Pioneer for a Day

Kelly's class had "pioneer day" at school. Students dressed up as pioneers, watched "Little House on the Prairie" and ate foods that the pioneers would have eaten. I wish I could take credit for making the outfit, but no, I cannot. It was another great thrift store find.

While watching "Little House on the Prairie", students ate foods that the pioneers would have eaten such as beef jerky and dried seeds.

Writing two things that she would take with her on the journey.

Happy Birthday Summer

Sept. 11th is a day we Americans will always remember, but for our family it has another special meaning. It marks the birthday of our beloved daughter, Summer Lynn. Kelly is always proud to tell others about her sister who is in heaven, and each year we celebrate this special day.

We celebrated with our friends.

Blowing out the candles after we sang "Happy Birthday".

Jumping Bean

Kelly pulled on these exercise shoes that Tom found at the thrift store. She could hardly walk in them, they were so big and heavy. She did manage to catch some air. Yes, that is a futon mattress on the floor. It was so hot that we slept by the door to keep cool at night.

The Next Lance

On Labor Day we rode our bikes on the trail all the way to the beach. Kelly was all suited up for the ride with her helmet, shades and Camelback. We had a good time, although Tom had to ride his bike home and drive the car back to pick Kelly and Mandi up.

A Visit with our Friends

We had a short visit with our friends a few weeks ago. Kelly was able to see her friends, Casey, Caden and Colin. Even though it was short, the time together was sweet.

I wish I had as much energy as these kids.

What a good lookin' crew.

Kelly's First Day of First Grade

Friday was Kelly's first day of workshops at The Coastal Academy. Here she is walking to our car from our driveway.

Kelly with her friends, Annie and Emma.

Here we are when we first arrived at the classroom.

Day at the Beach

We went to the beach for the first time all summer. We went with our friends, the Selings. Kelly, Emma and Maddie pose for a picture while playing in the sand. Kelly finally went into water deeper than her ankles. She loved it!

The waves were pretty fierce. The kids were only allowed in up to their waists.

Kelly has fun frolicking in the water.

Kelly and Mommy enjoy sitting in the surf together.

Swim Class 2007

Our little swimmer had lessons for two weeks. She enjoyed class so much that she never wanted it to end. Her goggles were her closest friend. Although she needs to learn how to put them on right! Notice they're upside down.

Kelly loved jumping in the water from the side of the pool.

Taking her test.

Playing sea horse tag.

Kelly passed her test. Next summer she will be in level three. Here she is with her teacher, Kealoha.

Pony Ride

On Wednesday we went to one of Kelly's favorite places, the Stepp Stables on base. We met our good friends, Lisa, Colin, Casey and Caden.

Our horseback rider, Kelly, waiting patiently for our friends.

Our friends, Lisa with little Colin on her back and Casey and Caden.

Kelly's horse, Injun wasn't always cooperative. Here he is on one of his many breaks.

Kelly and her friend Casey rode together on Injun.

Kindergarten Field Trip

Kelly's class fieldtrip was to Pump It Up. There was an inflatable obstacle course, slide and two jumpy houses.

Grocery Store Field Trip

Kelly's class took a tour of the Albertson's. She got to pick a piece of fruit, walk into the produce freezer and touch a live lobster.

Kelly had the chance to scan an item.

At the end the students met the store manager and each of them received a goody bag.

Kelly's New Bike

Kelly is hard to keep up with on her bike these days, and after two and a half years she's finally outgrown her bike. Daddy bought her a 20" mountain bike equipped with hand brakes and gears. She loves her new bike, especially since it's pink! It took her a little while getting used to the hand brakes, but now she's riding like a pro.

Yosemite Trip

We took a trip to Yosemite from May 12-19. It was a vacation we had planned six months in advance. We had such a great time there. You could not help but be reminded of God's awesome power every time you looked around. Mandi's favorite part of the trip, besides the fellowship with our friends, was the hike up the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls. It was 2.0 miles and 2000 ft. You had to experience it in person to truly appreciate its beauty. If you look closely you'll see Tom and Kelly in the bottom left corner. This is the part of Mist Trail when you got drenched.

Our Campsite

Here is our campsite, located in the Upper Pines Campground. We were very pleased with our location. Our good friend, Lou stayed at the same site. The rest of our friends stayed at the Housekeeping Camp, about 1 mile from our campsite. We pedaled our bicycles to visit them every night.