A good ending to a good day

Since I refuse to fork out 63 dollars for the "privalage" of going downtown and viewing the fireworks,and they are never actually on the 4th, plus they don't usually start until 10:30 or so, I try to buy the kids plenty of smoke bombs, snakes, and sparklers for their enjoyment. All the while, I am missing the fun we used to have with bottle rockets, spinners, firecrackers, and a host of other things now considered dangerous. This is always the highlight of the day for Kristen. For some reason she loes to play with fire. Maybe because I won't let her even look at a match or lighter most of the time. Kristen kept begging to go out for the sparklers and finally at 9:00 it was dark enough for the sparklers to work. (I remember being anxious as a kid for darkness also). What a way to end a very busy and relaxing day.

Family Gathering

My brother had the wisdom to invite the family over for a BBQ today. He supplied the meat, we all brought other things. He went beyond the immediate family and invited my dad's older Brother and his family. We were able to see, talk to, and in the case of the kids play with family that we haven't seen for a while. It has been almost 2 years since I have seen my uncle, aunt, and one cousin; and almost year since I have seen my other cousin and his wife and girls. It was so fun to get together again and watch the youngsters play. My sister's girls and my cousin's girls are almost the same age so they had a blast playing and all 4 of the youngster's enjoyed jumping all over their older cousins and getting them to carry them around instead of walking. I must say it was a nice relaxing afternoon and we should do this again. Of course I could invite everyone to my place, but then I would have to clean. Who wants to come and help me?

July 4th Parade

It has become a tradition for the four of us to head to Bettendorf for their annual
4th of July parade. We always sit close to the start of the parade. My Mom always joins us for this parade. Last year we were able to view the parade with a Veteran, my brother Dan, he had just retired from the Air Force. This year my sister and her two girls joined us for the parade. There are always a ton of entries, including the Pleasant Valley High School Marching Band. Kurt and Sarah get a little upset when I stand up and clap and sing for my Alma Mater. Hey I marched with that band for 4 years and I am proud of it. So many people had out (throw) candy, beads, necklaces, frisbees, cup holders, t-shirts, flags, and many other things as well. I really think that is one of the reason my girls love the parade is all of the stuff that they bring home. We split the candy with my sister this year and still brought home a grocery bag full of candy. Candy or no candy, I think everyone loves a good parade. Of course we also love a day off and a reason to celebrate. Hope everyone has a great 4th.

Dance Recital 2008

Pictures from this years Dance Recital. The Children's Ballet was Saturday in The Park. Kristen was in this one. The Advanced Ballet was Degas. This was Sarah's final ballet, notice that she is not on pointe, her shoes fell apart just before the show. The Tap and Jazz show was Godspell and included both girls. Sarah actually had a solo spot in this show.

Dad with his girls

 
I took this picture as we were leaving the Arch. I then played around with the settings on Picasa and came up with this look. I am really happy with this. What do you think?

check out this project

Do you want to see a darling layout using acrylic base? If so then head over to Paper Fashions for a cute layout of a little princess. If you like what you see, then please leave a comment and mention my name. Thanks

Which Disney princess am I?

You Are Aurora! (A.K.A. Sleeping Beauty.)

Thoughtful and loving. Authority figures probably have been sheltering you all of your life. Thankfully you're a very tranquil person who is content with what life has given you, but secretly you want to know how the outside world works.

Which Disney Princess Are You?