Back Marks - Day 120

Matthew has these weird marks on his back...anyone want to guess what it is?

I Won $$! - Day 119

Today at Bunco, I came in 2nd place by winning 17 rounds (and I didn't even get any Buncos...go figure). This is my first win in two years! Yea!

Castle Building - Day 118

On Saturday, Nicholas helped Jack build this cool block castle at Mama and Papa's. They're quite the architects!

Another Nicholas Photo - Day 117

Nicholas took this last week on his walk down to the creek. I like the way he framed this one. Today just zoomed by...loved the sunny weather, even though it was kind of chilly still.

Lemurs - Day 116

The boys went to the zoo with their dad, his girlfriend, and her two young girls. They had fun showing them around, since they go quite often. It was a great day for zoo visiting.

Car Show - Day 115

Nicholas some some great pictures today at the car show at the Tacoma Dome. He went with Owen, Papa, Mark, Kelly, and Jack (their son, Nicholas's cousin, who is 5 years old...actually 5 and a half he says.) Matthew spent the morning volunteering at the apple orchard with Builder's Club. This car is owned by one of my dad's friends. Pretty, isn't it?

Down to the Creek - Day 113

Nicholas went down to the creek and got some pictures. This car has been here forever...not really sure HOW it got down here...there are no roads down this way. I bet it has an interesting story, though.


Snickers loves to come down here with his people. He becomes the mighty explorer and shows people the way to go. He often steps into the creek in parts that don't run fast.

Instant Tiger - Day 111

moar funny pictures

We used another birthday coupon tonight, this time at Duke's. I love their salmon with balsamic sauce. It was a beautiful day to look out over the water (while Matthew swayed back and forth with the waves) while eating dinner.

The Stump - Day 108

Owen fought the stump and...Owen won!! Yeah, Owen! It was a lot of hard work. The boys had chopped away at it last year when we took out the tree, but last year the stump won. After much chopping, pounding, and chainsawing, Owen was successful.

Goodbye to Don - Day 107

My friend Kim's dad died last week and his service was today. He had a long career as a fireman and the church was packed. It was sad but it was great hearing all about him, all the stories Kim and her family told about him. Afterward she told me that he called me "red-convertible girl"..he had a nickname for everyone. Hugs to you Kim.

Rainier's - Day 107

The boys went to the Rainier's game tonight with their dad...Matthew sent this via his phone.

Just a Picture - Day 105

This is a picture Matthew took, not sure where, but it was in my April file and I had nothing much to say today except...if you go to Chambers Bay Grill to eat, don't expect fast service. Or any of the 3 people who offered to bring coffee to actually bring it. Or to be able to hear people at your table once the dining room fills up. There...that's it! (I think this was the event that set off my grouchy mood.)

Today my class is done with the WASL. YEAH! It was only 4 days long this year instead of 5. We still have to be quiet next week when the 4th and 5th graders finish up their tests.

Isn't He Cute? - Day 104

Snickers is a sneaky cat. Last night when we went to bed I asked Owen if Snickers was on Matthew's bed. I thought Owen said yes, but he said no so I didn't call outside for him. When I woke up in the night, Snickers hadn't joined us (which is unusual) so I worried about him until Owen woke me up to say goodbye. I asked Owen to call for him outside and shortly, Snickers jumped on the bed. Owen texted me later saying he found Snickers inside my Highlander! Luckily for him there is a blanket in the back so I'm sure he snuggled down there and wasn't too miserable in last night's almost freezing weather. Goofy cat, always sneaking into cars...

...but I love how his tail curls around his feet to keep them warm. Isn't he cute?

Happy Easter - Day 102

We had a nice brunch in Centralia at the Gibson House. The food was just ok, but the company was nice. Owen's parents, sister, and daughters were there with us and Matthew (Nicholas had to work so he didn't come down). Alexa will be turning 21 on Wednesday so it was a good time to celebrate her birthday, too.

Later that evening (after getting 1 pair of shorts for Matthew, 1 pair of slacks and 2 pairs of jeans for me...all for around $65), we had a nice dinner at my parents' house and Nicholas met us there. A fun, full day with families. :)

Boating Day - Day 101

Watch for it...We travelled around to find a good park to drive Matthew's boat. The first lake had too many unsavory characters just hanging around so we ended up at Sunset Beach. We chose an area with pilings for extra driving challenges. We thought we were going to get trapped by the train (it blocked the walkway for about 15 minutes) but it finally moved then two other trains passed through. Luckily, they didn't have to stop.

Birthday Dinner - Day 100

Kind of neat that my birthday is on the 100th day of the year. :) We went to Sakura's for dinner. Here is my favorite, Tepanyaki Shrimp.


And for the first time in a LONG time, he made an flaming onion volcano!


Here we are after our great meal.


Mama and Papa had dinner with us, too. They love this place as much as we do!

Spring Break Day Off - Day 99

Today Owen and I both took the day off (tomorrow, too) because the boys have Spring Break and mine was last week. We went to a movie, then Go-Karting with Owen's coworker Brian and his son. It was a fun day!

This is Owen


Matthew


and Nicholas. It's hard to get good pictures because they're going SOOO fast and it's far away from the spectators area. But these will do. :)

B'day Coupons - Day 98

I love the few weeks before my birthday...my mailbox gets filled with coupons for restaurants and stores. Tonight we took advantage of The Keg's free dinner. I had Mushroom and Crab Sirloin with Garlic Mashed Potatoes...I don't know which I enjoyed more, the steak or the potatoes! Monday night we used our Chevy's coupon for my free dinner. I also have Cold Stone, The Ram (free dessert), and a free Blizzard coupon waiting (although I probably won't be able to use them before they expire unless I eat ice cream for my meals, then I'll have to use my Dress Barn coupon to buy new clothes...)

Mouse Trap Car - Day 95

Matthew had to build a mouse trap car for his Science class. He had two designs, the first with small CDs in front and regular sized CDs in back, then this design with regular CDs in front and records in back. He got an A on the project and bonus points for winning the class vote on being the most creative. Yea!

Clean Room, Sleepy Cat - Day 94

Snickers found a great place to nap after Matthew cleaned his room. He often sleeps here, but in a scrunched up comforter, not on the nice long pillow.

Last Day Before Break - Day 93

Nicholas didn't have a lot to do at school today (remind me that next year...I can take them out early since I always have off the week before they do). He and his friends got to draw on the white board in his Pre-Calc class...everyone needs free time once in a while!
He drew the pirate ship as well as some of the other stuff...

It Makes Me LAUGH! - Day 92

I just love this video...I may have even posted it a while back. Matthew played it for me again on the TV and I laughed so hard I had tears in my eyes.

Snow in April? - Day 91

I know it has snowed in April before. I didn't get pictures today because it was mixed with rain and didn't stick. We had a memorial service to go to this morning for our friend Pete. Brenda and I went to lunch afterward and talked about anything and everything. It was nice just to spend time with a good friend. You never know when their time (or your own) will expire, as was said at the service. Enjoy the people in your life, everyone.