Birthday Bash

We had a terrific backyard birthday party for Breanne! We set up the slip-n-slide (which toasted the lawn..oops!) and had some water games and water balloons (which never last as long as you think they will) for the kids to stay cool with. The temperatures reached about 100 that Sunday afternoon, so we needed lots of water! The kids especially loved soaking Derrick (or at least Faith did).

As is a tradition for her party apparently, the storm clouds started rolling in about an hour into the celebration. We quickly got through dinner, presents and even had to send some cakeballs home with those who had to leave early. We enjoyed hanging out with our friends and even invited all the neighbors who had stay in town for the weekend.

The day before Bre's birthday, we bought a boat in South Dakota. So, Derrick and Madison set out for a quick roadtrip to get it. It was a lot of driving, but I don't think Derrick regrets it. The 36 hours of separation between Madison and Breanne (who do their fair share of bickering and fighting) terrifically reaffirmed their love for each other. They'd call each other and both couldn't wait to be with their sister again. Your siblings truly are your best friends (like it or not!)

We have not let the dust settle on the boat! We've had it out on three different lakes and mostly enjoyed every trip.

Our trip to Tongue Reservior the weekend prior was especially relaxing and we got to try tent camping for the first time in five years. It was really fun (except when we realized that we really do need a new air mattress)! The second night, Madison rolled the big tube in the tent and slept on that. It was a tight squeeze, and she woke up half on the tube and half on Derrick, but it didn't go flat.

Yesterday, we headed to Yellowtail Reservoir. We have fabulous memories of this lake, but the wind, debris and high water levels (thus, no beaches) made it difficult to relax. We'll have to try it again a different time. It is a gorgeous lake and Madison and Breanne got to tube "surf" on the tube. They think they're all that a bag of potato chips...

Summer has arrived

In full force, summer is here. Busy and all, (hence the month that's passed since the last update.) The girls are enjoying time off from school, but I try to make them read 30 minutes a day for summer reading at the library (I know, I'm the worst mom EVER! and they probably don't even like me!)

Breanne's class had a last day celebration that Derrick and I got to enjoy. They sang songs and we had treats. We found out that Breanne will have Mrs. Barkac next year (Madison's teacher from this year.) And Madi is excited to have Mrs. Renzvold in the fall.

We did get to "vacation" a week with Derrick when we traveled with him to Washington. It was very fun and relaxing for those of us that got to sit at the pool all day, not so much for those who had to go to work. However, as much as he teases me about it, I think he enjoyed the company.

Moses Lake is where Breanne's famous, "Hello, I have a mustache and a beard," phrase was born 2 years ago. Every time we got in the hot tub and turned on the bubbles, we'd smear them on our faces and say the famous line.

All the girls made strides in the water over the week. Madison can tummy and back float across the pool (to the deep end!). Breanne is starting to remember the back float and jumping in on her own. Aliya is jumping in the pool and even dunking her face in the water.

On our way back to Montana, we stopped for a day in Coeur d'Alene, ID at Silverwood Amusement Park. The weather turned into a rainy day, but we tried to make the best of it and did things we missed out on last time we were there. Madison took mom and dad on a few roller coasters, we rode the train together as a family and saw the magic show (which really impressed the girls). It was fun watching Aliya for the first time going on ride with her big sisters and riding the train with mom and dad about 30 times!

We headed home for a couple days to wash laundry, work a little and get ready to go again. (That's what I do best in the summer...apparently!) We got to enjoy the weekend camping with a big group of friends from church. We were thankful that the storms that rolled through passed quickly. Unfortunately, most of our last day was cold..too cold to play in the water. The girls had a blast tubing with friends and building "chocolate, vanilla, strawberry rivers" in the sand and flying our kite. Derrick got to ski before the boat ran out of gas and then got to paddle across the lake. We're all really exhausted!

Perspective from a seven year-old

Madison is also enjoying Coach Pitch Softball this year. She is learning a lot and has fun with her team. She especially enjoyed bringing the after game snack!

The weather has brought havoc to many across the US. The girls have had to revamp both "field trips" to be at school because of flooding and this past week, and we had a minor flood (on a smaller scale from last year) and it included water in the basement. The girls think it's fun to have a slumber party in Aliya's room.

The last sunny weekend we had a garage sale. The girls got to sell refreshments and we raised money to fill shoeboxes for Operations Christmas Child. Giving is Madison's spiritual gift, she said to me twice, "Mom, when we fill shoe boxes for kids, it makes me feel so good." After our last session of Financial Peace in the lesson on giving, Derrick came home and asked the girls, if you had $100 what would you do with it? Madison thought about it and answered, "I'd fill shoeboxes." Oh, what you can learn from a seven year-old.

T-ball 2011

Breanne has been enjoying T-ball this spring. Check out pictures from her latest game by
Clicking here.

Birthday Girl

Seven years ago, our lives were completely changed...for the better. We love you Madison Joy!

We've had quite the exciting (exhausting week) and expect more of the same in the coming weeks with traveling for both Derrick & Becky, t-ball and softball in full swing!

Easter was a blessing since all Derrick's siblings got to stay with us for the weekend. We had a full card with serving on Saturday for our church, but were able to recreate and relax with them.

Kayla and Breanne dye easter eggs.

Auntie Melissa and Madison, hard at it.

"It's so fluffy, I can't stop laying on it!" Madison said about her pillow (and her pet pillow from grandma.)

We were blessed with eleven little girls to help celebrate Madison's birthday after their early out on Wednesday.

Say, "Cheese!"

She's growing up!

Look who's riding now...

...without training wheels! Go Bre!