2007 Navrat Family News

December 31st, 2007 - Janae spent the day with the boys.  The boys had their dentist appointments this morning.  When they got home they went to Nick and Kyle's to play.  Amanda stopped by after work and they all went downtown to watch fireworks for first night celebration.

December 29th, 2007 - We took the boys sledding down a big hill.  They had fun until a man ran over them with his sled.  Dakota got a bump on his head and wanted to go home.  

December 27th, 2007 - This evening Dakota lost another tooth.  One on the bottom.  He now has three missing teeth. dakota1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, keegan_sarge_shadow1,

December 26th, 2007 - The boys each got one more present this morning.  Michelle and I had forgotten to give Dakota his birthday present and then again at Christmas the present we got him this summer in Medora.  It is a Dakota pocket knife.  He was very excited to get it.  He commented Pappy has two whole drawers full of knives.  They also got another game for their play station that we hadn't wrapped.  Dakota then went upstairs and wrapped a present for Keegan and gave it to him.  He gave him his Swiss army pocket knife.  Dakota said, "Every time I get a new knife I'm going to give one of my old ones to Keegan because I only need two".

December 25th, 2007 - We had a very nice Christmas.  In the afternoon we went out to Lackner's.  The kids played together.  We had dinner and watched a movie.  Kelly had invited another family from his work out.  He cooked a good meal. The kids all frosted cookies. christmastree1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota_keegan6, dakota_keegan7, dakota_keegan8, dakota_keegan9, dakota_keegan10, dakota_keegan11, dakota_keegan12, dakota_keegan13, dakota_keegan14, dakota_keegan15, dakota_keegan16, dakota_keegan17, dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota5, dakota6, dakota7, dakota8, dakota9, dakota10, dakota11, dakota12, dakota13, dakota_dad1, dakota_dad2, dakota_jackson1, dakota_jackson2, dakota_jackson_kelly_meridith1, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_dad2, dakota_keegan_jackson_tucker1, dakota_keegan_jackson_tucker2, dakota_keegan_kelly1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, keegan7, keegan8, keegan9, keegan10, keegan11, keegan12, keegan13, keegan14, keegan_tucker1, keegan_dad1, keegan_tucker_kelly_debbie1, ryan1, ryan2, ryan_kelly_sean_ron_debbie1, ryan_sean_ron1, sarge1, sarge2, shadow1,  Amanda took some pictures of her new apartment and Janae. amanda_apt1, amanda_apt2, amanda_apt3, janae1, janae2, janae3, janae4, janae5, janae6, janae7, janae8, janae9, janae10, janae11, janae12, janae13, janae14, janae15, janae16,

December 24th, 2007 - Amanda and Janae came over after work, then we all went to church.  One of the songs was Away in the Manger.  Keegan started singing it with the rest of the congregation.  He did a nice job and it was very cute.  Afterwards we went to Papa and Grandma's.  The kids each opened one present.  Keegan had been telling me he knew what his present was because the dogs had opened it and mom re-taped it but he could see the edge of the box.  He said it was Ben 10 toys.  He was right and had a fun time playing with them.  Dakota got Cannonbolt another Ben10 toy.  Abby made Dakota a picture of a snow man and a Christmas ornament and gave it to him as a present.  When we got home, Dakota sprinkled reindeer food on the lawn.  The boys went upstairs and got their stockings and hung them by the fireplace.  They got some eggnog and cookies and put them out for Santa.  Then mom read the boys a book before bed. abby_carson1, abby_papa1, abby1, amanda_janae1, amanda_janae2, amanda_janae3, amanda_jenna1, carson1, carson2, dakota_abby_carson1, dakota_abby1, dakota_abby2, dakota_abby3, dakota_carson1, dakota_keegan_amanda_janae1, dakota_keegan_amanda_janae2, dakota_keegan_amanda_janae3, dakota_keegan_amanda_janae4, dakota_keegan_amanda1, dakota_keegan_janae1, dakota_keegan_janae2, dakota_keegan_mom_dad_janae1, dakota_keegan_mom_dad1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota_keegan6, dakota_keegan7, dakota_mom_amanda1,  dakota1, dakota10, dakota11, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota5, dakota6, dakota7, dakota8, dakota9, janae1, janae2, jenna1, jeremy_joann_jim1, jim1, keegan_dad1, keegan_janae1, keegan_jenna1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, keegan7, michelle1,

December 23rd, 2007 - We went over to watch the Vikings and Redskins game at Donovan and Cameron's house.  The kids played as we watched the Vikings lose the game :(. dakota_shadow_sarge1, shadow_sarge1, shadow_sarge2, shadow_thief1,

December 22nd, 2007 - Dakota and Keegan helped Michelle shovel the driveway and sidewalks.  They even started shoveling the neighbors driveway but she came out and finished it with her snow blower.  We took the kids sledding afterwards.  dakota1, dakota_keegan1,

December 21st, 2007 - Keegan went over to Mason's this morning to play with him and JJ.  We went for a drive tonight to look at Christmas lights.  We stopped by Gonzaga and visited Maryann McDonald.  Grandma Sue writes:  Hello to everyone,
Just to let all of you know that Samuel Dennis Navrat arrived Dec. 21, 2007 at 2:34 a.m. weighing in at 5 lbs. 12 oz. 19 inches long.  Has some hair, may be a little redhead, not sure as yet.  Christine, Neal and baby doing well as is Pappy and Grandma and Lauren.  Pictures will come later.
Sue"
 

December 20th, 2007 - Dakota went over to Hunter's house for a Christmas party.  Parker from kindergarten and his baseball team was there along with several other kids from kindergarten. ramli_syra1, ramli_syra2, rudebaugh1, siti_ramli_syra1, Naomi sent some pictures of Amanda and Janae. amanda_janae1, janae1, janae2, janae3, janae4, janae5, janae6, janae7, janae8,

December 19th, 2007 - Keegan went over to Mason's house today for Mason's birthday party.

December 15th, 2007 - The kids and I built a snowman this morning. dakota1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, ryan1, shadow_sarge1, shadow_sarge2,

December 14th, 2007 - Michelle and the kids went out to eat with her family and then over to her dad's house to visit.  Dakota lost his other front tooth today.

December 13th, 2007 - Jeremy and Cassie had family over to their house for dinner.  Dakota, Keegan and Michelle went over. amanda1, dakota_abby1, dakota_abby_kelsie_janae1, dakota_janae_joann1, dakota_keegan_kelsie_janae1, jenna_cassie_papa1, jeremy_abby1, jeremy_naomi1, keegan_jenna_carson_janae_nadine_kelsie1, keegan_jenna_carson_janae_nadine_kelsie2, keegan_kelsie_janae1, keegan_tucker_shadow_sarge1, keegan_tucker_shadow_sarge2, nadine1, nadine_chase1, papa1, tucker1,

December 12th, 2007 - Keegan had his Christmas play this evening.  He was very excited to do the play for all his relatives.  Jenna, Von, Carson, Abby, Nadine, Kelsie, and Joann all showed up.  He did a great job and had a lot of fun.  Afterwards everyone went had treats to eat.  The kids piled their plates full of goodies. abby1, abby_kelsie1, carson1, carson2, carson3, dakota1, dakota_janae1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_mom1, jenna_carson1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, keegan7, keegan_abby1, nadine_kelsie1, ryan_nadine_kelsie_amanda1, von_jenna_abby_carson_joann1,

December 10th, 2007 - I helped out Dakota's class for swimming again this afternoon.  It was his last swimming class this year.  Keegan got invited to Mason's birthday this coming Saturday.  He has been looking forward to it every day. amanda1, dakota1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_kelsie_janae1, keegan_lawrence1, keegan_lawrence2, nadine1, nadine_naomi1,

December 9th, 2007 - Michelle's family came over for an early Christmas since Nadine came to visit.  abby_jeremy_kelsie1, abby_kelsie1, abby1, amanda_janae1, amanda_jenna_jeremy_cassie_joann1, amanda_jenna_jeremy_cassie_joann2, carson_papa_grandma1, carson_von1, carson1, chase_lawrence_mandy_amanda_ryan1, chase_lawrence1, dakota_abby_von1, dakota_dad_chase1, dakota_keegan_abby_kelsie_janae1, dakota_keegan_bonnie1, dakota_keegan_carson1, dakota_keegan_grandma1, dakota_keegan_grandma_abby1,  dakota_keegan_kelsie_abby_carson_joann1, dakota_keegan_mom_dad1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_naomi1, dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, janae1, keegan_amanda_janae_jenna_carson_jeremy_joann1, keegan_carson1, keegan_janae_jenna_jeremy_joann1, keegan1, kelsie1, michelle_amanda1, michelle_cassie1, michelle_cassie2, michelle_naomi_amanda1, michelle_naomi_nadine_joann1, michelle_tom_larry_von_carson1, nadine_kelsie_abby1, nadine_kelsie1, nadine_kelsie2, nadine_kelsie3, nadine_kelsie4, nadine1, naomi_kelsie1, naomi_larry1, naomi_nadine_joann1, naomi_nadine_kelsie1, naomi_nadine_von_joann1, naomi_nadine1, naomi_nadine2, naomi1, ryan_chase_mandy1, ryan_jenna1, ryan_jeremy_cassie1, ryan_tom_bonnie_jenna_jeremy_cassie1, von_jenna_carson1,

December 7th, 2007 - Dakota's class went to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge again.  They hiked to see eagles.  Later in the day Michelle took the boys to the YMCA with Kara and her kids to go swimming.  Keegan went on the slide a bunch of times. 

December 6th, 2007 - Naomi sent some pictures of Janae on her first day of preschool and of her by the Christmas tree. amanda_janae1, amanda_janae2, janae1, janae2, janae3, janae4, janae5, janae6, janae7, janae8, janae9, janae10, janae11, janae12, janae13, janae14, janae15, She also sent some pictures of Chase purchasing his new car. chase1, chase2, chase3, chase_lawrence1, chase_lawrence_larry1,

December 3rd, 2007 - Michelle watched Kyle and Sydney today.  The kids watched Tomb Raider.  I helped out Dakota's class for swimming in the afternoon. keegan_kyle_sydney_sarge1, keegan_kyle_sydney_shadow_sarge1, keegan_kyle_sydney1, keegan_kyle_sydney2,

December 2nd, 2007 - The boys did such a good job this morning getting ready for church.  Michelle took them to Gonzaga to a Christmas mass.  Hunter from Dakota and Keegan's t-ball team was also there with his mom and sister.  They also saw Santa afterwards. dakota_keegan_santa1, dakota_keegan_santa2, dakota_keegan_santa3, dakota_keegan_santa4, dakota_keegan_hunter_haley1, dakota_keegan_mom1, dakota_keegan_mom2, dakota_keegan_mom3, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota_keegan6,

December 1st, 2007 - Dan, Kara and I took the kids a few houses down the street to go sledding.  The kids had a blast. keegan_dad_dan1,

November 29th, 2007 - Dakota and I were flipping channels from the NFL Packers/Cowboys game and Bruce Almighty tonight.  Bruce was talking to God and mentioned that he just gave people what they wanted.  God said to him, "What makes you think people know what they want?"  I told Dakota I know what I want.  Dakota asked what?  I replied, "For you, Keegan and Mom to be happy."  Dakota replied, "I guess your not getting what you want".  Perplexed, I asked him why he said that and he replied, "Because Mom isn't going to be happy, she always gets mad".  Michelle and I had a good laugh when I told her.

November 27th, 2007 - We had our first snow this morning.  Dakota and Keegan helped me shovel before school.  After Michelle picked up Dakota and Keegan she pulled them around the front yard in the sled.  keegan1,

November 26th, 2007 - I helped out Dakota's class at their Monday afternoon swimming lessons at the YMCA.  dakota1, dakota2, dakota3,  dakota_swim_class1, dakota_swim_class2, dakota_swim_class3, dakota_micah_alex1,

November 23rd, 2007 - I got up early and went shopping.  I got what I wanted a 50"inch DLP Samsung Model 5075S which was one of the early bird specials at Circuit City for $799.  Josh and Simon came over after dark and we built a fire and burned some boxes.  Josh and I played Madden 07 football.  dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_dad1,

November 22nd, 2007 - Michelle made ham, stuffing and potatoes for Thanksgiving.  The boys and I watched some football and they went outside and helped me dig out a rotten fence post.  We played a little bit of football in the backyard. Here are some pictures of Thanksgiving from Pappy and Grandma.  jaymie1, jaymie2, pappy1, lillestols1, lillestols2, lillestols3, kristin1, kristin2, jason_drew_jaymie1, drew1, drew2,

November 21st, 2007 - Keegan had his Thanksgiving meal at preschool today.  keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, dakota1, keegan_ethan1, keegan_thanksgiving_at_preschool1, keegan_gracie1,

November 19th, 2007 - Nick came over after school.  The boys learned how to play stratego together. Dakota lost a tooth today. dakota_nick1, dakota_nick2, dakota1, dakota2,

November 18th, 2007 - Kelly and I went hunting this morning.  We went about an hour north and west of Spokane.  I scared up a deer on the other side of some dense pine trees.  It sounded like a mule deer jumping.  Kelly wasn't too far away and heard it also.  I watched a clearing but it was in the direction I thought Kelly was near.  Then I noticed it was a Whitetail Buck.  Didn't have a chance to safely shoot so watched it get away.  Kelly and I met up and he mentioned that it had crossed onto private land.  I saw one more Whitetail but didn't have a chance to shoot.  Then came upon a cow Moose about 20 yards away.  After that I headed back to the truck.  A forest grouse flew up and landed in a tree about 5 yards away.  I figured I hadn't sighted in my rifle in 20 years so now was a good time to do it.  I shot, I was wondering where the grouse was, and it was still sitting on a branch five yards away!  This time I thought I'd just use a sight picture without the scope.  Boom, feathers flew everywhere.  So I did get something today, half a grouse!  Kelly and I drove about 20 miles further west.  We didn't run into any deer but I got out of the truck and tried to take some pictures of a bull Mouse and two cows 15 yards from me.  When I got home I cooked the grouse.  Dakota had a few bites of it but no one else would try it. I took a few pictures of a bull moose and two cow moose about 10 yards off the road but it was at dusk and my flash didn't work.  these two photos are more of a puzzle to be able to see the horns and outline of the face through the trees.  bull_moose1, bull_moose2,

November 17th, 2007 - Michelle took Dakota to Tyler's birthday this afternoon.  It was a Star Wars based theme. dakota_at_tylers_bday1, dakota_at_tylers_bday2, dakota_at_tylers_bday3, dakota_at_tylers_bday4, dakota_at_tylers_bday5,  dakota_at_tylers_bday6, dakota_at_tylers_bday7, dakota_at_tylers_bday8, dakota_at_tylers_bday9, tyler1,

November 13th, 2007 - Michelle and the boys went over to visit Naomi. Mandy had her snake Mystic there. dakota_keegan_mom1, dakota_keegan_mom2, dakota_keegan_mom3, dakota_keegan_mom4, dakota_mom1,  dakota_mom2, dakota_mom3, dakota_mom4, dakota_mom5,  michelle1, michelle2, Naomi sent some pictures.  She writes, "Just some quick pics of Janae & Amanda's birthdays yesterday! They were from my phone so they're not great quality, but it was fun as you can see... Love ya, Naomi"

dakota_janae1, amanda_janae1, amanda_janae2, amanda_janae3, amanda_janae5, janae_syra1, janae1, janae2, amanda1, amanda2,

November 12th, 2007 - Michelle had a birthday party for Amanda and Janae at noon today.  amanda_brooklyn1, amanda_janae_sydney_syra1, amanda_janae1, amanda_janae2, amanda_janae3, amanda_janae4, amanda_janae5, amanda_janae6, amanda_janae7, amanda_sydney1, chase_lawrence_carson_von1, dakota_keegan_abby_syra_janae_brittany_brooklyn_sydney1, dakota_keegan_abby_syra_janae_brittany_brooklyn_sydney2,  dakota_keegan_dad_amanda_brooklyn_brittany1, dakota_keegan_dad_amanda_janae_sydney_syra_ramli_brooklyn_brittany1, dakota_keegan_janae_sydney_syra_brooklyn_ramli_brittany_abby1, dakota_keegan_sydney_syra_brooklyn1, janae1, janae2, keegan_carson1, keegan_carson2, keegan_dad1, keegan_dad2, keegan_dad3,  papa_shadow1,

November 9th, 2007 - Dakota got to go on another field trip with his class today.  They went to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge again.  He said they went on a shorter hike today.  He has really been liking swimming lessons which he started on Monday.  He is disappointed that he doesn't have swimming next week since it is a holiday on Monday and no school.  We all went out to Boston Market this evening for supper.  Amanda really liked the pizza she ordered and everyone enjoyed the sampler platter we all got.

