Grand Puppy

I have to say Mad Max is a grand puppy. Some people don't want me to refer to him as my grandpuppy. He is a toy Australian Shepard. So soft and fluffy and enthusiastic and he has puppy breath!

Logan and Alyssa brought him here shortly after they picked him up from the breeder. He was given a healthy dose of welcome and gave as good as he got. Max seems to have taken to Wyatt especially. Perhaps because he was closest to his size. We can't wait to spend more time with him. Right now he is getting acquainted with Logan's family in Sisters. But soon he'll be back here for more lovin'.

Races and Zoo trips

Last night was the
Royal Ranger Gold Cup Derby. It is always a fun night for families and friends to come and pig out on hot dogs and cheer on their favorite car. This year was a bit different in that the Pioneer Girls made cars as well. The number of girls in attendance was only 2 less than the number of boys so all but one of the first races was a boy against a girl. The racing format had to be changed from the traditional. Logan and a couple of others came up with a brilliant race strategy. Our boys were both eliminated before the final round but both had fun anyway. Hayden got a trophy for the most original car design in the boys category.

Today we got up bright and early and headed for the Oregon Zoo. It was a beautiful sunny day. Har got a bit more sun than he should have. But Wyatt and Genevieve were there along with Jess, Joylynn, Lyssa, Logan, Courtney, Hayden, Cameron, Har and I. We spent about 6 hours there all together. Took 72 pictures. You're lucky I'm only posting three! :o)

Wyatt is 2!

I couldn't let the weekend get away without letting everyone know that Wyatt is two years old now. We had a fun party for him on Friday night. Aunty Cherise got to have a cake too. I'd like to say thank you to everyone that came. Our #1 grandson is one of the best kids around. He is a real goofy kid. Loves his "tunes" especially anything Veggie Tale related. He got some cool new toys that are age appropriate and enough DVD's to keep him busy for some time. Here are a couple of pictures from that night. A smooch from his loving sister and getting ready to blow out the candles.

Happy Birthday Wyatt!
Grampa and Gramma love you SOOOOOOO MUCH!

Happy Birthday CHERISE!

Twenty-two years ago today we welcomed into our home and hearts a little curly haired girl. We have been watching her grow into a beautiful curly haired woman. She was such a delightful child that we figured we would have more than 3 children. So if you ever wonder why we have 8 it's Cherise's fault. Happy Birthday Reesie! We love you!

First day of school.

Today marked the day when the fifth of our children started at PCC. Rylan, Joylynn, Cherise and Alyssa all started their higher education there. It makes a whole lot of sense financially and also it is good for Krystle especially since the instructors have more time to spend helping her. The whole faculty is geared up to helping students succeed. So off she went with her backpack. First stop was the book store to buy her text books. Then off to get her student ID and to her first class. She called home after her first and then her final class and even had her first meeting with an instructor. It will be great to see her plugged into writing groups and such there.

Only 3 more to go before we have an empty nest! (Like that is ever going to happen) Hayden is planning on getting married and then living here with us.