The Hedger Family

We Miss You Grandma and Grandpa!

2011-10-02T14:30:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to my mom and dad's to shoot some fall pictures. The pictures on my wall of them in shorts is driving me crazy and making me long for Summer even more! They did great and I love how they turned out. I took pictures of what they love about Grandma and Grandpa's house, the tire swing, the ponds, climbing trees, and exploring.

Dying Eggs

2011-04-25T17:00:00.002-07:00

While Stephen had Landon last week, we got together for breakfast and then we let the kids dye eggs. We all had a great time! Landon thought they were balls and insisted on throwing them!

Mason's Music Program

2011-04-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

Mason also had his music program at his preschool. there were 53 kids in the three-year old program and he had to wait his turn to show off his "pet." He chose Dan, the dinosaur. They they sang songs and we had a snack. He has really learned a lot and grown this year in preschool!

Casey's Music Program

2011-04-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Casey had her music program at school in early April. I was so proud of her. She tried out for a dancing number, and got a part!

Trophies

2011-04-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

Because we are moving soon, Starkey wanted to downsize his trophies. It's amazing how well he's done over the past 10 years!

Easter

2011-04-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter Sunday. We met out at my Mom and Dad's for prime rib. The weather could have been nicer, but at least it didn't rain!

Instead of an Easter Egg Hunt, we went fishing!

Casey's 8th Birthday

2011-04-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

It's a well known fact that I am done having children. But every birthday my kids have breaks my heart. I hate that they are growing older. I don't want another baby, I want my kids to STAY young. Like most mothers, I hate the thought of a day where my kids won't need me as much, won't feel the need to talk to me every day, the day I can't carry them or kiss their boo-boos. It's just around the corner, and I dread it. So, despite my begging, Casey's now 8. Eight feels old to me. Next year, third grade. I can do third grade. Third graders get me. Casey had a sleep over for her party. Starkey and I survived a night with 8 kids in the house. This is how it went. They were all well behaved and QUIET! At one point, I had to remind myself that we had that many kids in our house.

This is why we have 7 American Girl Dolls. Noone had to share! It did take me an hour to pick up this mess!

Mason

2011-03-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

It's so hard to believe that my baby is already 3 and a half. He has grown so fast. One night, after his bath, he played with a balloon for nearly an hour.

Casey has introduced the "Peace sign" to our house.

Again with the "Peace Sign."

Blizzard

2011-02-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

The "Great Blizzard" of February 1, 2011 has come and gone. Thank goodness! I am so sick of snow, below 0 wind chills, and winter in general. I can't wait to see some grass! We got 13 inches of snow and had some scary winds come through.

I kind of liked being "hunkered down" with my babies. We did crafts, played games, perfected hot chocolate, watched movies, and kept warm. The kids got along for the three days were were stuck in the house! It was a miracle.

These pictures were all taken by me, inside of the house. I am not amused by snow. I prefer sand and sun. Also, Casey was too embarrassed by the way she was dressed and refused to let me take her picture.

Spoiled...and worth it!

2010-12-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

Their expressions when they first saw the loot!

Santa's elves dressed Kit in a new dress!

MONSTER TRUCK!

Justin Bieber, in a box. At least this is as close as Santa could get without kidnapping that kid!

Mason with two sweet new dinosaurs!

After we finished with Santa's presents at our house, we went back to Mom and Dad's. We got Landon around 3.

Landon and his sweet new whip.

Somehow, the boys made a game out of a big wheel and a chain saw.

Mom and Casey playing dolls.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We sure did!

Santa's Jammie Surprise

2010-12-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Santa always comes on Christmas Eve and gives us new pajamas. He also writes a note to the kids.

We set out milk, cookies, and carrots. This year Casey wanted to leave Santa a gift too! She's such a thoughtful girl!

Mason's ornament this year.

Casey's 2010 ornament.

Since we don't have a chimney, we have to use a "Magic Key." We leave it by the door so Santa can get in our house without committing a felony.