November 8th, 2007 - Michelle, Keegan and I were watching the Monday night TV comedies this afternoon.  An episode of The Big Bang Theory had one of the guys inviting the the Whore of Omaha to live with him.  They had a fight and she left.  Keegan commented, "Boy did she pick the wrong girl".  Michelle and I broke up laughing.

November 4th, 2007 - We watched the Vikings and Chargers this morning.  Dakota and Keegan pick the Chargers sometimes on Madden football for the play station.  Dakota decided he was going to go for the Chargers.  Michelle wanted to leave at 1pm to go pick up the cake on the way to the bowling alley.  I told her I was staying to finish watching the game.  With 1:58 minutes left in the game the ball was going back to the Vikings.  They had basically won the game by then but Adrian Peterson was within 40 yards of breaking the single game rushing record!  CBS, NFL and Direct TV ticked me off for switching to the Colts-Patriots game.  It worked out well for Michelle since I was able to go with her to the bowling alley instead of take another car.  Of course Peterson set the record and paying $200+ to Direct TV did me no good.  Everyone had a fun time bowling.  Dakota and Keegan played TMNT which was one of Dakota's gifts, when we got home.  After they got ready for bed we watched Moonlight which is a vampire TV series that we have been watching.  Keegan fell asleep of course.  birthdaygroup1, birthdaygroup2, dakota_abby_janae_naomi_jeremy1, dakota_janae1, dakota_keegan_abby_tori_donovan_ramli_jackson1, dakota_keegan_tori_donovan_simon_ramli1, dakota1, dakota_nick_kyle_tori1, dakota_nick_tori_jackson_kelly_tucker1, dakota_tori_donovan_cameron_simon1, dakota_tori_donovan_janae_carson_cameron_sydney_nick_keegan1, dakota_tori_donovan_papa_janae1, donovan1, keegan_cameron_abby_janae_kyle1, keegan_donovan1, keegan_kyle_simon1, keegan_tori_tucker_cameron1, keegan1, naomi_abby_janae1, naomi_janae1, simon_cameron1, sydney1, tori1,

November 3rd, 2007 - It was a busy day today.  Jackson and Tucker came with us to the boys soccer games.  Dakota's game started first at 11:10am.  He had a chance again at making a goal and was dribbling to the goal.  A defender was trying to keep up and he could of took the shot but passed to his teammate Justin who was right in front of the goal.  Justin almost stopped it with his hands but caught himself at the last minute and used his knees but was off balance so his shot just missed the goal. Dakota had another chance to score in the second half that I missed since Keegan's game started.  She got a good picture of him close to the goal. Keegan scored two goals for his team.  We were playing one of the parents teams from Keegan and Dakota's first school from the co-op.  Julie Elvidge told me their team was like 1 - 6.  I told her I'd have the boys pass first before scoring if possible.  Both teams dribbled up and down the field without scoring for a while.  But we broke it open.  I think everyone on our team had a goal except Drew today.  Annon from the co-op scored the only two goals against us.  Although their team had several more opportunities but Adam and Kaleb both stopped them at the last minute.  After soccer we went to McDonalds.  Dakota's coach handed out certificates.  Dakota got the hustler certificate.  I handed out certificates to Keegan's team and Michelle handed out cup cakes to both teams.  The kids had fun playing on the playland equipment and didn't want to leave.  But we had to go rest since Sean invited us out to their house for a haunted hike.  Michelle stayed home.  Kelly wanted me to help scare so I went out in the field.  He had set up lights all around his and the neighbor's property so it was a 20 acre perimeter hike.  Dakota didn't want to go since he doesn't like being scared and had fun staying inside playing with Tucker and watching TV.  Keegan and Jackson were at the tail end of the group.  Ashley's eight grade friends all took off running for most of the hike so Jackson and Keegan were left about 20 to 40 yards behind the group.  He said he was scared a few times and ran most of the way.  He was all smiles after it was over.  I roasted them a few marshmallows for smores over the fire and a hot dog each. dakota1, dakota2, dakota_justin1, dakota_jacob_justin1, dakota_caleb_cole_tyson1, keegan_dad_brandon_kaleb_adam_drew1, keegan_dad_brandon_kaleb_drew1, keegan_dad_jackson_tucker_ben1, keegan_dad1, keegan_dad2, keegan_jackson_tucker1, teamgrizzlies1, teamgrizzlies2, teamvikingbears1, teamvikingbears2,

November 2nd, 2007 - Dakota threw another fit getting dressed this morning.  It was fifties day for school and he didn't want to wear his leather coat. Although that isn't the problem he just doesn't want to get to school early or go out to recess since he is shy.  It took awhile but we got him to sit at the table and finish his spelling words for the day.  I drove him to school and we didn't have a problem since it was only a few minutes before class started.  Jackson and Tucker got here about 10am.  They are spending the night. They sat down and watched Dakota's birthday DVD, Transformers before supper.  dakota1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_jackson_tucker1, dakota_keegan_jackson_tucker2, keegan_kyle_sydney_jackson1, tucker_shadow_sarge1,

November 1st, 2007 - Dakota woke up pretty early and came downstairs to see me.  I wished him a Happy Birthday.  The boys got dressed and I was going to fix him eggs for breakfast after he opened a few presents.   I told Michelle he said he didn't want any clothes for his birthday.  Of course the first present he opened was clothes from Michelle.  The next was a Transformer's DVD.  We were going to celebrate his birthday on Sunday at the bowling alley so were saving the rest of the presents for then.  We bungled the present selection opening procedure big time since Dakota ran out of the kitchen upset.  I went to ask what was wrong and he told me he didn't get any toys.  I explained we were doing his birthday on Sunday but that didn't seem to matter so Michelle decided she would give him the one toy we got him.  She had trouble finding it and was looking all over the house.  Amanda was leaving for work.  I told her to check Amanda's car before she left, but of course she didn't.  She later called Amanda and asked out loud if the Star Wars Lego toy was in her car.  It was and Dakota heard what he was getting.  I did get him to eat his eggs.  I took the boys to school.  Dakota didn't want to get out of the car because he gets out at 8:55am not 8:51am.  I explained to him that I still had to drive Keegan to school.  It took me 3 minutes to get him out and had to pick him up and place him on the sidewalk.   Just not a good morning.  But when I came to pick him up after school he was all smiles.  He handed out chocolate muffins or fruit snacks.  After school we were supposed to play football, soccer and baseball in the backyard and go get him a Pup Named Scooby Doo DVD at Albertson's.  We went and got the DVD and he saw the golf course and asked to go hit range balls.  We went home to get Keegan but he didn't want to go.  He and I played catch with the football and waited for Keegan to come home from picking up Nick at the bus stop.  Once the kids got over to the yard, Dakota changed his mind and decided to play with the neighbor kids.  They opened his Star Wars Lego and put together the General character.  Nick took the little gun outside and lost it in a matter of minutes.  Dakota lost an arm and two of the four light sabers in Nick's backyard within the hour.  I made a fire outside and burned some logs and leaves.  Janae and Sydney helped me rake and burn the leaves for a while.  Michelle fixed supper and Amanda gave him a Avatar staff that he really liked.  After supper Michelle sat down with him and he did his homework.  The day turned out better then it had started.  amanda_janae1,  dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota_keegan6, dakota_keegan7, dakota_rian1, dakota1, dakota2, keegan_janae1,

October 31st, 2007 - Jenna, Von, Abby and Carson came over to trick or treat with the kids.  Michelle was dressed as a witch again.  When Carson saw her he began crying because she was too scary.  He cried while she took the pictures of the kids.  As we were leaving to go trick or treating, Andrew, Donovan and Cameron stopped by our house to go trick or treating.  We went with them around the neighborhood. The boys had fun and it was tough to slow them down as they were running from house to house and left Abby, Janae and Carson in their dust.  Simon and June also came with us.  After Donovan, Cameron, Andrew, June and Simon went home we stopped at Nick, Kyle and Sydney's house to have hot chocolate.  Dakota left with mom but Dan and I took his kids and Keegan around a few more blocks.  abby_carson1, abby_carson_jenna1, abby_carson_jenna_von1, carson1, dakota_abby1, dakota_donovan_cameron1, dakota_keegan_abby_carson_janae1, dakota_keegan_donovan_abby_carson_jenna_janae_simon1, dakota_keegan_abby_carson_janae1, dakota_keegan_abby_carson_janae2, dakota_keegan_abby_carson_janae3, dakota_keegan_mom_abby_seth1, dakota_mom_jenna_andrew1, dakota_nick_kyle_kara1,  dakota_shadow_sarge1, dakota1,  janae1, janae2, keegan1, keegan2, keegan_dad1, keegan_janae1, keegan_simon1, michelle_amanda1, michelle_simon_june1, shadow1, shadow_sarge1, shadow_sarge2, shadow_sarge3, shadow_sarge4, shadow_sarge5, shadow_sarge6, shadow_sarge7, shadow_sarge8, shadow_sarge9, shadow_sarge10,

October 30th, 2007 - Dakota went on a nature hike for class today at the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, mom also went. dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota5, dakota6, dakota_class1, dakota_class2, dakota_class3, dakota_class4, dakota_class5, dakota_class6, dakota_class7, dakota_class8, dakota_class9, dakota_class10,

October 28th, 2007 - We went over to Papa and Grandma's this afternoon for Carson's 1st birthday party. carson1, carson2, carson3, carson4, carson5, carson_grandma_naomi1, carson_jenna1, carson_jenna2, carson_jenna_lawrence_chase1, carson_papa1, dakota_abby_janae1, dakota_keegan_abby1, dakota_keegan_abby_carson_jenna1, dakota_keegan_abby_janae1, dakota_keegan_carson1, dakota_keegan_carson2, dakota_keegan_carson_jenna1, janae1, janae2, janae_naomi1, keegan_abby_carson_jenna1, keegan_abby_carson_jenna2,  keegan_dad_abby_carson_jenna1,

October 27th, 2007 - Keegan had his soccer game first this morning.  He had a chance to score two goals but wasn't very aggressive and pulled up when people got close to him.  He did fine dribbling but his team got blown out.  They scored one but the other team had a very very good player who could dribble around them.  It was a good effort though for the most part.  Dakota's team won 2 to 1 as time ran out.  Dakota had a great save and also had two great chances to score.  He dribbled around players and hit the post once and his second shot was just to the right of the post after dribbling half the field while the other team chased him.  He did a great job today.  Afterwards we went looking at cars.  Michelle really enjoyed that as usual. dakota1, dakota_cole1, dakota_cole_justin1, dakota_cole_justin2, dakota_cole_tyson1, dakota_cole_tyson2, dakota_tyson1,

October 26th, 2007 - Dakota has his Halloween party this afternoon.  He is dressing up as a magician.  I asked Keegan if he wanted to go running with me.  He wanted to ride his bike while I ran.  We only made it about half a mile until he wanted to take a break.  I cut the 2 mile jog short and we only went about a mile. dakota1, colton1, dakota_carter1,

October 24th, 2007 - Coach Brian coached Keegan's practice tonight.  Dakota practiced with them since his practices are done for the year.  They both had fun doing the drills.  Janae came to practice too and afterwards they all had fun playing on the playground equipment.  Keegan had his Halloween party today and dressed up as Captain America. keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan_class1, keegan_class2,

October 21st, 2007 - keegan_kyle_shadow_sarge1,

October 20th, 2007 - Keegan had the first soccer game today.  He scored three goals.  The photo of Keegan and Adam would of been his fourth goal but Adam stole the ball from him and kicked it in.  The other photos of Keegan are of him dribbling all on his way to a goal.  It was a close game and his team probably won.  Everyone on the team scored a goal today but the other team was scoring as well.  Adam had a nice save and hustled down to stop the team from scoring one time.  I missed Dakota's first quarter.  He dribbled in and shot for a score but their opponent was playing goal keeper and it hit him.  Dakota told me he was going into the pile and taking the ball.  Then I watched him do it.  He was aggressive and took the ball from a group and dribbled up the field and SCORED!  His first goal in over a year.  He scored another a short while later.  He would of scored a third but it hit the flag and went to the outside.  All in all he made 2 goals.  He had shots at another three and dribbled and passed to teammates. dakota_caleb_cole1, dakota_justin1, dakota_justin2, dakota_tyson_justin1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan_adam1, keegan_adam_caleb1,

October 18th, 2007 - After school today, Keegan and Dakota ran downstairs to get online.  They asked me to get them on Spiderman 3 .com.  I found the website and they two games from the website.  Then their friends, Nick, Kyle and Seth came over and took turns playing too.  Dakota and I took turns reading his book from the library, Dan Frontier and the Indians.

October 16th, 2007 - After Keegan got home from school I told him the hunting stories.  He too laughed and laughed at Kelly's snoring story.

October 15th, 2007 - I caught a cold this morning so only hunted half a day.  Kelly and Andy scared up a few more doe's but no bucks were sighted.  When I got home tonight around 1030pm I told Dakota about my hunting trip.  He cracked up laughing at the story about Kelly snoring. 

