Backyard pond and Shrek the Musical

Shea (who happens to be one of the most creative, focused people I know) decided that our backyard was boring and needed a pond.  It didn't matter that we are horrible parents and unwilling to assist.  Or that she had to dig through tough red clay.  When I told her she didn't know how to build a pond, she responded with "I looked it up online.  Of course I know how to do it."  You can only argue for so long with this child.

Here's a couple of shots of Shea, Joey (neighbor) and Braden working on the project...

Last night Shea and I went into OKC to see Shrek the Musical.  So fun!  Even if we did have seats only three rows from the top (of a very large theater).  Thank goodness for binoculars.

3 states. 3 friends. 1 flat tire.

My friends Tammy & Kristi flew in on Saturday to spend a few days with their long-lost friend in Oklahoma.  Yay me!!!

Matching PJ's
Thanks, Kristi!



Our first stop was in Arkansas where the Red Ferns Grow was filmed.
maybe I'll get that from Netflix....
when I feel like a good cry.



Natural Falls, Arkansas
Perfect for a picnic
Very beautiful!



Eureka Spring, AR
Adorable little town!





We stayed two nights in Branson where it was beautiful!!
Shopping and then to see Six, a musical group.
We felt sooooo young, since the average age was 75.







Cooking not-too-hot Bi Bim Bop



When we were about 10 minutes from the airport in Oklahoma City my tire blew out.  Of course it was on a VERY busy freeway but we finally got a cab so they could make their flight.  As they hugged me goodbye I was a bit (ok... a lot) teary.  I am happy that we live here, but being left on the freeway with the toothless assistant guy was just a bit more than I really wanted at that moment.

Of course, things always seem to turn out in the end.  They made their flight, my toothless friend was very nice and quick about changing the tire and I was happy to get home to my great kids and very wonderful husband.



Kid's rooms

We have finally gotten around to working on the kids rooms...

Shea's room... she picked out all the decorations
and the irish chain quilt I just happened to have hanging around.

Shea wanted her room colors to be honey dew, turquoise and orange.
Nothing like being a little creative :)

A place to study

We love hobby lobby.

This is Braden's room.
All boy.
Usually all messy

Halloween

Ketchup and Mustard

with their loving mother.

wearing pumpkin earrings.

must have been a halloween party!

loved this little rockstar!

 Braden helped out at one of the carnival games.

Shea played and collected candy...

 and helped Alice in Wonderland

or is that Cinderella?

 Today was a party for our neighborhood.

LOVE the tights!



Rainy day reading

I am happy today.

Rainy and 60 degrees.

Shea decided it was a good day to read by candlelight.  Of course she couldn't wait for evening, so she shut all the blinds and snuggled in with Harry Potter #4.

Sunday Soccer

It was gorgeous yesterday... so we headed out to play soccer.  Our neighborhood has quite a few "green" areas that are just perfect for a soccer game.

Braden in his pj's.

Isn't that what all great soccer players wear?

 Shea trying to steal the ball.

Sasha just watching.

Braden and Jack

vs.

Dad and Shea

We really tried to get the dogs into the game...

but they are lazy. 

Robert/Shea vs. Bliss/Braden

Final score:

The B's won! 4-3

Resting....

LOVE this photo!!

It's a project!!

Braden is ready to do his eagle project and finally found something worthwhile.  Earlier this year, Edmond experienced quite a bit of flooding and there is a trail at Arcadia Lake that was damaged and is overgrown.  We went out yesterday to take photos so Braden can submit the project for approval.  He'll be supervising a group of scouts to clear the trail and fix the drainage areas.

And I'll be there to feed them.

The coolest part is that we found out that Blackberries grow here.  YAY!!!!!

Choir Concert

Shea has a beautiful voice so I figured I better have pictures of her first choir concert so that when she is famous we can all look back to the beginning.....

The kids did a FABULOUS job on six songs.  They've only been in school for a few weeks so that is amazing!

Marching band competition

Braden had his second marching band competition yesterday.  They didn't make it beyone preliminary at their first one... but this one went well!  They made it to the finals and placed 8th overall.

It's hard to follow him during the performance since they all look alike and move so quickly....

but I found my baby a few times so I could snap some shots.

 best. trumpet. ever.

(player, that is)

he's doing some kind of squatting thing here.

best to not ask.
*UPDATE* Andrew let me know I got the wrong kid.  Braden is one to the right of the squatting guy.  I thought I knew my baby :(



Zeezo the Clown

Sterling sent me this youtube video of my dad.... probably in the early 60's doing a birthday party as Zeezo the Clown.  A very slender Zeezo the Clown.

Too bad sound wasn't invented yet.

Love you dad!