Halloween '10

This was the year of..."Whatcha wanna be?"...."I don't know??" It went right up to the last minute...but we got'er figured out and the kids had a great night!
Jake as a giant Pepsi can, Taiji as a Zombie Football player, and Kali my little Princess Pirate!

After several stops to all the Grandparents and Friends...

We ended up at Steve and Bec's for her Haunted Nurse's Station! It was a hoot! I realize that I'm running out of years as my kids start to peel off and go with friends instead...but it was fun none the less.

NCCTK also did their 'tent and treat' the next night so we pulled out the reserve costume and braved the lines! Kal and I had a good time....I'm just glad Halloween only comes one time a year! ;)

Ballet Queen

It think I've had like 4 posts without a picture of Kali...so this is a my ode to Kali. She Started Ballet in September and just LOVES it!! Now she is preparing for her recital in December! I Can't wait!!

Kali's first day!!

My baby started Kindergarten this year! We chose to go with the full time class. It was the right decision!! She's in love with her teachers, her friends, the activities and her new best pal chuck chuck (aka Chestnut the class hamster) She was sooo excited! Up at the crack of dawn and all set and ready to go!!
The classic heading out the door shot...of course I had her go back in and through the house so we could get in the garage!! ;)

Posing for the first time in front of the school sign!

A shot with her new favorite Teacher Mrs. Thomas! She is fantastic! What a blessing to know that when Kali walks into the classroom she is loved and cared for!! Awesome!

No tears...she hugged me a few times a couple of kisses and blown kisses and she was off and running! I have to admit I got a touch teary on my walk back to the car...but it was raining, maybe it was rain! My baby is growing up!!

A Fair Affair!

With each year that my kids grow I think, 'this age is my favorite'...probably because they are my kids and I tend to be a little overly proud of them...but this year was a hoot at the fair...I love this age!! ;) Truman is 16 and showed little interest, other then working in the pits on Derby day...Jake and Taiji are 12 and they had a blast running around with their friends, but still aren't too cool to spend some time with Mom and little sis....of course I had to bribe them a bit...but they did it! Kali is 5 and loves everything, she was a great partner! The weather at the NW Washington Fair this year was Awesome! We had a great time walking around, riding the rides and eating the food...here are a few pics of our adventures! Taiji with Kali doing the obstacle course.
The 'shot' of the week! Kali exuding her enthusiasm!!
I LOVE THIS PICTURE!!
Doing the ferris wheel!

Loving Life with the snakes and all her treasures!!

Our annual trip to visit Joani in the Horse Barn!

MOMMY had a little lamb, her fleece was white as snow and everywhere that mommy went her lamb was sure to go!!

The boys were troopers...this ride was a little too small for them and was quite painful, but they did it for Kali!!

Merry-go-round!

My lil dorks!! Got to love them!

I think the thumbs up pretty much says it all!! It was a great day, a great week and now we are ready for school!! Sorta!!

Demo Derby 2010

Derby time once again. It's a family tradition, Shane's passion....and I just go along for the ride. This year, as with most year's, did not disappoint. There was 1 truck, 2 crazy eight cars and 8 demolition derby cars. It's a team effort and the goal is to have at least one car in the top 5. This year we managed to have one car win the whole thing and also take 3rd, 4th and 5th. Shane won his heat in the afternoon and ended up 5th overall!! It was a beautiful, HOT day!! We all had a great time...until next year!! Shane and his right hand man, Trum, working on all the finishing touches before the derby.
Grandma and the fellas sporting the NewYorkLife Racing Tee Shirts! We were the hit of the fair. We had strangers walking up to us wondering where we got them and if they could have one!

The cheering Section!

More cheerleaders!

Shane in his car, lining up for best looking competition. Shane didn't win but one of the guys from our group did....Nice Job Clay!!

Ben working the arena!

Not sure if you can see our section....but we are the ones in orange!

Shane and Scott in the afternoon...Shane #35 won the afternoon derby and Scott #12 won the whole thing!!

Shane waving his victory flag!

Kali and I are super proud of our derby driver!! #1!!!

Kali Striking a pose with Daddy!

In between the afternoon derby and the evening derby...is hours of working on the cars getting them back in working order...it nice to have such a big group, because they all work together and get'ir done!!

Kali watching Daddy's crew!! Big thanks to Chris, Tim and Trum!

After not qualifying in the afternoon for the main event, Ben had to get in the back door by winning the Consolation match!!

Another great shot of Shane and Scott!

Here's a little picture of our derby crew #35!

And last but not least a picture of the champ with his winning car!!

2010 Demolition Derby in the books!!

Waterslides Part I

No summer would be complete without a trip to the Birch Bay Water slides. Of course we picked one of the coldest days of the summer to go...but at least the lines were short. Taiji had been kidnapped by some friends and so he missed the activities and Truman was working...but we still managed to have some fun with the Veening cousins, Jake and Kali. Here are a few highlights... Hanging in the hot tub....
Getting to go on the big kids rides with Emily....

Oh my, a little model in the making....

The splash down.

Warming up!

Fun times!

Swimming Lessons...and a little fish is born!!

This is the year that Kali has come out of her shell and decided that she wanted to learn how to swim. I credit our friend 'Dory'. She worked with Kali while at Moses Lake and got her really excited about swimming. When we got back to Lynden we started private lessons with Abbey and within a couple of lessons Kali was swimming with her head in the water, taking breathes and kicking legs. She did so good!! We are excited about what next year will bring! The little swimmer!
Floating star!

Face in the water, using arms, taking breaths and kicking legs!! AWESOME!

So Proud of her!

Thanks Miss Abbey, for your patience, persistence and love!! Until next year, have a great year in College!!

WATERSLIDES!!!

With the stress and time spent on the baseball tournament....when it was all said and done, it was time for a little fun, and family time!! We decided to spend one more night in Moses Lake then spent the whole next day enjoying the sun and each other at the water slides. We had a great time with the Olighschlagers. It was a great way to wrap up the season!! Jake trying out the simulated wake board
Truman could barely stay on long enough for me to get a picture...but I managed!

Kali and Shane on the lazy river!!

Nobody can swim forever...ya got take a break to do a little coloring!!

Me and My girl!! Notice our matching hair...aren't we too cute!!

Oh I see that look all to often...planning out his next 'adventure'!! YIKES!!

Oh that cute little Taiji...

... And then there's Jake...

Kali telling Shane like it is!! Like mother Like daughter!!

1....2....3....JUMP!!!

Taiji and a pencil dive!

Jake just trying to keep his head above water....we all know how that feels!!

Well I think this picture says it all!!

We had a GREAT time!

Double thumbs up!!