Christmas Eve...At Mom's

2010-12-28T16:18:00.000-08:00

We started out Christmas at my mom and dad's house. While there, we got 6 inches of snow! It was beautiful, if you like snow.
Mason was helping Uncle Steve shovel the sidewalk, with a tractor. Hey, he's the only one that volunteered to help him!

I love this picture. It shows three things that have given me a headache! I Spy, Dancing Mickey, drums, and a Nerf gun.

Making Candy...Again!

2010-12-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

This year we got to make candy at my Aunt Deb's house, a tradition that we put off for a few years. We had all of the grandkids together and had a blast! I didn't get any picture of the candy, but I got some of the kids getting along and playing together!

Halloween

2010-11-30T12:31:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween! It was filled with friends, family, pumpkins, carmel apples, and memories!

We're Still Here

2010-11-30T12:30:00.000-08:00

Joseph...The Finale

2010-08-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

Casey had another wonderful summer being around a great group of people. She made some wonderful friends and was sad to see it end! This year she got to help tear down the set!

This is sweet Olivia, she's a teacher pleaser!

Casey as the sheep. My favorite part of the play!

Her as an Ishmalite (sp?). The ONLY time I need to see her pants that low!

She's so tough!

Casey and Ms. Olivia!

Casey and Mackenzie

Goodbye Grandma and Grandpa

2010-08-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis Children's Museum

2010-08-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Since play practice and the shows are over, Starkey and I took the kids on a mini vacation. We stopped at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis on the way to Cincinnatti. The kids had a great time! Here, Casey was pretending to be a bird! She's such a hoot!

They have an area to dress like a dinosaur and sit on nests. As you can see, the kids loved this part.

Here, you can dig for fossils.

We also went to King's Island. We went late in the afternoon and after a thunderstorm. The crowd cleared and we had a blast. The lines were short and it cooled off!

Carly~An Update

2010-08-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Carly's doing good! The kids love her. The other night Mason said to me, "Thank you mommy for getting me a new puppy." I guess that makes it worth it!

Joseph~Opening Night

2010-07-31T12:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 1st Birthday Landon!

2010-07-31T12:30:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that Landon is already one! We were lucky that we got to spend some time with him this weekend! His smile just lights up his whole face!

Snake

2010-07-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

My mom found this snake at the house. I still can't believe that MY MOM picked up a snake! It's amazing the superpowers you get when you become a grandma!

Funk's Grove

2010-07-14T14:43:00.001-07:00

This free slideshow made with Smilebox

Sheep

2010-07-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

I made this, and sadly I am proud! I sewed the vest. I had no pattern but my child! I then, painsteakingly, hot glued 700 cotton balls on this thing!

All for Joseph at Miller Park. Casey made the children's choir and has a small part as the sheep. Because of a famin, the men in the play go searching the desert for food. The sing about being down to thier last sheep, my angel! Make plans to come see it!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Miller Park
July 23,24,25
July 30,31,August 1
August 6,7,8

All shows are at 7:30

And I better hear cheering for this sheep!

More From the Fourth

2010-07-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mason Moo!

2010-06-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

We made it! We lived through the "Terrible Twos." Trust me, some times we weren't sure we would. This boy is lucky that he's so cute! Despite the fits and frustrating independance (no comments on where he gets that from) we love this boy a lot! He is so funny and has a great heart. He's my little man! Any mommy of a little boy understands what I am talking about!

Thank you Hubble and McGowan families for this game, and especially this box!

The little monkey was soooo excited for his cake! We actually had to sing and blow out his candles twice!

I thought this was a sweet picture of the McGowan kids! Just ignore the Heinz commercial!

Sweet ketchup face!

Mr. and Mrs. Ornery. Notice how they took no time in soaking themselves with water from the fire truck. They were taking the bottled water and filling the tank with that. Only the finest spring water for our toys!

My cute little family! No Maury needed here, those are definately his babies!

Just pull that tooth out Casey!

Doesn't he look like a big boy here?? (Sniff sniff! )

Yes, he's wearing his pajamas. It was 6 am, and we both were out in our PJs. You only turn 3 once!

Thanks to all of our friends and family that helped to make Mason's day wonderful. He got some great gifts and had a ball! We love you!

