Langfest 2013

 We had a great time celebrating the 4th of July at Langfest 2013.  The kids were exhausted, sunburned, filthy and had a few minor burns.  Just the way you are supposed to celebrate the 2nd greatest holiday of the year!

 Harper was a little braver this year, and even tried to light off some of her own fireworks.  I am proud to say, she is not one of the burn victims!

 Quincy and her cousins were fairly responsible.  Maybe that is because Aunt Diane gave them the "riot act of firework" speech.

 Preston.....well he is not careful, did not listen to the speech, but did have a wonderful time blowing things up.  He may or may not have burned himself on multiple occasions.

 The big boys had a most amazing time doing who knows what with their cousins.  Some things are best left unknown!

 Saige was not as brave as Harper with the noise, the people, and the fireworks.

 My grandma's sister Florance celebrated her 80th birthday.  She looks just like she did when I was a kid!  :)

 17 out of 20 of the grandchildren were there.  Close enough that photos are required I guess.

 Since Saige was born, I have said that she looks like my cousin Kara.  I also think she looks a whole lot like my cousin Kara's little girl!  Except that cousin Gracie may be cleaner, and someone may have combed her hair!

 My nephew Clayton was chillin' with a Popsicle.  Of course, it is easier to chill out if Harper leaves you alone for a minute!  :)

 Football playing studs.

 Most of the great grand children.  I believe we are missing 2 from this photo, and one more is due in December.

 Crazy looking crew.  I am sure my grandma would be proud.  I miss her everyday!

 We couldn't go a week without loving our baby Ryan.   Or Ryster as the girls have started calling him!

 Two of my grandma's sisters.  One was more willing to have her photo taken than the other.  :)

 Harper finally got a 'boyfriend' and then was pretty sad when the girls told her that she can't date him.... not because of age but because he is her cousin!

Grandma Nancy is not allowed to hold baby Ryan unless she also holds Saige.   Grandma is also not allowed to hold any other babies or toddlers either.  Why?  Because Saige said so!

It was a good day. We had a lot of fun!  Its always fun to visit with the cousins, aunts, uncles and see all the babies growing up!

Tie Dye Project

 Recently, my friend Gayly posted about Sharpie tie dye on her blog.  I had my curiosity peaked and had to google it.  It seemed like a fun way to spend a hot afternoon. 

 It was a fun project, and was easy enough that even the little ones could do it. 

 The results were pretty cool.

Thanks for the great idea Gayly! 

Happy Birthday Colin John!

 Colin is 15 years old today.  He was up at the crack of dawn to catch a ride to wrestling camp, so we had to celebrate last night.

 Colin is "that kid" the one who has a million friends, who are always at the house, always doing something crazy, keeping us all laughing, and shaking our heads.  He is the one who loves to be on the go, involved in anything and everything.  He has a ton of hobbies, and a couple of true passions.  He is passionate about football and wrestling, and fishing.

 He often drags home fish for me to see, and was exceptionally happy to have acquired a scale so he can weigh all his catches.  Of course, he has to bring them home so that I don't think he is telling me "fishing stories" about how huge they were!  :)

I have to share that as we pulled into the wrestling coach's house this morning, he realized he did not bring a pillow or sleeping bag.  At the camp, they sleep on the gym floor, so this was not a good thing to forget.  I had Cameron with me, as I was dropping him off too.  We ran home to get Colin some bedding, and I took the lazy route, telling Cam to run in and get Colin a pillow and sleeping bag.  Cameron came out with a pink cammo sleeping bag, and a Pooh pillow.  I hope he sleeps well tonight!  :)  Cam is probably going to pay for that big time, but the look on Colin's face was worth it!
Happy Birthday Colin.  We love you!

New Subjects

 Its no secret that I like to take photos, and also no secret that as the kids have gotten older, they are not as willing to be my photography subjects.  So when all else fails, I go out and find willing participants for my little hobby!  We have been learning a lot about bearded dragons, including that they like to take a bath, and hang out in the water a little bit.  We gave them a bath for the first time this morning and cleaned out their cage.  We also fed them meal worms and discovered they have voracious appetites.  They also eat fruits and vegetables, and I am hoping this will prompt Preston to have an interest in the vegetable eating department!

Adventure Time

 Preston has been wanting to get a green anole like Cameron had for a homeschool project.  The problem is that they don't live long, leaving everyone sad.  I made a pit stop at the pet shop and learned that as lizards go, Bearded Dragons are a great choice.  They are gentle, like being held, and with good care can live around 10 years.  Awesome!  Then we saw the price tag.  Plus, we got rid of our aquarium when we moved, which meant buying a cage too.. 

 Yesterday, on a whim, I checked craigslist, and found a family in Baldwin who were selling 2 bearded dragons plus all the accessories cheap.  Preston was convinced these dragons were the ones for him, so he went to visit the First National Bank  of Jim for a loan!  He was approved! 

Having always been a lizard lover, I have to say I think these are an amazing addition to the family!  Plus it gave Preston a research project to do on the proper care of P.J.  and Lollipop!  Summer reading....bonus!

Last night, I took Saige  upstairs to bed, and came downstairs to use the computer and get ready for bed.  Next thing I knew, I was in the middle of the floor and could not use my arm to get up.  After much scooting and immense pain, Jim took me to the emergency room.  We got there at 11:30.  At 4 this morning they finally put me under and put my shoulder, which I had dislocated, back in its socket.  The pain relief was immediate, but I have to go back today to see an orthoo doctor and probably have to have some physical therapy.  We got home at 5:30 this morning.  Needless to say, this was one summer adventure I could have passed up! 

Zoo day with Madison

 Madison decided to take the littles to the zoo this morning.  They were so excited!  They have no idea that the Topeka Zoo isn't the biggest zoo in the world!

 They have a special alligator exhibit right now.  The kids got to pet a baby alligator.....which they thought was completely cool!

Madison rocks!