Summer 09

OK....crooked teeth and all....I LOVE this picture of my Ben!
In my hometown for my HS reunion and this was our mascot and my mom made me get a picture, right Ma? Remember boys?

For my brothers: Walking to the parade....check out DAD!

This happens alot with grammie: The painting of the nails! I swear it was at least an hour they were doing this!!! Maddie LOVES IT.

I just HAD to! Ben just loves the water....any kind!

This pictures demonstrates his "JOY", even with the cracking of the behind.

Our Dolly loves to go out on the borrowed boat. We are super thankful that we can use it when we want.....thanks DEAN!

For my brothers: Our Home!

Our DAD.......

Grampa L with the kids.

Maddie had quite the swimming lessons this year. She got one on one lessons. AT first, she was super, super scared....lots of tears.....but with the greatest teacher and a lot of reassurance, she was able to complete most things. Even the entire staff and all parents were cheering her on at one point. She just stood at the edge, shaking, super scared to jump in, and then.....she DID it with the roaring cheers of the crowd. So cool and special too.

Way to go Maddie!!

She played soccer too. Not sure we'll continue with that next year, but perhaps. She will be too busy with cheerleading and gymnastics for now.

This was amazing! If you aren't familiar with CRAPPIE, then this won't mean anything to you, BUT, if you are, then check these out. Each CRAPPIE was 1.7 to 2.0 pounds each!! For a Crappie, that is HUGE! We had a blast catching these. My father in law is going to mount a trio of them.....very fun. I caught my share also, and will post that later.

A view from my in laws cabin. Beautiful!

She did it: Her first FLOAT without help. She got brave.

My Ben....he is part Fish, I know.

He jumped off the boards like a pro. I did not think he would do it, but now he does it all the time. After some talk with one of the instructors, we are going to sign him up for competitive swimming team. He can't play contact sports, cuz of his shunt, so swimming would be a great option and he LOVES the water!!

The last day of lessons was more of a play day. As you may see fromMaddie's face, a bit scared cuz her instructor let go, but with hand close by......LOL

My husband was a judge for the first: Iron Chef -like competition at our downtown Farmer's Market. Two chefs battled for whose "dish" reigns supreme.....just like the show, if you ever watched it.

Here's one team preparing the meals to present to the judges. They had to present 4 dishes each.

While daddy was busy judging and we were in the audience, a very nice lady brought her baby parrot with her and Maddie was in LOVE. The lady loved Maddie too and let her hold the baby as long as she wanted to. So cute.

Here is some of the dishes, Les had to judge. He did a great job!

At gymnastics, Maddie is learning how to do a cartwheel with her Coach nearby.

My dream would be to help our coach and wife get a new facility or help raise money for new equipment for them....they are indeed the most amazing couple and they do such fantastic things for the kids there. I sure wish I would win some BIG money to just help out people like this.....urgh!!!

OK.......here are some updated photos of my business.........

This is the Maternity section.......

Here is another "teen/adult" area to shop.......

Here is the opposite side from previous view.....jeans, shorts, skirts, and a million shoes!

Upon entry, we have some learning toys displayed in a vintage case.

Our newly added SPORTS section.......we got some old lockers from a school that is being remodeled for our children's museum.....we knew we could use those lockers for something cool......

Well, I hope this got me caught up a bit. Thanks for reading!