October 14th, 2007 - Michelle took Amanda, Janae and the boys to Greenbluff.  They rode miniature horses and went through a maze.  I walked up and down mountains looking for deer.  But I did see one right away in the morning going into the trees.  The section I'm hunting you can only shoot 3 point or better Mulie bucks.  Kelly and Andy kicked up about 8 doe's right away in the morning.  We met up around noon and started to walk up another ridge.  I told them I'd cut across and meet them a few ridges over.  Well I came to a deep ravine and had to go down to the east instead of the northeast direction we were going.  It was pretty thick and I just wanted out of the trees.  I took a break when it opened a bit and sat on a log, looked to the north and east to decide which would get me out quickest and continued on.  I had to take another break and sat on a log again inside the thick forest but again had a little opening.  I stood up and took a few steps and heard a crack.  I looked to my left and saw some big antlers through the trees on a path!  About 20 yards away stood a big animal, which I was hoping was a 3 point Mulie buck.  Since it's been about 20 years since I hunted I didn't recall such a brown face on the animal.  I had him in my scope for about 2 minutes as we stood still watching each other.  Then decided I better take a few steps to my right so I could get a full view of him.  I did that and put him in my scope again. I was facing a huge 6 to 7 point elk.  I started counting the points and he turned and walked away.  Well Elk season starts in 2 weeks but this section is only a spike unit so again nothing we have seen is what we can hunt.  hunting_terrain1, hunting_terrain2, hunting_terrain3,

October 13th, 2007 - Michelle took the boys to their soccer games since I was away deer hunting.  Keegan scored three goals today!  Dakota defended a few.  He told me that he went in after the ball.  After soccer they went out to Lackner's and carved pumpkins.  I just walked up and down mountains looking for deer.  We were all wore out from walking all day so went to bed at 630pm.  Kelly though woke us up with some loud LOUD snoring at 1030pm and every few hours the rest of the night.

October 12th, 2007 - Dakota stayed home sick today.  dakota1, dakota_janae1, dakota_mom_sarge_shadow1, keegan_janae1, keegan_mom_sarge_shadow1, keegan_mom_sarge_shadow2, keegan_sarge1, michelle_sarge_shadow1, ryan_shadow1,

October 11th, 2007 - Dakota threw up in class so came home sick this morning. amanda_janae1, keegan_janae_amanda1, keegan_mom_janae1,

October 10th, 2007 - Michelle, Amanda and Janae went with Keegan's class to the pumpkin patch today.  They all had a good time.  Dakota and Keegan had soccer practice in the rain tonight.  They had a good time but Dakota got sick at the end of practice. janae1, janae2, janae3, janae4, janae5, janae6, janae7, janae8, janae9, janae10, janae11, janae12, janae13, janae14, janae15, janae16, janae17, janae18, janae19, janae20,  janae_amanda1, janae_amanda2, janae_amanda3, janae_amanda4, janae_amanda5, janae_amanda6, janae_amanda7, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, keegan7, keegan8, keegan_janae1, keegan_janae2, keegan_mom1, keegan_mom2, keegans_and_another_class1, keegans_and_another_class2, keegans_class_hayride1, michelle_janae1, pumpkin_patch1, pumpkin_patch2, Judy sent a few pictures of her family.  darren_tanner1, jake1, trever_adam1, trever_adam2,

October 9th, 2007 - Michelle and Amanda took the kids to Manito Park.  dakota_keegan_janae1, janae1, janae_amanda1, keegan1, keegan_janae1,

October 8th, 2007 - Dakota stayed home sick today. dakota1, janae_sydney1, janae_sydney2, janae_sydney3, keegan_kyle1, keegan_kyle2, keegan_kyle3,

October 7th, 2007 - We went to Silverwood this morning.  It was the last day of the season.  Keegan and Dakota and I went on the Tilt a Whirl first then over to the Scrambler.  Janae even went with Michelle on the Scrambler and Keegan and Dakota rode it by themselves for the first time.  Michelle and Amanda rode all three roller coasters and one of them twice.  Janae, Dakota and Keegan went on the small roller coaster.  The boys and I left early to go to Nick's birthday party.  Michelle, Amanda and Janae spent the whole day there. amanda_janae1, amanda_janae2, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan_janae1, dakota_keegan_nick_kyle_and_bday_group1, dakota_keegan_nick_and_bday_group1, janae1,

October 6th, 2007 - We all went to the boys soccer games this afternoon.  Keegan didn't score again.  He hasn't been very aggressive so I let another parent coach the second half.  Dakota had a chance at a score today but the pass went through his legs and out of bounds.  After soccer we went downtown to Riverfront Park.  We fed the ducks.  The kids and Amanda rode the carousel.  Then we went across the street to O'Dougherty's Bar and Grill and had supper.  amanda_janae1, amanda_janae2, amanda_janae3, amanda_janae4, dakota1, dakota_amanda_janae1, dakota_caleb_cole_jacob_justin_coach_mike1, dakota_caleb_justin_coach_mike1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_amanda_janae1, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_dad_amanda_janae1, dakota_keegan_janae1, dakota_keegan_janae2, dakota_keegan_janae3, janae1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan_amanda1,  keegan_amanda_janae1, keegan_amanda_janae2, keegan_janae1,

October 4th, 2007 - dakota_janae1,

October 2nd, 2007 - The kids played hulabalu a musical game.  dakota_keegan_janae1, keegan_janae1,

October 1st, 2007 - Dakota read a book to Janae before bed.  dakota_janae1, dakota_janae2, dakota_sarge1, janae1, janae2, janae3,

September 28th, 2007 - Janae helped Michelle fill the birdfeeders. janae1, janae2,

September 28th, 2007 - It was a busy day today.  Keegan had his soccer game at 1030am.  They won by 2 points.  It was a very close game each team scored back and forth throughout the game.  Keegan wasn't too aggressive.  He had a sure goal only a step from the goal but is thinking about passing instead of kicking it in the goal.   Dakota's team won by two points also against his neighbor Nick and Hunter from his baseball team.  Nick scored a goal.  Dakota had a chance or two but doesn't get after the ball.  After Keegan's game Dakota and I went to his friend Colton's birthday party at a bowling alley.  Dakota had fun bowling.  We had to leave early to get to Dakota's soccer game.  Michelle and Keegan had gone home to meet Amanda and Janae who arrived around noon.  Janae came with Michelle and Keegan to watch Dakota play.  dakota_caleb_nick_cody1, dakota_janae1, dakota_janae_tyson1, dakota_tyson_cody1, drew_adam1, keegan1, keegan_dad1, keegan_drew1, keegan_kyle1,

September 22nd, 2007 - Dakota almost scored today.  He had a nice shot while running but a defender nicked the ball just foul of the goal.  He did stop the other team from scoring.  Keegan's team won easily by 10+ goals to 0. After the second goal I made a rule that they couldn't score unless they passed to a teammate first.  They all did good passing and yelling, "I'm open or pass" throughout the game.  Keegan scored a few and had a few nice passes to teammates.

September 21st, 2007 - Michelle was watching Kyle and Sydney today.  We took the kids to Manito Park this afternoon.  We met Rob, his wife and grandkids there.  The kids played on the playground equipment for a while.  Then we all went over to the pond to feed the ducks and geese.  A poor lady fell into the pond just as we were getting our bread ready.  She is in the background of one of the photos.  michelle1, dakota_sydney1, keegan_kyle_sydney1, dakota_keegan_kyle_sydney_rob_and_grandkids1, keegan_kyle_sydney_rob_and_grandkids1,

September 16th, 2007 - I had to tape the Vikings game today to go with the family to Silverwood.  We had a good time.  Dakota and Keegan each brought change so they could purchase the balls to shoot at the boats in the water

September 15th, 2007 - Dakota had his first soccer game today at 12:20pm.  Keegan and I got to watch the first half but then had to go to his game.  Keegan didn't have much energy today.  He scored a goal at the beginning of the game but wasn't very aggressive the rest of the game.  His team won by a landslide.  The other team just scored once but all of them except one player was new to soccer.  Dakota said that his team lost by 2.

September 12th, 2007 - Amanda stopped by on her way back from Vancouver, WA. michelle_amanda1,

September 11th, 2007 - Keegan's first day of preschool was this morning.  After class he and Michelle went to Dakota's school and had lunch with Dakota.

September 9th, 2007 - Michelle finally caved in and let me get NFL Sunday ticket.  So the boys and I watched the Vikings - Falcons game.  After the game we went out in the backyard and played football.

September 8th, 2007 - Dakota and Keegan played Star Wars Lego for most of the day.  Cameron invited them over so they went to play at his house for an hour.

September 6th, 2007 - I started the morning by removing the stitches from Keegan's head.  He was very brave and they came out easily.  We all took Dakota to his first day of first grade this morning.  Then Michelle, Keegan and I went to an orientation at Keegan's preschool.  Keegan said that the class is mostly girls.  But he did meet a new friend named Nathan.  Also Mason from last year's soccer team is in his class. dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_dad2, dakota_keegan_mom1, dakota_keegan_mom2, keegan_dad1,

September 5th, 2007 - Donovan and Cameron get to spend all day with Michelle and the boys today.  Tonight is Keegan and Dakota's first soccer practice.

September 4th, 2007 - Tonight was Dakota's meet the teacher night at school.  We went there and found out he is in Colton's class.  The kids had some ice cream and then played out on the playground with a few friends.

September 3rd, 2007 - Michelle and I took the boys to Silverwood today.  Keegan and I went on the double tube slide twice.  Dakota and Michelle only went once.  Then we all rode the family ride once.  Dakota and I did it a second time and he got soaked since we were in a full tube of large adults.  The kids didn't want to ride any water rides.  We went around the lazy river a few times.  After the water park we went over to the amusement rides.  For the first time we all rode the Timber Terror roller coaster together.  dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota5, dakota6, dakota7, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan_mom1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan_dad1,

September 2nd, 2007 - The boys and Abby had fun building a fort early this morning.  Abby spent most of the day over here.  Kyle and Sydney came over and played.  They spent some time painting.  I set up the slip and slide outside but the kids barely used it, since it was a little chilly out.  keegan1, dakota_keegan_abby1, dakota_abby1, dakota_keegan_abby_kyle_sydney1,

September 1st, 2007 - We went out to eat at Otis Orchard grill for lunch today.  It was Papa Jim's birthday dinner so we might him and Joann, Abby, Von, Jenna, Jeremy, Cassie and Lawrence and his girlfriend.  After lunch we went out to Clear lake to their cabin.  I caught two carp and that was all anyone caught today.  Dakota tried fishing with me for a bit but got bored.  Keegan didn't want to fish. The kids played in the sand and at the park. Abby came home with us and spent the night. dakota_jeremy_cassie_abby1, dakota_keegan_abby1, dakota_keegan_abby_carson1, dakota_keegan_abby_papa1, dakota_keegan_abby_papa2, dakota_keegan_mom_dad1, dakota_keegan_mom_dad2, dakota_keegan_mom_dad3, jenna_carson1, jeremy_cassie1, jeremy_cassie2, jeremy_cassie3, keegan_carson1, keegan_carson2, keegan_papa1, von_jenna_abby_carson1, von_jenna_abby_carson2,

August 31st, 2007 - The boys wanted to invite Donovan over.  We called him and he was able to come and play around 3pm.  Most of the time they played play station.  Donovan took Dakota on in Madden NFL football.  Keegan played a bit for his first time playing the game. dakota_donovan1,  keegan_donovan1, keegan_donovan2, dakota_keegan_donovan1,

August 30th, 2007 - Michelle took the boys to Splash Down.  Nick, Kyle and Sydney went too.  They also ran into a friend from down the block Colton and his brother Hunter.  Everyone enjoyed the day.    I got home from work today and Michelle told Dakota to tell me what happened today.    He said, "you (spank) don't, (spank) say (spank) that (spank)." Dakota told me he got in trouble and got a spanking.  It was very funny since he hit the side of the chair at each word with a pause at each word.  Michelle and Dakota and I started laughing.  She said it was a good re-enactment of the event.  Dakota and Keegan wanted me to play catch in the backyard so we went out and I pitched while they batted. dakota_colton_hunter1, dakota_keegan_kyle_sydney1, dakota_keegan_kyle_sydney2,  dakota_keegan_kyle1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota1, dakota2, keegan_kyle1, keegan_kyle2, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3,

August 27th, 2007 - Michelle and I took the boys to Highlands Golf Course this morning to golf with Julie and John Borup.  We golfed the first holes together but were taking a bit too long so we split up and Julie and John golfed behind us.  Keegan only golfed off the tee's for the most part.  He had fun doing that and raking the sand when Michelle hit into the sand a few times.  Michelle was too stressed to take the time to play herself with both boys hitting their own balls.  She worried about slowing down other golfers so skipped a few holes.  Dakota did well hitting some nice long shots.  After golf we went to Julie and John's house for lunch, John grilled some hamburgers.  Keegan cut the lunch short.  He stuck his arms inside his shirt and was goofing around on the picnic table bench when he took a header into the cement.  We got a towel and ice and headed to the hospital.  Michelle kept telling him to stay awake and to squeeze her hand, we didn't want him falling asleep. Although Michelle spent the drive from to the hospital with her head between her knees.  She was afraid she was going to pass out.  We then spent the next two hours getting a cat scan and 3 stitches for Keegan.  Everything turned out fine except for my clothes.  Keegan threw up on me after his cat scan when we were waiting to hear the results.  The doctor came in and told us everything was fine and started stitching him up.  Keegan fell asleep after the first stitch.  We stopped at Best Buy on the way home and got him an Iron Man DVD.  He woke up as I carried him upstairs to bed, so he and Dakota watched the DVD. Afterwards he fell asleep watching football with me.  Dakota wanted to go play a bit of football so we threw some passes in the back yard and then he spent the rest of the evening at the neighbors. dad1, dad2, dad3, dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota_dad1, dakota_keegan1, john_and_julie_borup1, julie_borup1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, keegan7, keegan8, keegan_dad1, mom1, mom2, mom3,

August 26th, 2007 - dakota_shadow1,

August 25th, 2007 - We took the kids to Silverwood theme park today.  We went to the rides first.  The park was packed and we were in over flow parking, so we picked rides that were the shortest wait.  Michelle bought them a bucket of balls to shoot at the boats. Keegan got soaked by the kids in the boat shooting water at him.  We went to the water park later in the afternoon.  The boys finally agreed to go down the two man tube slides.  Dakota and I went down two open face tubes, he wouldn't go on the tunnel ones.  Michelle chickened out when she got too the tube with Keegan.  Keegan was pretty short so he would fall through the tube opening.  They walked back down the stairs.  I told her that he would be fine so Keegan and I went back up and he agreed to go down the tunnel slides with me.  We went down both the tunnel ones.  Michelle went with Dakota and Dakota even went down both tunnel tubes with her.  Afterwards the boys and I went down the family slide.  I was just drying off and as we hit the water at the bottom I got soaked.  The kids got a good laugh at that.

August 22nd, 2007 - Michelle took the boys to Silverwood today.  They spent the whole day in the water park and spent a lot of time in the lazy river. They all had a good time.

August 11th, 2007 - Today was a day of rest, unpacking and doing laundry, so therefore not a lot of rest!

