My baby's off to school!

Kali Faith is off to school! She was sooo excited!! Last night as I was getting her ready for bed I told her that she had school tomorrow...she squealed with delight! I said to her, "Mom's going to take you to school, but I can't stay." She replied, "That's OK mom, you can drop me off and then you can go home!" I think she's ready!! I didn't expect any tears...but as she was hanging up her backpack and taking off her coat I started to think about how big she's getting and how I was never able to do this with Abbey and of course started to get choked up. I think Kali's big sis would be so proud of her...they are definitely two little peas in a pod, Abbey had thought she needed to go to school at the age of 2!! Well I guess I better stop procrastinating and start cleaning my house while I have a little alone time!!

...and their off!!

Hard to believe it (I know I say it every year) the boys are back in school! They were not looking forward to it until we stop by school yesterday and met teachers and saw a ton of their friends...after that, it didn't seem so bad. Kali's official first day isn't until Thursday...I will post more then!

Daddy's Girl!

We have been very blessed with an Uncle and Aunt that live on a wonderful ranch. We love to go out and spend time with them. Kali has recently discovered that they have several 'tractors'. She is like her grandpa 'Buddy' and her dad and loves to ride on the 'tractors'...or in this case the gator. She has to 'do it myself', hence dad in the passenger seat!! They had a great time touring the ranch, feeding the longhorns, and getting fire wood!! Thanks to Guela we got it on on camera! Here is Kali's adventures with daddy...she is quickly becoming...Daddy's Girl!!All set!
Notice the white purse, tucked in the little drink holder!

Off they go!
A little snuggle time after a hard day on the ranch!!

Demolition Derby 2008!

Derby Day at the Fair...I know LP, we are rednecks...but we love it!! The crew did great this year. We had 6 of our 8 guys in the main event and ended up 2nd, 3rd, 5th and Shane took 7th his 2nd year in a row. This year was a bit more relaxing...Shane took 3rd in his heat and made the main without any damage to his car, so getting ready was a matter of filling the car up with gas. The other boys didn't fair so well and it took all afternoon to get them back up and running. The other highlight was that Ben, (who builds all of Shane's car's) ended up winning the truck derby. He started his truck on Thursday and had it ready to go by Monday!! Great job and a great year...now on to the Derby Crew BBQ this Friday night...

Kali Faith....your next American Idol!!

Make sure you have the sound turned way up!!
Kali Faith...my little performer!! Kali loves to sing...here she is playing cousin Emily's guitar and singing her favorite princess song, 'Part of your world' from the Little Mermaid. It was just too cute...I had to share it! I hope you love it as much as I do, and that it puts a smile on your face!!

Shane's a Star!

The NW Washington Fair is right around the corner and this year the local TV station decided to do a piece on some of the up coming attractions....of course at the VanDalen household the best attraction is the Demolition Derby starring our one and only #35 Shane!! The TV crew came out to the Derby Shop and interviewed Shane and the boys, check it out...it's pretty neat!