Welcome Summer

My friends and neighbors sure know how to kick off summer. Huge water slide, food and plenty of fun. Kelli Pabst held a last day of school party after attending one of April's impromptu front yard parties. This is April with Kelli's Baby Taylor.

Baby Taylor and Grandma Alice (Kim Munson's mom)

Alice was so good to stay seated in the shade, she only tried to escape twice.

Natalie Day and Baby Bracken.

Kelli, THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST.

Natalie Jardine enjoying a good laugh because she is headed off to Mexico the next day.

Sure hope you don't come home with the Swine Flu...

Bella finally braved the slide, good job, baby.

Of course, Katie needed no prompting.

Just some of the gals that came to chat.

Oh, shoot. April got kicked out of the tent because she wouldn't obey the rules.

My whole family fights over who gets to hold Baby Taylor. We love her like our own.

Kelli, are sure you want to keep her??

Mike and Pat being manly with their hot dogs.

Our local chapter of Aborigines.

Strangely beautiful.

Eric, Pat and Ed after Pat showed off his expert driving skills by taking out the Brugger's mailbox - and maybe a few small children along with it.

Don't I know you?

Summer is here and I am glad I have a job that allows me some days off during the week so I can enjoy it!


Kelli is the best ex-cheerleader I know.

Thanks for the great party, can't wait until next time.

Hint. Hint.

The End of an Era

This is my baby receiving The Presidential Academic Excellence Award, really quite an honor and an achievement. A little bitter sweet to see Maddy progress from Elementary School on to Middle School.
Maddy and her partner in all things, Rylie Spanbauer.

Daddy is so proud of you, Maddy. We both never expect anything from you, but are constantly amazed at your achievements, positive attitude and sweet, giving personality. You will accomplish mighty things, my dear.

Proud Parents.

Maddy and Rylie with their third grade teacher, Mrs. Byers. She was also Katie's teacher this year. We have been incredibly blessed with THE most amazing educators.

Maddy and her fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Yeates. I have always said that the academics will come if children are in an environment that promotes self esteem and social skills - and come they have...

This is also a huge day for Katie. This is her last year being at school with her Big Sister. Katie has a quiet way of bringing a smile to every one's face and is as humble as they come. She never allows me to brag about her accomplishments, but she is not here right now - Sooo... Katie, I think your greatest skill is making others feel at ease and always choosing to be kind. You are a great example in school on how to teach and be taught. Fourth grade will be your best year yet.

Goodbye Mrs. Byers, we will miss you!!

Mrs. Steege was Maddy's kindergarten and first grade teacher. I couldn't let such a phenomenal women sneak by Katie, so she taught Katie as well in first grade. Congrats to you, Mrs. Steege for six years at Ponderosa. Stick around for Bella, OK?

I am now feeling officially old due to the fact that my soon to be sixth grader is almost as tall as I am and is definitely smarter - she can text with the best. (I distinctly remember making fun of my dad because he didn't know how to use the VCR) At least Katie is still my little bug, if only when no one is looking.