Strawberry Days Parade

Saturday morning was parade day. My favorite parade was the year all three of my boys were in it. Chad was drum major, Tyler played the trumpet, and Kyle carried the flag. Ohhh, good memories.

However, new memories are being made today. Katy, Tyler and me took Cade, Brayden, Aida, and Ariah to the parade this year. It was a little rainy, but not too bad. The kids had fun and ate lots of candy. It really is fun being a grandma.

Happy Father's Day

It was suppose to be a surprise, but so much for that. Katy and Becky are giving Sam a Not-so- Surprise Father's Day BBQ this afternoon. Now what Sam still does not know is it's a Luau Theme. I'll be bringing Sam's Hawaiian shirt and a lei for him to wear. Shhh . . . don't tell.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Happy Father's Day, Allen.

Happy Father's Day, Bob.

Last but not least . . .

Happy Father's Day, Aaron, Nathan, Jake, and Corey.


I know it's a ton of pictures, but it was so hard to choose.
Here's Katy putting on the Official Father's Day Hat!

Uncle Kyle is such a good uncle. Cade is attached and so is Kyle.

And yes, you guessed it . . . the Official Father's Day Cake. Don't you love Costco??

Such a nice picture of Sarah, Sam and Cade

Like Father, like son. In fact, on this blog is a picture of Sam and his dad sitting somewhat similar. It must run in the family.

Sam tickling Cade with some grass.

Aida, she'll be 4 in December. She's my best little friend and gives me lots of hugs.

In case you didn't know, all of Sam's kids have a thing about ears. They'll walk by and grab your lobes. Don't ask me why, but as you can see they start young, lol.

Cade playing in the baby toy. It's meant for Ashton, but Cade and Brayden both had to play in it. 

Ariah relaxing. Can you see her milk mustache??

Sarah giving Ashton kisses.

Robert and Aubrey

Aida was such a little helper. She passed out cake to everyone.

Tyler and Cade

You see what I mean?? It was too hard to choose, so I put a lot in. If you're really interested, I'll put the rest in an album on my facebook acount.

This Beautiful Country

Just a few shots of the incredible scenery we saw.

Last Wednesday Sam and I flew out to help Nathan, Annie, and the girls move back. He has finished his first two years of med school and is now beginning his rotations. We are so glad to have them back close to us. Here are few pictures of our trip.

This is Nathan's school. He took some time to show us around before our long drive home.

Aida was a little shy at first, but as you will see she warmed up quickly.

Nathan gave his all, but this one just couldn't be saved.

Grandpa and Ariah waiting at the Budget place.

See, I told you . . . Aida warmed up and then was full of smiles and giggles.

Somewhere out on the road. We stopped at a rest area to walk around and stretch a little. I couldn't resist documenting our time as professional truck drivers. My dad would be proud.

Even though Nathan put my name on the paperwork to drive, this was my position the entire trip. Sam drove and I kept him company. We really did have a nice trip home.

Summer, Finally

It seems that summer has been somewhat elusive this year. With Kyle getting out school two full weeks ahead of me, and the unusual amount of rain/storms we've had this June, I was wondering exactly when it would feel like summer. Well, I'm here to say that today it feels like summer!!! Kind of.  I got out of school last Friday, and the skies are blue today also, however I'm having to pay back a day to another teacher so I'm subbing today.

Katy, Tyler, Kyle, and Cade all went to the zoo today. I'm hoping they remembered to take their camera.

As you can see, they remembered the camera. I got these from Tyler.

These last two . . . I have some of Chad and Tyler when they were little just like these. I'm still in denial that my little baby boys are so grown up now.

Did I say grown up???

Don't worry Cade, someday you'll be big and tall too!!

The temperature is perfect for the zoo, about the mid 70's. I wish I was with them instead of here. Oh wait . . . it is sort of like a zoo, ha ha.

Tomorrow we head out to help Nathan and Annie move back. They will be driving back with the girls and we will be driving the U-haul. I wonder which of us will have the better drive????

Katy Won!!!

Part of the carnival tonight was a raffle. Each class creates a themed basket to donate for the raffle tonight. It helps raise money for the PTA. There were several very nice baskets this year. Katy and I both bought 10 tickets, but Katy was the lucky one tonight. She won the Rainbow Basket. It's huge. I'll add a photo tomorrow when I bring it home for her. Go Katy!!

Crazy Cade

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything. You know, life gets really busy some times. Tonight we went to my school's carnival. Katy and Kyle both tried taking Cade on the big bouncy toys, but that didn't work out to well for anyone. Then Katy saw they were coloring hair. Away she went with Cade on hip. Cade wasn't too sure about the whole thing, but look at him now. . .

We are so PROUD of you, Nathan!!!

Sam recently got an email from Nathan. He has signed with the Navy. Nathan is just now finishing his second year or med school and is going into his rotations. Nathan, Annie, and the girls will be close to us for the next 2 years. We are so thankful for that. I'm not sure of all the details of when he'll go with the Navy or for how long, but we are so excited for them and the decision they made.

Besides the financial perks, I keep thinking of the service Nathan will be to all our our soldiers when they are in need. I don't know if you know this, but the Marines don't have their own doctors, they use the Navy doctors. Our son-in-law, Corey, is in the Marines. That makes me even more thankful and proud of the choice Nathan has made to serve his country and our own family.

Congratulations, Nathan!!!! We are so proud of you!!!

Dad and Lisa

Sprinkler Day

Today was the first day Cade went out and played in the sprinkler.

He loved every minuted of it. He wasn't shy one bit about getting wet or the water spraying him.

However, when it came time to get him out, he was not a happy, wet camper. He cried and cried.

. . . and then he cried some more. Katy finally was able to get him changed into some dry clothes.

We finally had to close the door and window blinds so he could not see the sprinkler running in the front yard. What a cutie!!!

Grandpa, Brayden, and Ice Cream

Becky brough Brayden over for us to see one night. We've really been going through withdrawal since they moved out. Brayden was hungry and we treated him to ice cream from Macey's. 

Brayden took his time with each and every lick. He didn't want to bite into the ice cream at all.

Then he discovered the cone. I think he liked the cone more than the ice cream. It was funny watching him try to the just the cone.

Grandpa went to throw the left overs away and Brayden was off like a shot following him. He even balanced on the curb all the way down just like Grandpa.

Brayden is no baby anymore. He's only 2 1/2, but he's as big as most 4 years olds. He has the longest fingers.

"Catch me Grandpa."