Gopher Count 2012

 Normally the Viola Parade is the first week of summer. It is one of the kick offs that Shana and I never miss. I love going to it. Matthew is getting older and I wonder how long before he says no thanks. This year Kaden had Basketball camp and Matt was on his own. The parade started with this baby pony. He was so cute. 

 Then there was the gopher himself! Hope he still had his tail. They really do shoot and count gopher tails as part of the festivities. Mike and Matthew really want to get in on that side of this celebration.

 And then there was Addie. This was her year! Last year she would get a piece of candy and then sit on the side of the road and eat it. It was too sweet. This year, she realized that parades like gopher count are a lot like Halloween without all the work. She watched her candy add up.

 I took Matt's picture with Mr. Liberty. One of my favorite side things about the parade is the political representation... I know that sounds odd but it is really nice to see who is running and what they stand for. Carla Nelson was a yes! However, her running mate put a sticker on Matthew without asking under her sticker and I was not too happy about it! 

 Normally I would not post a picture of a float...after all it is a ride full of kids that none of my loyal followers(hi Grandma Dot) know. However, check out the kid with a sucker on his head! I thought that was worth sharing. 

 I wonder if this will be his last bag of candy from the Viola gopher count...

 Addie kept her eye on her bag! 

 She is finally getting the hang of this parade stuff!

 look at all that loot!

 With all the candy and other extras that were handed out. This was Addie's favorite. A green hand on a popsicle stick! She LOVED it. 

 When to we get to shoot gophers mom?

 This is seriously the best parade there is. It is so short and simple and yet the kids get so much loot. I don't know why people would go to another parade.

 The end!

 Huddy and his friend quickly found shade and looted the loot!

There is our small group. 20 pounds of candy heavier than 30 minutes ago!

Shana, I hope I get another Viola parade with you. If I don't just know that every first Thursday of summer I will feel like I need to be somewhere...and I will craze freezy pops and tootsie rolls! 

Saying goodbye

 Today was Matthew's last day as a Byron Elementary student. We fought hard to be here through 4th grade and we made it. It was rough for some of it but it was ALWAYS worth it. 

So today, our family finally got our turn for the clap out. This is a tradition at Matt's school. They line the halls with everyone who they can and they clap out and cheer all the students who are moving on. Most of them have spent 5 years in this school and they know every inch of it. 

For us it was more than just clapping for some kids as they moved on to middle school. It was clapping for a school that puts so much heart into us. It was for all the years that we have struggled just to be there. It was for all the amazing hours these teachers had poured into Matthew. Yes, it was bigger than just clapping for the 4th graders. 

 For Matthew it was going to be unforgettable and he had no idea. Matthew had one wish for the clap out. He wanted his dad there. All the years he acted annoyed at how much I loved the clap out and yet, I found out he was a sucker for it too. And now it was his turn...

 He was so busy clapping hands that he did not even notice us across the hall from him. Mike and I had no idea he would be able to make it. Mike however, has an amazing boss who told him not to miss it. Mike drove home through the night to surprise Matt for the clap out.

 They rounded the hall and came towards us. This is my best picture of smiling Hannie!

 and just seconds after this picture was snapped Mike swooped in and grabbed a hold of him...I did not get one shot of it. Not even a bad one. My camera, it refused to focus...Yep. emotion and photography go hand in hand. It was a very wonderful moment! I will never forget it. Thank you Troy!

 Then we said our goodbyes. Miss Meyer, absolutely one of the best teachers on the planet! If you get her next year you are so very lucky!

 Linda, the secretary who always helped Matthew and I whenever we needed it. She was absolutely wonderful. 

 Mrs. Olson, Matthew's 1st grade teacher(and Hannie's) She taught them both the power of books. Hannah will be an amazing author some day because of her.  

 Then there was Mrs. Pompeii Matt's kindergarten teacher. She still makes him blush. He will always have a special place in his heart for her. 

 Then there was 3rd grade. Mrs. Hansen, she was also very wonderful. I love her too.

 Matthew said goodbye to Mrs. Rodemeyer. He will be at Byron Elementary for a very long time! I am sure of it.

 Then we said goodbye to Mary. I am so thankful for her. She was gone a lot of last year as her husband fought and lost to cancer. I am saddened that she had to endure this but I am thankful that it happened when we were there to support her. Mary inspired me daily when I would see her at school.

 Second grade

Kindergarten

First grade

second grade

Third grade

 And so they march on...into middle school.

sigh***

another peek at Chester

I can't believe I have a baby in the house and no time to photograph him. I am going to regret it I am sure. I took time to take a few shots the other day and I managed to get this one. Yes, that scar on his face was there when we got him. I absolutely love it! Mike and I actually call him Tony Montona...then Matthew yells at us and tells us that is not his name. Truth be told I have never seen Scar Face either but I still think Tony Montona fits him...especially when he is cranky tired!

Chester at 12 weeks

We have had Chester two months now. He has gone from a 5 pound fluff ball to a 20 pound ball of muscle. 

I just wanted to show you an update on his size. It is only surpassed by his amazing attitude. 

My amazing neighbor

Life has been so crazy for me. I am wearing a lot of hats right now. Despite that things are great. However, I can't even begin to tell you how much I value Rachel. She moved into Missy's house a few years ago. Little did I know how much I would be thankful for her in my life. She and her husband have helped me so much and I could never repay them. She has helped me pick up a very heavy couch, and then brought ME dinner afterwards. She always leaves things on my porch. She would do anything for me if I needed it and I am so grateful. It seems the last thing I have time for these days is the front lawn. So the other day when I heard a lawn mower out front I was not surprised to see her mowing my lawn. 

I am so very thankful for her!