I have tried to publish this post for 3 days and the publish post button just won't work. Then when I try to add text it doesn't work either. So I will just post the pictures this time. Sorry no comments on the pictures. Short version....Easter, Star of the week for Sydney, trip to Boise to see cousins and Granpa Rand, flooding river while driving home. Can't believe it is already June!

Spring Stuff

Cruise

Well Jeff and I went on an Eastern Caribbean Cruise with our good friends R & C from Bend. We had a wonderful time. It was our first cruise and we didn't know what to expect. We were not disappointed. We left out of Miami and stopped at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, St. Thomas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Grand Turk.

This poor little bird had lost his feather but was growing them back.

Loved this boat in San Juan. It passed us when we were going by. Was so fitting with the scenery.

These stingray were amazing. They were in the wild but have been worked with for so many years that you were able to touch them. All the black spots in the water are other stingray.

Loved the history of San Juan. A great collection of new and old.

This private island in the Bahamas was our first stop. Jeff & R got to go parasailing. It was a beautiful place to just hang out in the sun.

Our highlight was definitely swimming with the dolphins in the Tortola's, BVI. What a day we will never forget.

Snow, Snow and more snow was the month of February. I just remember shoveling alot.
Brooke lost her first tooth. She was so proud and excited for daddy to pull it out. She lost it in early February and now it has almost grown back in. (Since it has taken me so long to post anything again)

Dayne turned 11. Wow I can't believe how fast he has grown. He is a great kid still full of excitement for life and he is a great student at school.

Dayne finally won a trophy at the Pinewood derby. He was so excited. He got 4th place.

I know all of these things happened in January and February, but when I opened my camera today I realized that I just haven taken any pictures this last month. Life has been busy but nothing monumental to inspire a picture taken. With spring coming and some small trips planned hopefully the camera will get some use again.

December

We started off the month with Dayne having his Lego Robotics team competition. It was a really fun experience for Dayne and now he wants to be an engineer.

We have definitely had winter here in Central Oregon. It has been beautiful but spring will be very welcomed when it gets here.
I am the cub scout leader right now. We have a little group, but they are really fun boys who find the joy in all that we do.

Sydney & Brooke turned 6! Wow....can't believe how they are growing up. They have wanted to have a birthday party at the roller skating rink. They love to roller blade.

Brooke enjoyed every minute of her birthday at school. She definitely enjoys being center of attention.

I feel like this year we really enjoyed the Christmas season. We enjoyed spending lot of time with friends and family. Did lots of decorating and gift giving and just spent time listening to Christmas music and stories.

Hope you all have a Happy New Year. Looking forward to what 2011 will bring.

October & November Happenings

Sydney lost her first tooth. I have never seen someone so happy. She shows everyone she sees. She is really excited to share this event since Brooke has not lost her tooth yet. She really is enjoying her own moment.

A local gas station in town had a thousand pound pumkin that you could guess how many seeds were inside. We went and watched as the store owner carved the pumpkin with a chainsaw. This was definalty a moment that reminded me of how Bend use to be so small and a simple activity like this can be so much fun.
I always admire the mothers that plan the Halloween costumes for their families with a theme. But as this year proves...I just let them pick what they want. We definatly got a variety but they all loved what they chose.

Jeff was asked to be a Principal for the day at one of the Middle Schools here in town. He really had a great day seeing what happens behind the scenes at school. It gave him an appreciation of what Dayne will be going through next year when he starts Middle School.

My sweet Alexis turned 9. (Going on 15) She chose to spend the day with her best friend and they went bowling, to the arcade, Red Robin, and a visit to the local reptile store. She is truly a blessing in our family.

School

The kids were so excited for school to start. This year Sydney & Brooke started Kindergarten. YEAH!!! They only go half day but are so happy to be all grown up and go to school with their brother and sister. This year they are all in the same school. Dayne is in 5th, Ali is in 3rd and the twins are in Kindergarten.

We are looking forward to all the adventures the kids will get to do. Ali has already been on 3 field trips and Dayne has been on 1. I have already done 6 hours of volunteer work in the classes and 28 cold lunches. Drove to soccer, tae kwon do, dance class, cub scouts, activity day girls, gymnastics and it has only been the first 3 weeks :) I know that all other moms have begun the same life and I wish you all the best and keep smiling as you get to enjoy all the excited of the new year.