Documented Proof

What you are about to see might cause heart failure. Well maybe not, but just in case you might want to sit down before you get to the pictures. Each week we have to clean the house and I say we because I won't do it alone. I don't make all the mess why should I clean it all. Well now I have documented proof that my children help clean the house. Yes you read right - my children helped clean the house this past weekend and I got pictures. Well Doug took the pictures, but only after my request for him to do so. So without further adieu here they are:

Benjamin vacuuming and Christopher cleaning their bathroom

Not sure what Evan is doing (maybe the vacuum dance to help Benjamin), but Benjamin is still vacuuming

Fun in the sun

We got lots of sun today after the kids came home from school. Hope we aren't too burnt. I did apply suncreen. It was only a half day because it was the last day.

We went swimming.

Ate special treats made by Aunt Paige - Rice Krispie Treats

And just hung around

Last Day of School!!!!

Today was the last day of school for Benjamin and Christopher. My how the time flies.

Here is the burden of the first day of school back in September

Here is the freedom of the last day of school!

AH! To have the freedom of summer vacation again. I think I would like it please. Please? PLEASE!

First summer outing - take 2

Head of the first trail we took. We actually took parts of 4 trails that made a big loop back to where we were parked.

Ready! Set! Go! And they are off. Ben and Evan take the lead easily.

Doug, Alexis, and Chris bring up the rear

Some of scenery we saw and way up ahead are Ben and Evan

Our poor little trooper: Christopher

First Summer Outing - Take 1

This summer we have plans to do something local every other weekend. This is in lieu of going on a big family vacation which we do every other year and last year we went to the Oregon Coast. So we went out to a local park and did some hiking. A very good day to go. It was overcast and not too hot, but with the coolness came one problem: MOSQUITOES. I hate those little blood sucking vermin. Everyone got sprayed down with Off and yet I still came away with three bites right where they get bothered easily - the back of my arms right under my shirt sleeve. Even though I was live bait I still had fun and so did everyone else. Even Chris who was still coughing a lung out. Alexis loved walking and did a good amount of it. She also was very bossy when some of us would get too far ahead of her and she couldn't catch up. Ben and Evan loved being in the front and leading the way. All in all a good start to summer.

We started out with a picnic lunch. There were hamburgers, peanut butter sandwiches, doritos and peaches.

Alexis took a walking hit

But got right back up and started walking again

Benjamin found some mushrooms on the path

At our first break we had licorice and Benjamin decided to make a green licorice smile

Gone Fishin'

The boys and Doug have been waiting since the snow started melting to go fishing. This past weekend was going to be The Weekend to go and it was in part. First thing saturday morning all the boys were going to load up and head out to a friends place where they have a pond filled with fish. However, one little boy was unable to go. The night before fish time, Christopher started coughing and could not stop. I decided it best if he stay home and I take him to urgent care for medicine. Again I ruined a little boy's day. He was not happy when he woke up to everyone gone. I had to console him as best I could, but I don't think it helped much. Oh well, better luck next time. Benjamin and Evan had a great time fishing and came home telling "fish" stories. You know - who caught the most and how big. Everytime Evan would reel in a fish his pole beat a beat against the bench. He just couldn't seem to hold it up and reel in at the same time. All in all it was a good time had for all. Sorry Christopher, next time you can go.

Bring on the fish pictures.

Here is Evan sitting and ready to fish. You can see the bench on the side/back the his pole hit.

Benjamin with one catch

Ben caught a live one. Look at it's moves.

Baby sister graduates!

This past weekend was memorable in that the original baby of the family finally graduated from high school. For those who don't know I have 7 natural brothers and sisters and one adopted brother. Hence the original baby graduated and not the adopted baby (he is only 3). She was the salutatorian so we got front row seats for the event. It was good to be there for her.

Erin Vanderholm Graduation: June 5, 2009

Salutatorian Speech

Recieving the diploma from our dad. He is on the school board and the board members hand out the diplomas.

Tossing the cap!

Finding the caps!