August 10th, 2007 - We made our final destination back to Spokane.  We made it to Medora around 8:30 so we decided to stop and see Todd Corneil to say goodbye. His shop was not open until 9:00 so we took the boys to the park and did a little shopping ourselves. We arrived home around 10:30 pm. badlands1, badlands2, badlands3, dakota_keegan1,

August 9th, 2007 - Finally we made it to the Dinosaur Museum after all of these years!  I guess it was a good time for the boys as they are becoming more interested in Dinosaurs and can name quite a few of them. We said good bye to Naomi and Larry as they were  heading to Indiana next! dakota_keegan_grandmabarb1, dakota_keegan_mom_dad1, keegan1, keegan_grandmabarb1,

August 8th, 2007 - Grandpa Rueben came to town today and we had a nice lunch at Perkins with grandpa, grammie, Naomi, Larry, Chase, Debbie and Albert.  We enjoyed ourselves and had some good laughs. In the afternoon we went to Jean Ficek's home and met up with LaRae and her five boys and Jean with her son and daughter. Amanda and Janae also joined us.  It was great getting together and catching up, LaRae and her husband just moved back in June, he is the new Dr. in the ER. All of the kids played just as if they had know each other. dakota_dawson_cole1, dakota_dawson_cole2, dakota_keegan_dad_janae_dawson_sammie1, dakota_keegan_janae1, drew_janae1, jean_larae1, michelle_jean_larae1, alec_colin1, dakota_keegan_dawson_cole_colin_drew_sammie1, dakota_keegan_dawson_cole_colin_sammie1, dakota_keegan_dawson_cole_tyler_colin1,

August 7th, 2007 - Ryan spent the day with the boys and the dogs at Sandy Lackner's house.  They went to Rocky Butte park  and took Sandy out for dinner while I spent the day with my mom helping her around the house. Janae came to stay with Grammie and I for a while.

August 6th, 2007 - All of the sisters had our last visit today with Mom before Nadine and Kelsie headed back to Bismarck to spend time with Kent's family. Naomi and Nadine wanted Happy Joe's so they went there for lunch and took the boys with them, they got to ride in the motor home so they thought that was pretty cool! Afterwards we all hung out at Amanda's house, the kids had fun playing and mom made a yummy ham for dinner. Grandma Barb got stung by a bee on her foot. 

I talked Jeff Frank into getting up early and picking me up and Lackner's house.  He got there about 615am and we drove out to Trapper's Kettle in Belfield to meet Kent and his Dad for breakfast.  They had already finished eating.  We hurried and ordered.  After breakfast we headed out to Medora to golf.  I had a great game the first nine holes and ended up leading everyone.  I tailed off on the second nine but was still able to hold my lead over Jeff and Kent.  amanda_dillon1,  amanda_janae1, chase_janae1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan_chase1, dakota_keegan_chase2, grandmabarb_janae1, greatgrandpabenz_lawrence_chase1, janae_kelsie1, keegan1, lawrence1, nadine_janae1, nadine_janae2, nadine_naomi1, nadine_naomi_grandmabarb1, ryan_nadine_naomi_grandmabarb1,

August 5th, 2007 - We headed back out to the campground in the morning and Michelle's great Uncle Frank held a Memorial Service for all of the family members who have passed.  We then had a nice brunch-Twila's mom made great caramel rolls, and during the clean up is when the water fight began!  The boys thought that was pretty cool because it was the young and old joining in. Michelle's uncle Tom took some of the remaining relatives who were left on a trail ride. They only had two double seats so one of the little one's had to go by themselves, Keegan volunteered. As Nadine and Tom put Keegan in the saddle Nadine started to cry, we love our kids!!! Keegan did great on the horse, he was up front with his cousin Hannah and Tom. We all had a great time, made a great memory, and the landscape is beautiful. Ryan left after we started the trail ride and he and Jeff Frank went golfing as Jeff came up from Bismarck to spend the day with Ryan and visit his Dad and brother. becky_nadine_naomi1, candy_nadine_nicole_brittany_nick_becky_mary_naomi_rabi1, dakota_chase_lawrence_nadine_naomi_larry1, dakota_keegan_nadine_larry1, grave_chesley_dinkins1, grave_erma_pelton1, grave_ingvald_agnes_kittilson1, grave_louise_kenneth_kittilson1, grave_minnie_pelton1, grave_polly_dinkins1, grave_rueben_benz_jr1, grave_rueben_janet_benz1, grave_rueben_janet_benz2, grave_wallace_pelton1, grave_walter_pelton1, grave_walter_pelton2,  keegan_kelsie1, keegan_kelsie2, larry_nick1, larry_nick2, larry_zack_nadine_brittany_cody_becky_candy_allen_kelsie1,  nicole_becky_mary1, dakota_elija1, dakota_larry1, dakota_mom_nadine_naomi_larry1, dakota_nadine1, elija1, keegan5, keegan_elija_sheyanne1, keegan_sheyanne1, dakota_mom_nadine_naomi_larry2, nadine_larry1, michelle_sarge1, michelle_sarge2,

Naomi sent some pictures and comments:

keegan_tom_hannah_3rdcousin1, Kelsie wanted to barefoot it and put her flip flops in her saddlebag...

keegan_hannah1, keegan_hannah2......Too Cute!

That was too fun! "

August 4th, 2007 - Michelle, Grammie, the boys and I left early.  We drove to the reunion which was north of Killdeer at a campground  in the badlands, it was beautiful.  We did not leave until about 11:00 pm. Dakota had fun playing with Harley who is Jeff Frank's grandson.  Keegan played a lot with his 2nd cousins Hannah and Daniel. Michelle enjoyed being with all of her sisters and visiting with so many family members.  amanda_dillon1, amanda_dillon_candy1, amanda_dillon_grandmabarb1, amber1, dakota_chase_lawrence1, dakota_dad1,  dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_kent_lawrence_chase1, dakota_keegan_kent_lawrence_chase2, dakota_keegan_nadine_kelsie_janae1, dakota_keegan_nadine_kelsie_janae2, dakota_kent_nadine_kelsie_chase_lawrence1, dakota_nadine_kelsie_janae1, dakota_naomi_larry_tom1, fammiee_justin_crystal_dustin_kristi_harley1, fammiee_kristi_crystal_justin1, grandmabarb_debbie_fammiee1,  grandmabarb_fammiee_frank1, greatgrandpabenz_and_siblings1, greatgrandpabenz_and_siblings2,  greatgrandpabenz_family1, greatgrandpabenz_family2, greatgrandpabenz_frank_irene_darlene_harold1, greatgrandpabenz_frank_irene_darlene_harold2,  greatgrandpabenz_frank_irene_darlene_harold3, greatgrandpabenz_grandmabarb_maureen1, greatgrandpabenz_kelsie_janae_amber_nichole1, greatgrandpabenz_michelle_nadine_naomi1, greatgrandpabenz_nadine_naomi_larry1, group1, group2, group3, group4, group5, group6, group7, group8, janae_abigail_chaden1, keegan1,  keegan_hannah_chaden_abigail_janae1, keegan_hannah_danielle1,  keegan_larry_naomi_kelsie1, keegan_lawrence_ruby1, keegan_ruby1, kelsie_janae1, kelsie_janae2, kelsie_janae3, kent_nadine_kelsie1,  larry_naomi_chase_lawrence1, michelle_nadine_naomi_amanda1, michelle_nadine_naomi_amanda2, michelle_nadine_naomi_amanda_grandmabarb1, michelle_nadine_naomi_amanda_grandmabarb2, michelle_nadine_naomi_amanda_grandmabarb3, michelle_nadine_naomi_kelsie1,  nadine_kelsie1, nadine_kent1, nadine_kent_kelsie1,  naomi_debbie_abigail1, naomi_debbie_abigail2, naomi_lisa_ethan_debbie1, naomi_nadine1, naomi_nadine_michelle_greatgrandpabenz1, naomi_nadine_michelle_kelsie1, nicole_rabi_ruby1, ruby1, ryan1, ryan_michelle_kent_nadine_larry_naomi1,

August 3rd, 2007 - Kent Hildebrand and I went to Killdeer this evening to golf for the Benz Family reunion.  We golfed with Tom and Twila Benz and Kevin and Dina Benz.  Kent ended up with a 53 and I got a 58 for 9 holes.  We golfed the last four holes pretty much in the dark.  Afterwards Kent and I went out to eat at Applebee's in Dickinson. Michelle and everyone else went swimming at the hotel where Nadine and Kent were staying.  All of the kids loved going down the big waterslide and they all enjoyed playing with their older cousins Lawrence and Chase!  amanda_grandmabarb_nadine_naomi1, amanda_naomi1, chase1, chase2, chase_janae1, dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota_chase_lawrence_janae1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_amanda_janae_nadine_kelsie_naomi_chase_lawrence1, dakota_keegan_kelsie_janae1, dakota_keegan_kelsie_janae_michelle_nadine_amanda_chase_lawrence1, dakota_keegan_mom_nadine_kelsie_amanda_janae_lawrence_chase1, dakota_kelsie_janae1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan_chase_lawrence_janae1, keegan_kelise1, keegan_kelsie2, keegan_lawrence1, keegan_lawrence2, keegan_nadine_kelsie1, kelsie_janae1, michelle_janae1, michelle_nadine1, nadine_kelsie_janae1,

August 2nd, 2007 - Before leaving Grand Forks today I went to visit a good friend of my moms, Kay.  It was great to see her, she was just as I remembered her from when I was young.  We had to cut our visit short since she had a dr.'s appt. she wasn't aware of.  The boys did get in a little more swimming with dad before we left hotel.  dakota1, dakota_keegan_kay1, dakota_keegan_mom_kay1, keegan1, shadow_sarge1, shadow_sarge2,

August 1st, 2007 - We went out to Judy's home were we spent the whole day.  It was another hot day so the kids spent a lot of time playing video games, none of them complained.  They actually thought it was pretty cool that we were not telling them stop playing although we did make them quite go for a walk with us and spend time at the park. Unfortunately the pictures I took with the digital camera were transferred onto a bad disc from Wal-Mart so at this time I am a disappointed because I had so many good pictures of all the kids swimming yesterday and of our day today. adam1, adam2, adam3, adam4, dakota_keegan1,  dakota_keegan_mom_judy_tanner_trevor_jacob1, judy_adam1, judy_darin1, judy_trevor_adam1, judy_trevor_jacob1, sarge_trevor_judy1, sarge_trevor1,

July 31st, 2007 - Judy brought her boys to the hotel and the kids swam for 5 hours. After swimming we went out to eat at Happy Joes again to get our taco pizza which is a must whenever we come home.  The kids had fun playing all the games and after that we went to a park and they played a bit.

July 30th, 2007 - We traveled to Grand Forks this afternoon. We got there about 930pm just in time for Keegan and Dakota to get in the pool for 20 minutes before it closed. They had a good time switching between the hot tub and pool, then we ordered pizza from Happy Joes Pizza Parlor.  dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie2, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie3, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_grandma_pappy1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_grandma_pappy2, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_grandma_pappy3, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_grandma_pappy4, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_jason_kristin_ryan_michelle1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_jason_kristin_ryan_michelle2, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_jason_kristin_ryan_michelle3, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_jason_kristin_ryan_michelle4,

July 29th, 2007 - Everyone took Uncle Neal and Lauren to the airport in Omaha except Pappy, Jason and I while we stayed home and golfed 9 holes.  They dropped Neal and Lauren off at the airport and then they went to the zoo and had a blast.  They were not able to see the everything at the zoo before it closed but the kids were starting to say there feet hurt and they were ready to leave. Thank you Grandma Sue!! dakota_drew1, dakota_drew2, dakota_drew_mom1, dakota_keegan_drew1, dakota_keegan_drew2,  dakota_keegan_drew3, dakota_keegan_drew4, dakota_keegan_drew5, dakota_keegan_drew6,  dakota_keegan_drew7, dakota_keegan_drew8, dakota_keegan_drew9, dakota_keegan_drew10, dakota_keegan_drew11, dakota_keegan_drew12, dakota_keegan_drew13, dakota_keegan_drew14, dakota_keegan_drew_grandma1, dakota_keegan_drew_grandma2, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_kristin_grandma1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_kristin_grandma2, dakota_keegan_drew_mom1, dakota_keegan_drew_mom2, dakota_mom1, drew1, drew2, drew3, drew4, gorrillas1, grandma1, jaymie1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan_drew1, keegan_drew2, keegan_drew3, keegan_drew4, keegan_drew5, keegan_drew_kristin1, lauren1,

July 28th, 2007 - We all fished off the bank of the Missouri this morning. Uncle Neal caught a few fish. Jaymie and Drew each caught one. Dakota didn't fish but Keegan tried a few casts but went to play a short while later. Neal, Jason and I got some life jackets on and went to the boat ramp about 5 or so houses up stream and floated down the river. We wanted to go again to we had  Michelle take us a few miles up stream and we floated down the river for the next hour until we got back to the house.  dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_drew1, dakota_keegan_drew2, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren_kristin_jason1, dakota_lauren1, dakota_lauren_grandma1, drew_jason1, jason1, jason2, jaymie1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan_dad1, keegan_dad2, kristin_lauren1, lauren1, lauren2, lauren3, lauren_kristin1, lauren_kristin2, lauren_michelle1, neal1, neal2, neal3, neal4, neal5, neal6, neal_jason1, neal_jaymie1, neal_lauren1, neal_lauren2, ryan1, ryan2, ryan3, ryan4, ryan_neal1, ryan_neal2, ryan_neal_jason1, ryan_neal_jason2, ryan_neal_jason3, ryan_neal_jason4, ryan_neal_jason5, ryan_neal_jason6, ryan_neal_jason7, sarge1, shadow1,

July 27th, 2007 - Keegan wanted to go to the pool again today so he and Michelle went swimming. Jason, Neal, Kristin, Jaymie and Drew went to see the Simpson's movie while Dakota and I went and saw Harry Potter. We got home and had cake for Keegan's birthday.  Thank you for the Star Wars cake Aunt Kristen! dakota1, dakota_dad_drew_neal1, dakota_dad_grandma_pappy_neal_jason_kristin_jaymie1, dakota_dad_jason_neal_grandma1, jaymie1, jaymie2, jaymie3, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren_grandma1, dakota_keegan_drew_kristin_lauren_grandma1, dakota_keegan_lauren_drew_grandma1, dakota_keegan_lauren_pappy_grandma1, dakota_keegan_mom_dad_drew_jaymie_kristin_lauren_neal_grandma1, dakota_keegan_mom_dad_drew_jaymie_kristin_lauren_neal_pappy1, drew1, drew2, drew3, drew4, drew5, drew6, jason1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan_drew_jaymie1, keegan_lauren1, lauren1, lauren2, lauren3, lauren4, lauren_grandma1, lauren_grandma_jaymie1, lauren_grandma_jaymie2, lauren_grandma_neal_jason1, lauren_neal1, lauren_neal2, lauren_neal3, lauren_neal4, ryan_michelle_neal1,

