Birthdays, puppies and braces

My little entrepreneur's

Ready for preschool?

Derek's 15th birthday and beloved new cell phone

New addition to our crazy scene....1/2 Great Dane, 1/2 St. Bernard...

What were we thinking?

Christian's new bling and our retirement funds

The pics of the week pretty much sum it up.  Derek turned 15 and got his first cell phone (he was sure that he was the LAST child over the age of 6 left without a cell phone - Christian's friends were mocking him).    The kids had a lemonade stand this week.  Christian decided that he wanted a puppy and they put up signs all over the neighborhood that they were trying to earn money for a puppy.  Puppies and kittens....the kids know how to pull in the sympathy business.   We decided to help them out and actually bought a puppy anyway....a Great Bernard (or St. Dane)....BIG is what it's going to be.  We're having a name the dog contest.  No prize, just fame and recognition plus a years supply of manure for your garden.  She is 4 1/2 wks old now...we'll bring her home in 3 weeks..I'm sure she'll weigh 70 lbs by then and be bigger than Sparky (our fat lab) by Christmas.  

School starts this week.  We'll have a high schooler, middle schooler, 2 elementary kids and a pre-schooler.  Lots of diversity.  

Risenmay Family Reunion

Last week we headed to Island Park, Idaho for the biannual Risenmay reunion.   It was the usual beautiful chaos that we all love.  Lots of food, kids, noise and laughs.   We spent a day in Yellowstone and hit the highlights.  It was quite the caravan with all of us - cousins were switching around to different cars - it was a wonder that we didn't leave someone behind.  Also a highlight was the designated "Stay Day" that involved doing nothing all day but watching movies, playing games, and eating.  The visit to Bear World was also a favorite.   This is supposed to re-create the "Old Yellowstone" with a drive through animal park where you can get up close and personal with the bears.  A little cheesey, but lots of kiddy fun!   Here are some of the kids favorites from our trip:  

Derek "pulling up to the cabin after Yellowstone day!"

Megan  "Cuddling with the baby deer at Bear World"

Christian "Rock convention and beating Matt, Chris and Derek at Halo"

Emma  "Bear World and playing with Sydney"

Brett "Ummmmm....sand (?) and Bear World

My favorite was the campfire the last night and hearing the famous "shhuuuup" story from Dad.  John added that the "togetherness of being one, big, happy family" and of course - Mom/Elaine said that her favorite was hearing of Matt's college escapades.  Grocery shopping and pee pucks to be specific!!

It was a great time!!  We can hardly wait for the next one!