Pink Camo & Princesses...

My baby just turned 7!!! Holy cow...where did the time go?!? This year for her birthday she requested a pink camouflage cake with toys on top. The challenge was finding girly toys that go with pink camo. After hopelessly searching, I finally just decided to put a tiera on top. Doesn't really match, but it's a her cake.

Instead of a big birthday bash, she wanted to have a couple of her friends over for a slumber party. While that option maybe be easier on the checkbook, it's not that easy on mom and dad. I think I would much rather do a party somewhere and after a few hours, everyone goes home!!!

Her 2 favorite gifts were a hula-hoop and a pillow pet. A PIG pillow pet, of course.

Hard to Believe

It's hard for me to believe that I am the mom of a 1st and 3rd grader. Dustin is halfway to middle school! Time has gone by so fast.

Dustin is turning into such a young man. Which most of the time is a good thing, although at times I wish he would just relax and be a little boy. He is enjoying school so far this year and is going to give soccer a try this fall. Of course he is still going to do archery thru 4H again and is really looking forward to it starting.

I've really noticed a physical change in Riley Jo this year. It seems like she is losing her baby looks and becoming quite a lovely young lady. She has become very girlie which is a new concept for me. She always wants to paint her nails and have tea parties. This year for her birthday she is having a slumber party during which we have manicures and pedicures planned as well as jewelery making...wish me luck! As for school, she likes it. She is such a social bug.

I got the following picture and I think it shows a little bit of her baby face. It's the only one. In all of the others, she looks more her age. I'm thinking that this may be the last picture of her looking like a little kid rather then a young lady.

Goats + Tractors + fishing = 1 fun day

Every Sunday we have been doing something fun as a family. a couple weekends ago we headed over to another one of the Hoodoo Ranches to meet up with some friends and go fishing. Our friends had a broke down tractor and the kids were immediately drawn to it....

They also had 2 pet goats.....

I am happy to say that Dustin likes his new fishing pole even though he didn't catch anything!

Dustin's Birthday

Dustin just turned 9 the other day! For his birthday, he just wanted a friend to spend a few days with him and then we had neighbors over for cake and ice cream. He wanted to be surprised with his cake this year, so I did a camouflage cake. The colors on my frosting didn't turn out too good, but the cake itself was awesome!! The cake was camo also, but I forgot to get a picture of it. Bummer. I can honestly say that the cake looked lots better without the frosting, but figured that I might have a few disappointed kids if I left it unfrosted!?!

He got a new fishing pole and can't wait to try it out, so we're going fishing tomorrow!!

What's a birthday without birthday whoopin's?!?!

Riley's Rattle

We went for a bike ride the other night and for some reason, Matt and I had to stop for a second. Riley Jo was just a bit ahead of us when she noticed a rattlesnake curled up on the side of the road. She gets points for being observant because, although the snake was rattling, it had just gone thru the creek and its rattle was wet, so we weren't able to hear it. I'm glad Matt was there, because if I don't have a shovel or something long, I will just give the snake a wide berth and go along my merry way. Matt on the other hand, is very skilled (or maybe brave/stupid?!) with rocks and was able to get Riley Jo her rattle!

Our day on the Mountain

Sunday we decided to head up the mountain and hang out for the day. During our hike, Riley Jo had to stop constantly to pick flowers. The assortment of wildflowers up there is amazing!

Matt built us a fire and we had hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. It was a great picnic!

After lunch, we got a little target practice in....

Of course, the only time I can get Matt to look at my camera, is when we are all grungy looking and I have no make up on!!!

After lunch, we found this little underground spring and had to go get fresh water. The water was really good and so cold!

I'm so Proud!?!?

On our way home from the mountain, there is a big pile of cut logs and a LOT of rabbits there, so Dustin wanted to shoot a rabbit with his .22. He was tickled pink that he got a rabbit with his first shot and all by himself! All I can say is...raising a boy is never boring;)