Music Fundraiser

Cameron's personal coin jar for raising money for music at school

Santa Clarita Elementary (where all three boys attend) has decided they want a music teacher.  More specifically, they want ME to be there music teacher but there is no funding for that.  So, the school announced this week that they are holding a "Coin Drive for Music" where each class will have a contest to fill their jars with coins and the classes that fill the jar get a popsicle party and more importantly, get music appreciation!  The plan is to add an all school choir as well.  Very exciting!  The results will be in at the end of next week!  We're all crossing our fingers here that we raise enough money!

Cameron gets an award

Cameron got an award at school on Friday for "scholarship" which I think has to do with setting a good example, getting work done on time and being a good student.  He was very happy!  The other boys were also at the assembly to watch him get his award.  Ashton's teacher pulled Ashton up and took a photo of the three of us after Cam got the award.  We're very proud of all three boys for the hard work they have put in to getting settled in a new school and doing so well!  Yeah!

Early Pumpkin Outing

We visited Lombardi Ranch last Sunday for their opening weekend!  We rode the train, walked through the scarecrow alley, climbed the haystack pyramid, wound through the maze, and picked out pumpkins.  It was a wonderful intro to fall!

Father-Son Dinner

Derrik joined the boys at their Stockade meeting last Wednesday for Father-Son dinner.  Although I don't know what they did exactly, these are the photos they took.  :)

Magic Show

Our school had an magic show and invited a professional magician to perform.  He was great!  He did tricks with live doves, baby chicks and pulled a rabbit out of his hat!  Ethan got to go on stage and help with a scarf trick.  It was a fun night!

Horsing and Jumping Around

We celebrated Noa's birthday in Apple Valley a few weeks ago and I wanted to share the photos I took.  Both Cameron and Ashton rode horses there and Ethan stuck to either swimming or jumping in the trampoline.  It certainly was a fun party!

Ethan, Cameron and Ashton jumping

Take home friends

Ashton has been bringing home friends from school.  First, Corduroy the bear and now Super Bee - Winnie the Pooh dressed like a bee.  He is always so thrilled to be chosen to take these treasures home!  Each toy is sent home in a backpack or bag and has a special notebook where he shares the fun things he does with his special friend.  Yeah for Kindergarten!

The Band

Here are some new photos of the band.  Since these were taken, Cameron got a new drum practice pad for his birthday and we fixed the guitar so Ethan can use it for lessons.  Both the older boys will be in lessons this fall.  Ashton got one of my "sparkly" microphones for singing into.  The future for this band looks bright.  Now, does anyone have any soundproof padding I can have?

Happy Birthday, Cameron

Cameron is 9!  Can you believe it?  We started his special day with presents and chocolate chip pancakes.  Then we joined Grandma at Chuck E Cheese for pizza and games.  Then we went shopping with his birthday money to buy a new sparks scooter which he has been wanting.  We finished celebrating yesterday with a swimming party with some of his friends.

First Day of School

We started school yesterday!  Only two days in and I'm exhausted!  The boys love the new school and their teachers so I'm happy.  Here a few photos:

Cameron starting 3rd grade, Ethan 6th and Ashton kindergarten

Ethan and Cameron walking to school
from where we parked

All three doing homework around the table

Ashton headed off to Kindergarten so very well.  The school had a Kindergarten back-to-school night prior to the first day, to help them get adjusted to their new environment.  So he already knew what his teacher looked like and where to find the bathroom, his cubby and hang his backpack.

Our Colorado visit

We had a really nice visit with family in Avon, Colorado.  Here's a few photos that I took while we were there.

Ashton and Sage playing Candyland

Cameron and Talon

Jim's two brothers (Don and Dean), Jim, Derrik, Trent, Talon
Cameron, Ashton, Blaze, Ethan, Stone and Ridge

Trip to Topeka

We took a trip to Topeka to see Grandma Bonnie and hang out.  She treated us to yummy food and took real good care of us!  I love this photo!

Family at the Lake House

Sisters (minus one)  :(

Cousins photo (minus 4)  :(

Stephanie and Suzanne chatting on the boat

Our time all together was very short but very sweet.  The boys really got to know their family better and I had much more time to talk with everyone than in years past.

Papa Ron and the boys in KC

Don getting a workout while
wrestling with Cameron and Ashton

Cruising around Lake Wabunsee

Captain Ron

With Papa Ron as our captain, we cruised around the lake in style!  We did some fishing and tubing and had a really nice time.  The boat was a lovely addition to our time there.

Ethan and Cameron taking a spin on the tube.

Elizabeth, Danielle and Dalton

Niece Elizabeth and I feeling brave

Cameron fishing off the side of the boat

Suzanne and Ethan having fun

Ashton was a casual observer
of tubing this year.  Maybe next year?

Visit with the Siscos

Ashton and Cameron had so much fun with Max!

Sisters

We stayed with the Siscos in Mulvane to begin our summer trip to the Midwest.  Stephanie and Greg treated us to the Mulvane water park, yummy food and Stephanie was kind enough to take us to our next stop, the Lake house in Eskridge.  Thank you, Siscos for your hospitality!  We love you!

Ethan at the Mulvane water park

Cameron recovering from the waterslide

Ashton floating in the pool