School Shopping...

Alex is not one to shop. I practically had to drag him to the outlet mall to get some new clothes for school. If I had to look at the 3 grungy t-shirts he constantly wears again, I was going to scream! So they were having some awesome sales (10 bucks for a t-shirt and 25 for jeans! why can't I find those kinds of deals?) and he got into the swing of shopping and ended up with some cool stuff. Here he is showing off his loot! One item he wanted that I refused to purchase: men's cologne. I'm not ready for that!

Mia Turns 3!

I can't believe Mia is already 3 years old! She is just the sweetest little thing. She's very much into her babies and playing with her dollhouse. I got her this minivan with the "Loving Family" and I don't think she put it down for the two days we were there.
Alex and I had a fun time with the girls, David & Kelli this weekend. I just LOVE being Nana. It brings back so many memories of when Alex was little but at the same time I cherish being a part of Olivia and Mia's memories (going to Nana and Papa Joe's house, reading stories, making gingerbread houses, playing games).

Alex played endless games of Hide & Seek and he nearly toppled the swing set! He's getting WAY too big too!

Olivia showing her "skills"!

But look what Uncle Alex can do!

Summer Fun!

Alex, Charlie & Jack having fun!Jack & Larry take a turn.

I enjoyed playing with Laura's baby boys!

The Awesome Jack!
Oh, soooooo close!

Laura, Landon & Lach (he did not like that life vest!)

"Lead Foot" Brenda as I like to call her! :-)
My buddy, Larry.
We took our first Mambo ride together!

I just love Summer...the hot sun, cool water and tubing on the lake! My wonderful Ya Ya Sistah, Brenda invited us up to Detroit Lake to play on her ski boat. Laura and her four boys were able to join us too so we had a boat full of boys! We had SOOOO much fun on the lake! It was a perfect day. The Mombo is a blast! I went on it for the first time, and although my neck muscles are not quite recovered, I really enjoyed it. Alex and Larry tried wakeboarding...not as easy as Jack made it seem! They gave it all their efforts but still need some more practice...maybe next time! We've all decided that we need to have our own boats; it's just too much fun! Thanks, Brenda for the wonderful day!

A Visit From Good Friends!

Alex and I got to enjoy the company of Rod, Charlotte, Kari and Morgan for a couple days. We met this wonderful family down in Puerto Vallarta. Being cruisers, we all bonded quickly (along with Dennis & Linda on S/V Rapture). They were such a big help to Joe when he was down there getting ready to "jump the puddle". They are from way, way up north in beautiful British Columbia but now live on their boat in P.V. It was our pleasure to have them take a break from their road trip (B.C. to P.V.!) and for me to get to show them my house and little town of Stayton. I look forward to being able to get down and see them in Puerto Vallarta again soon!

Syren in the South Pacific

Syren at anchor in Huahine.

Ryan, Helene & Joe
Love the color of the water - Tahaa!

Tahaa

Gorgeous!
I guess Syren is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

Huahine

I finally got some pictures from the crew on Syren. Ryan and Helene are with Joe sailing the south seas. It is beautiful there....I must admit I'm a little envious now!

A Camo Belt for Alex!

Alex is doing so well in Taekwondo! He now as acheived the rank of Camo Belt. He gets taller and stronger every day; now almost 4 inches taller than his mom! He'll be as tall as Joe before we know it.

Oh How I Love First Wednesday!

Since the first Wednesday of each month is when we Ya Ya's get together it is my favorite day of the month. We just have so much fun together! I love my girls!

Surprisingly, I was one of the winners (along with Kathy)!Oh, so sad, for the losers! Better luck next time, Jamie, Brenda, Laura and Cindy...

p.s. Thanks to Laura for the photos (I stole them from her blog!)