Success!

A man cannot be said to succeed in this life who does not satisfy one friend.-- Henry David Thoreau

If this statement is true, my friend (Hazel) over at Me and My Boys has succeeded over and over and over again! She and Magnum were some of the masterminds behind my surprise b-day party a few weeks ago!
Anyway, Wednesday was truly Hazel's b-day and we got together to just enjoy each others company! Magnum's G-man ended up sick, so they didn't make it out ~ missed you!

We managed to enjoy ourselves none the less. *wink* After a very (I mean "VERY" because I was in charge) simple lunch we headed out to the kiddie pool!



After a short stint in the the pool, Little Lion headed to the see-saw. Now Little Man does not like change too much, so we sat back to see how this would all go down. Little Lion sat at the see-saw by himself for some time, calling out the whole time "Someone come see-saw with me" over and over . . . you know Little Lion!

Finally Little Man got out of the pool and headed out to investigate this contraption. After much persuading and even a little example Little Man climbed on. After the first move, he was ready to get off. But we joined the boys and Hazel was able to convince Little Man to stay on!

Now here's the SAD part! My video didn't turn out! *BIG FROWN*
But I did get these sweet pictures of our boys:

I sure pray that they, like their moms, will be friends that continue to bless each others socks off! Thanks Hazel for sharing your special day with us!

GTBR ~ Pictures

Disclaimer: LOTS of pictures ahead!

But take heart, it's not the 70 I took just a mere 15! *wink* Little Lion loved climbing on all the trucks from the National Guard and Army. The poor Navy booth wasn't as popular . . . kind of hard to get a ship to a fairgrounds I guess! *smile*
Little Pumpkin is dancing in this one! We wouldn't even notice the music since the stage was so far away, it was only a faint sound. But Little Pumpkin always heard it and started clapping and dancing!
Checking out some to the planes. These are the same planes that would later circle us in the air. Pretty Cool!
Ooooooooo . . . Black Hawk . . . I think. Anyway, it was very big and very popular. I admit it was really neat to see it so close!
Here are some of the balloons about to take off.
I really liked this pic because you can see all the stages: the far right is just blowing up, the left side is one about to take off and the others in the air. Not to mention the sun starting to set behind them! You all have to come it's just amazing!
We finally made it to the front of the line to ride the train! Even got front row seats ~ how 'bout that! Smiles all around! *smile*
There were four skydivers. The first two tadem jumped, then separated in the sky. The last two each had flags: the state flag and the American flag. I wish I would have gotten a video of this. It's awesome to see them free fall so close. We were fortunate to meet the first two Friday night and even saw them after the jump Saturday night too. (They even remembered us!)
These are some of our friends from church helping get a balloon started. . . the whole process is really fun to watch.
Mr. Steve and Tia Sabrina hung out with us! AJ and Little Pumpkin are "twins from different wombs." However, Little Pumpkin was ready to go home with them! None of us would hold her.

SPOILED! I had put her down to take a picture and she ran straight to Mr. Steve. She really is sweet ~ when she's getting what she wants! *smile*
There were lots of shape balloons this year. . . I think 9. Anyway, the Polar Bear was really cool and big . . .
but the Eagle was the biggest balloon I had ever seen. My flash wasn't even large enough to really get a good pic!
You can just see the mesmerized look on Little Pumpkin's face as we are leaving this behind:

The clips below are cool, but still pale in comparison to the real thing! So plan to come down one summer ~ the second weekend in July. It's HOT, I'm not going to lie! But it's worth it! *smile*

This one is an "all glow," meaning all the balloons hit their burners!

This one is a "twinkle" burn.

So just let us know when to expect you! *wink*

GTBR!

This weekend is the Balloon Races! We LOVE the balloon races . . . okay, we honestly don't get up early enough to see the actual races, but we love the fair-like atmosphere and the balloon glow at night! Daddy lion really love the food and Little Lion loves the kids play land (a bunch of different inflatables and a couple of kiddie pools filled with sand to dig in).

Le Tourneau had one of their Cessna planes at the entrance. We knew the flight instructor that was there and he let the kids jump in the cockpit. Little Lion loved playing with the controls and Little Pumpkin just loved being in it!

FOOD! If we've learned anything about Little Pumpkin . . .

food is the way to happiness! *wink*

Cheetah on the other hand does NOT like pictures! *smile*

He doesn't know I'm using this one, so I gotta post quick! *wink*

Loving the food!

And how else do you enjoy being in 100 degree heat than having a sno cone!