Casey's Recital

2010-06-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Casey had her recital on Saturday. She was in a gymnastics routine and a skit for her theater class. She did great! It still amazes me how she can get on stage and not be a nervous wreck! I sure was! In her skit, she was a bee trying to get onto the Noah's ark. We were proud of her.

On Sunday she tried out for the Miller Park Summer Theater program, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Wish her luck!

It's Finally Summer!

2010-05-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Cuddle Time

2010-05-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

This puppy gives up some serious cuddles. Her favorite place it by your neck, she crawls right up there. Last night she crashed on the couch with Mason.

Then she cuddled up next to Casey. This was meant to help wake up the princess.

With all of the excitement, visitors, and playing, I think we may be wearing her out a little!

Carly Hedger

2010-05-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

We got the kids a new puppy. It was a total surprise to them. I wasn't totally ready, but the day my kids were playing with a dead fly and wanted to keep it as a pet, I melted. She's a beagle/pug mix. She is the sweetest thing! She's the runt of the litter, and so playful. I got her from the PE teacher at school. Casey got to name her and chose Carly, from iCarly on Nickelodeon. It's funny, because if Mason was a girl, I wanted to name him Carly!

Chicks Man

2010-05-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

This year Amy and I had a great hatch! Between ourselves and the other third grade teacher, we had 24 chicks! The kids loved them. Even Landon got to play with them!

Sweet Puppy

2010-04-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

It is with a VERY sad heart that we announce that we have lost our Rocky. It all seems like a blur. It happened so quickly. Last Wednesday, Starkey called and was worried that Rocky just had a seizure. 24 hours and 5 seizures later, we were at the vet. He spent 5 hours and had blood work done. The diagnosis at that time was an infection. We were so relieved that all we needed was antibiotics and time!

Sadly, the seizures continued and his condition worsened. It was so hard for us to sit by and watch him suffer. 2 more calls to the vet, and we ended up meeting him on Sunday at 12:45. He wanted to do an x-ray and more blood work. I can't remember much after this. I remember a call, with Dr. Bortell explaining that his blood volume and hemoglobin have reduced, and his red blood cells were also lower. Our new diagnosis, Acute Anemia. His body was destroying his red blood cells. The vet wanted to keep him over night to give him treatments and to let him rest.

I got a call on Monday morning that he was worse and his condition was deteriorating. Starkey and I got to spend the next 4 hours petting and loving him. We had to make the ultimate decision for him. He was looing at us with sad eyes, and breathing took so much effort. After one final blood test, we had to say goodbye.

We feel like we have lost our first child. This was Starkey's first pet. It's hard not having my shadow behind me. I haven't gone to the bathroom alone in 9 years! I miss his shedding, his sneezing, his snoring, the sound of his nails, the hole he leaves in our couch, the way he kicked Starked all night, the feel of him on my legs at night. I just miss him.

March 15, 2001-April 12, 2010

Easter

2010-04-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter with beautiful weather. We celebrated out at moms.

He got one!

Steve helped Mason play some basketball.

Starkey and the kids had a great time playing basketball. I can't wait until we move and can have a hoop at home!

For Sale...

2010-04-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

The house, not the kids!

Casey's 7th Birthday

2010-03-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

We had a busy day to Celebrate Casey's birthday. She had french toast for breakfast, Ming's for lunch, and then it was time for her party. This year we had her party where she takes gymnastics and theater class, Dance and Tumbling Sensations. It was a fun time. The kids played with balloons.

Then they Limboed.

Followed by musical chairs.

Finally, Hot Potato. (Played with a stuffed elephant!)

Then it was time for cake...

and presents! She got a lot of great gifts!

Then the kids went back downstairs for open gym time. They all had a blast. I am sure no one had a hard time falling asleep!

Mom brought Landon. He loved this ball!

When we got home, Mom, Dad, Steve and Landon came over. Dad and Steve had to work, so we had pizza and invited them for dinner. Casey got the American Girl camper from Uncle Steve and Landon! She's a very lucky girl!

