Kelly's Birthday Party

We celebrated Kelly's 7th birthday at the art studio. She and her friends chose a ceramic to paint. Of course, Kelly chose to paint a horse.

Singing "Happy Birthday"

After painting at the art studio, we went to McDonalds for Happy Meals and cupcakes. Kelly had fun opening her gifts.

Only 9 Days Left!

Kelly made a paper chain to count down the days until we leave for Pennsylvania. On Monday there were only 9 days left! We are so excited to come home.

Kelly received a certificate of achievement at her school during a special "Thinker Reception". It was special because only 2 children from each grade were nominated.

Kelly receives her certificate.

Kelly holds her certificate.

Kelly loves to ride the motorcycle with her daddy.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was low key this year. Mandi made the meal. We had turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and yams-yum!

Kelly loves her American Girl, Felicity

Kelly's Early Birthday

Meme, Jonathan, Uncle Mike, Aunt Kelly and Kelly's cousins sent her birthday present early. Kelly opened it yesterday and was sooooo excited. Now her American Girl doll, Felicity has some pretty dresses. Kelly says, "Thank You to everyone". She absolutely loves them!

Making Pasta

Tom picked up a pasta maker the other day. He and Kelly made fresh spaghetti for dinner. Mandi made her yummy sauce. It was lots of work, but well worth the time.

Enjoying our homemade spaghetti!

Marine Corps Ball 2007

This year's ball was coordinated by Tom. It was held at a resort called The Bahai, located on Mission Bay. Here we are before the ceremony.

A Marine Band played for the ceremony.

The Color Guard

Wheeling in the cake for the cake cutting ceremony.

Tom played The Marine Corps Hymn on the bagpipes while the cake was wheeled in.

Sleeping Beauty

Kelly loves to read. She always has her nose in a book. Some of her favorites are Junie B. Jones, American Girl and A-Z Mysteries. This particular night she feel asleep while reading.

Our Horse Girl

Kelly wore this outfit and riding hat on Halloween for school. It took some chiding, but she finally wore it.

Happy Birthday Tom

Tom celebrated #35 this Wednesday. We had a delicious dinner at our friend's, despite the fires. This was Tom's yummy cake.

Is That Raw?

Yes, here are Tom, Lou and Rob chowing down on raw ahi.

"Happy Birthday to You"

Showing off some of his gifts.

Featherweight 221

Kelly practices sewing on Daddy's new Singer Featherweight 221 that he got for his birthday.

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.