Veteran's Day

(Sorry I stole your picture, Nic. I couldn't resist!)

Today we are remembering all of those who have bravely given their time and their lives to defend our country and insure our freedom. This is MY American hero, my Grandpa Barney. He flew 35 missions over enemy territory in a B-17 in WWII. He achieved the rank of Major General in the U.S.A.F. But more than that, he taught us all what it means to be Americans, and instilled a great love of country in all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness

And every gain divine!

Ashley's Mall Madness

Tres Chic! (Don't tell the store that we took pictures of their merchandise. I heard it's against the rules. SHHH!)

One month ago today...

I'm really behind on posting. Sorry Morgan and Dave!!! Morgan was turning 13 and Dave was turning 31. (I think!) So next year, Morgan's going to be 14 and Dave will be 41. I think that's how it works in this family. Oh well! You both deserve a year of happiness. Love you!

Carson Baby's 1st Haircut

My sister asked me if I'd cut her baby's hair last weekend. It sounded like a good idea at the time...

Before

During

After

I hope we can be friends again soon, Carson! :)

Would you open the door for this crew?

Music To My Ears

I recently emailed one of Morgan's teachers about an upcoming project. (One of the perks of remaining on the school district's email server--instant access to any teacher!!!) Anyways, the reply she sent me was very sweet:

Morgan is amazing, one of the brightest students I've ever taught. I'm looking forward to her presentation tomorrow. Congrats on raising such a brilliant, well-mannered, approachable, and positive young lady.
Have a good day-
C. K.

When one's daughter turns 13, one sometimes wonders who the stranger is living in her bedroom?!? I couldn't agree more with her teacher. She is a wonderful daughter with a ridiculous writing talent. I just hope she knows how proud we are of her!!

How To Win Friends And Influence People

So we got these amazing burgers and crazy drinks at the Hash House a Go Go tent at the Bite of Las Vegas last night. Who knew that to make friends, especially those of the male persuasion, all you had to do is carry stuff like this around a park??? Probably 20 people talked to us about our food and/or beverages on our way to our table. Funny! The food was outrageous!

This our posse at the concert--pre-burgers! (Funny how I managed to duck out of all the pics.) Aunt Stephy knows how to SHAKE IT!

This is the band we (read Morgan and Ashley) really came to see! Hey Dad, did you know that the striped shirt boy is Hannah Montana AND Miley Cyrus' brother?

Just because it is almost Halloween, I thought I'd include this scary pic. Can you believe Billy Ray Cyrus inspired all of this? Steph and I almost got trampled to death by screaming teeny boppers when Trace Cyrus got too hot in his little tank top so he had to take it off. Then the other dude started spitting water on the crowd to "cool them off." I'd have had to have been removed by security if any of that disgustingness got on any of us!

When did I get so old??? Oh well, it was a fun time.