First trip to Canada

Well the day before school started we (the kids and I) took our first trip up to Canada. It was a good day and we spent the afternoon at a public pool in Altona, just over the border. The pool had a big slide, a small slide and some overhead flowers and things that were like sprinklers and waterfalls. It was fun! as you can see from the pictures. So the reason for the delay in visiting Canada is because every time Kevin goes across for work he has issues coming back. He more often than not, gets pulled into secondary search and basically has no patience for the whole line and paperwork thing...me, I don't really care. But really up until recently, I still had AK plates on my vehicle, (I just didn't want to let go...!) and I have a CA birth certificate and an AK marriage license and a ND drivers license...you get the picture...I didn't want to have an issue coming home. Well now that I have ND plates on my car (they say AKGROWN!) and my ND license I wasn't too worried about the other papers. So away we went and had no trouble of course. But on the way back my friend who took us, called Kevin at work and harrassed him. She told him that she got through just fine but as she looked back we were all out of the car and being searched. His response...I told her something like this would happen. We all had a good laugh at Kevin's expense...and it was a great trip as you can see from the pictures. We will definately be making the trip a few times next summer! ....Kirsten

Altona

2nd grade already...!!

So...August 21st was the day. I can't believe Payton is in 2nd grade and almost 8....it's like yesterday I was having him with the 10 + audience...you all remember! His teachers all say he is a joy in class...good thing! So the night before school he went to bed at 8:30. At 11 pm he calles out...
P: mom is it really only 11 pm.
M: Uh yes payton...have you been awake this whole time.
P: Yes.
M: Payton you need to sleep or you will fall asleep in class.
Then when I got up to go to the bathroom at 3:45 am...
P: Mom, is it only 3:45?
Needless to say he was a bit anxious and tired his first day of school. His teacher this year is Mrs. Bigwood. She is a nice woman and very animated and fun. This year should be fun for him. We took the below pictures before & after school. The boys are showing off and started this whole "rock on" thing with the addition of Guitar Hero for Payton's DS. So there are some pictures of them "playing guitar" CRAZIES!! Gavin is such a camera hog.... Gavin was a bit dissapointed when we took Payton to school and he didn't get to stay. He's been ready to leave me since he was 2....He is doing preschool 2 days a week and liking that. He and Olivia play costumes (it's not dress up for boys!) and are still playing outside (it's still in the 70's) on the swing and dome. We are all staying busy and getting ready for fall. My apple tree has it's branches bending down to the ground full of apples. I will try to get a picture and post it. I am so excited for fall, but not for winter. Hopefully winter is short!!! ....Kirsten

First day of School

Camping

Little Gavin

So I thought I'd share some of the pictures of Gavin I've taken lately. As most of you know he LOVES costumes. He is always (no matter the season) asking me to go buy a new costume for him. He doesn't understand, nor does he want to, that costumes are seasonal. Well...we were at our friends house and he found this gem in the playroom. He really wanted to take it home but settled for a picture. Then one day he had spikey hair and wanted it documented. Actually he just likes to look at pictures of himself. It's pretty funny. Then the last is him with the remains of a delicious smore from our camping trip last week. He sure is a special little boy and I am thankful for all he teaches me....patience especially!

Kirsten