Back to School

What's a mom to do when 2 of her 4 children head back to school? Well, I shouldn't feel to sad for one thing. Spencer got Mrs. Martin for a teacher. I haven't had any experience with her before but I haven't heard anything negative about her either other than she is a really strict teacher. Which I absolutely think is great. I hope she helps him with all the things he needs help with. His best friend from last year ended up NOT moving, so that was definitely a highlight. Adam's teacher is fairly new to the Valley. Her name is Ms. Blechel. She is also a very strict teacher. Adam needs strict and a massive amount of structure. Today he was in trouble twice... ALREADY on the first day back to school. O' my. I hope he was just testing his grounds and this isn't a sign of things to come.

So today, I ended up really missing my boys, hoping they were having fun. I know that sounds silly, but 7 hours a day away from them seems like forever. I know they are in a good, safe place. Mountain View has an amazing administration and school system. We are lucky to live in the district we live in. I just felt like everything was way to quiet around here. On the upside, Sara took a 3 hour nap and Lily and I got a whole bunch of one on one time. We watched Grease 2 and made Rice Krispie treats. We also played barbies and giggled. That was wonderful :) I think the next few days will be good. I function really well on a routine, as do my kids. Getting back in the grove of things will take a few days, but will happen. I will probably still miss my boys terribly, but enjoy my time with my girls. I wonder how long it will take for me to burn out on musicals? :) :)

Crue Fest

Arlene, Todd and I channeled our inner Rockstar and headed off to see Crue Fest. What that is is a group of bands, some better known than others get together and go on tour for the summer. Motley Crue were the headliners ( but not my favorite) then there was Godsmack and Sully (My very favorite) Drowning Pool (who were fabulous) Theory of a Deadman (The lead singer was a jerk, but the bass player was HOT) and a little known band called Charm City Devils. I posted the pictures of Godsmack first because they should've had top billing. They were fabulous. And their lead singer is one yummy man. They were great live.

 

 

 

 

Here's Motley Crue. Tommy Lee was awesome. Vince Neil kept forgetting words.

 

 

This is Drowning Pool. What an amazing live band. I was absolutely impressed with these guys.

 

 

Charm City Devils

 

 

Theory of a Deadman

 

 

It was a fabulous date with the two most wonderful people in my life. My Lover and my Bestie :) Sully Rocks :)

Swimming Lessons 2009

Swimming lessons this year for Spencer was the beginning of the junior life guard program. Doesn't he look so handsome sitting up there :) Anyway, the main thing he did this year is learn the basics of life guard training. He had to 'save' the random victims in the pool. Most of the time it was his best bud Konnor other times it was Adam, but he had to jump in and save them properly. It was so cool to watch him know what to do. I totally understand this wasn't a 'real' drowning scenario but he was still awesome. He loves swimming, I hope it's something that he continues through school.

 

 

My sweet little Adam was in level 4. It's a pretty difficult level to pass and usually takes a few years to get all the strokes down. He did really well for having such short little legs. His teacher said he is always the life of the party, always making her smile. She was my teacher in church when I was younger, so I've known her most of my life. And I was really excited she was Adam's teacher. She's actually been Adam's teacher the last 2 years for swimming so I guess we just got lucky :)

 

 

Miss Lil' was in a level that is kind of a beginner of level 2. It's basically where she is learning to be comfortable in the water, to hold her breath under water and to kick her legs and move her arms. She's pretty good at it. She loves the water and had a great time with her teacher and hanging out with her friend Kamryn.

 

 

 

It was a successful year, even if Lily looks like she wasn't having a great time :) The Bates/Hutchinson Clan rocked swimming lessons this year. Whoooo-Hoooo....

 

Mirror Lake and Sulfer Creek Adventures

 

So about a month ago my sister-in-law Barb invite my kiddo's (our niece Zoe too) and I for a picnic at Mirror Lake. I had never been up that way and the kids were itching to get out of Dodge. So we packed some sandwiches, chip, soda and grapes, jackets, swimming suits and set off on an adventure for the day.

