Toot Toot!!!

Derek LOVES Thomas the Tank Engine. We have many many books about Thomas and his friends. Derek loves the movies and the t.v. shows about Thomas. This is our 3rd year to go to Hood River to see Thomas in person and ride on his train.
Derek has a hard time smiling for pictures. The smile on his face was a genuine happy look that I wish he would show more often. I do need to say that we were running a little late, in fact Bob dropped us off to get our "Will Call" tickets as he found a parking spot (at least a mile away). He ran all the way, barely making it on the train (thus, his shirt unbuttoned for a moment or two so he could cool off)
It was a really fun day.
Derek was a little nervous with the life size Sir Tophan Hat. He is smiling but quite nervous to be so close.
Even though his Thomas Tattoo is fading, he's still smiling about our outing.
We can't wait until next year.

We needed a paint job!

We thought we needed a fresh coat of paint on our trim. And it started from there.
Now we are having our house painted, the barn painted, the mobile home painted and our roof of the garage pitched. Even though I couldn't see out the windows for a week, it was well worth it!
Wow, how projects start small and grow bigger and bigger. Dan our Man (we call him Dan the Man) is a great fix-it guy. In fact we consider him part of our family. (He is here more than he is at his home with his cute little family)
I didn't know how my parents would feel about our black trim and red doors. But, then my mom reminded me that when they lived in Lake Tahoe, they referred to their home as the red door house. So, we are just keeping with tradition. Thanks Dan for all your hard work.
P.S. Speaking of Dan the Man. The other day I was trying to set up some little activities that Derek does on his own. One activity is with a Boggle game. I give hints and Derek has to guess what I'm thinking of. He knew right off what person he needed to put in to answer the question.

Elder Vaughn's Birthday

We found out that Elder Vaughn's birthday was Sunday. Too bad we found out On Sunday. His companion Elder Ford snuck a cake mix in our house with directions on how to make it with fake eggs. Elder Ford is highly allergic to most foods (just kidding, but wheat, eggs, fish, nuts.. are but a few), and wanted to join in with Elder Vaughn's birthday cake. I'm wondering how it tasted.. Yum, Yum??? Anyway... no one had signed up to feed our poor missionaries on Sunday (Elder Vaughn's birthday) so after they arrived (to sneak the cake mix in my kitchen)we pulled out our leftovers and fed them. They are both great. Their parents should be very proud. I'm doing this blog for them, so I hope the Vaughn's and Ford's enjoy the pictures of their wonderful sons. Bend, Oregon and the High Desert Ward are lucky to have them serving here! And our tradition on speciall people's birthdays are to have Derek play Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday Elder Vaughn! Too bad I didn't get the whole song, and I cut off our poor Elder's heads! Whoops

Super Hero Birthday Party!!!

Trey is a Big 4 year old!!!I haven't missed a birthday yet, and glad I made it this year.Robert, Derek and I drove over for the big event.
Rebecca and Justin had things so organized, even though it was suppose to be at a park, but because of the rain, they moved it to their house.
But... because the weather is so crazy this year, it was a perfect sunny day.
Super Hero was the theme. And there sure were a lot of super friends that came to celebrate Trey's big day.
Trey was so polite with opening his gifts, and thanking the guests for coming.
He is growing up way to fast.
We love you TreyMan!!!
The first picture was an hour or so before the party was to start. Trey and I were just hanging out.
Robert gave him a Transformer costume that Trey would have wanted to wear during the party, but finally changed into his birthday shirt. Notice his cute Sunday suit. His actual birthday was Sunday/Father's Day. When he woke up on Sunday he said, Grandma, now is it my real birthday? He knew the party was the day before his actual birthday. Have I said what a smart boy he is?

And I can't say enough about Tian. What a happy baby he is. Just give him a balloon and he is a happy camper.. or I should say happy party guest!

Did you hear?

Gina had a birthday today!!!
And even though it was her birthday, Gina, being the GREAT employee that she is... came to work. While I was at a meeting, she took some great pictures of her and Derek having a good time (how many drills did you do today anyway???J/K).
Gina, we love having you work with Derek. You have a great way with him. His piano skills are because of you, and you've pushed me to push Derek in ways I wouldn't have tried. We love you!!! (Tell Genna that I would never fire you..LOL)

Schools Out for SUMMER

Derek had 2 classes this year at Bend High.
He took cooking with the famous, Award winning Culinary Teacher Mrs. Markland.
And than the alternate day he had the low impact p.e. teacher, the famous, Bend High Best Football coach Mr. Walker. Derek loved going to these classes. The teachers and students were so good with Derek. Derek's EA's (Educational Assistants) learned alot and appreciated the exercise.
Thank you Mr. Walker and Mrs. Markland. We will see you again next year!!!

It's Camo day!!!

Robert came to visit and pick up his mail. I noticed he and Derek were wearing the same pants. Well, I remember years ago I would try and coordinate the clothes my children wore... so keeping in the tradition I ran upstairs and changed my pants.
Did you get the memo? Monday was Camo Day!Robert, you are such a sport!

Jackie Palmer's Lilacs are blooming

Years ago I admired Jackie Palmer's lilac bushes. She would clip some off for me to take home and enjoy. There is nothing as beautiful as the smell of lilacs.
She gave me 3 little starters. My dad was in town at the time and he got them in the ground. They have looked like twigs for at least 3 years. This year they bloomed. To take this picture I laid down on the grass,to get the whole affect. The little bushes only go about up to my waist, but they are quite a few blooms and they smell delicious. I miss Jackie, but am so happy to have a little part of her in my yard.