Madeline's Cosmic Rocket

One of the presents Madeline got for Christmas was the amazing Cosmic Rocket. She's totally into the whole rocket ship/planets/space science thing. I love it. She watches the Science Channel with me all the time, and learns a lot from it. Anyways, we've been waiting for a good time to launch her rocket and today was the day. She learned all about mixing baking soda and vinegar. It was awesome. Her rocket launched about 50 feet into the air. The girls and their friends sure got a kick out of it. As Madeline would say, Sweet biscuits that was fun!

3rd Annual Ketter 4th of July Party

As is our tradition, we hosted our annual 4th of July party again this year. This time, the weather actually cooperated! It was an awesome 80 degrees. Beautiful sunny skies. Perfect for family, friends, food and lots of fireworks! Everyone had a blast. We are so blessed with everything we have. It's good to celebrate and enjoy it with friends.

This is what happens when you give a short-armed person a camera and she wants to take a picture with everybody.

Lots of half-faces, lol....

We got a floating lantern this year (like the one from Tangled, which is Madelines favorite movie, so she was thrilled.) It was tricky to light, but the end result was awesome. I wish the pictures would have turned out better.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July!

Ketter's Annual 4th of July Party 2010

Once again, we hosted our annual 4th of July Party. Once again, we had an amazing time with our friends who have become our "extended family." Below are some highlights of the day.

Of course, we did the piñata again.

It is always a hit with the kids!

I manned the grill all day. I barbecued 2 tri-tips, pork, chicken and beef kabobs (about 100 total), hotdogs, and chicken. It was delicious and wonderful, if I do say so myself!

And after the sun set, we had our wonderful fireworks display.

It was an awesome end to an even awesomer day!

(Yeah, I like to make up my own words.)

Summertime Is Here.....Finally!

And my, what a long wait it has been. We were all definitely wanting and needing the beautiful sunshine to arrive. (See our untanned legs in the picture above....) But, it is here now, so lets have some fun!!! Here's a few pictures we took today while enjoying the sun here at home, then later at Jamie's BBQ out on Lake Tahuyeh.

Sydney looking so beautiful in the natural sunlight.

My little white girls need some sun too!

Andy playing washers out on Lake Tahuyeh.

Patrick aka "The Crazy Uncle" and Madeline.

Oh my goodness, Madeline loved the boat.

She actually even got to drive it!

She wanted us to pose for a picture together.

And she wanted a picture of her and daddy too!

YAY for Summer Fun!!!!

Manic Monday

Well, you don't say. More fence building. More silliness. Hmmm, kinda goes together doesn't it?

Brian making "super screws." Really. Don't ask.

Jamies' artistic interpretation of Madeline. I dig it.

After Brian and Jamie hijacked my car and drove me around the block, (Driving Mrs. Ketter is how they put it) Madeline got in the car and found this old hat. She is now the Statue of Iberty. No wait, Biberty. No, that's not right either.....Oh yeah, Liberty, that's it. Silly girl.....

It's Fence Building Time

So, Andy and I have wanted to replace the fence in the front yard for a while now. Finally today, with the help of the boys, we started work on building our new fence. We didn't get it all completed today, but next Monday we will finish it. Check out our hard work.

The boys supervising. Rough, I know.

It takes a woman to tell them it's straight.

Casualty of the job.

Better hurry up it's getting dark!

This side is done. Our hard work paid off, and the boys said they feel more like men now that they have built a fence. LOL. Next week we work on the other side.

Crazy Chaos

So every Monday, the boys come over and I feed them dinner. Every Monday, chaos ensues. I'm now the proud parent of 2 adult boys and their "crazy uncle." (Really they are just our co-workers, I just treat them like the kids they are......)

These pictures don't even do it justice, but enjoy.

And then, once they all calm down, I get my favorite shot of the day in.

I ♥ it!!!!

Driving Range with The Boys

So the boys (Jamie, Brian and Patrick) came over tonight. I fed them some dinner and off we went to the driving range. Fun times.

Madeline is lovin' her some Patty O.

Trying to see who can hit the bunny first. Jamie, pull up your pants!

And finally, learning to properly swing from the master. Just kiddin.

Kassie's 8th Birthday

Happy Birthday my precious angel butterfly, Kassie. Today she is 8, and by golly it is great! We had a party for her and here are some wonderful memories we caught of the event.

Makeup.....

and pizza......

Madeline frowning for no apparent reason.....

Kassie & Alysa

The Whole Gang

Thank you, Jordan

Thank you Rylen & (other) Jordan

Thank you, Alysa

Thank you, Ella

Thank you, Ashley

Thank you, Kianni

Thank you, Grandpa & Grandma

Thank you, Emmaleisse

Thank you, Kaya

Thank you, Bethany

Thank you, Mom & Dad!

Hitting the Pinata.....

again......

and again.......

and again......

Ok, time out for a sec........

We now resume beating the pulp out of it......

a little closer now, his legs are falling off......

Sydney went "BAM".......

......and then the candy fell. It was a mad house with little girls fighting for the candy. Well, all is well that ends well, and it sure did! Fun times had by all. A BIG thanks to all of the girls that came!

Now it's time for B-E-D........