Cuz Freedom...aint free.

What a day. Graduation. After standing in a major down pour and being soaked completely..we were let in the building to be seated for the ceremony. Did I mention I was soaked? However, with the humidity being like 70%, I didn't stay soaked for long...but...the hair was a total loss. I did enjoy the ceremony...a lot. I have always had lots of patriotic pride...and this ceremony allowed me to wallow in it. I was in tears within minutes of the music playing, listening to the soldiers sing and shout...and take their oath...yes...it was awesome.

Saying Goodbye...again.

Too soon...family day came to an end. We did learn from Kasey the next day...that we left too soon...had we stayed...we could have watched them all do push-ups. Why...because families stuck around after dropping off their soldier and didn't leave quick enough.

Dinner..at Texas Roadhouse.

Spending the day with Kasey for family day...was quite a humbling experience for me. I was so overjoyed to see him...words can't describe. He has changed so much...and not just physically. He was polite, humble, thoughtful, and caring. He had so much to tell us, and we had so little time. He was always conscience of the rules he was to obey, and we loved hearing his stories. My favorite is "helpy helperton" he made me laugh..and cry. He has two of his friends reading the Book of Mormon. I love you Kasey, and I hope you continue to learn and grow in this experience.

Family Day.

Seeing Kasey for the first time since April. We couldn't be more proud.

MVP . . .

Tanner was MVP and awarded the game ball...for two DOUBLES! He is such a talented baseball player, and his team is still in the playoffs...holding the number four spot. GO MARINERS!

The Athletics...

Yup..Jackson's team is done for the season...it was a good run. Jakson spent his last game asking me every 5 minutes if they were losing...he wanted his medal..and to be done. Playing with friends is way more important.

Our tired lawn boy....

Yes, the backyard still holds many challenges for him.

Blanding...and stuff along the way.

Ahh...an "out of towner" as we like to call it. I always jump at the opportunity to travel with Eric in taking a funeral service out of town. Two reasons: I love long drives..and..I love funerals. Crazy, I know, but obviously I married the right guy. What I love about funerals is this, the people watching is spectacular, and I get to learn about someone I would have otherwise never known about...and on this trip to Blanding, I learned about Greta. She was a spunky woman, and endured many things, including being a breast cancer survivor. This family didn't pretend she was perfect and I appreciated their honesty. I can now cross Blanding off my list of places to see, and we did see everything...in about 10 minutes. Yes..I have stayed in the Super 8 (which I'm pretty sure at one time was a crime scene) and tried to shop at a clothing store (yup..forgot to pack a shirt) where one does not exist, and last but not least, tried to shop at the grocery store for things forgotten, however, the only store in town closed at 9:00. Yup, Blanding is done...it was a beautiful drive and now.. I wait patiently for the next "out of towner" =)

Our lawn boy.

So...we found this kid to mow our lawn for free...just kiddn'...but we do like the perks of our kids getting older. He's great for the front yard...he whines and moans when it comes to the backyard...we're working on that.

Congrats!

Happy Birthday Mom!

I recently came across a quote and it reminded me of you..."It's not my job to be your friend. That comes after you grow up and are in charge of your own life." And you are truly one of my best friends...Thanks. Oh...and this post entitles you to one FREE movie night with the girls...I expect this to be redeemed soon. I love you!

Memorial...neighborhood style.

This year for Memorial Day we enjoyed a nieghborhood hot dog & marshmallow roast in the cul-de-sac. It's amazing how attracted to fire little kids can be...whether it's trying to put out the fire by spitting water..or..making a HUGE fire by burning your school papers. We had a great time...and enjoyed the company...thanks Jill for putting this together.

The Climb . . .

I'm not normally a Miley Cyrus fan...but I LOVE music...and this song...touched me. Sometimes songs are just dead on...and this one is...for me. Don't tease me Kaitlyn...I know...sometimes moms just have to eat their words...

My new toy!