End of October

I'm just not a big fan of Halloween.  I am a big fan of Greyson.  He was born the day before Halloween in California.  5 years ago we flew to Anaheim and waited in a scary little hospital on Halloween night.  We met Greyson's birth parents and went to Red Lobster for dinner.  It was Greyson's birth mothers favorite place to eat.  That probably explains why he  starts to salivate and hyperventilate if he smells anything fishy and he loves shrimp!  Greyson birth father gave him hugs and kisses goodbye.  But his birth mother has already checked out emotionally and didn't really want to hold or give him kisses goodbye.  We went back to the hotel and stared at our new little guy, hoping a cool name would just pop into our minds while looking at him.  So instead of Alfredo Hoo Castro, he is now Greyson Cruz Peterson.  Every where Greyson goes, people love him.  Girls fight over him and you can melt looking into those big brown eyes.  People say he is too cute to ever get in trouble.  But let me tell you, he is sassy and really smart.  I am excited for him to start kindergarten.  I think he will be a big hit!!

Soccer, soccer, violin recital!

Poor Ashton.  We like to keep him busy otherwise the electronics start to creep their way into his time.  He was playing soccer and flag football and now wrestling has begun. Soon he will turn 8 and start scouts.  He might need a little vacation in the near future.  Greyson was hilarious to watch play soccer.  This was his first year and whenever he would score a goal, the hands went up and he was cheering.  I know, his hair is a little out of control but he has to keep it for his pirate costume for Halloween.  Marin had a very small violin recital at our house.  She is learning quickly and has agreed to play for the primary program.  I hope she will continue with her music!  And of course, Ashton get his milky white legs from his mom.

10 years

My beautiful Marin is 10 years old.  I can remember the day so clearly that we brought her home.  Lots of tears, hugs and mixed emotions on that day.  I was so excited to get her home that I put her in the car seat the wrong way.  Off to a great start as a new mom.  She and I have become so close these last few months and I am so grateful to have her in my life.  She really wanted to have a friend birthday party again, against my better judgement.  She loves her friends and was really looking forward to it.  There were a few hitches in the night but I reminded Marin that too many personalities in one room can sometimes be hard. Dad showed up with a turtle and she promptly named it Dribble.  I don't mind the turtle, it is quiet and can't run away from you unlike the blasted dog! Next year Marin has decided she will invite a few friends to do something a little more special for her birthday.

For Jo

Moving is the worst.  I think it's even worse when you actually move to the house next door.  800 trips back and forth.  We are moved in and happy to be here!! I don't have any decor out yet, so it looks pretty bare.  See if you can find Greyson hiding in one of the pictures. Hehehehehe

sunshine and a rainbow lake

Me and my camera do not have a good relationship.  We probably went to Rainbow lake to swim and fish 800 times this summer and I had so much crap to take with us, sadly the camera stayed home alone.   But each time was uniquely exciting.  Greyson discovered he can tread water in his life jacket.  Flash loves to jump in and swim, get out and shake off then jump in again.  Ashton realized a "waterproof watch" does not mean it can float.  Marin can still move like a mermaid in the water.  Mesa shared in some rare fish tales.  Aaron caught a few tiger muskies.  I actually got a tan line on my feet from the sun this year, it was a hot summer.  And not having air conditioning was a little annoying.  On many occasions my children witnessed mom opening the freezer and inserting my head!!  The kids made a diving board out of a plank of wood and some heavy rocks.  I was sick of hot dogs by the second week of June so we became more creative with our meals this summer.  We love Rainbow Lake and we will be sad when we have to leave it behind!

Girls only on the lake!!

My wonderfully busy sister invited me to come to Williams Lake with her and the kids.  I don't think I have been to Salmon in 13 years. What the @#$%???  So, I was excited for a little adventure.  Aaron had the boys so it was just us girls, a lake, a cabin and a boat.  We had a great time.  The weather was so nice and Mesa really liked the boat.  She didn't mind the breeze in her face or the sun.  Marin was brave and tried everything and I (against the nagging voice in my head) decided to try wake boarding after about 6 years.  Well, the song "the old gray mare ain't what she used to be" kept playing over and over in my head.  I about had a heart attack getting in the water the first time. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.  I squeezed my rear into a wet suit and honestly couldn't breathe it was so tight.  But I got up and wake boarded like a frightened deer in the headlights. Poor Brock needed some manly support.  He was severely outnumbered.   Deanna is a great speed boat driver!  Good memories!!