Motivation

Before

Minus 20 Pounds

Equals Motivation!

Reunited

Three years ago, when we made our trek across the country we took our time and made side trips.  One such side trip was seeing my dearest friend whom I grew uo with.  We hadn't seen each other for 20 years.

Ironically her mother, my mom's dearest friend was IN CA after the death of her grandfather.  So their reunion was post-poned until last week.  Mom's dearest friend was in town with my dearest friend's daughter to scout out colleges.

20 plus years of catching up to do.

Cyber Grandma's share with cell phones

Entertaining the kids was a bit of a challenge

Turns out the attractions for kids are weekends only

But they found stuff to do

maybe they are wishing for the attractions to open.

That's a big chicken

The birds were not chicken...at all.

Despite not having a whole lot to do, the kids were amazing and the reunion was sweet.  It's possible we may see them all in the winter.  

What Is It?

For those of you who are familiar with my main blog, you know that on Monday's I ask a question.  Well, I have some questions for this blog today too!

What is it about holding a new baby?  It's just so sweet and wonderful.  I got to hold Emmy's new little guy last Thursday while I sat and visited with her.

Isn't he the sweetest?  I saved this picture from Emmy's blog.  She took the picture.

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What is it about seeing old friends that is magical and nostalgic?  Last Friday we had a mini reunion of sorts.  My BFF's mom, dad, and daughter were out here so daughter could scout out colleges.  BFF couldn't make it because of work, but it was still so nice to see them!  I had not seen BFF's mom in over 20 years.  She and my mom are BFF's.

My mom on the left, BFF's mom on the right...and of course, yours truly.

Photo By Cathy K.  (my sis)

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What is about kid parties that wear us out?  The set up?  The clean up?  The noise?  This party was small, but fun.  We played music, had a lip sync, freeze dance, pinata and of course cup cakes!

Birthday girl set for play.

  Emily's friend, W all set for the lip sync.

Photo by Cathy K.

Her friend, L was a little shy, but she still played along!  That's pretty cool and brave since she only knew Emily and W.

Photo By Cathy K.

Kristin was the paparazzi!  She had a blast.

Photo By Carolynn K. (My Mommy)

Even WE got to play!  I think my sister took this one.

 I chose Ryan for this picture of pinata time only because it is a major milestone that he even participated, let alone the fact that he ALLOWED me to blindfold him.!  Way to go dude!

Emily wanted a "music" party.  The center piece is a jukebox.  My mom made the musical notes and "sheet music"  

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And lastly, what is it about annoying the family pet that makes us laugh?

"I am sooo hocking a fur ball into your shoe!"

My brother's cat, Sumo.  He really is a sweet cat.

And forgiving.  

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Photos from the party were taken by my mom and sister.  I will be posting Kristin's pictures soon.

Kristin took this picture...which I love....

 So I changed it to black and white.  What is it about black and white that makes a picture even better!

Point and Shoot...with Water

We bought water guns at Wal-Mart over Memorial Day weekend.  4 to a pack for $5 plus a dollar one.  2 of the 4 pack actually worked.  Oh well.  The kids still had fun.

They had fun blasting each other.

 When no one is left to play, what do you do?  Point and shoot!

Uhhh!  I'm dead!

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No, he's not tired is he?

Her either.

She looks tired, but she is a fighter.  Sleep lost.

And now it is all tied up!

Cell Phones Are Cameras Too!!!

It's true, cell phones are really camera's that you can make calls from and send and receive texts and all sorts of nifty information.  Sometimes, having that cell phone is the best thing in the world, not because you might need to make that all important phone call, but because you never know when you will see a duck, that looks like...

A cow!  

Always bring your camera...pay no attention to that finger in the corner!

Having your kids have cell phones means lots of silly pictures.  But it also means interesting ones as well...

Taken by Emily with her phone.  It's a bucket with a little bit of water at the bottom.  Look closely and you should see her hands and the phone.

Taken by Emily with her phone.  I could sell this one! Not that I am biased.

Again...always bring your camera.  Because you never know when you will find...

A birds nest.  This nest normally resides in the rafters of my mom's porch.  It gets too big and it falls down.  The birds make another.

It took some coaxing but I got him to hold the nest.  He thought it would be prickly. It was actually very soft. 

Kite Flying Fun

Kristin is the first to get her kite up, up,  and away! 

Emily gives it a shot.

This is Kristin's kite.

Ryan decides it's a fun thing after all

Look at that face!!

Flying solo

Go fly a kite.

Gravity, Obstacles and More!

Ryan thinks it will be fun to bury his car in the sand

Dude, where is it now?

Meanwhile, Kristin tackles her own "wipe out" obstacle course.

Future gold medalist?

Ryan is ready to teach us about gravity.

See the truck?