American Girl Trip, 2010

2010-03-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to American Girl! We went with Nicki, Mackenzie, Amy, and Madelyn this year. We had a great day. This year we took the bus trip through Bloomington Parks and Rec. When we got there, we had a little time and then it was lunch time. Here we are waiting for our table.

I like to count the moms taking pictures here!
Casey's lunch was a mini hotdog, mini hamburger and mini serving of Mac-N-Cheese. The dessert is so yummy, I never manage to get a picture of it!

Then Kit had to get her hair done. I didn't do a very good job!

OMG! She looks sooo much better!

Casey got money from Grandma Brenda, Grandma Cindy, and her Great Grandparents. She got Kaya! She has been wanting this doll forever!

We had a fun day! We are looking forward to next year already!

Casey's Pictures

2010-03-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

Casey got a camera from my Grandparents and took some pictures. They really crack me up. She loves to take pictures and video. We have to watch them all! As an added bonus, it kept both kids busy for a while!

Sunday With The Family

2010-01-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

Steve had Landon this weekend so we all got together on Sunday. It amazes me how much Landon changes every time we see him! He had two teeth to show us on this trip!

What Up?

2010-01-18T15:14:00.001-08:00

Boys...

2010-01-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Casey sleeps with a million stuffed animals.

Mason sleeps with all 4 silky blankets and various trucks. Last night it was a police car.

She Doesn't Get It From Us

2009-12-30T17:03:00.000-08:00

Casey loves to draw, and she's good at it. Here she looked at a picture of this monkey and sloth, then drew it. I am not sure if you can tell, but the detail on that monkey's hair is amazing.

Super Freaks

2009-12-30T16:58:00.000-08:00

I mean Super Friends. Anyways. You might notice that Mason is a blur in all of the pictures. That's because he's a poster child for two year old boy. He never stops, not for anything!

Family Night In

2009-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

We have been getting lots of snow since Christmas day. Luckily we had what we needed and no where to go. It also helped that Santa brought this......

So we cuddled and watched a movie. I LOVE winter break!

Christmas Day...Finally

2009-12-28T11:43:00.000-08:00

We opened our presents from Santa then headed out to Mom's to celebrate. We had a great Chrismas.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve we did our usual thing of going to my Mom's house. We decorated cookies, watched movies, and opened family presents.

Then we came home and set out milk and cookies for Santa. The kids were so excited for Santa to visit. Casey even used her window markers to leave him a note!

Casey's Recital

2009-12-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas Casey had a gymnastics recital. Her theater group also acted out "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Oz the Musical

2009-12-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

Casey had a wonderful opportunity to be in Oz the Musical last night. About a month ago she tried out and got the part. It's actually a traveling theater company that casts local kids as munchkins and flying monkeys. She was so excited! We love watching her on stage and she's getting to be a pretty good little actress. As she was running off stage, she turned and waved good bye to Dorothy!

Here she is with Orlando Brown. He was the Cowardly Lion. You might remember him from "That's So Raven." I was so excited to meet him!

Here is the swing group!

After the show she got everyone's autograph.

The dancers...

This is the Wicked Witch. Yes, it's a man. He was my favorite. Instead of a broom, he had a vacuum!

This guy was from High School Musical 1-3.

She was in Dannity Kane.

This is Todrick Hall. He's the writer, author, and choreographer.

Festival of Trees

2009-11-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

Starkey and I took the kids to the Festival of Trees this year. We went on the first night it was open and we were like the only people there.

Notice that Linus Jr. had to take the blanket on the train!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-03T15:23:00.000-08:00

This Halloween we went to Nicki's house. That neighborhood was nuts! There were kids everywhere and people decorated like crazy. It was like a Halloween movie! I didn't get many pictures because my camera wasn't cooperating.

Casey's Field Trip

2009-10-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Casey's class wnt on a field trip to the Peoria zoo on Wednesday. I let her take my camera. I now have 300 pictures of the day. She took pictures on the bus on the way there and back. I also have some pretty funny videos!

I am not sure why she took this one!

My Boys

2009-10-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to a new pumpkin patch this afternoon. It was the first day this month that it wasn't cloudy, freezing, or raining. It's out by my mom and dad's house in Downs. It was so cute!

