Happy Birthday Alayna...6 Years Old

Alayna actually turned 6 on July 23rd, but we really didn't make a big deal out of it. We did go to dinner and she had a party with her school friends but she didn't open any presents because we were having a big party on July 25th. I couldn't believe that she was so patient and waited without asking to open anything even though her presents were on the table in plain sight.

Yesterday was the day of her parties. It started with a party at Flipz (a gym) with 10 of her friends. It was great because we had the entire place all to ourselves and the kids could run and play without the parents having to worry about anyone else. We knew all the kids were with our party. After playtime we had lunch and then we came home.

Once home we had seveal more people come over (18 total) and had a BBQ for dinner after having cake and ice cream in the middle of the afternoon followed by finally opening presents. Alayna wanted books for her birthday this year because she really enjoys reading stories to us. She also got some cooking items - mainly a Easy Bake Oven. She can't wait to make cakes for us. I am not sure if I am ready for this!!!

We had a great time yesterday. Our next great adventure is starting kindergarten in about a month. I am not sure if I am ready for this either.

Coming up in the world...

Well, we decided a couple of months ago to switch from US Cellular to ATT. The kids wanted IPhones and since US Cellular takes years to get the new phones that are on the market we went ahead and started the switch. Brian, Kristi, and I all switched and then about 2 weeks ago I sold Tom's phone while he was still using it - so he had to switch. Now, I have to switch mom and will do that this next month. Then...I decided to call about getting a DVR on our satellite. I found out that we would save money if we switched, so we did that about a week ago. However, this has been a hassle since Kristi's DVR isn't working right and the dual DVR in our living room decided today to act up. So, I think I know now why they said I would save money - cause I can't watch TV!! I also joined Facebook and Twitter...so now I am really connected!!

Almost forgot...fishing with Uncle Owen

Alayna wanted to go fishing all day - that is what she kept asking "Is it time to go fishing yet?" Once Owen said lets go, she got her stuff and was ready. And look what she caught!!!

Alayna Graduation Party

One of the family's in Alayna's pre-school had a graduation party for the kids today to celebrate their time at the Academy. All of the kids are starting to leave the school in preparation for kindergarten (starts in about a month). I can't believe that she is getting ready for real school. Where does time go?? It was soooooo hot for this BBQ. Alayna's face was so red and she kept saying "Grandma, I am so hot" but that didn't stop her from enjoying the bounce house and swing set. She didn't eat, but we didn't force her since we didn't want her throwing up!

When we got home we were ready for cold showers and rest time. Tonight, after watching an old Lion King movie and playing on the Wii she laid down on the couch and so BB laid down with her. That was it, they were both asleep quickly.

Ruby-Throad Humming Bird

Tom is getting really good at taking pictures of birds.

This is some kind of rare bird that never comes out of the woods. It eats insects and doesn't like open spaces according to the bird expert at that bird store that mom goes to!! Some kind of Warbler or something like that. I am not a bird person - they leave too many poo marks on my cars but mom and Tom are really excited about seeing this and so was the bird expert.

2 trips to Kansas City...

On July 3rd, Tom and I went to Overland Park, Kansas to see a good friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer. We have know Mary since 1983 and she is like a 2nd mom to us. She is Terri's mom (Terri and Daryl from Denver that I am always talking about). This cancer diagnosis was a total surprise and the doctors give her less than 3 months to live. We wanted to see her and spend some time with her.

Brian was already in Kansas City visiting his friend, Paul and they were going to a see Transformers in the IMAX theatre in Olathe, Kansas so we met them there for a movie. I didn't want to see that movie so I picked Proposal to see. The only theatre was $10 extra for the "Cinema Suites." You paid $10 more but that is for a food voucher. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. These suites only have 36 RECLINERS in the theatre and you are waited on like a restaurant. I really enjoyed this experience and am now going to have a real hard time going to a regular movie theatre. I was spoiled!!! And the movie was good too!

On Sunday, Kristi wanted to go see Mary one last time since they are moving her to Denver to live with Terri. I don't mind giving up my bedroom at Terri's house for her. So, Alayna, Tom, Kristi, and I went back to Kansas City and spent about 2 hours with Mary, Terri, Courtney (Terri's daughter) and Kane (Courtney's son). We were all laughing and talking like the good old days.

After the hospital, we went to the movie. Kristi and I went to the Suites again and Tom and Alayna went to a "Fork and Screen" showing of Ice Age. They paid $5.00 per ticket more and got the wait staff but no recliners. A recliner is worth the extra $5.00 each.

We had a busy week-end and a hectic week and work. I am so glad it is a quiet week-end this week-end. I am too old for all of this stuff!!!

4th of July at Kris' Campground

We were invited for a family gathering at Kris' campground in Monroe City for July 4th week-end. Kristi, Oma, and Alayna went up on Friday and spent the night in a motel - NOW THAT IS CAMPING!!! They had a lot of fun. Kristi, Alayna, and Aunt Kris went to Hannibal and met Aunt Gail so they could walk around the craft festival they were having. Mom and Uncle Larry stayed behind. Kristi said they had BBQ chicken for supper and she said it was really good. They had fun shooting off fireworks after dark. On Saturday, Tom and I went up to join them for a short time then Kristi came back home because someone had to take care of the cats and Kristi really needed to write a paper for one of her classes. We visited for a while, had lunch and then we headed back to the hotel to unload the van and let Alayna take a nap. We had burgers and brats for dinner and then Tom got his exercise shooting fireworks off for us. I really enjoyed all the other fireworks that were going off around us. On Sunday morning we left and came home really early. Tom, Krist, Alayna, and I had to run to Kansas City and Oma wanted to rest. Great week-end.

Fishing tomorrow

Tomorrow, Alayna's pre-school is going fishing. Yesterday one of the teachers caught me as I was picking up Alayna and asked if Papa could join them. I told her that we were on off this week and if he had time he could. She said "good, because none of the teachers that are going know how to bait a hook or take off a fish if one is caught. We were hoping that someone could help us." So, this is going to be a great time...maybe I should go and take pictures!!!

Update on Mom

Mom finally escaped yesterday morning about 10:30. She wanted to go to a beauty shop to get her hair washed and styled since she was determined to go to her memorial luncheon yesterday. I dropped her off there since one of the other ladies lives close to us and said that she would bring her home for me so I wouldn't have to wait. That was great since I had several things I needed to do at home.

She got home and went straight to the couch to lay down. Larry Bernard came to visit her and she visited with him for a short time before she went to sleep. She felt really bad about falling asleep while he was here, but she needed the sleep. The night before she didn't get any sleep because her roommate had several medical issues that required the nurses to work on her all night. I don't think that lady will be around much longer - her time on earth is about to end.

Today, mom is just exhausted. She is sitting at the table right now signing her checks to pay her bills and then we have to to the hospital for yet another test. Then, I am going to bring her back home and back to town I go so that I can grocery shop. She has to rest up for this week-end. We are going to my sisters campground for a family reunion (I guess that is the best thing to call it). I think mom will be resting a lot while we are there.

My "vacation" is half over and I still have not marked anything off my "to-do" list. I have a lot to do in a short time.

One last thing...yesterday I took Alayna to school on my way to the hospital and she asked if Oma was going to come home today and I told her maybe. She said that Oma couldn't come home yet because she didn't have a bed in our house yet. Alayna gave me orders to get one soon. I guess Alayna is paying attention, because every time mom has come home from the hospital (not including this one) she has had to stay at our house because usually the hospital stays involved surgery. Alayna just doesn't understand why this one is different.