Kaleidoscope Talent Show May 15, 2010

This year Ellie participated in the annual Kaleidoscope Talent Show. She played "Perpetual Motion" on the Violin. This was her first time performing in a large gym in front of people other than violin recitals. She did really well and placed 3rd in her age group. Ellie said she was so nervous her hands and fingers were slipping on the strings. It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of people and we again were very proud of her. Ellie was lucky enough to have her teacher Catherine come with us and attend the performance. I wished I had more pictures but I was to busy using the video camera, so this is it
What a great day for Ellie!

2009/2010 Sports Banquet May 25,2010

Taylor played school Basketball and Soccer this year. When he plays a sport he puts everything he has into it and tries to do his best. This year in Basketball he was able to have more playing time and really stepped it up when one of his team mates broke his collar bone. We were really proud of him and Grant couldn't stop smiling. Grant was able to make it to most of his games which was amazing. Taylor also played spring soccer and loved every second of the season.

Taylor with Coach Schroeder receiving the Co-MVP award of a team of 20 players in Basketball

Taylor with Coach Katie receiving the Best Offense/Defense Player in Soccer

I had a picture of him holding up both of his awards but I can't figure out how to turn it right side up. Sorry, it was a good picture

Broadway

We went to Little house on the Prairie "The Musical" with Melissa Gilbert as "Ma". The play was o.k. but the company was hysterical. What a memorable experience!!!

We were all supposed to dress up but turns out Tiffani was the only brave one that went through with it (she was not a happy girl) and people asked if she was dressed up as a pilgram. We did have our bonnets on and luckily we brought our own because they were selling them for $25.00 at the theater.

The play was supposedly sold out but there were plenty of seats available on the third tier.

Michelle Cota, Tiffani Akers, Shawna Menth, and me after the musical. We were all excited to go pick up the bike (beach cruiser) for Shawna in the getto part of Sacramento. .....Memories....

A little GIRL

We are having a little girl. Due Date is September 15, 2010

Hershey Track Meet

I love track. It is so much fun to watch your children run, I cry almost every race. I guess it's because it's a individual sport and they try so hard. Taylor came home with 3 First's and 1 Second. He broke the record in the standing long jump and on the 100 meters. Ellie came home with 2 firsts and 1 second. They both qualify to go to the state meet in San Jose. It's always a humbling experience for the kids to go and compete at the state level because they realize there is much more competition bigger than little ole Gridley.

Ellie's 1st place in the 100 meters

Ellie getting ready for the standing long jump

Taylor breaking the record for the standing long jump. 7 feet 7 inches

Taylor's 400 meter relay race. This was a great race. It was neck and neck. This boy is his big competition.

The kids with their medals! It was a good day for them and a wonderful day for me

Lake Almanor

This was one of the best weekend's I have had in a long time (although Grant wasn't able to be with us) we still had a good time but missed him dearly!!! Some of our good friends rented a cabin up in Lake Almanor and invited us and another close couple friends of ours. We are all great friends and enjoy each other's company so much. It's great to have friends that you can have great conversations with and that you can totally be yourself around. I guess it wasn't all about me the kids had a great time also.

Outside the cabin sledding. This kids were out there for hours!

The famous girls, that got us adults to be friends. Thanks girls

Taylor and Matthew attempting to go down the hill. I believe they almost ran into a tree (I recall yelling at Taylor, BE CAREFUL)

BEST BUDS

What a smile on Matthew's face, he loved every minute of it. Until he got cold of course.

We went on a beautiful walk down to the Lake

Shawna and Matthew on one of their many snow mobiles.

Matthew trying to sled down the hill. Every time he would get up on top of the hill he would lose his sled.

Taylor getting ready to go on the snow mobile! Doesn't he look good!

Teaching him the ropes

Lorenza and Ellie

Taylor on the snow mobile, he was a expert by the end of the day

Undefeated

Grant coached Taylors Rec Team this year and had a great time. They went UNDEFEATED and Grant was really excited about this, Can you tell? It was a great season, now on to School Basketball!