First, we got our faces painted.

Then we picked some pumpkins.

Then we rode on the barrels. Both kids loved this a lot. They rode for 20 minutes and I didn't think I was ever going to get them off!

Then we went through the corn maze. Considering Mason fell down 4 times and I thought we were lost, it was fun!

Then they rode the barells again.

Annual Pumpkin Picture

2009-10-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Gymnastics

2009-10-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

Glenn School Carnival

2009-10-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Casey's school had their annual fall carnvial and we all went. It was raining outside so all of the events were inside.

Casey and Audrey got to fight! Yes, Audrey is really that much taller than Casey. But my little scrapper beat her three times!

Casey won a cake in the cake walk!

Hello Grandma!

2009-10-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Since my mom has been gone, Casey has put a lot of minutes on my phone talking to her.

Success

2009-09-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Mason and I built a tower using all of the blocks! I was so proud of how well he helped.

Labor Day Parade

2009-09-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the parade on Labor Day. I love how that parade supplies the candy in my classroom for a few months. The kids had a great time and were well behaved. Mason didn't like the loud trucks. We got to see Logan in the parade too. He walked with his ice hockey team, with a cast on his arm!

Baby Landon

2009-09-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Tasha went back to work so we're watching Landon. Being an aunt is great. I get to play with a baby and then send him home. The kids are loving it. Mason talks so sweet to him and calls him buddy. Casey thinks she has a new doll.

Sibling Love

2009-09-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

This is the story of my life...Casey being sweet and innocent and Mason finding a way to be ornery. The poor photographer told him to hug his sister, and this is what we got. Someday Casey will think this is funny.

Back To School

2009-08-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Casey and I both started back to school and we have been BUSY! It seems like we haven't had an exra moment. I know that's every family right now!

Mr. Wiggles is Gone!

2009-08-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

Casey's first tooth (Mr. Wiggles) fell out today while I was brushing her teeth. Yes, I brush her teeth. Now that we're over that....she was very excited and can't wait for the tooth fairy to come tonight! I keep calling her Jack, as in Jack-O-Lantern! It's kind of sad that I won't see her smile with all of her baby teeth again. She grows up way to fast!

Casey also starts first grade tomorrow. She is very excited to have Mr. Hovey and all of her neighborhood friends in her class. Her BFF isn't in the same class, but she reassured me that she will still be able to see her during recess.

LeRoy "Fall" Festival

2009-08-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Nicki talked me in to joining her family at the LeRoy "Fall" Festival last night. She always goes, and I always pass. The kids did have fun. Casey and Logan went on rides together and Mason and Mackenzie went together. At the end of the night Casey won two gold fish in the "throw a ping pong ball and win a gold fish" game. One was dead this morning.

These two ornery brats loved this ride. Mack just kept head banging the whole time and Mason was laughing.

By the way LeRoy, it's not Fall yet!!

End of Summer :(

2009-08-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

So, I lose 20 pounds and decide I don't care, I am taking my kids to the pool. Then we have an abnormally cold and wet summer.

Maybe God wants to me rethink my plan and keep my big butt home.

O well, I took the kids to State Farm pool today anyways. We also took Nicki, Mackenzie and Logan. We had a great time. I don't think I have been around our 4 children for 4 hours when they were so good! Days like today I wish summer would last for a few more weeks.

I am sure one of them will drive me crazy soon and I'll be counting down the hours 'till Monday.

Starved Rock

2009-08-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

Last year I went to Starved Rock on a field trip. I had such a great time I have been bugging Starkey to go. He took off work yesterday to make me happy. Let's just say it wasn't the trip I had hoped for. Mason whined the whole way there. When we got there he refused to walk. Starkey mentioned something about a bathroom and then he started announcing to everyone that "Daddy needs to go to bafwoom." That kid is a trip!

Here we are looking off of Starved Rock.

Mason actually enjoyed himself here!

I think this is where Starkey thought about jumping.

Look, more enjoyment.

Casey loved every minute! This is St. Louis Canyon.

