Independence Day at Granny’s

Jon’s family gets together for a picnic dinner and fireworks every year. Jon and the kids went to Oklahoma early to help his mom get ready for the big event. Bobby came up from Houston and both of the ‘old cousins’ were there! Donnie’s grandkids set off the spectacular show.

Medieval Times Birthday Celebration

For Caleb’s birthday he didn’t want a party he wanted to go to Medieval Times. We had been there once before with Granny and Donnie but it was several years ago. It is fun to step back into the 11th century as royal guests to the four-course feast, we donned our crowns and watched the tournament for the Battle of Champions!

Jon and Caleb toured the Chamber of Tortures while the fair maidens and I shopped for token mementos of our visit. The pageantry of the horses and birds of prey were remarkable and the food is fantastic. Half way thru the performance Caleb leaned over to me and said, ‘This is the best birthday ever!’. . .. Priceless!

Caleb's Birthday

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Our little man turned 13 today! Time flies! We began the morning with breakfast in bed, and presents of course! Presents and hugs! The girls baked his birthday cake, it was orange!!!

Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, Buzz Lightyear!

Toy Story 3 is out!!! I’ve been excited about this for months. I remember taking Frankie and my nephew to the first movie when they were small.

Caleb was 3 ½ years old when Toy Story 2 was released in 1999. And it was special because my Dad took Frankie, Caleb and I to see the movie. After that movie, our house became filled with a lot of Buzz Lightyear items. In fact Buzz went everywhere with us, even in our generational family photo session. One time Caleb was sick and took Buzz with him to the pediatrician’s office. On the way to the doctor, Buzz’s batteries quit working. When the pediatrician came in the room to examine Caleb, he immediately told her about Buzz ‘being sick’. His pediatrician wrote a prescription for Buzz for 4 AA batteries!

For Toy Story 3, we met up with the Gungan’s to check out the 3-D version. Although the kids are a little old, they made this Mom’s day! . . . . memories

Jo Jo's Birthday at the Natatorium

Abigail's 'Little Buddy' turned 8! Everyone celebrated at the Natatorium. The kids loved the high dive and swimming! Jo Jo's mom had pizza and cake following the fun! Any day that includes swimming, cake and friends is a very good day!

Ahhhh, I remember a time when dogs were not allowed on the bed. Somehow it has now become standard practice for me to find these two in my bed! Jon usually heads to our room to read and I prefer to read in the living room. When I finish reading and return to the bedroom Padme’ is told ‘down,’ and immediately obeys. Of course immediate might be an over statement, English Mastiff’s don’t really move quickly!

Happy Birthday, Roy-Pig!

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Roy-Pig had a birthday!!!!! OK, for those of you who think it's weird to call Abigail's buddy Roy-Pig, here's how it started. The two have been buddies since they were little, and somewhere early on Abigail would laugh in Bible class and snort, like a pig. Roy began calling her Abby-Pig, to which she began calling him Roy-Pig. Throughout the year they exchange all things piggy, from banks, stuffed animals, ornaments, key chains you name it. This year Abigail made a strawberry piggy cake for her friend out of a round cake and multiple cupcakes.

Baseball Closing Ceremony

Over on the baseball fields the 'boys of summer' received there awards for the season. One special event was Caleb's coach won the 'Coach of the Year' trophy. It was very touching, Caleb's original coach stepped down the day before the first game, leaving the team with no coach! Two dads stepped up and lead the team to third place. It was neat to see their efforts rewarded!

Softball Closing Ceremonies

Spring ball is now over. Each year the season ends with closing ceremonies including award for the top 3 teams in each division. Abigail plays in the 10U division (10 years old and Under). Her team came in third place.

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Also in the closing ceremonies there is a drawing for various prizes. The big prize being a party for 10 friends at Hawaiian Falls Water Park, along with a nice gift basket. Abigail was the winner! She told me she was so excited, she never won anything she didn't have to 'work' for! :)

Baylor Boo

Sunday afternoons are usually filled with friends. One of my favorite 'trades' is with the Fish Family. Baylor Boo and Abs are both 9 years old and Caleb and Blake are the same age. So usually one family gets 'the girls' and the other family gets 'the boys.' Today the girls went swimming and watched a chick flick. I'm sure the boys fun involved Blake's iTouch and probably a Wii game or twenty! At Sunday evening services we trade back!