I'm back to blogging...here is my post for Thursday 7-31-08When you start a new book do you ever go to the last page and read the last sentence, not the last paragraph just the last sentence? Well I do. So here is the last sentence (so to speak) of our trip to California. We took these pictures last Friday morning (July 25th) before dad drove us to the airport at 9:15 for our 11 a.m. flight.
Paige and Megan had a wonderful time with our California family. They spent time with Mimi in her art studio, painting and making some fun and fabulous art and memories to take home. They also spent time at Aunt Shann & Uncle Steve's taking a bazillion photos of Nugget the world's most beloved Koi fish and the turtles too. They had a blast playing hide and seek at Chelsea's house with Cody, Chelsea and her room mate Brittney.
We also got to visit with Great Grandma a lot, it was fun to see her so much and she really seemed to light up more and more each time we visited. It was nice to be able to make a positive impact on her day just by stopping in for 10 or 15 minutes to say hi and give her hugs. I am very proud of Paige and Megan. Visiting at nursing homes is not always an easy or pleasant experience since the odors are strange and sometimes the folks in the hall can seem cranky and confused, but they were always happy to stop and say hi to Great Grandma, and they would get up and sit with her and visit.
We had so much fun and the time always goes by too fast and the good byes are not easy. They are already talking and making plans for our next trip out West.

I have a feeling that the next time I get pictures of Mimi and Paige together that their shoulders may be closer to equal height. The girl is growing!



Thanks Dad and Carole for opening your home to me, my family and friends. For taking us in and for taking us out to eat and make memories together. We had a wonderful two weeks full of fun, love and good times. Thanks for every thing, we miss you and love you with all our hearts.

My post for Tuesday 7-08-08
Why is this girl smiling?
A) She has a big bowl of chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
B) She has a toad climbing up her arm.
C) She has a puppy on her lap.


If you answered B you are correct!

Yesterday before I went out to mow the yard I asked Paige and Megan to do a "toad patrol". We ended up finding two baby toads for them to take care of while I mowed. I don't like the idea of running over critters while I am mowing, so that is why we do "toad patrol".


They retrieved a shoe box from Megan's closet and we punched holes in the lid. Then we added some canna leaves and a stick. They kept the toads in the shade and then turned them out in the flowerbed when I was done mowing.
My girls like toads, and that makes me smile!

My post for Monday 7-07-08
Happy Birthday Carole/Mimi, we can't wait to see you on Friday! Enjoy these flowers from our garden. xoxoxo Brandi, Mike, Paige, and Megan

My post for Sunday July 6, 2008

We went out to dinner at Don Pablo's tonight. It was Mike's idea, and a good one too since I had been cleaning house all day, it was nice not to have to mess up the kitchen and clean it all over again.

After we got back home we had Rebel and Rowdy out front. Sam was walking Ms. Bailey, she is a "Boggle" that is a Boston Terrier-Beagle mix. She is about 4 weeks younger than Rebel and they are like peas and carrots in a Forrest Gump world.

So here they are in their blurry-chase-fest-zany world.

After all this crazy-zany chasing we took Rebel for a walk around the block...and yes he did sleep well.

I think she kinda sorta likes her new scooter. Yep! it's two thumbs up!


Megan testing out her new scooter. Ooops we forgot to bring her helmet with us. Not to worry she survived her 10 minute scooter ride without even a scratch.

My post for Friday the 4th of July 2008We hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!
Let us all remember our brave men and women in uniform and their families, not just today but everyday. Their sacrifices make our freedom possible.
God Bless America!

The Tooth Fairy is coming to our house tonight!

Megan was eating her gummy vitamins this morning and she was afraid to bite into them with her front tooth. It was pretty loose. So after she had her vitamins she reached up and gave it a yank and out it came. She came in with her tooth in her hand and a BIG grin on her face. The first thing she did was call Aunt Deb to tell her "my toof came out", she has a bit of a lisp now.I just glanced outside to check on Megan and noticed she was rollerskating without her helmet. Violation! So I snapped her picture while she was on her way to get her helmet. I reminded her that if it has wheels then she wears a helmet. Gee it's a wonder we all survived our childhoods? The only time I wore a helmet is when I was riding my Honda XR-75 dirt bike.

It's not Miami Ink (thank goodness) and she's not Kat Von D Tattos....
Megan received a "Body Art" kit for her birthday. It contains 3 Fun Foam Body Stamps - 3 Washable Body Art Ink Pads - 5 Washable Body Art Markers - 122 Temporary Tattoos - 1 Body Art Stencil Sheet - 16 Peel & Stick Multicolor Body Jewels - 2 Containers of Body Glitter and Easy to Follow Instructions.

Tuesday I applied tattoos to the arms and ankles of Paige, Megan and Cameron. We have a "No tattoo on the face" rule here. Paige also did some self drawn flowers on her hands. I tell ya tattoos have come a long way from the ones we used to get in the Cracker Jack's box. You know the ones that just smeared and ended up looking like a purplish pink bruise. I don't think I have to worry about the real thing popping up on them when they are older, considering they are both too chicken to get their ears pierced. But the temporary-washable ones are lots of fun in the summer time.

Pooped Out Party Animals!Cameron stayed for a sleepover after Megan's party yesterday. They played quietly together until dinner. After dinner they got their p.j.s on and watched "Lion King 1 1/2" with Paige. Then they asked if they could put their shoes on to run out and catch fire flies. I let them do that since I was taking the dogs out back. Then it was upstairs to brush teeth and read stories. I tucked them in bed at 9:30. I thought that was pretty good for a summer sleepover. Unfortunately they did not go sleep until almost 11. There was talking, and giggling and a drink of water. When I went in to check on them before I went to bed this is what I found. Megan and Cameron were on opposite sides of the bed from where they started and Rebel pup was snuggled up with Cameron. I ran and got the camera before putting the pup in his own bed in our room. They slept through the night and were up at 8:30 this morning ready to play some more.