Battle of the Rattle

I signed up for a 5k(3.1 mile) race this last Saturday. It was great fun! The only thing I didn't realize was that the first 1/2mile of the race was straight up the side of Rattlesnake mountain. The gun went off and we literally dug, clawed, crawled our way to the top. I had a lot of fun, but I am still very tired and stiff today.







Can you find me?

Top Guns

Every year Greg (and the rest of the family) really look forward to the National Championship Air Races. Most people don't see why they are so spectacular, but when you have a friend that literally lives on the end of the runway, it makes things a lot more exciting. The planes come in for their landings right over her house. The louder planes are not allowed to perform right over the stands, so they do all their tricks over her house.



Nothing says "party" like a massive chocolate chip cookie






This F-18 beauty broke the sound barrier right over our heads. We had never heard a sonic boom before, it was loud, but super exciting at the same time.



The main attraction for the afternoon was the Canadian Snow Birds


















Raija had a blast looking at the planes through the binoculars

Full of Hot Air

The Hot Air Balloon races are so cool! They come every year at the beginning of Sept. and I have enjoyed them for a very long time. I have experienced dawn patrol several times and the awesomeness of the mass ascension almost every year. The kids and I were lucky enough this year to see a balloon being deflated. I must say that in all the years that I have enjoyed this event, I have never witness a deflation. It was really fun to watch how they put the gigantic balloon away. The best part was when they were finished and Anton said, "All gone."




Landing in a parking lot close to KJ's school






Anton and RJ enjoying a donut and Capri suns. Anton was thrilled and kept saying balloon, balloon.


They were forcing the air out with a metal piece that fit around the balloon. It had two handles on the sides so the worker could hold on and push back






I didn't think it was all going to fit inside this bag, but the workers did a great job stuffing, shoving and jumping on the bag to make it all squeeze in



KJ hanging out with the crew and the pilot. KJ actually got to ride in a balloon this year, but Greg forgot the camera. I'm over it though, so we won't talk about it.

She Was Ready

Everyone tells you that time flies, I believe them. KJ started her first day of Kindergarten yesterday. I took her for a screening last week and she has been counting down the days ever since. She is very excited to learn new things and make new friends. Her first day, according to her went OK. She was a little upset that everyone was saying her name wrong (Ka-Jonny). I told her it would take some time and that it was OK to nicely tell her friends how to say her name. It was cute after I made her a turkey and cheese sandwich and she said, "Mom, you really know how to cheer a sad girl up."

Kajaani and I had a lot of fun doing a Kindergarten photo shoot











What outfit would be complete without a pair of Skechers Twinkle Toes






Work it girl, Work it!!



The more serious side of Kajaani


















KJ and Kaden (Her buddy from church)



Finding a special spot on the carpet



One last shot before class starts


Anyone who knows KJ, knows that she is two and a half handfuls, but I love her. She has already taught me a lot about myself, life and what it takes to be the best mom. I didn't think it would bother me when she went off to school, but I have to admit I was sick to my stomach all day and when we were waiting for the doors to open to the class, my arms and legs were shaking. Kajaani- mom and dad love you, we are proud of you, and we know that you will do great in Kindergarten and everything else that you do. Along with the photo shoot, KJ and I sat down for an interview.

Favorite color: Pink, Purple, and Red

Favorite Food: Pears, broccoli (that's news to me)

Favorite Cartoon: Curious George

Favorite things to do: Color, play outside and puzzles

Favorite Book: Ready, Set, School by Jacquelyn Mitchard
it's about a raccoon family who is sending their son to his first day of school

What do you think the first day of Kindergarten will be like?
We will learn vowels, have story time, writing time, reading time, hopscotch, letters, numbers, and sing the ABC's.

What do you hope to learn in Kindergarten?
All the things I just told you