Back on line

We're back to being able to access everything at home. We're still trying to recover the old data, especially pictures. I'm sure someday I'll get them all back. It made me stop to think about how long it had been since I put pics in the photo albums. It's been longer than 2 years. Digital cameras are great, but they give you that instant gratification of seeing the picture right away, so then there's no need to get pictures.

I decided that I'd post a couple of my favorite pictures that I could recover:

Madisen and Riley, May 2006

Riley, 11 months old, February 2005

Madisen at swimming lessons, Summer 2006

This is my: Madisen as Aunt Sarah picture, notice the purple Docs

Computer and things

Sorry I haven't been able to post recently. For some unexplained reason the power supply died and our computer will not turn on. Fortunately we were loaned a laptop a while back, so we can still check e-mail, but I'm not able to post any of my pictures.

Things are pretty normal around here. Madisen is still playing soccer. Riley is still dancing in ballet. Christina is still watching kiddos. And Matt is still waiting to go back to work.

Matt will be attending his apprenticeship training all week next week. Then on October 27th he should be off to begin work somewhere out at the Hanford area. He's supposed to work 7 days a week, 12 hours a day (6am to 6pm), until just before Christmas.

Riley and Aunt Shannon headed to the pumpkin patch on Wednesday with Riley's preschool class. That night Matt got to accompany Riley to her school for a special pumpkin carving event. A great time was had by all.

Madisen's had a couple of really good soccer games lately. Yesterday she was a little off her game. She's got a sinus infection and some form of strep. She insisted on playing because she was feeling alright.

After Maddie's game we headed to the pumpkin patch (Madisen got to bring her friend Bryanna). We had a great time. The girls played on the bounce obstacle course, pet the animals, climbed the straw bale pyramid, conquered the straw bale maze, rode the ponies, picked just the right pumpkins, and everybody ate ice cream.

I'll try to get some pictures posted soon. Maybe I'll sneak in and use Mom's computer or something.

A Few More Pics

Here are a few more pictures from the camping trip in August. These pictures were taken on our field trip to the aquarium.

Our family

Riley

Cousins

(top to bottom: Cassidee, Kennady, Haley, and Madisen)

Adventures

This week's big adventure was attending the Cavalcade of Bands in Pasco. Matt was unable to attend, so Cassidee got to come with us. Britt, Melanie, and Audrey met us there and we all sat together. The kids seemed to have a great time. (Note in the picture above: the group in the stands behind the field, in the shape of an "H", is the Hanford High School Marching Band.)

Christina (yikes!), Riley, Cassidee, and Madisen

Madisen and Cassidee were the "bed bugs" (this is their self nominated nickname). They set up a make-shift nest in the stands to try and stay warm.

Riley and Audrey had a good time too. They were busy! I had to keep reminding Riley to keep it down during performances. It was so cute to watch them dance together.

Riley (in her new glasses), Uncle Britt, and Audrey.

Matt is still waiting for his employer, or the union, to come up with some work for him. He's really getting stressed out. Hopefully he'll get word tomorrow to gear up and head back.



Madisen got to visit the dentist to acquire her second filling. I'm really proud of her. She did great in the chair. Even the staff commented on how well she did. Her soccer game went well, she had another shot on goal. It's wonderful watching her blossom.

I haven't said anything about Riley yet. She loves school and ballet. She loves life. I am very proud of her.


I am blessed to have such a great husband, wonderful children, and loving family and friends.

Fall Colors

I thought you all might like to see what our fall colors look like.

Not quite traditional for most parts of the U.S., but it's what we've got here.

I took the kids for a walk down the road today and captured a few frames of our lovely tumbleweeds during their change. They change from green to yellow, orange, purple and pink. Well, such is life in the desert, not many trees, but at least you can count on something changes colors in the fall.

I also took a picture of a rose in my flower garden.

Funny pics from the past

While transferring pictures from my phone to my computer, I came across some pretty funny pictures of Madisen and Riley.



One night after dinner Madisen caught a glimpse of her reflection in the pasta pot. It's kind of a "fun house mirror" effect.

Madisen

Riley

Maddie and Riley

Balloon Adventure

Saturday morning we got up really early (5:30 a.m.) and took the kids to Prosser for the hot air balloon festival. We got there, picked up some breakfast, and then walked around the Prosser airport grounds watching some 30 balloons fill up and lift off. A good time was had by all. Barely any complaining, just cold feet. (Madisen was due for a new pair of tennis shoes, which she got later on in the day.)

Matt, Madisen, and Riley.

I forgot my camera, but I took some shots with my phone.

There was even a Frosted Flakes balloon! They're GRRRRREAT!