Fishes

Adriana and Alexis really enjoyed Swimming Lessons this year.
They might be growing fins and gills!

This is Adriana with her teachers, Leah and Tony.

She spent her days swimming and diving
in the 10 foot deep area, with her friend Alice.

This is Alexis and her teacher, Brittani.

Alexis ended up being the only student in her class.
So she got private lessons without the extra price...SCORE!
Due to the 1:1, she passed everything for Level 2,
and she learned a lot from Level 3.

Happy 6th Birthday!

Alexis turned 6 years old on Friday, 8/8/08.

Before the party began, Adriana gave Alexis a
"Birthday Kiss" on the cheek.

Alexis had fun being a DJ at her own party.
"Who wants "High School Musical"?
"Who wants "Kid Bopz 11"?
"Who wants "Mickey Mouse"?

All of Alexis' friends got to blow out a candle while she
blew out her own candle.
Friends invited (starting clockwise from Alexis):
Kayla
Cori
Ashley
Matthew
Noah (hiding)
Adriana
Haley

Alexis got the first swing at the Pinata.

Adriana got the last swing at the Pinata...
or did she?

NOPE! Daddy got a turn, and knocked it right off of the string.
It still wouldn't break though.

With some serious "Beat Down", and some prying with his hands...
all the children enjoyed LOTS of candy!

Swimming Lessons

They always look forward to swimming lessons.

Goggles on, and eyes popping out...
CHECK!

Swimming suits on, and swimming arms ready...
CHECK!

Smiles on, and red rings around the eyes (from the goggles)...
CHECK and CHECK!

Last Day

The last day of Summer Learning Camp!

The girls were so excited to give their teachers their Gift Bags.
There were some teacher supplies, and a gift certificate to Culver's.

Their last bus ride home on Bus # 203.

NOW...
Adriana is ready for 4th grade.
Alexis is ready for 1st grade.

Chef Adriana

Adriana was trying really hard to be a BIG helper.
She got dressed without being asked.
She started breakfast.
Then it was time for prayer and scripture reading.
Oops!
Guess who forgot to stop the Toaster Oven?

There were flames shooting up and out of the Toaster Oven.
It took 3 full glasses of water to put the fire out.

YUMMY!

Adriana was soooo sad, scared, and sorry.
After it was all over and we decided that we could either cry or laugh.
Adriana couldn't stop crying while she was laughing.
She insisted on buying Alexis and herself breakfast at school.

Mickey D's Playdate

Adriana and Alexis were excited about a Saturday play date at McDonalds.
We went for ice cream and F-U-N!

Adriana invited her friend, Mokua.

Alexis invited her friend, Emily.

"What is the meaning of this contraption?"

"You are supposed to run, jump and karate-KICK a button."

"Na-uh, you are supposed to run, jump and karate-CHOP a button."

After 2 hours of F-U-N, Alexis and Emily had made another friend, Jasmine.

Fun with Grandma Pat

When we spend time with Grandma Pat,
things are NEVER boring!

Adriana and Alexis loved being "Sparkler Cheerleaders".
A little fire here... A little fire there!
NOBODY GOT HURT, THIS IS ALL AN ILLUSION!

"Grandma Pat, light mine!"

"No, Grandma Pat, light mine!"

Is there anything David can't do?

You can't distinguish the flame of...
Fun with Grandma Pat!

Game #1

Adriana had her first soccer game last Monday.

Lexi has her shirt on from last year,
and Adriana has her shirt on from this year.
We paid $50 for Lexi's shirt,
and $50 for Adriana to wear a shirt while she
actually played soccer.

Grandma Pat made it, and...they WON!

Gone Much?

"Project: Clean Up Mangled Tree"

The girls grabbed clippers and saws and helped the best they could.

Like Mother...

Like Son!

Lumberjack David

David had too much fun with his Dad's bigger chainsaw.

We enjoyed our "mangled" tree and will miss it deeply.
It has gone on to a better place...
our campfire wood pile.

Happy Birthday

Lori's 30th Birthday!

There really are 30 candles in this delicious
Strawberry Cheesecake!

Happy Anniversary

Happy 10 Year Wedding Anniversary!

In the morning, there was an exchange of our new rings.
Bling-Bling!

After work, there were 15 roses waiting on the table.
Aren't they BEAUTIFUL?

Then we headed off to Stillwater, MN to take a 3 hour ride on the Minnesota Zephyr.

There was a 5 course dinner served:
1) Shrimp and rolls
2) Minnesota Wild Rice Soup
3) Feta and Vinaigrette Salad
4) Lori- Prime Rib
4) David- Salmon
5) New York Cheesecake

Then we went to the Holiday Inn Express.
We stayed in one of their hot tub Suites.
It had cable too!

We walked around historic Stillwater, MN.

We saw MANY Antique Shops.
This lovely chair was priced at $1,195.00.
David's mom owns one of these "money makers";
and she didn't even know the value of it.

We took a walk along the St. Croix River before heading back to our Little house.

Mess Much?

These are pictures of the first day of
"Project: Clean Up Mangled Tree".

This is a picture of our mangled tree, from the bottom view looking upward.

This is a picture of the same mangled tree, from the corner of the yard looking over.

Guess What?
The tree is still mangled, even from the driveway looking across the yard.