Horseback Riding Adventure

Last week we took the girls up to Leavenworth for a quick 2 day getaway. It was fun. We planned to go water rafting, but the river was still too high, so we didn't get to. We did, however, get to go horseback riding. The girls always beg me to take them riding, but we really never have time to. So... I made time. Oh, we had so much fun. Everyone got there own horse, even Madeline! The only thing was that she had our guide hold the lead rope on her horse. We all loved it. It was an awesome experience for the girls. Here are a few pictures of the outing.

Yeah, Andy even got a picture of me on the horse.

The trail was 5 miles long up and back down the mountainside.

And the last picture is the view from the top. Our car was but a tiny speck from way up there! All in all, it was a fun time, and I'd love to do it again soon. If you are ever up there, we rode at Eagle Creek Ranch in Leavenworth. They are fantastically priced, have awesome horses and have a very kind family that runs it. You should check them out.

Madeline's 7th Birthday

Presents....check.

Friends....check.

Party at Chuck E Cheese....check.

More presents when we get home....check.

One happy, happy 7 year old....priceless.

Happy 7th Birthday, my darling baby girl.

May this year bring you all the luck in the world!

My Not So, but Kinda, Extreme Coupon Shopping Trip

Okay... a couple months ago, I was told by my co-worker and my husband, at two completely separate times, that I would make a fantastic "extreme couponer." Whaaat!?! I had never heard of it before. Andy said I should watch the show. There's a SHOW!?! I was in complete and utter disbelief. No way had I never heard of this before.... He explained to me what these people do. Hmmm, I thought. I was kinda upset that they would think this way of me. No, no, no, they explained. It's a good thing. It's your, um, controlling, no, that's not the right word, um... anal personality that makes it a good thing. WHAAAT!!! Now I was really pissed. But alas I was curious, so I watched the show. Oh-em-gee... These people are NUTS! I could never, nor ever want to, devote that much time and effort into shopping. Un-uh. Not happening. Oh, just collect coupons and give it a try, Andy says. You never know.... Okay fine. I'll collect coupons. I'll shop "frugally." But I will not be THAT extreme, I said. So over the course of the next 2 months, I collected those coupons. Every Sunday, my darling mother brought me her coupons out of the Sunday paper. I went online and signed up for weekly coupons, from big name companies. I also kept all the ones from my mailbox without throwing them away. Then, I used my paper trimmer (yes, I already had one) to cut out those wonderful "money saving" pieces of paper. End result? Check out the picture below.

It might not look like it but that's $252.37 worth of items. 66 items to be exact. After coupons, my total came to $81.77. That's about $1.21 per item. In the end, the bottom line was I saved $170.60!!! Not too shabby. And thankfully not as "extreme" as those crazies I see on the show. I will actually use all of the items I purchased within the next few months. This is not some crazy stockpile (as you can see) like those guys. Uh huh. See, I'm sane... somewhat. :o)

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!

Sydney's 6th Grade Graduation

Time flies....

I am so super proud of you Sydney. You are growing up to be an incredible person. Don't ever let anyone stand in the way of your dreams. The future is bright, and ready for you!

Love,

Mom

Madeline and the Macarena

The pictures speak for themselves. :o)

Happy 12th Birthday, Sydney

Hard to believe. Another year has passed and sure enough, my oldest daughter is now 12. My, oh my. Lord, have mercy on my soul for the years to come. I've been told it's all downhill from here. :o)

Here are a few pics of the birthday girl opening her presents.

New shoes from Grandma and Grandpa

A new outdoor basketball.

A shirt she was "dying" for.

Cash... Look at her expression.

It's almost like she doesn't know what to do with it.

And lastly, the other Nike outfit we got her.

Happy Birthday, Sydney. Please quit growing up.

.....

She makes me feel old.