Don't Ask!

2009-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ropp Cheese Farm

2009-08-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Amy, Nicki, and I took the kids to Ropp Cheese Farm last Wednesday. They got to pet some goats, a turkey, some calfs and some big stinky cows. Casey and Nicki stepped in poop and we bought some cheese. Good times!

Oh The Things You Can Think....

2009-08-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Casey has had such a great time being in Seussical the Musical this summer. She has made some great friends and made some great memories. I took a few pictures last night, here are the Whos after the clover is dropped.

Casey and Horton the elephant.

Yertle the Turtle.

Casey, Maisy, and some bird girls.

Gertrude, my favortie character. Some Whos. (Lily, Olivia, Mackenzie, and Casey)

Ms. Hannah and Mason (she's a jungle creature-a Zelephant)

Cat in the Hat and Casey

Morgan, Micah, and Casey

Jojo (Sawyer) and Casey

Ms. Alex trying to make Mason happy. (She's a jungle creature-a tree frog)

Meet Landon Neal Case

2009-07-20T23:15:00.000-07:00

Landon was finally born! July 20, 2009. He weighed 8 lbs. 2 ounces. Stephen was beaming. He's quite a cutie! Casey is so happy to have a cousin that isn't a dog! I have a feeling he and Mason are going to get into some trouble!

Cute Picture From Amy

2009-07-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Opening Night

2009-07-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Casey had her first play last night. She did so great and made us so proud! Thank goodness the rain held off for us!

Jen brought Zach and he brought Casey flowers. It was so sweet. Thanks Stacey, Lexi, Jen and families for the flowers. Thanks Amy and Tami for brining the kids out too! It means a lot to both Casey and I that you were there for her special night!

These are some of the Whos. Casey has made some great friends this summer!

Zoo with Mason

2009-07-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday Casey had a Zoo class and Mason and I toured the Zoo. We had a fun time.

Mason took this picture of the birds. They were getting close to his feet and he loved it!

He and that goat (Charlie) had a mutual understanding. Mason quickly touched him and they parted ways.

I guess our zoo is too big. This is where he sat and needed a break. We actually got to see them feed the sea lions. Who knew those animals actually knew tricks?

He kept calling the wallabee a dog. O well.

Play Practice

2009-07-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Casey and her fellow cast mates have been putting in a lot of hard work lately. Last night we didn't get home until nearly 11:00! She is having a great time and is so excited. She has made some great friends and is working so hard. We can't wait to see the whole show!

Her play dates are July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31, and August 1 and 2. All of the shows are at 7:30 at Miller Park! Hope to see you there!

Glen Oak Zoo

2009-07-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we decided to take the kids to the Glen Oak Zoo in Peoria. Too bad we weren't the only ones with that idea. We had to wait in line 45 minutes just to get into the zoo. It was worth the wait. It was the right size zoo for my kids. Not too many animals and not too big. They also recently opened an Africa exibit that was pretty neat.

Popcorn Tractor

2009-06-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Seems Mason thought his tractor would also make a good dish.

Anderson Pool

2009-06-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

We met Kimmie and her boys at Anderson Pool for toddler time. They had a great time!

Finally

2009-06-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

We finally got to get into the water at mom and dad's. Casey caught a few fish and Mason dumped them out. It's still hard to believe that the water is still so high!

State Farm Pool

2009-06-28T18:03:00.001-07:00

We went to State Farm pool. I can't believe we've never been there before. It was so much fun. We did have to evacuate the toddler area three times. Seems poo and vomit were popular the day we went.

Happy 2nd Birthday Monkey Mason

2009-06-28T17:50:00.001-07:00

Mason's birthday was Saturday and we celebrated again at my mom and dad's house. It was such a great day, except that Mason had a fever and was miserable all day! I took him to the doctor's office that morning to rule out Strep or an ear infection. Luckily it was just a virus and we proceeded with the party. Almost everyone still came!

Mason got a basketball hoop. He loves to "shoot the ball."

One of the few smiles from that day.

When we got home he walked to the couch and put himself to sleep. That poor Birthday boy!

