranch near town.  Only one Clydesdale was out today.  He looked a bit cold and lonely to me.  I may have to stop and ask the owners if we can bring apples next time?  We'll see.

ps...it is windy, damp & chilly out today...I thought it was supposed to be spring???

Pssst...we got orders, pass it on!!

Hola, familia y amigos!

Hemos recibido los pedidos oficiales y se trasladará a Rota, España en agosto! Estamos muy emocionados por esta oportunidad y emocionado por las aventuras de nuestra familia tendrá en el extranjero. Por favor, no dude en venir a visitarnos. Nuestra casa es tu casa!

Amor, Trent y Millie

in case you didn't get that...

Hello, family and friends!

We have received our official orders and will be moving to Rota, Spain in August!  We are so thrilled for this opportunity and excited for the adventures our family will have overseas.  Please, feel free to come and visit.  Our house is your house!! 

Love, Trent and Millie

and NO, is the answer to your question.  

i'm not that good yet, i used an online translator!!

Mother's Day 2011

My mother's day actually started on Friday...when the kids got off the school bus.  I was talking with Trent over skype, waiting for them.  While Emry was talking he reminded her that Sunday was mother's day and she promptly got up out of the chair and took off down the hall.  I didn't think much of it, but 1 minute later she presents me with a mother's day card shaped like a purse that she decorated and wrote a sweet love note in.  It was really cute that she couldn't wait until Sunday!!

Then last night Luke says, "Mom, you need to stay in bed tomorrow morning."  I said slyly, trying not to giggle and spoil his surprise, "Oh really, well we have church, so you'd better set your alarm.  I get up at 7 am."  And with a smile he left the room. 

So this morning at 6:45am I was woken up by my handsome son, who is growing up way to quickly, with breakfast in bed!!  He brought me peanut butter toast and a cup of milk.  The girls were still sleeping so I invited him to join me and we sat in bed enjoying our toast and chatting!  A very good way to start the day.

At church the kids sang the rest hymn.  They sang I Often Go Walking & Mother, I Love You.  I of course cried.  During the rest of the meeting Carley sat on my lap hugging me singing Mother, I love you...Mother I do.... over and over to me.  She couldn't remember the correct words so I smiled to myself as I listened to her made up verses.  It was very sweet, but loud and I had to keep asking her to be quiet!!

Trent also did a superb job this year!  I am feeling so spoiled today, it's awesome!  Not only did he get me a spa day!  (I get to go and have a facial, massage and mani/pedi!  Thank You Babe!!)  But he also sent me a love letter!

I couldn't ask for a better family to share my life with!  

Thanks for making this mother's day so special for me!

I love you guys!!