YUMMY!

Good thing he had on a red shirt! *wink*

But the best part? We get to do it all again Saturday night! *SMILE* I'm taking my camera tonight, so I hope to get some good pics of the actual glow and maybe even some video!

Water Babies!

So, Little Pumpkin and I have been attending Water Babies class this week. Today was the first day that Cheetah went with us, so I had him take some pics for me. (You know it's all about blogging now!)



Since Little Lion had taken lessons from Ms. Carla last year, she allowed him to get in the pool with us! He was a great helper and a little fish during free time! As with everything in life, Little Pumpkin loves the water on her terms. So, when it comes to making her do something . . . well you see the faces!
Anything to keep the face out of the water . . . which is so funny since she does it on her own in the bathtub all the time!

Water babies is getting the kids comfortable in the water and trying to make it a fun experience while still teaching them some safety. Blake did a great job demonstrating many things for Ms. Carla.

Little Pumpkin really did enjoy the monkey walking though. . . just because we were headed towards the steps and she loves playing on the steps!

She does kick her feet nicely.

And of course, the BEST part of swimming lessons with Ms. Carla?!?

The POPSICLES!!! *smile*

Talk about SURPRISE!!!

Okay, so I think everyone in the world knew about tonight except me!

I was in complete shock as I walked into one of my favorite restaurants and found 30 of my closest friends sitting there yelling surprise!

The biggest shock . . . it's NOT my birthday!

That's probably why the party was such a success. *smile* I'm still in a bit of amazement that none of my friends *magnum* never spilled the beans! *wink*

I had lots more pics, but I want to keep all of these friends. Trust me none of you would be happy, So I'm not posting any of them! *smile*

Thank you to all of you who came out to celebrate and to all of you who sent cards. . . Daddy Lion is only allowing me to open one a day until the big day! So, I guess the secret is out . . . I'll be 30 next month.

But how could you mope on a day like 08-08-08! *smile*

As Pop so eloquently said . . .

"Know what that is? (pointing to the balloons) That's 29!"

Bring it on . . .I'm ready!

Double Dippin'

We went to a friends house today for dips (with chips) and dips (with chicks).

Little Lion did great, swam like a fish, even went into the deep end. Little Pumpkin clung tight and would have gone under if we would have let her. I'm loving my girls!

Happy 4TH!

We had a great shindig at our place this evening! Thanks to everyone for coming and those of you who did not make it . . . you were missed! Here's some pics!What's better than celebrating our freedom with food, friends, and fellowship!

Lolly, Tia and Mommy Lion ~ Pop trying out his new camera!

The kids waiting for everyone to show up. Little Pumpkin climbed into the trailer and just waited to be drove around ~ such a diva! Who could resist Little Lion's welcoming face!?!

Free entertainment!

For both Pop and the kids! *wink*

The kids love him, and he so silly ~ thanks for all the fun things!

Little Lamb ~ don't worry I think she likes it better by herself sometimes~

no one telling her how to do it! *wink*

Is that a smile on camera!?! *smile*

She loves the water and was so proud of herself for getting the diving sticks

~ even in 6 inches of water!

I love this pic. We have a finger play that we do. Eye winker, Tom tinker, Nose dropper, Mouth Eater, Chin Chopper . . . Chin chopper chin (while tickling). When Little Pumpkin does it, it's just nose dropper and grab for the jugular! Still fun that she is mimicking.

Miss A ~ such a cutie! Last year she was just a month old WOW how the year goes by.

It was too sweet seeing these two. Their age difference seems big sometimes, but soon we won't even notice it! They will be the best of buds I'm sure.

Mr. A with his glow stick and I'm not sure about the helmet! *wink*

Big Luke is so cool! He was a hard one to catch tonight ~ must be tired of the camera, mom *smile*!

Gator never shy around the camera~ a true diva! If this was a full body shot, you'd get the complete pose! *smile*

Here she is doing a roman candle with Mr A's dad! He was so good about helping the kids out with the fireworks ~ thanks for sharing your fireworks tonight!

I'm pretty sure I have this exact picture from last year! I'm done with the morning glory sparklers. . . back to the old fashion wire ones! What's a few burns when you get the real thing!

