Dog Days of Summer

We are having fun this summer between stints of boredom.

Alyson came home with Grandma Ankeney last Monday and by Tuesday, Rachel and Grandma were headed back to Hereford. Rachel was soooo... excited to go spend almost 2 weeks alone with Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney. We've missed her, but I know she needs this one-on-two time with them! Alyson had a blast and came home with evidence of pure spoilage! She had fun but missed us terribly - she called almost everyday. We haven't heard much from Rachel.

Creativity has taken hold of this gang. Matthew and Alyson decided to make a wagon out of a cardboard box and a skateboard. Then they took turns pushing each other down our neighbor's driveway - who could go the furthest down the middle of the street?

Matthew seems to be having fun playing football in the YMCA league. This shot captures him running for a touchdown. Sadly enough he didn't quite make it!

Prior to leaving, Rachel threw herself a birthday party. Now you may be asking - why? Her birthday is not until October?!? Well, everyone who knows me well knows how much I just LOVE (not!) throwing birthday parties. Rachel wanted to have a party with all of her friends. I told her she could do it if I didn't have to do a birthday party this fall. Then she had the idea to have this be her birthday party. Her friends went a long with it!! Happy 10 2/3 Birthday, Rachel! We love you. One down, two more to go...eventually.

Matthew and Alyson convinced Dave to take them to Six Flags this week. We got some free buddy passes when we bought our season passes, so Alyson invited her friend Ashtyn to go with them. To keep cool, they made sure to get completely soaked on "Aquaman" and any other ride involving water. (Sorry, I know this is small)

It has been HOT and the rain stayed away this week. I have to remind myself...yes, it is June and we live in Texas! The only hope for a break will be our trip to Montana next week. Yipee! I cannot wait!

Have you seen His hand in your life?

Congratulations Graduates!

What a big week for our family!

Matthew is now officially a First Grader! He was so excited to walk across the stage in his cap and gown and collect his certificate saying he passed Kindergarten. Why is he so excited to be a first grader, you may ask? "Because I get to eat lunch at school!" His Dad has a much different answer for his excitement for first grade! Let's see...sleep, golf, racing, temple (not necessarily in that order)...job? We'll just have to see what life brings!



Rachel joins the ranks of graduates as she moves from 4th to 5th grades and changes schools. She is thrilled to be a student at Parkwood Hill Intermediate School next fall. Yeh! She gets to ride the bus! (I am sure that excitement will be short lived) She received high honors for her achievements in class and on the TAKS tests. Following graduation, she got to spend the day with her friends from school going out to lunch and celebrating her friend's birthday.



Unfortunately there was no special ceremony for Aly this year, although there should have been. She did awesome in school and ended the year with straight A's. Her reading and math have improved and we will continue to work on those areas over the summer so she is well prepared for 3rd grade.

Since school got out on Wednesday, the kids have had a blast playing with each other and Grandma and Grandpa Ankeney. They surprised us late Wednesday evening and brought their brand new motor home to show us. The kids could not control their excitement! We drove up to Lake Texoma on Saturday for a picnic, fun at a small beach, and to see how the ride was. Dave tried to get me to drive "the beast"; we got about 15 minutes down the road when I got paged for work! Just my luck ;). It will take me some time to get used to driving such a large vehicle!



Alyson was exhausted from all the excitement - so exhausted she couldn't finish eating before crashing! (Actually, Uncle Dave put a Cheeto in her mouth while she slept to see how long it would take her to notice. She had no clue!)

The Truck and Indy races were this week so those with tickets spent Friday and Saturday evenings at the track. It was nice to visit with Dave Taylor and have him join us on our excursions. I think we're all pooped today - most of us have just napped and rested.

Alyson is off for her week with Grandma and Grandpa. They all left in the motor home early this morning. I cannot believe how much I am missing her already!

I know I don't say it enough, but I love my family beyond belief - both my immediate family and all of my extended family. I am so blessed with a husband who thinks the world of me (and I of him) even on days when I wonder why! I have been blessed with parents and brothers and sisters that I am close to and enjoy time with. And to top it all off, I have the best in-laws ever! They love my children and treat me as though I have always been a part of this family. Here's hugs to you all!