Honoring Jason

Today we traveled up to the Seattle area to celebrate our nephew Jason's graduation from high school and departure into the army (he leaves tomorrow for boot camp.) My sister-in-law outdid herself with decorations, food, activities. The kids had a blast.

The party was a Army theme, complete with tons of Army favors (parachute guys, army men, bubbles, etc.) which my boys were all over...


Ben, in particular, coveted these balloons...

and finally got them (and a static hair do)...



Owen finding joy in a squirt gun...


And Ben being patriotic...


Randy...


Jacob...


Jason(with blue cap), Tori, and Matt...


Our Seven Boys...


Michael with his brother, sister, and mom...


Face painting fun...









And Ben in Candy Heaven...

Arranged Marriage Anyone?

My friend Katie and I have already secretly arranged the marriage of my son Will and her daughter Kimy. They are just 6 days apart in age and are the best of friends. Look at these cuties...I can imagine the cute grandkids now (I'm so bad!)

At Last!

Sarah NEVER lets me take pictures of her, which is a pity since she is beautiful. Yesterday she actually allowed me to photograph her with her boyfriend Will. My little girl is a woman, a WOMAN. I guess that makes me OLD.

Harvest Time

Our garden has, for the most part, been over taken by weeds. The one success is the strawberry patch. Today Will and I harvested the berries.

I Tried!

I am planning on taking pictures of all eight kids together this weekend, in hopes of producing just ONE frame worthy photo. Today I practiced on the little boys...see for yourself...







This will have to do...


And what does Ben think of the process?

Time With The Boys

We are really enjoying this time with Randy and Jacob. The little boys are following them around like shadows and can't get enough of their big brothers. We are enjoying hearing about their lives and watching them show off their skills, which include skateboarding, driving and overall goofiness.












And a couple of pics of some of the littles...

The Past 24 Hours

In the past 24 or so hours, we spent our first day at the water park, I went to urgent care for what turned out to be a scratched cornea (ouch) and Randy and Jacob flew in from Maryland for a visit (a bit later than planned due to a mishap with their connecting flight.) Despite my temporary eye pain and blindness, it couldn't be a better day!


The Water Park

The Water Park is all about climbing trees...


swinging from the monkey bars...


playing in dirt...


and WATER...


MORE water...


LOTS of water...


some chillaxing...


and a cute baby in a swim diaper.


The Boys Are Back!

Or should I say the MEN are back!

When did these sweet little boys


turn into these two giant men?!



Randy showing us some of his moves...





and some of Jacob being goofy on Sarah's bike...