The Graduate

Yesterday was Alaina's last day of preschool. She has another year before she starts kindergarten, but much of her class starts this fall so they have a "graduation" at the end of the year. Alaina wore her cap and tassel and received her diploma for completing her first year of preschool.

Daddy's Dump Truck

So last month we posted about Ryan's broke down dump truck. Well, now he is back to hauling. He was able to buy a new truck and use parts from his old truck, like the dump, to create a new super haulin' dumpin' machine. He enjoys driving this one more because it isn't as close to being an antique as his last machine was. Emily and Alaina like it better than the old truck too because it isn't quite as loud, its a little nicer in the cab, and its a prettier color. They love to take rides with Daddy. In the above picture the truck is parked in our backyard. Ryan hauled some gravel to put in the area where our patio will be. We are looking forward to being able to use our barbecue again! The reinstatement of the dump truck has also created some progress down in the area where the Frank and Hanson property lines meet. All the posts for the pole building are in the ground!

Park Play

Since the weather has been warm lately we've had the opportunity to get outside and play! Here are some shots of a recent trip to the park. We had a picnic lunch with Grandma Far Away and Aunt Tami and then lots of play!

Say Cheese!

Ryan and I bought Emily a camera for her birthday. We found her an inexpensive digital camera that is small and fairly easy to work. She still hits the wrong button sometimes, but she is figuring it out. It is always interesting to see what she decides to photograph. Things on the wall, toys, and brother and sisters too. At least we won't have a shortage of pictures to share with you all! Another bonus - I'll have some pictures of myself with the kids! Here is a shot she took of Lila and I.

Happy Birthday Emily!

Today was Emily's 6th birthday! She had a busy day. This morning she brought treats to school and celebrated with her classmates. In the afternoon she had 5 girls from her kindergarten class come over for a party. They were all decked out in princess gear. We had a Mulan, Jasmine, Tinkerbell , 2 Cinderellas and 2 Sleeping Beauties. It was fun - if a little wild at times. This evening we had cake with Grandma and Grandpa and opened family gifts. She finished her big day with a dump truck ride with Daddy.

Here she is posing with her castle cake. Its hard to believe she is already six years old!

Emily Ballerina

Emily received her ballet costume for her spring recital this week. She had practice and pictures today in Longview so she got all suited up and I snapped this shot before she left. She is growing up so fast!

Cousin Grace

Grace Louise Hanson was born May 8th around 10 p.m. Congratulations John and Amy! She is so beautiful!
We took a quick day trip up to Kirkland to visit them in the hospital. Emily and Alaina were so proud to be able to hold her.
We were also so glad to see Great Grandma holding her 7th great grandchild! I love this picture of her holding Grace. She looks so happy!

The Three Little Gardeners

After much topsoil hauling, raking, shoveling, and tractor riding the girls and I have completed our little garden. I shouldn't say completed I guess, there is still work to be done. We planted corn, green beans, carrots, cucumbers, sunflowers, and pumpkins. Emily and Alaina put the seeds in the ground (Lila was napping at the time) and they can't wait to see our little plants grow. Hopefully they will survive without being eaten by the deer in my previous post! We will post some pics when we see some sprouts!

Oh, deer!

The deer have started coming down from the forest and feeding. The girls get all excited when they see them out the window. The other day there was a mother and its fawn daintily munching in the neighbors empty lot. We are surrounded by God's beautiful creation out here!