A Big Day and a "DreamNight"

Today was a big day! It was the last day of school for Carly and Alex. Carly finished second grade and Alex finished his first year of preschool. Carly had cake and icecream to celebrate three of her sped classmates going on to middle school and Alex's class had icecream treats too. Alex also got crayons and chalk from his preschool teachers. A huge hit!! Here's a pic.

Then, last night we went to the MN Zoo. Cities 97 and many others were sponsoring DreamNight. This was a private event that invites children with special needs and their immediate families to spend a free evening at the zoo (free admission, dinner AND parking!). The event was from 5 - 8 pm (The zoo was closed to the public at 6 pm.). Our ride south was a little long (It took us 2 hours!) but well worth it!! We got to pet a chinchilla (OMG how soft!). Here is a picture of Sissy enjoying the softness.

We had the opportunity to see some of the animals up close and personal. Like this beautiful grizzly bear. Isn't he sweet!!?
Here's a picture of Carly and Alex with their friends Evan and Nolan. Thanks to Kathy for letting us know about this great event. So glad we got to share it with them!! They even got to feed the giraffes!! Cool, huh!?

After the zoo event, Doug and I were off to see Triple Shot. My shy friend Bennie was there. I really need to find a way to get that girl to come out of her shell (LOL!). They played awesome as always.

A little R & R.......It's a good thing!

I had a super, fabulous weekend up at our camper.....ALL BY MYSELF! I had gone up there for a little R & R as well as to try to work on a quilt for Carly (I've had the material for about 4 years!). The picture below is what one of the blocks will look like (If it looks a little goofy, it's because I haven't sewn the 4 units together. If it doesn't look goofy....never mind. :) ). I didn't get nearly as much done as I thought I would (Story of my life!). I really enjoyed what I did get done. It's been awhile since I made a quilt so I was kinda out of practice. Thanks to Kris and Sandy for the fun chats at Springvale!!

Shade Lovers

I just love this time of year. It's so much fun to see everything bursting into bloom. It's also fun to see what I planted the year before that I may have forgotten. I also like to see what the birds have planted for me or what plants may have re-seeded. Here are a couple of my favorites. Even though we need rain really bad, these two are looking really healthy.

Wow!!!

Look at these two handsome devils!! This is Nicky (yes, my nephew, on the left) and his friend Garrett. Their prom isn't until Friday but they "suited up" and came over so I could be an obnoxious, picture taking auntie. I happily obliged. Look out girls!!

The picture below is taken from Alex's view.

Itty, bitty baby bunnies!

Check this out!! I was out spraying for dandelions last night and came across these sweet little things. Aren't they just delicious!! The only bad thing.....I think I sprayed one of them. I hope they're ok. Do you think they could suffer some deformity at my hands? Do you think the next time I spot the one I sprayed it will have a thumb growing out of it's head or something? I sure hope not because they are exquisite just the way they are. All together now.... awwwwwwwww.

Gifts Galore!!

Well, last night came and went and I never got around to posting the pictures of the beautiful gifts that Carly and Alex gave me. The picture above is of the gorgeous picture frames that they made at Springvale (Our home away from home from May through September.). Alex went up to the lodge (me and Carly were at WalMart) and made his and the kind, thoughtful Springvale Gang gave him extra supplies so that Carly could make one later (I helped her with it tonight.). The orange tie-dye in the background is the Springvale shirt that they gave me. The picture below is of the cool sun catcher ( I just LOVE these things.) that Alex made at preschool. That came with a card (sorry, no picture) with his handprint on the front (I LOVE any art with their handprints!) and a sweet poem on the inside.

So, later this week, I will try to fill you in on a few things since I haven't been blogging much. I have Stamp Club in a few minutes so gotta go. TTYL. ;)

Happy Mother's Day!!!!

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day. Here's a picture of me and my Mom, Judie. We had a really nice brunch over at her house today. Now I'm gonna go and lay in bed with Alex and watch Little Bear (Carly's not a big Little Bear fan.). Later tonight I hope to post a picture of the beautiful gifts that my children gave me. There really is nothing like a gift made by your children!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Extra hugs ~ Laura