What's New

Wow, I haven't added anything on here in forever. I guess that is what happens when you join Facebook. My goal for the New Year (and yes, we know how those tend to go) is to continue keeping up to date on here. The second half of the year was as crazy as the first. Here is what has been going on in the last few months:

This is the red fox that visited us a for a while this summer. On this particular Sunday she just kind of hung out and played in our backyard. When we went on the deck she just watched to make sure we weren't going for her. We later found out from a neighbor that she had some pups in the woods behind the house...I guess mom just needed a break for a few.

We celebrated Ann's 3rd birthday in August. She had a party that had more than just family in attendance. She's sitting with a friend's daughter, Riley, patiently waiting for cake.

Ann enjoyed all the gifts that she received. Especially the bike she got from Aunt Amy. Aunt Amy was good and even bought the helmet and elbow and knee pads. Ann, literally, couldn't wait to get on her bike.

We did have a new addition to our family this year. No children, but a boxer puppy. Ann has named him Rocky and he just adores her. In the mornings he scratches at her door in order to attempt to wake her up. No sleeping for her on his watch....I figure he will learn not to wake a sleeping child one of these days.

Along with Rocky came the need for a fence for the backyard. Ann helped James make sure everything was squared up and looked good before any concrete was added.

Trip to Sacramento

Here are a few pictures from James's ride out to Sacramento, CA from Michigan City, IN.

The Rock

James "Bingo" Sawyer

James, Steve "Head Dog" Moore, "Bruce Almighty" Manner

This is a huge mountain of sand that was blown in during a storm way back when.

Steve & James

Veteran's Awareness Ride

Well today was the send off for James, Steve Moore (Head Dog) and Bruce Manner for their trek to Sacramento, CA. On May 13 they join the National Veteran's Awareness Ride into D.C. Ann & I were able to be there to help send them off. It's going to be a long ride, but the cause is definitely worth it. He arrives back in Michigan City on the 19th and heads the rest of the way to D.C. on the 20th. I'll end up joining him in D.C. at Arlington National Cemetary on the 22nd. The Wall Gang has the honor of doing the changing of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown. Then on Sunday we ride into the Vietnam War Memorial.

James "Bingo", Steve "Head Dog" Moore, Bruce Manner

Easter

Ann & I decided to do up some Easter eggs for the Easter bunny to hide. We invited Teresa, Haley and Eliza over to help. The kids lasted for about 15 minutes or so and then Teresa and I enjoyed coloring the remainder of the 3 dozen eggs. We had about 3 different types of coloring kits and came up with some neat looking eggs.

Haley & Ann

Eliza


Haley, Ann, Teresa and Eliza

We had company for Easter. Grandma Hoene came out with the dogs. The Easter bunny hid the eggs and Ann did a really good job at finding all of the eggs. We then got ready for church and after church went to the Elks Lodge for their Easter Buffet.

Ann in her Easter dress. You can just see the handle of her little purse. Mommy forgot her gloves though.

Daddy & Ann

Ann at the Elks Brunch.

I love this photo. Once again this is the closest Ann would get to the Easter bunny at the Elks. Daddy was even going to take her up so she could get her candy. No such luck, if he moved any closer she would start to freak it out. The bunny is a little scary looking but I thought the thought of candy would out weight the fear. She fooled me.

Washington D.C. - A quick trip

James & I did a quick D.C. trip to bring a vehicle back that my aunt and uncle had purchased. We set the trip up so that we would have one full day in D.C. Once we got there we found out that it was the start of the Cherry Blossom Festival. We didn't make it down to the tidal basin, but the trees are throughout D.C. We figured out the metro system and took the trains to Arlington National Cemetery and watched the changing of the guard. We then went to the mall. Between the Washington monument and the World War II memorial was a kite festival with sport kite competition. We also visited each of the war memorials, talk about a touching, undescribable moment.

Picture pages, picture pages

Here are some photos I just can't help to show off.

"Mommy, do you need help in the garden?"

St. Patty's Day

It's been a while since we've updated this, so beware a lot has happened. James joined The Wall Gang, which is a local veteran's awareness motorcylce club. They rode in the St. Patty's day parade. I decided to take Ann for her first parade since Daddy was going to be in it. We ended up sitting at the very start of the parade where people waited while. She got the hang of getting candy that was being thrown.

It was a little cold, but we were having a lot of fun.

Ann loved the St. Patty's Day green horn. I, of course, was happy we were outside when she was blowing it.

Here comes The Wall Gang.

Ann was so excited to see Daddy and Mommy was happy they stopped in front of us. Ann cried for Daddy until he let her go out and talk to him. She then wanted to ride with him, but I'm not quite ready and she doesn't have the right gear.

The fresh air was so effective on Ann, that she fell asleep on the 10 minute ride home. The funny part was that she had a sucker stuck to her face...my guess was she fell asleep mid-lick.