Climbing The Wall at Lifetime

Kids say the darndest things.

I got this note from Rachael today. If this doesn't make you feel good about parenting, I don't know what would.

Rachael, 4th Grade

First Day of School, 2007

Raspberry Festival, 2007

Orchid Hills

Third Grade Grad

Easter, 2007

It was a little cold while we waited for the Egg Hunt to begin...

Frog and Princess update

Here is the photo taken at the Frog and Princess dance, an event put on by the local Girl Scout organization.

I dislike dancing and was not looking forward to going. Rachael was excited and had mentioned it to me at least once a day the week before the dance. We had a great time and I learned something as well.

This is where the wedding dance training starts for young ladies, including 'The Chicken Dance'.

Frog and Princess Dance, 2007

Girl Scouts held a dance called the Frog (Father, relative or guest) and Princess Dance. There was a live band and Lifetouch took pictures (I'll post it at soon as we get it back).

Sadly, Rachael being 8 years old, she didn't want my help getting ready. Of course I did anyway - I want to have fun too!

Who Is This Cute Little Girl???

A friend of ours emailed us this pic the other day...

Time is so strange...

Over the Hills, 2007

On the way to visit Nana and Papa...

Uncle Jay

Nana

Christmas, 2006

Christmas Eve, 2006

Happy 10th Birthday, Mo!

So, my God-daughter turns 10 today. *sniff* Double digits, 1 decade, 3 short years until she's officially a TEENAGER which totally freaks me out.

Morgan and Rachael at her birthday party on 10/28/06 holding their Giga Pets.

Pumpkinheads, 2006

Rachael's 8th Birthday Party, 2006

Rachael, Age 8

Apparently turning 8 is not Fun, Fabulous, nor Sweet...

An Evening With Senior Citizens

I think this one is funny. They have the same look on their faces!

Rachael's First Day of Third Grade

State Fair, 2006

This is a mosaic of Morgan, Damon, Rachael, and Reilly; courtesy of Qwest...

Rachael in the Butterfly House...

Damon is a little less camera-shy these days...

You can see more pictures here.

At Nana and Papa's, 2006

Lauren and Nana

Rachael and Justin

Damon liked the airplane swing

Paradigm of the Photo Shoot with My In-Laws, 2006

If you want to see the photos from the shoot, go here.

Clacker, 2006

Hehehehee...

Spring Fun, 2006

My Little Reader

My Little Cook

'Mowing' the driveway...

Spring Break Party, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day! 2006

If you want prints, let me know before 2/19/06.

MLKJ Day, 2006

Camp Snoopy, 2005

Rachael and Morgan, Rachael's finally tall enough!

Rachael, Reilly and Morgan on the Camp Bus

Nascar




The Bloomington Express

Waiting to go on the Snoopy Bounce

Icee Time



One last ride...

Christmas, 2005

Merry Christmas!

Watch Super Fast Time Lapse of us Opening Presents here



A Pogo Stick


Yay! A snorkel from Gramps and Granny


Damon didn't want to open presents but
he didn't mind having his picture taken




Rachael really wanted a Nutcracker


Damon needed a little help getting into it



*****
New Toys

Christmas Eve, 2005

Damon helping Joey open his present...


Abby and Rachael



Rachael in her new Hat, Scarf and Gloves

Winter Break, 2005

Karate Uniform, 2005

Potato Head Lips, 2005

Deer Hunting, 2005

I was not planning on taking my daughter hunting with me just yet. We talked at dinner about when I was going hunting and she asked if she could go with. I thought I had the perfect excuse: She did not have any orange hunting clothes, and it would not be safe without them. Maybe we can get some for next year I explained. The next morning when I arrived home from work I found a note on my desk. The rest is history.

Rachael and cousin Justin ready to hunt.

Rachael and Justin in a tree stand.

Uncle Jay wearing out the kids on a hike through the woods.

Playing a game, finally she will sit still for a couple of minutes.

Uncle Jay teaching Rachael how to shoot.

Roughing it...

Rachael, Uncle Jon and Uncle Jay relaxing after a long day.

Sparring, 2005

I took some pictures with my phone of Rachael sparring at her Karate class.
(Rachael's on the right)

Bowing to the instructor:


Rachael charges, her opponent barely has time to react:


She was like a bulldozer, she quickly gained 3 points to win the match!

She was so awesome!

Shiloh, 2005

Riding/walking a horse at her cousin's house:

Sever's Corn Maze, 2005

Fun with Face-Thingies...




These are the only pics I managed to take.

Self Defense Class, 2005

Here are some crappy pictures of Rachael in her Self Defense Class
(aka American Kenpo Karate):


Practicing the Side Kick:


Here she is performing the Star Block and receiving a ribbon for it:

It seems useful. They are taught how to block and kick, how to run away and attract attention to themselves if they are in trouble. They are also taught what situations to avoid.

It's also pretty damn cute to see My Little Noodle fiercely kicking a bag...

Halloween Gangsta Fairy, 2005

Bowling Party, 2005

I ask for a group picture and this is what they give me...


Amazing!

******

Some action shots...


Rachael


Morgan