 

Our first stop was Sulfer Creek for lunch and a 'stretching your legs' break. I took most of the picutes there because the kids were just happy exploring and looking around.

 

My beautiful little girl is constantly finding flowers to bring to me. And with all the wild flowers that were everywhere, she was in heaven. She was picking flowers for both Barb and I. (She just loves Auntie Barb :) My little Sara Rose also loved all the flowers especially the little yellow ones. She was so cute checking out all the new things around the little camp ground area. And she hung out around these little yellow flowers for a while.

 

Miss Lily wanted pose with some beautiful flowers that she picked and arranged all by her big girl self. Sweet girl.

 

When we got to Mirror Lake there was a little 'log' that was hollow and had a muchroom on top. My kids that that was pretty cool. The rest of the pictures are of our adventures throughout the day. We had such a great time just hanging out with Uncle Gene and Aunt Barb.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lagoon

We recently headed to Lagoon with Spencer, Zoe, Adam and Lily. And guess what, I didn't get one picture of Spencer and Zoe. It was the first year that I let those two go off all by themselves. So through cell phones and check in points we only saw their faces when the weren't on a ride. But we had a blast. Adam and Lily (who usually fight constantly) were the best of buds all day. Adam was a wonderful big brother and helped her onto all the rides and rode most of the rides with her, even when he thought they were a little baby-ish. It was adorable. And of course Lily just loved having Adam all to herself. They had a great time. I think it was the perfect day to go, although there was a huge crowd, everyone was pleasant and the weather was cool and the kids got along great :) YAY!!!! Lagoon ONCE a year rocks.
 
 
 
 

A Night at the Circus

So, I have learned that a small town circus consists of weird people, no animals except for tiny horses and there might be a special appearance by Sponge Bob. There wasn't much else to this circus at all.
Well, I guess there was a girl who was lifted up in the air and twirled around the big top by her hair, but seriously, there was nothing else. And we spent way to much money on things that didn't make it to the Suburban. Ok.. Enough complaining :)
The best part of the whole night was when Sara, Lily and Adam got to ride some little horses. I think I need to tell you how much Sara loves horses. We can't drive by one horse without having to slow down and look at it, all the while she is yelling 'Howay'. There are some that live at the end of our street and she know exactly when and were she will see them. It's so sweet.
Anyway, we by a ticket for the little kids to ride on the horses and Sara would not got on one. Valerie was holding her and Sara was very against sitting on that 'howay'. There was no way she was going to get up there. But sweet Val walked along side the horse and let Sara check it out. It was just precious :) Nights at the circus can be fun :)

SURPRISE ARLENEY

My very best friend in the whole entire world did two things recently. First and foremost she has earned her Associates Degree in sociology from the University of Phoenix. And she turned 30 something... YAY!!! So I got a wild hair to throw her a surprise party to celebrate both achievements. My niece Janice made her 'Rockstar' cake, Arlene's step-daughter Tiffany supplied the decorations, Todd band rocked the house down and the rest of us supplied some yummy food and we partied.
First off, I have to tell you that I am a horrible secret keeper. Especially when it comes to
Arlene. We tell each other EVERYTHING. But I have to say, I was pretty proud of myself for not even remotely letting on that this was happening. She walked into my house and was completely shocked and surprised. It was great!
After a few hugs and lots of tears and realizing all the deception that went on to keep her from figuring out what we were all doing, we officially
started the party. We all sang happy birthday to her and Todd made her stand on the Amplifier so everyone could see her. That was pretty dang funny :)

There were Rock Star poses......

A very talented band playing.....

Arlene's husband and Mama were busting a move......

The bass player was so hot, I think I might ask him to come home with me :) And maybe I'll keep his little groupie.






I have to tell you that I love Arlene with all my heart. She is my other soul mate. The kind of friend that loves you in spite of your record number of flaws, allows you to be you without judgement. The kind that celebrates your victories and kicks someone's ass went you feel defeated. I can't say it enough that I love her and the spirit she brings into my life. Thank you for being my bestie Arleney.