First day of First Grade

July 28th Maddie headed back to school with her newly purchased HSM lunchbox, proudly diplayed below.... she also made the paper....AGAIN http://www.commercial-news.com/archivesearch/images_sizedimage_211101827/resources_photoview

Maddie's teacher for 1st and 2nd grade is Mrs. Houpt, a believer who told us in her introduction letter that she had been praying for each student and their families. What a blessing!
On her 3rd day Maddie got her wish she had been wishing for a year now. She got to ride the school bus. Here we are at the end of the street waiting.
The second day she rode the driver brought her right to our front door, and asked if I would like her to pick Maddie up AND drop her off at the house from then on. Um...yes PLEASE! Another blessing!
Bye' sissy! Have a good day!

Holiday World '08

6 kids, 6 adults, and 1 'tween' at Holiday World for 2 days...great time! Did I mention NO babies? (thanks mom!)
'The Voyage' is supposedly the 'world's BEST roller coaster'. It was Rae's VERY FIRST roller coaster and she rode it a total of 7 times! Personally, having a decently varied coaster resume, I definitely think it is the best roller coaster I have ever been on.
It's hard for me to get many pictures at theme parks. The water park is almost impossible to get pictures of, but pictures or no, we had a great time!

Happy 4th!

Our neighbor boy took about 15 pictures of us with no heads, but this one turned out ok. :)

Hanging out under the crib...but how do I get out? Ah....head room!

We fly thru the air with the greatest of ease...

Maddie's high jump

Various summer activites

Laila taking a break from the stroller at the fair
Cousins from Springfield come for a visit
Laila and Grayson's dedication
Maddie and Carly stuffed into a toddler ride at the fair
Grayson chillin' in the stroller

Annual Fishing contest @ Kennekuk

This is the second year Greg has taken Maddie to Kennekuk for the Kids fishing contest and I'm quite sure it's a tradition from now on.

She didn't place this year (last year she got a TROPHY for 3rd, proudly displayed on her dresser :) ), in fact she didn't catch any fish at all, but she had a FUN day!