As I'm clicking post.....

This is what was happening. The squeals of delight were probably heard around the block!

Just a normal Saturday!

DH and the kids are outdoors. I've been out finishing cleaning the van and now have a moment to sit. Ahhhhh..... The joy of a Saturday morning.

DD was given a "new" bike. It's purple which is really all she cares about. It's a little big, but not by much and it doesn't have training wheels which she still feels she needs (although Daddy was trying to solve that with trainers from the boys bike). Well, at least she was getting help from the boys.

I'm exhausted!!!!!

This week started with an adventure. After two days of trying to get our new fur-baby delivered, we ended up jumping in the car and driving to Kenai. This is now about a 3 hour trip one way (I remember when it took a little over 3.5 hours). The kids were fascinated driving through the mountains, but since they had no idea we were going for a new dog, they were totally ready to turn around just as soon as we reached the other side. That all changed as soon as they saw this sweet face. She is a sweetheart of a dog about 6 years or so, totally loves the kids, yet is calm for the most part. She has manners that have even impressed the neighbors. She has quickly made herself cozy on the various blankets around for dogs and on Monday was even snapped snoozing on the couch. Her name is Sandy and we just love her to death. Even Madison has been seen playing with her as Sandy can now alert our totally deaf senior to neighboring activity. We feel totally blessed to have this lovely girl as part of our home.

Then the week progressed to the mundane, but very busy task of keeping up with friends (outings on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and I'm headed out tonight). I'm thankful the school outing that was scheduled for today was cancelled.

And to top it all off, we started school this morning. Since we ended our year so early and abruptly at the end of April, we have had a full 3 months to play and relax. But it is now time to buckle down and get back to work. For the moment, I have it planned so that we will again be done by the last of April. Let's hope that plans aren't so rudely interrupted again.

Hmm.... forgot to get the camera out.

The kids and I took a lovely afternoon and made the very best of it. We joined another family from the new home school group we have been enjoying and played in the park. It was a very busy park to the northeast of town with one very big surprise. Upon our arrival the kids were given a free brown bag lunch. Of course, they had eaten, so most of it came home and was consumed for dinner, but what a pleasant surprise. Each bag contained: milk, ham & cheese on a bun, apple, fruit jerky, and two "powerball" snacks that looked like donut holes but the package claimed had many more nutrients than a traditional donut. The warm, sunny day was perfect for the outing and the kids played very hard. The only problem... I forgot to take the camera out of it's bag and actually snap a few.

A Favorite Pose

DD is starting ballet next month. She has asked and asked for this now for two whole years. This year, since she is considered a full-fledged student, we get a bit more funding and will be able to claim ballet as her PE. We are considering Aikido for the boys as well, but still need to make the visit to the Dojo. At any rate, the little miss is extremely excited and I only pray her enthusiasm continues. She will make such a pretty little dancer, don't you think?