July 26th, 2007 - Dakota went with Jason, Neal, Pappy and I golfing. He golfed 103 for 9 holes just beating Jason's 104 score for 18 holes. He had a good time golfing but since it was above 90 degrees out he was ready to go home after 9 holes. Michelle came and picked him up and she, Kristin, Jaymie, Drew and Keegan went shopping while we finished the second 9 holes.  Grandma gave the kids some money to buy what they wanted and Aunt Kristen bought the boys a light saber for their birthdays. dakota_keegan_dad_mom_drew_jaymie_jason_kristin_neal1, dakota_keegan_drew_jason_kristin_grandma1, dakota_keegan_drew_jason_neal1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_pappy1, dakota_keegan_drew_lauren_pappy_grandma1, dakota_keegan_mom_drew_kristin1, dakota_keegan_mom_kristin1, dakota_keegan_mom_kristin2, drew_lauren1, drew_lauren2, drew_lauren_neal1, drew_lauren_neal2, drew_lauren_neal3, keegan1, keegans_cake1, keegans_cake2, lauren1, lauren2, lauren3, lauren4, michelle_shadow_sarge1, neal_jason_jaymie_pappy1, ryan_neal_jason_jaymie_pappy1,

July 25th, 2007 - Michelle, Uncle Neal and Uncle Jason took the boys to the swimming pool while Jaymie, Kristen, and Grandma stayed home with Lauren.  Lauren had a fun time crawling in and out of her pool!!  dakota_jaymie1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren2, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren3, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren4, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren5, dakota_keegan_drew_lauren1, keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren_neal1, lauren1, lauren_neal1, lauren_neal2, lauren_neal3, lauren_neal4, michelle_jason_kristin1, michelle_shadow_sarge1,

July 24th, 2007 - We spent the day visiting. dakota1, dakota_jaymie_lauren1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_kristin_neal_grandma1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren_kristin_jason_michelle_neal1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren_kristin_michelle_neal1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren1, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren2, dakota_keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren3,  dakota_keegan_drew_lauren_kristin1, dakota_keegan_drew_lauren_kristin2, dakota_keegan_drew_neal1,  dakota_keegan_drew1, dakota_keegan_jaymie_lauren_kristin_jason_michelle_neal1, dakota_keegan_jaymie_lauren_kristin_jason_michelle_neal2, dakota_keegan_lauren_kristin1, dakota_keegan_lauren_kristin2, jason_kristin_neal1, keegan_drew_jaymie_lauren_kristin1, keegan_drew_lauren_kristin1, keegan_lauren_kristin1, keegan_lauren_kristin2, keegan_lauren1, lauren_kristin1, lauren_kristin2, lauren_kristin3, lauren_neal1, lauren_neal2, lauren1, lauren2, lauren3, lauren4, lauren5, lauren6, tshirt1,

July 23rd, 2007 - This afternoon Grandma and Michelle took the boys swimming at the pool, Keegan of course couldn't wait so had already been playing in the little plastic pool during the morning.

July 22nd, 2007 - Dakota and Michelle woke up first and walked the dogs. Then they went up to take a shower.  Keegan wanted to go too, so he and I walked up to the showers. The dogs got out of the tent and found their way to us, so I decided to go pack up the tent and Keegan decided to swing on the swings.  He wanted to go swimming in the pool but it didn't open until 9am. He was a bit bummed out.  We drove to Devils Tower. The boys and I walked to the base of it.  Keegan had fun crawling on the rocks. Michelle walked the dogs and then she went to see it while the boys and I sat with the dogs. Keegan kept busy playing with burnt logs and getting dirty.  Next we drove to Custer, SD. Michelle had always wanted to stay at the Flintstones campground as a kid so we checked it out.  Keegan of course wanted to go swimming again when he saw the pool but we headed up to see Crazy Horse monument.  We got to the entrance and decided it cost too much.  The boys do not like to  give us time to read any of the information or see the displays so we just took pictures from the entrance and headed to Mt. Rushmore. The dogs were allowed to be left in the car in the shaded parking garage so we all got to go view the monument.  Michelle and the boys walked on the Presidential trail.  They have done so much to Mount Rushmore since we were there 12 years ago when Jaymie was born, it was very impressive.  We then bought some ice cream and headed  to Pappy and Grandmas arriving about 2am! dakota1, dakota2, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota_keegan6, dakota_keegan7, dakota_keegan8, dakota_keegan9, dakota_keegan10, dakota_keegan_mom1, ryan1, ryan_michelle1, ryan_sarge_shadow1, ryan_sarge_shadow2, keegan1, mt_rushmore1, dakota_keegan_sarge_shadow1,

July 21st, 2007 - We got up early at the campground. Keegan played on the playground equipment right away while I was taking a shower. Dakota joined him a little later and played while I took down the tent and loaded the car. We got up to the cave 10 minutes before the first tour began. They had kennels for our dogs. That was nice because Michelle had initially planned to stay with them. We had about a 3/4 mile walk up to the cave entrance. Both boys complained about walking. They were saying,  my legs hurt. Keegan hit his head on a sign and started to cry so Michelle carried him on her back.

July 20th, 2007 - I took the boys to soccer camp today and watched them play their favorite drill called crab. We then began our 3 week vacation and left town at 5pm. We pitched a tent outside Lewis and Clark Caverns near Bozeman Montana. dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3,

July 19th, 2007 - Michelle took a photo of Dakota at soccer camp. dakota1,

July 18th, 2007 - Dakota fielded the ball much better tonight.  He was using his hand over his glove like he learned in the video.  He played pitcher and third base today.  Keegan played catcher and left field. Dakota got two outs racing home to force the runner out at home.  Dakota threw to first base once to Nick and they got the runner out at first. dakota1, dakota2, dakota_nick1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan_dad1, nick1, nick2,

July 16th, 2007 - Dakota hit three nice hits in today's t-ball game.  His first was a fly ball over the pitchers head and the next two landed in the outfield behind second base.  The boys started soccer camp this week from 9am to 1pm.  They said they had fun playing crossfire, knockout and crab which is their favorite.  dakota1, dakota2, dakota_keegan_nick1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3,

July 15th, 2007 - Dakota, Keegan and Simon rode bikes, scooters and cars by Simon's house.  dakota1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_simon1, keegan1, 

July 14th, 2007 - Dakota woke up and asked mom to make breakfast in bed for Keegan and I.  Keegan got up too soon so they asked him to go to his room for a surprise.  He got tired of waiting so it didn't work for him but they brought me breakfast.  Keegan wanted to go out and hit some baseballs and play catch.  We watched a baseball video last night on how to bat and field baseballs.

July 13th, 2007 - I took the boys to Dakota's golf practice today.  We followed him around the driving range.  They set up four holes for the kids to play the longest ball.  Dakota hit the longest ball each of his first two hits on hole one! dakota1, dakota2,

July 12th, 2007 - Michelle took the boys to Silverwood after Dakota's golf practice.  They spent a lot of time in the lazy river.

July 11th, 2007 - This morning I went to the store and bought some donuts for Keegan's birthday. When Dakota woke up he had an idea to bring the donuts to Keegan in bed and sing Happy Birthday.  We woke Keegan up by singing Happy Birthday.  He was pretty tired and couldn't quite get his eyes open until we told him there were donuts.  He woke with a big smile.  Michelle took the boys to golf again this morning.  Dakota asked if I'd come home early from work to go for a bike ride.  I came home early but his bike ride idea was just going on the other side of Josh's house and riding his scooter around while Keegan rode his bike.  It was very hot so we only stayed outside for about 10 minutes.  Uncle Neal called and sang Keegan Happy Birthday on the phone.  Keegan really liked that and had a smile on his face the whole song.  During the evening we went to their t-ball game.  Dakota had a nice hit all the way into the outfield twice tonight.  Keegan was hitting down the first baseline.  They didn't get out tonight since they both hustled to each base.  We had to leave right away so I could catch my flight.  dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_mom1, dakota_keegan_mom2, keegan_mom1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan_dad1,

July 9th, 2007 - Dakota went to golf camp this morning at 9am.  Hunter from his school and Hunter from his soccer team were both in that session which lasted an hour.  Dakota said they putted and hit on the driving range.  Keegan played with Hunter's sister Sarah while Dakota golfed.  Tonight at their t-ball game Dakota played second base and caught two grounders and got the runner out at second during one inning.  He hit well. Once a fly ball over the pitchers head to the short stop then two nice hits into right field.  Keegan hit hard down the first base line each time.  After the game one of the parents brought hot dogs so everyone had dinner.  The kids played a short time on the monkey bars where they both can make it across.  When we got home Keegan wanted to try bike riding again.  I held his seat and let go and he rode.  I did it one more time and after that he did it all himself.  He can now ride a bicycle without training wheels! dakota1, dakota2, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan_dad1, keegan_sarah1,

July 8th, 2007 - Keegan told me he wanted to learn to ride his bike today.  We went out front and he practiced.  I helped him get started but he rode for the length of a house without me.  I stayed by him to catch him if he lost his balance.  We only spent about five or ten minutes this afternoon.  During the evening Michelle had her family come over, along with our neighbors Dan, Kara and kids and Josh and Simon for Keegan and my birthday party.  The kids had a good time.  Michelle had sack races and wheel barrow races.  After the cake and ice cream they played monkey in the middle.  Keegan received two games for his play station and I got Madden 07 football for it.  When we opened them up they had forgot to put the DVD's in them so Michelle has to run to the store.  He also got a few games for his hand held game boy but I had forgot it at work the day before. bday_group1, bday_group2, bday_group3, bday_group4, bday_group5, bday_group6, bday_group7, bday_group8, bday_group9, bday_group10, bday_group11, dakota1, dakota_jenna1, dakota_jenna_simon1, dakota_keegan_kyle_nick_sydney1, dakota_keegan_nick1, dakota_keegan_nick_sydney_michael1, jim_joann_naomi1, keegan_dad1, keegan_dad2, keegan_dad3, keegan_dad4, keegan_kyle_nick1, keegan_nick1, ryan_sarge_shadow1, ryan_simon1,  

July 7th, 2007 - Dakota wanted to go with me to work this afternoon.  Keegan got a cut on his knee so wanted to stay home but get ice cream so we went to Wendy's and got them a frosty then dropped Keegan back off at home.  Dakota and I stopped at my office and unloaded the computer.  Then he and I walked downtown to Rocky Rocco Pizza.  On our way we ran into Kyle and Sarah and Hunter from Dakota's soccer team.  They joined us for lunch.  They had caught a crawdad so wanted to show Dakota.  We went to their truck to look at that and then to Riverfront park.  Dakota and Hunter rode the tilt-a-whirl. Dakota and I headed back to my office but he was tired of walking so got a piggy back ride the last three blocks.  When we got home Keegan wanted to go with me to Albertson's to get a movie so he and I rented the Fox and the Hound 2 for them.

July 5th, 2007 - The kids played in the pool today.  dakota1, keegan1, keegan2,

July 4th, 2007 - Our friend Siti called early this morning and told us she had a moose on her patio.  We couldn't see it out our window so called Dan and Kara and walked through their backyard to see it.  We got over to our soccer field and the moose there.  Dakota was still sleeping but woke up while I was loading the pictures on the computer.  He went over and the moose had come back so he and Michelle watched it.  During the evening we went over to Kara's moms house which across from Pavilion park in Liberty Lake so we could watch the fireworks.  When we arrived their kids were at the park so we took a walk there but there was too many people.  The boys had fun climbing on the chain link fence by the baseball diamond.  We headed back to the house and the kids lit some sparklers then we all watched the fireworks.   keegan_moose1, dakota_mom_moose1, moose1, dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_mom1, dakota_keegan_nick_kyle_sydney1, dakota_kyle_sydney1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan_kyle1, keegan_kyle2,

July 3rd, 2007 - Michelle and the boys met Connie, Michael and Matthew at Riverfront park.  The boys had fun playing in the water fountain. They all had a picnic with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  Of course Keegan just had a jelly sandwich.  Everyone had sno-cones except Dakota wanted a pop. They went on the carousel. dakota_keegan_michael_matthew1, dakota_keegan_michael_matthew2, dakota_keegan_michael_matthew3, dakota_keegan_michael_matthew4, dakota_keegan_michael_matthew5, dakota_keegan_michael_matthew_connie1, keegan_michael1, keegan_michael2, keegan_michael3, dakota1, dakota_keegan1,

July 2nd, 2007 - Keegan played 2nd base and left field tonight while Dakota played left center and catcher at their t-ball game.  Keegan caught a grounder to second base and raced to get the runner out.  Dakota had some nice hits almost to the outfield.  Although he didn't run fast enough from third to home a few times and was out since our smallest batter Dylan hit when he was on third and the ball just went to the pitcher who raced home to get him out.

July 1st, 2007 - We went to Silverwood today.  The first thing the boys wanted to do is ride the tube down the slide so all four of us went down the slide two times and then went to the wave pool.  Michelle went on the tilt o whirl with them.  After that she felt sick so wouldn't ride any more rides.  We rode the cars around the track twice. Then the boys finally tried a new ride and loved it.  Dakota and I rode together.  Then Keegan and I did but Dakota was able to talk Michelle into going on it.  Keegan and I went on it a second time.  The boys wanted to ride down the river so we did that twice and headed home.

June 30th, 2007 -  sarge_thief1, sarge_thief2, sarge_shadow_thief1,

June 29th, 2007 - Michelle stopped by the cemetery and took a photo of Mandella Haufe's headstone she and the other girls at Lady Footlocker bought.  This evening we went to Kara and Dan's church where the kids have been going to bible school all week.  They put on a performance and sang some songs.  Dakota was doing very well keeping up with the movements and words.  Keegan was thinking real hard at parts but kept up for the most part.  They both were having a lot of fun.  Afterwards we watched the teenagers take on the adults for a few innings of baseball.  There was cotton candy and popcorn and pop for everyone. dakota_keegan_nick_ryder1, dakota_keegan_nick_ryder2,

June 26th, 2007 - This afternoon Michelle, the boys and I went out to Papa's lake.  I fished from the dock but only had a few bites.  Papa caught five trout from his boat which he gave to us.  Dakota and Keegan only fished a short while as usual and went to play at the playground with Abby. ryan1, dakota1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, dakota_abby1, abby1, carson1, dakota_keegan1, keegan_abby1, jenna_carson1, dakota_keegan_papa1,

June 25th, 2007 - Keegan and Dakota went to bible school from 9am to 12pm today.  Keegan played 2nd base the first two innings in their t-ball game and Dakota played right center field.  Keegan caught a nice grounder to him and raced to 2nd but it was a tie with the runner.  Dakota had a very nice hit over the short stops head.  The next two innings Keegan played first base.

