Memorial Day 2008

We were so looking forward to a day spent at home together. Thankfully the Lord provided us a beautiful day on Memorial day. The sun was shining, it was 82 degrees and there was a nice breeze. With the gas prices being what they are, we were happy to celebrate at home playing games together, enjoying a cookout, visiting with our neighbors and all of this thanks to those who over the years have given their lives to secure our freedom. Freedom to enjoy a day off from a job of choice. Freedom to be with family. Freedom to pray and worship together. Freedom to live in the best country in all of the world. Oh we take so much for granted and yet on this Memorial day we were able to reflect on all the blessings that come from living in America. Sometimes the simple days spent together with family are what make us appreciate all the blessings we have right in our own back yard. Thank you to all who serve and have served so we can enjoy the blessings of freedom and prosperity.


Hunter was wondering
how he found himself in
this position..."Kayla get off
my back!" he cried.

Hudson didn't let the gas prices

keep him from taking the pickup

for a spin.

Kayla was finally

able to take the new

bike for a spin...yes

brakes now work!!!

This picture sums up how we all
felt by the end of the day.

And She's Off.....!!!

There She Goes!!

Daddy Stayed Close Behind

The Final Stretch

(that is to the end of the road and back :)

Home Sweet Home!!

Kayla enjoyed a quiet Sunday afternoon birthday this

past week. She had two things on her list that she

desperately wanted... a big girl bike and a scooter. Thanks

to her grandparents (and Uncle Nick for the helmet) who

donated to the cause, she got both! Now, the bike is still in the

assembly process. Daddy worked hard on it the night before

her birthday, but there seems to be a malfunction with the

brakes...not a good thing for Kayla. Anyway, she was thrilled to

be able to take the scooter for a test run. She found out very

quickly that it's not as easy as it looks. Halfway down the

street she was complaining about how bad her legs hurt!

Anyway, here are some pics of the first big ride....

Happy Birthday to our Little Girl...Kayla Nicole!!!

Warm Sunny Play...Finally!!

We are having a cool rainy spring so far this year. The kids have been dying to shed their shoes and coats and play outside...so when we finally had a warm 75+ degree day this week, we headed outside no shoes, but shirts required. :) Hudson took to the great outdoors like a real boy does...he headed right for the dirt and sticks and worked on his pitching skills every now and then. Kayla hit the "court" to work on her ball skills...not bad form for a little one if I do say so myself. As for Hunter...he just loved running his toes through the grass, cracking his ball with the bat and hanging out in the shade of the trees (a favorite summertime past time of his). Ahhhh....now that we are back to cool rainy days these photos give us hope of summer days to come and I don't think it can get "too hot" for us this year...not after this winter. Happy Spring!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

We wanted to take this opportunity to honor our Mothers today. We are so grateful to each one for their devotion to family. So today we thank them for not only who they are, but also for what they are. We love you! Happy Mother's Day!!! Rick, Heather, Hunter, Kayla and Hudson

The Wild One

We celebrated Hudson's birthday on Saturday at a place called Wild Air.

This was our first birthday to host at someplace other than our house. But with our house still on the market, we decided to save on the mess and find someplace fun for the kids. The kids had a blast! I don't know the last time they played that hard.

Here is Kayla coming down the gigantic slide...she didn't stop moving the whole time.

Hudson didn't like the "bouncy" toys too much yet....maybe because he can't jump. :)

He did pose for this picture before getting back on solid ground.

Kayla and Mayzie breaking only for a quick shot

Hudson had the best time playing on the riding toys. He loves wheels! And for Hunter...you could pretty much count on him playing wherever Uncle Nick and of course JOELLE was...still a bit smitten. :)

Some of the family choosing wisely to enjoy a soda and watch from the side. They were smart...that place was nuts!!




After the play time, Hudson took some time to open his gifts and enjoy his first birthday cake. This truck was one of his favorite gifts!! He loves things that move. As for the cake...Hudson dove right in and didn't stop until I literally pried it away. He loved the blue frosting, especially.

Finally....a picture with a smile!!! That smile came only after loads of cake and frosting had been shoveled into his mouth. So after a fun time with family celebrating this big milestone, we can definitely say that for Hudson this last shot was the "Icing on the Cake"! Thank you everyone for a special day!!!