Recital

2009-06-14T18:30:00.001-07:00

Casey had her recital on Saturday. She did such a great job. Starkey and I were so proud of how well she did. She even helped other kids remember where to go.

Recital Sneak Peek

2009-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Casey has her gymnastics recital on Saturday. We are all very excited. They had their pictures on Tuesday so we got an idea of what she will look like on Saturday.

Snuggle Time

2009-06-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

I caught them being sweet. Granted, it only lasted 5 minutes.

Recent Ornery

2009-06-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of my ornery boy. He is so lucky he is cute and has this smile! He decided to put all of my clips on his shirt and run around.

Not sure who he was going to TP, but good luck!

Meager Harvest

2009-06-07T17:05:00.001-07:00

We got to go out and pick a few radishes and green onions tonight. Casey and Mason were so excited. They weren't much, but they were yummy!

Flood of '09

2009-06-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

This is the beach at mom and dad's. I guess we won't be swimming any time soon. I just hope the water goes down by Mason's birthday!

Last Day of Kindergarten

2009-06-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Casey had her last day of school. She was very sad to be finished, she loves school so much.

GOOSE!

2009-05-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Seem to have a poultry theme going here.......

Chickens

2009-05-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Amy and I had great luck this year! Together we had 18 chicks. We were also lucky enough that we found farms to take them and we got to keep them longer. It's neat getting to see their feathers come in and how big they get! Casey's teacher has a farm and took 3 home. She'll be inviting us over for chicken dinner in about 3 months!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks Great Grandpa Jerry!

2009-05-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

My mom, Casey, and I have always wanted a garden. I had one growing up and through high school. Nothing beats a fresh tomato! We finally got my dad talked into letting us have one. My grandparents came up to help my mom around the house. Since my grandpa can't sit still, he made the garden for us. Today they got to plant the seeds and plants. We can't wait!

My New BFF

2009-05-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

I got an HP Mini for Mother's Day. It's awesome. It only weighs 2 pounds and fits right on my lap! It's my new best friend!

Wisconsin Dells

2009-05-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

We all went up to Wisconsin Dells for Starkey's last competition. We stayed at the Chula Vista resort. It had an indoor waterpark. The kids had a blast.

Competition

2009-05-07T10:24:00.001-07:00

This is Starkey's successful 595 lb. deadlift.
This is the picture I took when he hurt himself. Yes, after the shock wore off and he left the stage I took a picture. Not quite sure why. As stupid as it sounds, I have never thought he would hurt himself competing. Doesn't every husband try to lift 630 pounds? He had lifted this weight two weeks before. I was just stunned. He still got a first place medal!

Before and After

2009-05-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

Starkey had his surgery yesterday. At his competition in Wisconsin he tore his left biceps tendon attempting a 630 pound deadlift. After much research, we learned that this is a VERY rare injury. The Orthopedic Surgeon, anesthesiologist, and many others were excited for his surgery. They had to get his tendon, which snapped and settled under his biceps, then drill a hole in one of the bones in his forearm, pull the tendon through, and walla! 6 long and painful months of physical therapy he'll move his arm again.

This Is What I'm Talking About

2009-04-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

74 degrees! We had a blast playing outside on Saturday morning. Everything was new to Mason and still so exciting for Casey. I was alarmed to see that Mason has a fear of nothing. It's going to be a fun summer!

Cuddle Bugs

2009-04-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

Siblings

2009-04-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

Sometimes they get along and are so sweet to eachother. They are starting to play together more. Mason can also tattle, which is a bonus for him. I think she might finally see the value in a sibling.

Thanks Amy!!

2009-04-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

I would like to take this time to thank Amy for the "Cupcake Maker" she gave Casey for her birthday. I don't know what genius decided that spinning watery icing was a good idea, but they stole her money. Next time, just buy Casey some icing and let her throw it on my walls.

Easter

2009-04-19T16:51:00.001-07:00

We were blessed with great weather on Easter. Casey got a new bike. We went to mom's for lunch. It was our last "hurrah" before her surgery. Mason woke Casey up to tell her the bunny came. Notice he was already eating his loot.