June 23rd, 2007 - We went to Liberty Lake to the golf range with Josh and hit 440 golf balls between all of us.  Keegan still needs a lot of work.  He won't listen.  Dakota is hitting the ball well.  He says his favorite sport is golf.  When we got home we made a fire and roasted some marshmallows. dakota_keegan_dad_josh_shadow1,

June 21st, 2007 - We went to Silverwood today.  Dakota, Keegan, Michelle and I rode the new raft down the slide.  We got to the top and Keegan got scared so he and Michelle walked back down.  Dakota and I rode and he was was having a blast all the way down.  He said this is cool.  When we got done he said, "That was Awesome!"  Once he told Keegan about it we all went down it together.  The boys loved it and we went again.  They played in the wave pool and we ran into Katherine, Steve, Tyler and Ashlynn.  After the water park we went and rode the tilt a whirl.  The boys rode it three times in a row.  I finally had to get Michelle in the third time.  Then we rode their spider ride and ran into Tyler and family again.  We rode the rapids three times in a row.  This time Dakota finally went on it and loved it.  We got the boys some ice cream.  Michelle and I went on the Panic Plunge together while Katherine watched the boys.  We ended the night with a log ride.  Dakota wouldn't go on it but Keegan went with Michelle and I.  Dakota did agree to go on the roller coaster with me.  Michelle though didn't want him to so we didn't go. dog_damage1,

June 20th, 2007 - Dakota started his t-ball game today at 2nd base.  He got a grounder and touched base to get an out.  But he missed several grounders threw his leg and stopped a few others and could of tagged out the runners going by him but he had trouble picking the ball up quick enough. Keegan started in left center field.  Both boy hit well and ran the bases hard.  Dakota switched to short stop and had a nice grounder he picked up and threw to 2nd base.  Keegan played third base and got a ball hit to him but he fell to the ground to get it.  The runner stopped a few few short of bases and told Keegan you didn't get me.  Keegan then got up and they both raced the three steps to the bag.  Dakota hit a nice high fly ball almost to the outfield.  The second baseman though almost caught it in the air.  We were playing Coach Kyle and Sarah's team.

June 19th, 2007 - Michelle set the pool up today and had Kyle, Sydney, Nick, Seth and the boys played in the pool all afternoon. dakota_keegan_sydney_kyle_nick_seth1,

June 18th, 2007 - Dakota played first base today.  He caught 3 grounders in one inning and beat the runner to first base to get all three outs that inning!  Keegan played catcher for the first time.  He didn't like it because the equipment is too heavy and he can't see out the mask. 

June 17th, 2007 - Dakota made me a book for fathers day.  Keegan drew me a picture.  Dakota also gave me a picture of him in a car with a frame he had made at school.  Dakota's first page said, "Dad and me".  He drew a picture of us.  His second page had a picture of both of us in front of the TV and said, Dad and Me.  His third page was of us at the garden.   dakota1, keegan_dad1, papa1, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_dad2, dakota_keegan_dad3, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_dad1, dakota_dad2, dakota_dad3, 

June 16th, 2007 - Michelle and the boys had a busy day today.  They went and got the boys baseball picture taken.  Next they went to Liberty Lake because Dakota wanted to go to the book sale.  After that they went home.  The boys were invited to two birthday parties today but had committed to Parker's first.  So they didn't get to go to Ramli's birthday party.  Parker is on their baseball team and was in Dakota's kindergarten class.  I called home and was told that he now didn't want to go.  I talked to him and told him how important it was to show up when he told someone he would be there.  I was proud of Dakota when he changed his mind and went to the birthday party.  They had fun and of course their was a jumping castle and they do love those.  team_eagles, Grandma sent a picture from Kansas. 

My cousin Chad writes:

Hi all,

I hope you are all doing well.  I haven't been very good about keeping in touch, so I thought I'd bring you all up to speed.

Vashti, Azlyn, Jaydn and I have moved to Guadalajara, Mexico for five weeks to immerse ourselves in the culture and hopefully come home with a better understanding of the language.

We are posting daily diary entries to the web so you can all see what we're up to.  There are also a lot of photos.

http://www.journeytomexico.blogspot.com/

I will be working at the HP site in Guadalajara for 3 weeks beginning Monday while Vashti and the girls attend a Spanish language school for 3 hours a day.

We will be leaving Guadalajara on July 6 and head west to the coast for one week and then head home on July 14.  I'm sure it will be nice to be home.

We miss you all and hope to see you soon.

Love,
Chad
 

June 15th, 2007 - Summer Vacation starts for Dakota. After his last class today which is only 1 hour long.  dakota_mom1, dakota_mom2,

June 13th, 2007 - Today was Dakota's field day for school.  Michelle volunteered and her and another parent were in charge of the dress up relay.  The kids had fun.  Michelle took a picture of Dakota and Taryn, they have been special friends all year.  I missed tonight's tee-ball game since I was out of town working.  Michelle said the boys did very good.  Dakota played in the outfield and Keegan played second base.  The ball was hit to Dakota and he fielded it and threw it to Keegan at second base.  Keegan touched the bag and the team had there second out of the season! dakota_jacob_logan_madison_taryn1, dakota1,  dakota_kelsie_raylee_mckenzie_logan1, dakota_savanah_kelsie_hunter_raylee1, dakota_logan_taryn1, dakota_logan_taryn2, parker_mrs_martin1,

June 11th, 2007 - Keegan played third base at tonight's ball game.  He caught one grounder.  He got on base each of his at bats and ran hard between each base.  Dakota played catcher which he doesn't like because he can't see out the mask and it's too heavy he says.  He had some nice hits and got on base at each bat also.  The boys helped me fill some holes near the garden.  I put a retaining wall around the garden instead of using the boards and moved a few of the Aspen trees closer to the garden.

June 10th, 2007 - Michelle got the boys a play station 2 earlier in the week with the money made from the garage sale.  The last two days Keegan gets up then starts to wake his brother up, "Dodo it's time to get up and play"  They have been playing Star Wars Lego.  We went out to Kelly and Sean Lackners tonight.  The kids played on the trampoline and playground equipment.  We had a bonfire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.  Tucker, Jackson, Dakota and Keegan all had fun putting the fire out.  They peed on it. dakota_dad_jackson1, dakota_dad_jackson2, dakota_keegan_jackson_tucker1, dakota_keegan_jackson1, ryan_jackson1, ryan_kelly_sean_tucker_keegan1, ryan_tucker1,

June 9th, 2007 - Michelle and the boys went to grandpa Jims and grandma Joann's to help them paint their garage today.  Michelle's good friend Judy writes:

June 8th, 2007 - dakota_keegan_dad1,

June 6th, 2007 - Keegan's first ever t-ball game was tonight.  It rained but then tapered off.  Keegan started in right center field and Dakota was at third base.  The first hit of the game went right past Keegan.  He wasn't paying attention and didn't even know it went by him.  The coaches had to tell him to go get the ball so he turned and looked in the wrong direction towards center.  He did finally get it and throw it in to first.  Dakota wasn't paying attention either.  A few batters later a fly ball came about his waist level and he had a chance at catching a fly ball but he needed a jump on the ball and he didn't quite see it until it was almost too him.  Keegan was the second batter up and had a nice hit between first and second and he ran hard to the base.  He made it all the way to home during their first at bat as did Dakota.  Coach put Keegan at the pitcher's mound and Dakota at first base during the second and third innings.  I kept telling Keegan to watch the ball.  His coach would too occasionally and he would nod his head that he was ready but he glanced at his feet one time and a second later the batter hit it right at him.  He got hit in both shins. He did field three to five balls and threw to his brother at first base.  Both boys had good hits the second time they game to bat.  Keegan wasn't paying attention when he was on second base and didn't run.  The ball was out in left field and we all yelled for Keegan to run.  He did but by shuffling his feet in tiny two to three inch movements.  He did that the whole way and was tagged out at third about two steps from the bag.  He had a big grin on his face the whole way and I think he had his arms up like bunny arms.  All Michelle and I could do was laugh.  I wish I had the movie camera but we only brought the digital and didn't think to grab it for a short clip. dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota1, dakota2, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6,

June 3rd, 2007 - We got up early for day two of the garage sale.  I went to Albertson's for Michelle's birthday donut and will fix her sausage and eggs for breakfast while she relaxes in the garage.

June 2nd 2007 - We spent most of the day in the garage having a community wide garage sale.  The boys went a few houses down and bought a bunch of power ranger and other action figures at a neighbors garage sale.  During the evening we headed over to Katherine's house for her 40th birthday party.  Michelle told me to take the third exit by Julie's house.  Which is about 5 miles past the first exit where I was telling her the turn was to Katherine's house.  She finally believed me after we got off that third exit.  We drove through town backtracking.  Then she told me to turn up a road with a road closed sign.  She said, "Maybe we can get through we just have to go right up there".  We past a second road closed sign.  Then a third road closed sign.   Finally a big metal solid plate was across the whole rode and somebody had spray painted on it, "Seriously the road is closed!"  We turned around and headed back to the detour signs directing us in the proper direction.  I think she got a little too much sun today. :)  The party was fun.  They rented a big jumping castle and the boys spent most of the night in it.  Keegan and Tyler fell asleep after 11pm watching "Happy Feet".  Dakota didn't want to go home but it was Mom's birthday already and he was a sleep a few blocks down the rode. keegan_sarge1, keegan_sarge2, shadow1,

June 1st, 2007 - Dakota had an end of the year party at school this evening.  We had some hot dog and hamburgers.  The kids played on the playground equipment then we went inside and they made a bear mask.  We went to the book center to purchase some books but Keegan ended up asking for a Batman and Bionicle computer game.  Dakota picked out two books.  Of course Keegan had me load both games when I got home and he played them before bed. keegan1,

May 31st, 2007 - Dakota rode his scooter to school today.  Keegan wanted to ride his bike but only rode it about a block and ditched it.  Then he ran / walked the rest of the way.  We caught up with Nick, Kyle and Sydney who also had bikes and scooters.  Michelle stayed and helped with Dakota's class.  Keegan and I played catch in the front yard.  He was catching some nice fly balls.

May 30th, 2007 - The boys had tee ball practice tonight.  Keegan still needs to focus more when he is in the field.  Dakota did very good he was the pitcher for a portion of practice and caught quite a few ground balls.  His throws to first base weren't so accurate.  They were both good at batting.  After practice Dakota wanted me to pitch to him so he and I played ball while Keegan, Nick, Kyle and Sydney went to play at the playground. shadow1,

May 27th, 2007 - Michelle, Keegan, Dakota and I played my favorite board game, RISK, tonight.  Dakota got a bit frustrated with it and Michelle was losing her armies so she was also getting frustrated.  By the picture you can see Keegan did have fun.  keegan1, dakota_keegan1,

May 26, 2007 - During the day mom cleaned and vacuumed the inside of all the vehicles and in the evening we took the boys to see Spiderman 3 at the Imax Theater downtown-we all enjoyed the movie.  The boys also rode on the carousel before and after the movie.

May 25th, 2007 - It was a hot day, the kids ran in the sprinkler and ate ice cream cones. dakota_keegan_nick_kyle_sydney1, dakota_keegan_kyle_nick_sydney2,

May 24th, 2007 - Keegan had his last day of preschool today, mom was a little sad.  Keegan has enjoyed his teachers and friends at Montessori. dakota_keegan_keegan_shadow_sarge1, dakota_keegan_shadow_sarge2, keegan1, keegan2, keegan1, keegan2,

May 23rd, 2007 - Tonight was Keegan's first baseball practice!  He is on Dakota's team from last year and our neighbor Nick is also on the team.  The boys played catch for a bit then the coach talked to them about positions on the field.  After that they all ran the bases and hit off the tee.  When practice was over, Nick, Dakota, Keegan and Kyle all played some baseball.  Dan played catcher and Kara was in the outfield while I pitched to the boys.  Keegan only played for a little then he, Sydney and mom went to play on the playground equipment.  All the boys hit the ball pretty well, Keegan and Kyle are both lefties.   dakota1, dakota_keegan_mom1, dakota_keegan_mom2, dakota_keegan1, dakota_nick1,  keegan_nick1, keegan1,

May 22nd, 2007 - chase_papa1,

May 19th, 2007 - Dakota and Keegan had their last soccer game this afternoon.  Keegan played the first 5 minutes of Dakota's game then we went over to his game.  He wasn't into soccer today and didn't score.  His team did well.  I think Adam had 5 or 6 goals.  Brandon, JJ and Tyler also scored once or twice.  During the evening we went over to Dakota's coach's house for a soccer party.  Coach Brian gave all the kids trophies for the year including Tyler and Keegan.  The boys had fun jumping on their trampoline and playing with the other kids. cathy_kristin1, dakota_keegan_brady_tate1, dakota_keegan_colton_brady1, dakota_keegan_colton_brady2, dakota_keegan_colton1,  dakota_keegan_tate_tyler_hunter_brady_christian_brian1, dakota_keegan_tate_tyler_hunter_brady_christian_colton_brian1, dakota_keegan_tate_tyler_hunter_brady_christian_colton_brian2, dakota_keegan_tate_tyler_hunter_brady_christian_colton_brian3, dakota_keegan_tate_tyler_hunter_brady_christian_colton_brian4, dakota_keegan_tate_tyler_hunter_brady_christian_colton1, dakota_keegan_tate_tyler_brady1, dakota_keegan1, keegan_tyler_kaleb_jj_adam1, ryan_kyle1,  soccer_parents1, soccer_parents2, soccer_parents3,

May 18th, 2007 - The boys were excited today.  They couldn't wait for this afternoon to get here because they were going  to see Shrek 3 with Jonas and Jaymie and then out to their house for a sleep over.

May 17th, 2007 - I got home tonight from Seattle.  Dakota and Keegan were both excited about Dakota's soccer practice.  The boys were both laughing and telling me how much fun they had practicing headers and stopping the ball off their chest and legs when Coach Brian threw the ball out to them. 

May 16th, 2007 - Coach Brian Jones taught Keegan's practice tonight since I was in Seattle for a day.