We had a great time and hope all our friends did too. We'll do it all again next year ~ hopefully you'll join us too! *SMILE*

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

Thank You Auntie Loris

Cheetah got a box today from his mom. However, she is so kind and thoughtful to send goodies for Little Lion and Little Pumpkin too! Here's our thanks: They really have no wounds. . . just cool new band-aids!
I'm pretty sure this is the face I will get in 10 short years from Little Pumpkin~ the "you want me to what!" face.
I have not bored her! She is actually signing Thank You, since that's what I told them to say trying to get a decent smile out of Little Lion! *sigh*
Okay, I think she's done now! And I think you get that we are very pleased with our new treasures! Little Pumpkin also received a bracelet that was found later in the box. I'm positive she said "pretty!"

YEAH, another word ~ they are so few and seldom spoken!
Don't worry, she gets her point across just fine without them! *wink*

Muscle Boy

Little Lion told me today that he was muscle boy.

When I asked him where he heard that name, he replied "no where, I came up with that superhero name." So, there you have it. Muscle Boy aka Little Lion! *smile*

Just can't wait . . .

Do remember being 13? No, me neither really. But I'm sure I was a lot like Cheetah!
The big thing while he's visiting is FIREWORKS! Like any other male, he seems to be a bit of a pyro. And since big fireworks are illegal in Oregon, his firework money has been burning a hole in his pocket!
Last night was the night. For the past week, we (they) have been checking out all the stands/ factories/ whoever sells fireworks, shopping for the best prices. We all piled into the sport and headed for Fireworks Express. (I was glad they won, very friendly people and they didn't mind the kids running around like a bunch of banshees . . .the little kids not Cheetah and Daddy Lion, however, well we won't go there!)
WOW, I got way off track . . .anyway. The big boys spent their money and after a quick (well, it was suppose to be quick, but hey it's little town USA) stop at the Sonic we headed home. We could not just put away our purchases until Friday . . . we had to use some right now! *smile*
So, a few fire crackers, a ground bloom flower and tank truck later we headed inside for baths and bedtime with the little ones. However, Cheetah was still itching for a BIG one! So out we went after the kids were in bed and this is how it all went down:



The sound effects are all real! *snicker* I'm not sure what he was expecting, but I think he enjoyed it none the less. *smile* Friday should be fun! *wink*

Happy Birthday Grandma Lion

Lazy Summer Day

I just had to blog that it is 10 minutes 'til 10am and my precious Little Pumpkin is still sleeping! Praisn' Jesus for lazy summer days!
Of course, Little Lion has already asked multiple times where we are going today . . .
What part of lazy does he not understand?!? *wink*

Hope you are having a lazy summer day too.

All Done . .

Swimming lessons are all done for now. We are hoping to get some more lessons in before the summer is over . . . we'll see. This picture didn't turn out as well as I hoped, but this is Little Lion and his swim teacher! Thanks Ms. Kim.

On Tuesday Little Lion jumped off the diving board! (I forgot my camera!) He was not up to it today, but did jump off yesterday so here's a clip that Cheetah took for us:



A great time, but honestly glad they are over. . . going into town everyday is wearing on the momma and the gas bill! *wink*

We'll have water babies mid-July for Little Pumpkin . . . not promising any pics from that since I'll be in the pool with her! *smile* Guess I better so looking for a swimsuit not as old as my child! *wink*

All is not well.

Mommy Lion's sick tonight. She's pregnant, with twins!

Come on people, are you still falling for that one? Little Pumpkin was uber-fussy yesterday, come to find out, she was probably under the weather. Turns out, the crud isn't entirely out of her system. Well, it WASN'T entirely out of her system, we had a leaker tonight!!! Lots of 7Up and Saltines at our house come on over!!!

Mommy's probably got the same thing, Little Lion had a 102 fever today when I got home from work around 5 pm. He skipped VBS tonight but got to watch The Price Is Right. How exciting, I know, but he actually chose it over Deal Or No Deal. That's how we really knew he was sick.

The length of the day is catching me. 10 hours at work, seven of them in a meeting entitled "How To Talk To People". I wished I had Little Lion there, that boy can teach the class on how to talk to people, probably for thousands less than what we paid this guy. But I digress.

Home tonight was interrupted by a trip to the store to get sprite and saltines, I parked in front of the fireworks stand so cousin cheetah could gawk. Then home, drinks for everyone, dinner for Pumpkin and Lion, Bath for pumpkin, dishes in the washer and started. The rest of the dishes scrubbed and now loaded after the washer was emptied. Lion in the bath, dressed, and in bed. I miss my wife.

Lord, bless my wife tonight. Give her rest; to renew her strength, spirit, and joy. Thank you for the blessing that she is to me, for the gift You've given me through her, and through Your Son. More than I deserve.

Daddy Lion.