More Toys

ppl ask me why eric started a side business when he works full time as an IT manger for this company. i answer, he knows i want to retire by 55.

these may be the real reason. after breaking even in 3mos, mr. sucessful business man rewards himself with this:




as an upgrade from this (note only 4 puny vs 6 powerful tires).
i have to admit, all the kids (young and old) enjoy riding in the 'rocket cars':

Wind Swept

salty ocean breeze to crisp mountain air (ck out the mountain goat in the back giving us the 'those tourist' look)




our annual summer trip to visit gramma D in hilton head. some highlights:

- sunny, sunny days. it never rained except maybe once at night. June is the best time to head south before it heats up.

- warm, super shallow waters. the girls rode (and rode) the 'bumpy' waves in their tubes and boogie boards

- visiting with three sisters who are three teachers. the girls love the attention which means less work for us (-:

- a fun day trip to Charleston, touring the old homes and checking out their aquarium with a cool penguin exhibit

- six full days of beach and pool. enough for us, but the girls could have stayed another week.



for our end of the summer trip, we decided to visit Colorado. Eric's dad was born and raised in CO, so we spent a couple of days visiting family before heading to Denver.

some highlights:

- the girls got to met most of Eric's paternal side of the family, esp Aunt Alma who is 96. they're too young to understand, but it was neat showing them part of their heritage. from the acres and acres of farm land to cattle-raising and live stock kept in the Deterding family for generations. now I get why Eric loves rocks, Indian heads and 4-wheel driving...it's a different world and life style, the heart land.

- aunt LouAnn and uncle Leroy made us a full breakfast and dinner for three days--delicious, local beef and yummy home-made pies! also had my first malt shake straight from their kitchen.

- going fishing where poppa and grandpa fished as a boy. the girls fished before, but first time they caught live ones!

- a quick stay at Black Hawk, a western-like town filled with casinos. mommy actually won some $$, before poppa ended up loosing it. forget how much i love casino buffets. the one at Ameristar can't be beat-- crab legs and cotton candy!

- Eric was right, the Appalachian mountains (of the East) are nothing compared to the Rockies. we drove up (and up) and right on the edge of Mount Evans. The drive isnt for the weak of heart but the view is awe-inspiring.

- wild mountain goats! they are so rare, and we saw a bunch! Laurel caught sight of them first and she was so thrilled. no moose or bears thou.

- checking out the mile-high city of Denver. it's a great town, full of culture and outdoor adventures. known for it's 300 days of sunshine and pristine ski-ing. who needs a thread mill when you have the mountains.

So many parties, so little time...

Sophia's 'wedding fantasy' bday party this last wkend. They got to wear their flower girl dresses from Aunt Louise's wedding, fully accessorized this time. All the mini-brides and (2) top-hat grooms were so cute!

I've lost count of how many parties the girls have been invited to this summer. It must be bday party season!

2 Weddings and a Party

Missy's wedding

Aunt Louise's wedding:

Marley's luau out party:


Summer is zooming by!

For Laughs

been super busy at work, a quick video for laughs.
check out Laurel's moves (our little dancer) and the (jumpy) masked one isnt so bad either.

Ballerina and SuperHero Bday Party!

Happy 4th bday my darling girls! Each year the girls pick the theme, depending on what they're into. They had a blast with all thier ballerina and superhero friends. And being surrounded by so much love and joy! After the party, it took two days to open presents! It's official, bdays are even better than Xmas!
Enjoy the pics and video. Big THANKS to Kim for being our photographer for the day, you did an awesome job!

Happy 4th!

Fireworks start way too late for the girls (maybe next year they can stay up), so we always have our own backyard version. VIP seats and just as much fun, esp the fireworks that fart!