May 15th, 2007 - Michelle decided to name this series of photographs, Earning Their Keep. dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan_sydney1, dakota_keegan_kyle1, dakota1, keegan1, keegan_kyle1, kyle_sydney1,

May 13th, 2007 - Today we were all going to go to Silverwood but it was kind of chilly and cloudy out.  Michelle wanted to stay home and do her photo albums so the kids and I gave her some peace and quiet for Mother's Day.  The boys had fun at the theme park.  They rode the carousel first.  After that they rode the Garfield Ferris wheel and the kids roller coaster three times.  I joined them the third time.  Keegan wanted to go again but ended up following Dakota to walk across the bridges and climb up the tree house.  Keegan was tall enough to go on all the rides this spring by himself just at the 42 inch height marker, but on the elephant ride the guy their decided I had to ride with him for some reason.  The boys loved the magic show and of course the cotton candy too.  I had to be part of the act by adding up some of the numbers and using ESP to the other participant on the stage who was sitting on the marker and card he wrote his name on.  The magician pulled his card from under the man on stage and it had the same numbers on it that I totaled up.  Afterwards Dakota bought a magic package and Keegan got a sword that lights up, which has already broke.    They made me go on the Tilt a Whirl two times in a row, not good on the stomach, then we went on the Antique car ride and over to the another ride they like similar to tilt a whirl.  We finished with one more Tilt a Whirl ride and bought M & M coated  caramel apples for the ride home. dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota5, dakota_keegan1,  dakota_keegan2,  dakota_keegan3,  dakota_keegan4,  dakota_keegan5,  dakota_keegan6,  dakota_keegan7,  dakota_keegan8,  dakota_keegan9,  dakota_keegan10,  dakota_keegan11, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3,

May 12th, 2007 - Michelle started the day with bathing the dogs, we ate a late breakfast and then it was off to soccer.  Keegan's soccer game was first today.  In the first quarter he was dribbling up field, came to the end of the field, he kept the ball in and turned and went around two players to score.  It was very nice dribbling by him.  The second quarter his teammate passed to him and he dribbled down field and scored in 9 seconds.  He scored again to start the 4th quarter but this time the other team started with the ball and he stole it and took it down field to score in 12 seconds to start the quarter.  Keegan ended up with four scores today.  Brandon, Adam, Tyler and JJ all scored too. Mom was very upset with the boys because she found out they and another boy were killing ladybugs over by a tree, she throws the spiders outside if she sees them in the house. Dakota said Keegan was just trying to hold one but accidentally squished it. Dakota started his game as the goalie.  He did great stopping four out of 6 shots!  Four saves by Dakota!  His knee was still hurting so he didn't do much in the game.  The coach asked him if he wanted to play and he thought about it and said yes.  He is a trooper and tries his best.  Keegan got in Dakota's game twice and he hustled all over the field.  We got home from soccer and got the little pool out.  Kyle, Sydney, Simon, Dakota and Keegan all slid down the slide into the pool and ran through the sprinklers the rest of the afternoon.  Josh and Simon are over for pizza tonight and then we are going to roast marshmallows by the fire tonight.

May 11th, 2007 - I (Michelle) went to Dakota's school today for the Mother's Day Luau.  The class sang songs and each of the kids read in front of the class what they like about their mother, Dakota said he loves me because I read to him.  The teacher also read a book, I can't remember the name of it off hand, and many mother's were in tears, myself included.  Dakota also made me a mothers day shirt and drew of picture of me on it, it is very cute.  After school all of the kids played and in the evening the boys and I went to visit Naomi and Larry.  The boys played a video game, jumped and the tramp, and played with Cooper.  It was a beautiful evening. dakota1, dakota2, chase1, chase2, chase3, keegan_cooper1, keegan_cooper2, dakota_keegan_mom_cooper1, dakota_keegan1,

May 10th, 2007 - Michelle went to Keegan's school this morning for Mothers Day breakfast and Dakota stayed with Nick until it was time for school. Michelle, Connie and the boys went out to lunch and then went to the Liberty Lake Park.  Dakota hurt his knee at the playground sliding down a tube slide.  He couldn't walk at practice so sat and watched.  He did get up though and try to do one of our corner kick drills. dakota1, keegan1, keegan_michael1, keegan_michael2, keegan_michael3,

May 8th, 2007 - Nice warm morning before school. dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3,

May 7th, 2007 - Julie Borup, my Gonzaga supervisor, called and invited us out to go golfing.  Michelle wasn't up to it but Dakota wanted to golf so we went golfing with them.  Dakota had some nice hits and had a great time!  It was the first time he golfed every hole and every hit.  He had a 93!  Ok, so he can't go pro yet since that was for nine holes.  I ended up with a 52 and had a nice chip shot that I sunk from about 20 yards right off the green.  When we were done Dakota said he wanted to play more but we had only paid for nine.  We stopped by Julie and John's house and she gave Dakota some ice cream with chocolate on top.  Keegan, Simon and Michelle played golf in the backyard and were of course busy playing with the neighbors also.  Keegan is getting better at hitting the ball too.

May 6th, 2007 - We went over to the neighbors for Sydney and Kyle's birthday party this afternoon.  Keegan enjoyed the sack races.  They played duck duck goose which they also all enjoyed.  Dakota had a little attitude for part of the party, he didn't want to do the races or duck duck goose and also got upset when he didn't get bubbles to blow, which he did get because there were plenty of them.  He did enjoy the piñata!  Later that night we invited the neighbors over, had a fire and everyone ate smores. dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_kara_nick1,  dakota1, dakota2, keegan_dad1, kyle_kara1, kyle_sydney_bdayparty1,  kyle_sydney_bdayparty2, kyle_sydney_bdayparty3, kyle_sydney_bdayparty4, sydney1,

May 5th, 2007 - Grandma, Jenna and Abby came and watched Keegan's soccer game.  Keegan started the game with a great pass to Kaleb from the side of the goal to Kaleb who was right in front of the goal.  Kaleb kicked it in to score!  Keegan passed through several defenders. It was exciting because most kids that age all try to take the ball and score themselves.  Keegan scored twice during the game.  One time he was dribbling and was a bit past midfield when he kicked it through a defenders legs and it just barely had enough on it to slowly roll over the line.  The last time he scored he did a nice turn at the end of the field and kicked the ball to his left to score.  Dakota played some good defense and hustled the whole game.  Their team didn't have many chances to score.

May 4th, 2007 - Michelle went to the doctor today to have some tests run to see if her everything was fine.  We should get the results back on Monday.

May 1st, 2007 - Michelle went to the doctor this morning.  He confirmed the pregnancy and everything looks good. We found out today that Uncle Neal and Aunt Christine are also going to have a baby.  Christine also had her checkup today and everything went well for her too.  When I got home from work, Simon was over playing with the boys.  Then they went to Simon's to play pac-man. After supper Dakota finished his homework, then the boys and I played Clue Jr.

April 29th, 2007 - Michelle and the boys and I went fishing at Fish Lake this afternoon.  Keegan fell asleep just as we were arriving so he and Michelle drove to Kelly's house which isn't too far from the lake to see if they were going to come fishing too.  Kelly and Jackson arrived a short time later. I was getting quite a few bites off my spinner.  Keegan had a bite off his worm but then decided he was done fishing and wanted to go hiking with Michelle.  Dakota wanted to use a spinner so Michelle tied it on but he lost on the first cast.  People on the dock near us finally left so we moved there and Dakota started casting his worm and bobber.  I caught one small 3 inch trout, then Dakota decided he was done fishing.  He and Jackson both went with Keegan and Michelle to the playground and played the rest of the time we were there.  Kelly and I didn't catch anything else. dakota1, dakota2, kelly_jackson1, kelly_jackson2, keegan_jackson1, ryan1, keegan_ryan1,

April 28th, 2007 - This morning I helped Dan stain part of his fence, then we went to the kids soccer games.  We got their early for pictures.  Dakota's team didn't have any subs so after Keegan got finished with pictures he and Tyler were the subs for Dakota's team.  Hunter could barely play and lost interest.  Keegan got in and hustled all over the place.  He and Dakota had a nice defensive play.  Keegan narrowed the field and Dakota kicked the ball out of bounds when  a player was dribbling downfield.  Dakota would of scored or had a shot but Christian stole the ball from him right in front of the goal and took the shot.  I think Christian realized he did that afterwards because he passed twice to Dakota during the next few plays.  Keegan scored a goal during his game but I think he was tuckered out because he wasn't as focused.  Mason scored is first goal of the season today and really played hard.  He was running up and playing defense taking the balls away and dribbling. After soccer we went to Patrick's house.  He is a co-worker and was throwing a party for one of his friends who just got hired with us.  Keegan played soccer with some of the older kids.  Dakota had fun playing pool with mom and I.  Both boys had fun jumping on their trampoline. dakota1, dakota2, keegan1, keegan2, dakota_colton_brady_christian_hunter_brian1, keegan_ryan_kaleb_tyler_jj_adam1,

April 26th, 2007 - Kristin sends this pdf file of Jason doing the polar plunge.

April 24th, 2007 - Michelle woke me up early repeating, "Oh no, Oh no, Oh no. She was holding a pregnancy test that was positive.

April 22nd, 2007 - Keegan came home about 10am along with Nick and Kyle and they all started playing on the computer.  He had fun last night.  They watched a movie and played some video games.  Dakota spent all day with Tyler and got home about 5pm.  He had fun playing Lego Star Wars with Tyler and went out to eat with them last night.  After supper I went and got the kids and Michelle a Three Musketeer bar.  Dakota started eating it and lost his first tooth today.

April 21st, 2007 - Keegan played well in his soccer game today.  He was dribbling up the field and going around people.  Dakota wasn't focused at all, pretty much dancing around on the field.  He had a few good defensive stops and one good pass but most of the game just goofed off.  After soccer we took him to his friend Tyler's house for a sleepover.  Keegan got to spend the night at Nick, Kyle and Sydney's house. keegan_jj1,

April 16th, 2007 - Michelle and the boys stopped by Katherine's today for a play date.  dakota_keegan_tyler1, dakota_keegan_tyler_ashlynn1,  dakota_keegan_tyler_ashlynn2, dakota_keegan_tyler_ashlynn3, dakota_keegan_tyler_ashlynn4,

April 14th, 2007 - It was a rainy day today.  Keegan scored a goal in soccer this morning.  Dakota's team is overmatched again since they had moved his team to the age bracket above them last fall.  He does get a lot of exercise running up and down the field.

April 10th, 2007 - Grandma Sue sent some pictures of their Easter. dogs1, drew_jaymie1, drew1, drew_jaymie_kristin1, drew_jaymie_pappy1, drew_jaymie_pappy_jason1, easterbreakfast1, jason_jaymie1, jason_kristin_drew_jaymie1, jason_kristin_jaymie_pappy1,  

April 8th, 2007 - I was up early but Michelle and the kids slept in this morning.  When they did get up Dakota and Keegan hunted for Easter eggs inside the house.  Keegan spotted their new scooters we bought them on the patio.  They were both very excited about them.  It took quite awhile for them to find all the eggs and their baskets this year since they were hidden better.  They barely got done in time.  Michelle was rushing us out the door since we were going to Dan, Kara, Nick, Kyle and Sydney's church this morning.  We got their and sat down.  Michelle spotted Dan and Kara and after the a break for greeting people Kara took us to the kids section and Dakota and Keegan stayed there with Nick.  After church we went to Papa and Grandma's where the kids got to go on yet another Easter egg hunt.  Dakota wanted to stay for Grandma's dinner.  We stayed and had turkey, stuffing, mashed potato's and 7 layer salad.  When we got home they still wanted to play.  They wanted to show Nick their new scooters but they weren't home so they went to Simon's house.  It was a very nice evening so we went and got them to come outside.  They were playing pacman.  Keegan wanted to drive Simon's battery operated car so the kids did that more then they rode the scooters. abby1, abby2, dakota_abby_jenna_carson1, dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota5, dakota6, dakota7, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, keegan7, keegan8, keegan9, keegan10, keegan11, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota_keegan6, dakota_keegan7, dakota_keegan8, dakota_keegan9, dakota_keegan10, dakota_keegan11, keegan_simon1, keegan_simon2, keegan_shadow1, dakota_keegan_abby1, dakota_keegan_abby2, dakota_keegan_abby_von1, simon1,  dakota_keegan_dad_josh1, dakota_keegan_simon1, dakota_simon1, dakota_simon2, jenna_carson1, von_jeann1, Michelle took 3 movies. navrat_easter1, navrat_easter2, navrat_easter3,

April 7th, 2007 - Keegan woke up pretty early and watched Saturday morning cartoons.  I asked him if he wanted to go to the Riverwalk Easter egg hunt and he told me he did.   Dakota came down and started watching cartoons.  I asked him if he wanted to go but he just wanted to watch cartoons.  He got his attitude and said he wasn't going.  I got the boys dressed for soccer and Michelle and Keegan started walking to the park while I had Dakota put on his shoes.  We got to the park and Keegan lined up for the start of the Easter egg hunt but Dakota just sat on the rocking horse with a scowl on his face.  After the hunt the Easter bunny tried to come up and wave to him but he just turned his back scowling back.  Keegan found one of the eggs to turn in for a prize and got some sand shovels and buckets.  Dakota's mood improved once his girlfriend from school Taryn showed up.  Her mom was telling Michelle how Taryn and her best friend play with their dolls and name their princes.  Taryn names her prince, Prince Dakota.  We headed to Keegan's soccer game.  He wasn't very aggressive in the game and didn't try to score a goal like he normally does.  He seemed concerned that his teammates had the ball and looked to pass to them or let them take the ball when they were near it.  His team did eventually win after being down 2 to nothing. Dakota's game started about 10 minutes before Keegan's ended.  They played 5 x 5 this year and only had 5 players show up.  The whole team was very tired and the last quarter they talked to the other team and got it down to 4 on 4.  Dakota hustled the whole game.  He had a nice pass through defenders that got to Hunter and Hunter took a shot but the goalie saved it.  After the game they played at the playground and then headed home.  Michelle wanted to take a nap with the boys but they wanted to play.  During the evening we decorated Easter eggs. dakota_brady1, dakota_dad1, dakota_hunter1, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_mom_sarge1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_taryn1,  dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, keegan_adam_tyler1, keegan_brandon_tyler1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, ryan_mason1,

April 5th, 2007 - Today we invited the boy's friends over from Montessori and the neighbors. We ate pizza, the boys had fun playing, and then they anxiously waited for the Easter egg hunt while Ryan, Connie, Kara and I put out all the eggs. They all made out very well and had a blast.  After they were done emptying their eggs and eating a bit of the candy we started a game of dodge ball.  Ryan and Josh had no mercy when it came to throwing the ball at the adults. Simon missed the egg hunt so after soccer practice I had some eggs hid for Simon, Dakota and Keegan. It was just as much fun as the first one! connie_josh_michael_jamey1, connie_michael_jonas_matthew_sydney1, dakota_dad_jonas_jamey1, dakota_dad_jonas_matthew1, dakota_keegan_jonas_jamey_matthew_michael_nick_kyle_sydney_ryan1, dakota_keegan_jonas_jamey_matthew_michael_nick_kyle_sydney1, dakota_keegan_jonas_jamey_matthew_michael_nick_kyle_sydney2, dakota_keegan_jonas_jamey_matthew_michael1, dakota_matthew_jamey_jonas_kyle1, dakota_keegan1, dakota1, dakota2, jamey_kyle1, jamey1, jamey2, jonas_jamey_matthew1, jonas_matthew1, jonas_matthew2, jonas1, kara_connie1, keegan_kyle_michael1, keegan1, matthew1, matthew2, michael1, michael2, nick_matthew_jonas1, ryan_connie_jonas_jamey1, ryan_jonas_matthew1, ryan_kara1, ryan1, ryan2, sidney1,

April 2nd, 2007 - Michelle took some pictures of the animals.  shadow_thief1, shadow_sarge_thief1,

March 31st, 2007 - This morning Gonzaga had an Easter egg hunt.  For some reason Dakota got an attitude.  He wouldn't go out and get the eggs.  Keegan told him that is okay I will share mine with him.  Keegan only was able to get three eggs but he did share the candy with Dakota.  dakota1, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_dad2, keegan1,   keegan_dad1,

March 29th, 2007 - Coach Brian had a tough practice today.  The kids were running drills for an hour.  Both boys had fun but were tuckered out at the end of practice.  They had been playing all day long with the neighbors and Donovan.

