THUNDERSTORMS

It was another exciting night in Kansas with huge thunder and lightning. Thought I would miss the nights that all my kids have to come in my bed when they are scared so I took this picture. Braum is gone until 2 in the morning lately since Gunnery is going on so this is what he saw when he got home. So, he slept in Cade's bed, I was sleeping in the middle of Brooke and Cade.

Homes in Illinois

In Memory of Grandma Duryea

How sweet it was to be loved by her!!!
1926-2009

Rylie, Brooke, Ashlynn and I spent a proud Memorial weekend honoring a wonderful lady!! We met my Dad and Wendy and my brothers with my sisters, Maegan and Jess and baby Reagan in Illinois to bury Grandma. She died on May 15th. I never felt more loved than when I was in the presense of her and my grandpa - they were always on my side! I was so happy to have gotten the chance to go up there and see the things that reminded me so much about them, we got to see her house that we used to spend our summers and her parents house. And spent a great day with everyone there. Family, no matter how much you do or don't see them is always there for each other - with a true, unconditional love surronding it!
May 2009

Here is Rylie playing soccer. Her team didn't win, but we still love watching her play!

Easter Egg Docorating

Decorating was different this year. Usually I have to get everything set up and have a huge mess to clean up. I think the girls had just as much fun making the egg dye than decorating the eggs. They did a great job and I got to take lots of pictures. They were so organized in the beginning that clean up was easy. The eggs turned out beautiful and we had a great time doing them!!

Rylies 5th Grade Musical

Can you tell which one she is?

Rylie did an amazing job in her musical. I can't believe she is getting so big!

The Three Musketeers cheering her sister on!

Brooke's soccer game in Salina, KS

This is Brooke's second game playing with her new traveling team the Pink Pathers. Yes, her uniform is green, you haven't gone colored blind, they came up with their name before they figured out what color they would be; you would think to change the name?? Anyway, they haven't done so good as far as wins go but they do look great with their matching backpacks and warmup outfits. She is on an all girl team that has a lot of potential so we think this is a great thing for her. Dad is the assistant coach and loving every minute of it even in his hectic work schedule.

Its Hailing Its Pouring the Old Man is Snoring

We know it hails everywhere - but weather in Kansas is always fun and intense. We are under another tornado watch, which should probably scare us more than it does since a year ago our town had a tornado touch and run through it for a mile. Nothings better than falling asleep to the sound of thunder :)

Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina Kansas

This is how we celebrated St. Patty's Day!! I would like to say we had a great time at the zoo, and though it wasn't all bad, we pushed Cade's limits. He was tired and bad - I forgot his silky and its hard to tell in the pictures but he cried for it most of our trip. Oh happy days :) But none of us got pinched on this day!!

Spring is here - Its finally here!!!

The kids with our neighbors, Hayden and Regan, climbing on the dirt hill right next to our house. Who needs toys? - all you need it dirt.

Pretty dog!! - We have hope that one day she will stop chewing and eating food off the kitchen counter. :) She is getting MUCH better about not running away and coming when we call.

Our Bradford Pear Tree - I need to post a better picture. Its right in our front yard, looks like a stick in the ground, but sure does make me happy :)

Making a snowman!!!

Okay - Braum is home and I am addicted to Facebook and catching up with so many old friends but the pictures are here :) We had a great time in Utah over Christmas break - from building a snowman, skiing, sledding!!!

Christmas 2008

Family pictures that were taken on our trip back to Utah for Christmas!!

Christmas

Here are some of the many pictures I need to post ... I promise to get some more up soon :o)

He's Home!!!

Can you see him?? Brooke found him first, then Rylie - it took me forever to figure out where they were talking about. Then Rylie told me third row, third person.

I love Cade's expression in this picture. He was just amazed that his Dad was actually holding him!! My sweet Rylie got emotional but it doesn't surprise me it WAS very emotional. Not only for us but also everyone else around us seeing their loved ones. People were screaming, clapping, holding up signs. Then they played the national anthem and people starting singing in the crowd. When they released them it was crazy, people running everywhere.
Its so nice to have him home!!!