Balloon Festival

We made our annual trek to the balloon festival. We usually load up the radio flyer and get there in time for the Sunrise Launch.....the weather was nice (a little hazy this year) and the crowd wasn't bad that early in the morning. Since Adam is usually up and ready to go EVERY morning at 5:30 am, we had no problem making the 7 am launch. Adam keeps us punctual for all morning appointments/events.

There were lots of very unique balloons this year, as you'll see in the following photos. My favorite was the daisy, hailing all the way from Georgia. I think the kids liked the tree and/or cow best of all. David's favorite was the Flat Earth balloon.

As always, we had a wonderful time and were amazed at how the festival continues to grow each year. Maybe, one day, it will be as spectacular an event and the one in New Mexico.

On our way to the festival. The wagon is a "must have" and comes with us every year.

The balloons are airing up...getting ready for take-off.

Anxiously awaiting lift off! This is actually one of the few times Adam stayed within the

designated spectator area.

Did you see that flying tree, Daddy?

Here are a few of the balloons!

Belt Graduation

Gracie has been taking Tae Kwon Do lessons from Master Vu, her martial arts instructor, for about four months now. She's in the "Little Ninjas" class and doing very well.....starting with a white belt, then yellow and, here, earning her orange belt.

Many of you got to meet Master Vu at Gracie's 5th birthday party. All the students love him because he makes learning fun. He teaches the kids about integrity, practicing self-control, being respectful to your parents, and, most importantly, that girls are NOT allowed to date until they are 30! I love Master Vu!















The ceremony has just started and the Little Ninjas will be the first to perform their 'combinations' in front of the black belts. Gracie's not even the least bit worried....nerves of steel I tell ya, nerves of steel. Of course, Gracie has always LOVED having an audience so this is really no big deal. : )

The Little Ninjas had to complete a 6-move combination to earn their orange belt. Pretty impressive front punch, don't ya think?

Yeah, she did it!! I'm so proud of her!

Labor Day at the Lake

We spent Labor Day weekend at the lake house. It was our crew, plus Uncle Steve, Aunt Lorie and cousin Nathan. The kids played from sun up to sun down. Gracie and Adam both had runny noses but that didn't slow them down for a second. The weather and water were perfect as we only had one day of sprinkling rain. The storms held off until right after we left on Monday afternoon.

The last time we were out at the lake, Sunshine, the Palomino, had just had a foal that Grandpa named Sandy. Back then, she was just a tiny thing. Well, that wasn't the case this trip. In just a few short months, Sandy is now almost full-grown.....I thought my kids grew fast! Gracie and Sandy became fast friends. Adam, my little cowboy, loved riding Snickers. We'll definitely have to outfit him with the full hat and boots ensemble next time. The Crocs just don't quite fit in. : )

We took the pontoon out for a ride each day. Adam didn't have the patience for any long trips out on the lake so we opted for short morning and evening rides. He DID enjoy driving the boat and, I must say, he did a pretty good job.....as did Gracie and Nathan. Everyone got a turn to be Captain.

Thankfully, we made it through the holiday without any injuries, only a few ant and mosquito bites to remind of the trip. All in all, we had a nice, long, restful weekend.

Gracie and Sandy

Awww, how cute is this picture? I love this little girl so much

my heart feels like its just gonna burst sometimes!

....and here's my handsome cowboy! What a little man. I think this is probably the only time he sat still all weekend. He really gives me a run for my money but I wouldn't have it any other way. : )

We're in good hands!

On your mark.......

get set.....

Gooooooooo!!!!!