Jenevive's Daisy troop had their last trip (besides camp) today at the Red Tail Acres Horse Camp. All of the girls had a great time. They spilt the troop up into three groups. Each group got to go on a scavanger hunt on the property, learned how to groom and tack a horse and had a riding lesson. At the end of the day they a hotdogs cooked on the fire pit with chips and pop. For most of the girls this was the first time they were that close to a horse let alone ride one. I think this was the best trip this year that they all went on.

Another first for the girls ....outhouses. The look on each girl's face was priceless!! Each girl tried not to think about having to go inside of it, but eventually they all had to. They will probably talk about that experience as much as they will about riding a horse.

The boys left us!!! When I got home from work today, Jimmy was all ready and waiting by the front door with his suitcase and stuffed animals. He kept saying "No girls - boys only Ha Ha I going to hio" (Ohio). And then Papa came to pick them up and he grabbed onto my leg ( yeah!!) and started to cry ( yeah some more !!!) and for a brief second I didn't think he was going to go. I know it sounds horrible to get some enjoyment out of that, but I did. I have a hard time letting go when it comes to my kids. But its nice to know that for a second he wasn't sure about leaving me behind. So almost five hours later Jim got there and he said Jimmy was a real trooper in the car and they only had to stop once.

Jimmy is going on a "boy's weekend" with his Dad and Papa. They are going to Ohio to visit an old friend who started up a baseball team for his son. Jimmy has been so excited to go that he decided to empty his drawers and pack his stuff in a suitcase he found in Jenna's room. He managed to pack all of the important stuff - 1 pair of underwear, pajama bottoms and a plastic dinosaur. I took Jimmy to the store to pick out something special for his trip. He picked a Spiderman suitcase and some new pajamas. The boys will be gone the entire weekend, and even though Jen and I have a packed schedule, I'm going to miss him so much!!!

Jimmy and Jenevive wearing their matching outfits. I was told by Jim that this is the last year I can get away with this. Too cute!!

The kids running for the candy thrown from the parade. They both got a huge bag full.

Jen wearing her red, white and blue proud.

Happy Memorial Day!!! Today we went to the Saint Clair Shores Memorial Parade. My family has been going to it as long as I can remember. Now my kids love going to see all of the military trucks, bands and clowns. This year was easiest year so far with the kids. They are at such a good age where they can sit on the curb without worry and the enjoy the entire parade. No meltdowns or emergency potty brakes either !!! Papa Mike and Sue bought them each a toy off the vendor, they both picked a boton with streamers on the ends. After the parade Grandma Chance had everyone over for a BBQ. It was nice to see everyone have such a great time in that house again, especially after the last two years have been so hard. The kids ran around on their bikes and scooters and even went into the ice cold sprinkler. We all had such a great time and can't wait til next year.

Jimmy learning about Dino teeth and claws

Jen digging for fossils

I think everyone who has ever been to the Detroit Zoo has a picture like this.

Today we went ot the Detroit Zoo for Jen's Daisy fieldtrip. We had a great time !!! They added Dinosauria- a 1/2 mile path with animatronic dinosaurs that move and spit -very well worth the extra $3 each!!!! After the walk, they had little stations set up where the kids got to be "Paleontologists" and search for fossils. They also have a DinoSimulator ride which we didn't get a chance to go on. The Polar Bears were very active today so we were able to get some great photo's of them going over our heads in the tunnel. And of course we had to get the kids by the famous fountain. We didn't get tp stay long - the sun was getting a little too hot for our pale skin ( Jim excluded).

Today Jenna brought home this picture and explained to me that it was of her and Sloan ( a boy in her class) getting married....and the hearts above their heads are babies. WHAT!!!! I don't know where she comes up with this stuff already. Yesterday she asked for an P-Pod (IPOD) and today she asked for a cell phone for her birthday in August. Ah yeah right!!! I didn't get my first phone until I was 18 or 19 (and had a job) and I con't even begin to tell you how to work an IPOD. What ever happened to just wanting a Barbie doll?

The Tooth Fairy came last night and left Jenna $5.00 - a whole lot more than I ever got!! Jen had the biggest toothless grin when she reaced into her pillow and pulled the money out. Then she looked at the window and saw "fairy dust" on the window ledge. There was no doubt that in her mind that she came last night. On the way into the school, she couldn't stop smiling. She was so proud of her new smile.

Finally Jenevive's tooth came out!!!! Grandma Chance helped her get it out- there was no way I was able to do it. I can handle poop, vomit and blood - but give me a tooth to pull out and I'm a mess. Aunt shawn (who just so happens to work for a dentist) gave Jen a little pink treasure chest to put the tooth in and then we put it in my old Tooth Fairy pillow for the fairy to come. She made sure to crack open her window and fell right to sleep.We'll keep you posted on what the Tooth Fairy brought her.

On friday night Aunt Denise took Jen out for a "girl's night". They went out to eat and to the show to see the new Hannah Montanna movie. I'm not sure who wanted to see it more. Jenna made sure she was all decked out in her Hannah garb. She had on HM underwear, t-shirt, lip gloss and of course she couldn't leave her wig at home. Jen wore it the entire time proudly. The reviews were good from both of them and they are already planning their movie date

I just happened to get this picture of Jen in the car ( not while driving). I just took a quick glance back and she took me by surprise. The past 5 years just flew by and at that moment I realized just how fast. She is no longer that little girl who needs me every second. She is has become very independent (sometimes too much) and thinks she already knows everything. How lucky I am to have a daughter so smart, charming, sweet and beautiful-inside and out.

So I guess I should have been more specific when I told Jimmy to put his underwear on. He came out of the bathroom as if nothing was wrong, just waiting for a response from someone. What a goofball- he does come by it honestly with Jim as his dad. Jimmy is starting to realize that being the center of attention is quite fun.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!!!! For Mothers Day the kids each painted a picture on canvas for me. It was something I had always wanted them to do, but never got around to it. Jen made a beautiful flower and Jimmy splashed the color around a bit. Jen has a great art teacher at school and says she wants to be just like her when she grows up - she just might. Jimmy on the other hand is not into the art thing. He does not like getting anything on his hands like paint or glue, so this was a big thing for him.

Jim and his shadow doing some yard work. Not exactly the kind of "yard work" Jim wants to do, but it's a little easier when you have a buddy to help you. It doesn't matter what Jim is doing, Jimmy has to do the exact same thing, whether it's hitting a ball , pulling weeds or mowing the yard.