March 28th, 2007 - I had Keegan's first soccer practice this evening.  Dakota and Keegan helped me set up the soccer field.  Both boys practiced hard.  We practiced passing the ball back and forth to a teammate, but everyone wanted to play kick the coach, so that was how we ended practice.

March 26th, 2007 - Michelle is watching Donovan all this week. They spent alot of time playing dodgeball and Donovan taught Michelle and Dakota to play Phase I.

March 23rd, 2007 - Michelle picked up and babysat Donovan today.  The boys played  on the computer then went outside and played.  Michelle, Andrew (Donovan's Dad) and Kara played dodge ball with the boys later in the afternoon.

March 22nd, 2007 - We had soccer practice today.  Keegan got hit hard in the face by the ball before practice.  He had fun but towards the end on a cold night a boy kicked the ball and his foot hit Keegan in the hand so he ended the night on the sidelines hurting.  Both boys hustled and were wore out by the end of the night.

March 18th, 2007 - The early worm Keegan woke us up too early again.  I tried to get back to sleep but he is pretty noisy.  When I did get up Dakota was stirring also so I said good morning.  He replied, "Dad guess what!  My tooth is loose".  His first baby tooth is soon to be gone.  We went down and had a little breakfast.  Then the boys and I started shoveling the garden to get weeds out.  Dakota started out good helping me get the weeds as did Keegan, but Dakota soon started collecting worms instead and Keegan worked on digging a hole deeper and deeper.  They finally tired of that activity so I raked the garden then we all planted pumpkin seeds, turnips, carrots, peas and cucumbers.  Michelle helped pick up some of the piles of grass I had raked over the last week and dump the weeds and rocks we collected from the garden.  The kids went in for a bath and are getting dressed up as pirates for Abby's birthday party.  She is doing a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. abby1, abby2, dakota_abby1, dakota_keegan_abby1, dakota_keegan_abby2, dakota_keegan_abby3, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan1, dakota1, jeremy_cassie_abby1, jim_bonnie_ryan1, keegan_abby1, keegan1, michelle_carson1, naomi_abby1, ryan_michelle1, shadow_sarge1, shadow1, von_carson1,

March 17th, 2007 - This morning I read part of the pirate book I checked out at the library to Dakota and Keegan.  Keegan went downstairs to play his dungeon game they have been playing the last few days.  Dakota wanted me to read some of the baseball book I got at the library.  So I read him the story of Babe Ruth.  Then we got ready for the St. Patrick's Day parade.  But then Dakota and Keegan decided they didn't want to go.  We went anyway but Dakota had a scowl on and wouldn't listen or watch the parade for the most part.  Keegan enjoyed it and shared some of the candy he got with his brother.  After the parade was over both boys had fun playing the park.  We walked across a few of the bridges and saw the raging river.  Then headed back to my office since I had to work.  Keegan ran around the halls a bit and was trying to scare my co-worker Patrick when he was typing.  They then went to visit Grandma and Abby on the way home. clydesdale1, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan_dad2, dakota_keegan_dad3, keegan1, keegan2, spokane_river1, lama1, lama2, Michelle took a 1.2mb movie clip of the Spokane river.

March 15th, 2007 - Dakota had his first soccer practice tonight.  Keegan practiced too with the team.  They did a lot of running and drills.

March 11th, 2007 - Keegan woke me up before 8am this morning and got me out of bed to go running.  We ran all the way to Dakota's school and then walked back home counting worms.  It had rained so there were lots of worms on the sidewalk.

March 10th, 2007 - Keegan played Dungeon Siege 1 most of the day while I played 2.  He took a few breaks to play quake 3 with Dakota a few times during the day.  Dakota played with Nick in the afternoon while Keegan went over to play with Kyle. 

March 9th, 2007 - Keegan woke up early and wanted me to come down and watch him play Dungeon Siege 1.  He has been playing that all week. Dakota and I did most of his homework yesterday but he still had to finish writing a sentence.  We came downstairs and noticed the dogs had tore up some paper all over the floor.  It happened to be his homework so we all got a good laugh out of that.  He had to tell his teacher that the dogs ate his homework.  We did remember what most of it was so he did it all again on a blank sheet of paper.   Michelle watched Nick this afternoon.  We all went to Sears to get portrait photograph's taken of Dakota and Keegan.  Afterwards Michelle took them out for ice cream.  I dropped them off and went to Wal-mart.  I noticed Dungeon Siege 2 there so purchased it since Keegan won't let me play DS1 because he always wants to play it. Nick and Keegan played Dungeon Siege 1 when we got home.  Later Dakota and Keegan switched to Quake 3.  dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4, dakota5, dakota6, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota_keegan3, dakota_keegan4, dakota_keegan5, dakota_keegan6, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, keegan6, keegan7, keegan8,

March 4th, 2007 - Dan and Kara along with their kids and Andrew and brought their kids over to watch the Gonzaga vs. San Diego game which Gonzaga won 88 to 70.  The kids had fun running all over the house.  They played Arthur on the computer and sword fought. dakota_keegan_donovan_cameron_nick_kyle_sydney1,

March 2nd, 2007 - Dakota, Michelle and I worked with Dakota on his homework this morning.  He did very good.  He read all his sentences and then drew a picture and wrote his own sentence to tell the story.  Keegan wanted me to go running with him.  We ran all the way to Donovan and Cameron's house near the park.  keegan1,

February 26th, 2007 - Grandma Sue wrote, "Hi, Sending this to many of you. Thought you might like to see our beautiful snow that we had over the weekend. It was not very cold so yesterday we dug ourselves out and had a good amount of exercise! In anticipation of the storm, I rented 5 movies and we just hunkered down and enjoyed the 2 days."  backyard1, backyard2, backyard3, backyard4, keegan_kyle_sydney1, sarge_shadow1,

February 25th, 2007 - Keegan woke up this morning and wanted to go for another run.  So Dakota, Keegan and I ran around the block to Nick, Kyle and Sydney's house.  They made it all the way down the block, around the corner and back.  This time they went slow and paced themselves.  Afterwards Dakota and Keegan played Quake 3 but for some reason Dakota got made and slammed the mouse down.  He broke it so the kids are off the computer for a week.

February 24th, 2007 - This morning Keegan, Dakota and I got Quake 3 to work so that we all could play against each other.  They both enjoyed playing with me.  I had mentioned I should go running today.  Keegan asked me to go running with him to Ramli's house.  Dakota decided to join us and we went out for our run.  They took off fast and were walking before we got to the corner.  We ran and walked to Ramli's house and back.  Michelle took Dakota to watch Nick's basketball game this afternoon.  Keegan stayed home to play Quake with me but I told him he had to wait until after the Gonzaga basketball game ended.  He fell asleep halfway through the overtime. When he woke up I told him Nick had stopped by to play games with him.  So he went over and got him and his brother Kyle and sister Sydney.  Nick and Keegan played Quake 3 until the neighbor kids had to go home and eat.  Then Keegan played a Dr. Seuss game while I played a game on my computer.  Keegan watched Scooby-Doo Cyber Chase and Monster Inc. waiting for Michelle and Dakota to get home.  I was surprised to see that he was still up so he and I went up to watch Superman Returns in bed.  He fell asleep a few minutes into the movie.  Michelle and Dakota decided to go visit Naomi.  Dakota didn't want to come home because he was having fun watching cousin Chase play a video game.  They got home after midnight.  Michelle took a picture of Keegan's running clothes. keegan1,

February 23rd, 2007 - Nick helped Dakota paint the model airplane Keegan and he had put together yesterday. dakota_nick1, dakota_nick2,

February 22nd, 2007 - Dakota had got a science book for his birthday from Ramli and Syra.  Today Michelle and the boys tried three of the experiments.  Keegan isn't laughing because he farted it was one of the experiments the boys just completed.  They also put together their wooden models they got from Christmas.   Keegan took a bath in the sink.  keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan4, keegan5, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2,

February 21st, 2007 - Amanda sent some pictures today.  janae1, janae2, janae3, janae_amanda1,

February 17th, 2007 - Keegan, Dakota and I played baseball in the back yard for a little bit this afternoon.  Aunt Nadine sent some pictures of Kelsie's 4th birthday.  Along with their trip to Alabama, Gulfarium at Fort Walton Beach Florida, Wild Adventures Snow Days and Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, GA.  Kelsie went to the movie theater for the first time ever and saw Charlottes Web. seal_dolphin1, seal1, seal2, kelsie_nadine1, kelsie_nadine2, kelsie_kent1, kelsie_kent2, kelsie_hannah_nadine1, kelsie_hannah_kent1, kelsie_hannah_kent2, kelsie_hannah_kent3, kelsie_hannah1, kelsie_hannah2, kelsie_hannah3, kelsie_hannah4, kelsie1, kelsie2, kelsie3, kelsie4, kelsie5, kelsie6, kelsie7, kelsie8, kelsie9, kelsie10, kelsie11, kelsie12, kelsie13, kelsie14, kelsie15, giraffe1, dolphin1, dolphin2, dolphin3,

February 16th, 2007 - Grandma and Pappy had some Turkeys in their yard and sent some pictures.  Grandma wrote, "We had over 30 turkeys yesterday afternoon eating bird seed that fell on the ground. Was a fun site to see." turkeys1, turkeys2, turkeys3, turkeys4, turkeys5,

February 14th, 2007 - Michelle and I went to Dakota's class today to celebrate their 100th day of school.  He decorated and ate a heart shaped cookie.  Made a bead necklace and handed out valentine cards to his classmates.  They stacked candy hearts to see how high they could go and guessed how many jelly beans was in the jar.  Dakota guessed 105 and it was 104 so he won a stuffed hedgehog.  Keegan also decorated a heart shaped cookie and ate it at his school.  After school, Michelle took them to visit Abby.  Keegan was playing quake 3 this evening while I was playing another game.  I broke up laughing when he said, "Ya, you better run. (too the computer player he was playing against)." keegan_abby_carson1, keegan_abby_carson2, dakota_carson1, dakota1, dakota2, classroom1,  classroom2, classroom3,  classroom4, classroom5, classroom6, classroom7, classroom8, classroom9, classroom10, classroom11, classroom12, classroom13, carson1, carson2, dakota3, keegan1, keegan2,

February 13th, 2007 - Michelle watched Ramli and Syra while their parents went out to eat.  dakota_keegan_ramli_syra1,

February 11th, 2007 - Dakota got his homework project done today. dakota_keegan1, dakota1,

February 10th, 2007 - This afternoon we all went to the our annual "A Day for Hearts" at the Providence Auditorium near Sacred Heart Medical Center. It is sponsored by Northwest Center for Congenital Heart Disease and Sacred heart Children's Hospital.  They have activities for all  ages, refreshments and food, educational resource materials and a proclamation of international CHD Day.  We all played heart (bingo).  Dakota and Keegan each won two prizes.  They decorated heart cookies and ate them, wrote their name on the big banner and made hand prints.  This was the first year they didn't have the magic show which was always entertaining. keegan1, keegan2, dr_garabedian1, dakota_keegan_dad1, dakota_keegan1, dakota_keegan2, dakota1, dakota2, dakota3, dakota4,

February 9th, 2007 - I was very proud of Keegan early this morning.  He woke up in the middle of the night and went to the bathroom.  Instead of trying to get in our bed he went back to his bed and fell asleep without coming in to wake us.  When morning came, he wanted me to play quake 1 with him.  So we played for a few hours until I had to go get Dakota at school.  When Dakota got home we all three played for a bit.  Then the  neighbors came over and Dakota and Keegan played quake with them most of the day or switched to the TV games Spiderman or Scooby Doo.  Dakota was Star Student of the Week for the library this week!

February 8th, 2007 - After school today, Michelle took the boys to meet Keegan's friend Michael from school and his mom and brother Matthew at Jump and Bounce.  They had fun sliding down the slides. keegan_michael1, keegan_matthew_michael1, dakota_matthew1, dakota_matthew2, dakota_matthew3, dakota_keegan_mom1, dakota_keegan_matthew_michael1, dakota_keegan_matthew_michael2, connie_keegan_matthew_michael1,

February 7th, 2007 - We dressed up for Patrick's 40th birthday at the office.  patbday1. The boys actually played something not on the computer for once.  shadow1, sarge_shadow1, sarge_shadow2, sarge_shadow3, sarge_shadow4, dakota_sarge_shadow1, dakota_keegan_nick1, dakota_keegan_nick2,

February 4th, 2007 - We didn't agree on a name after all.  But now if we and the dogs can learn to re-adjust, Shadow now becomes Sarge and his brother will be named Shadow.  We all went out to Kelly and Sean Lackner's for the super bowl this afternoon.  Keegan and Dakota ran around the house and played all day with Tucker and Jackson and a few other kids that came over while the adults all watched the Super bowl. One of my Hopw members sent a picture.  I also posted our computer pictures on my computer pages.  mike_tomlinson1,

February 3rd, 2007 - We might of finally found a name for Shadow's brother.  First he was Smokey, then Viking until Michelle started calling him Squirt which I wouldn't agree too.  So the poor dog has been called Viking and Squirt for a month.  Michelle wanted Saxon "sharp blade".  The boys decided Sarge.  Michelle of course wanted Shadow to become Sergeant and Viking to become Saxon but I she claims to be ok with Shadow and Sarge now. And the story continues.  Dakota didn't want Sarge so now we have agreed upon Shadow and Saxon.

January 27th, 2007 - I spent most of the day updating pictures while the neighbors came over and played.  Dakota and Nick put together the puzzle I had got the boys the night before.  dakota_nick1, dakota_nick2,

January 26th, 2007 - I got home from Lynnwood about 930pm.  Dakota, Keegan and I put together a puzzle of the United States that I had given them as a coming home present.  They both did pretty well finding all the States.  Then Dakota and I watched America's Funniest Videos while Keegan and Michelle watched Scooby-Doo.

January 25th, 2007 - Keegan played some sponge bob video games today. Then played with Sydney and Kyle.  keegan_kyle_sydney1, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3,

January 24th, 2007 - Simon came over and played with the boys today. dakota1, keegan_simon1, keegan_simon2,

January 22nd, 2007 - Dakota had his yearly heart appointment with his cardiologist this afternoon. Everything looked good and he is good to go for another year.  dakota1, dakota2, dakota_keegan1,

January 20th, 2007 - We went to Syra's fourth birthday party at the YMCA this afternoon.  The boys had fun swimming. dakota1, dakota2, keegan1, keegan2, keegan3, keegan_syra1, keegan_syra2, ryan_ramli1, dakota_keegan_ramli_syra1, dakota_keegan_ramli_syra2, dakota_keegan_ramli_syra3, dakota_keegan_ramli1,

January 19th, 2007 - Michelle took a picture of the backyard this morning.  The neighbors came over and played. keegan_kyle1, backyard1,

January 18th, 2007 - Michelle and the kids picked me up at work this afternoon and we all went over to Gonzaga for Julie Borup's retirement party.  Keegan wrote his name on her card.  It was the first time he had written his name with out tracing over the letters.  It was nice to see everyone again.  Dakota and Keegan wanted to go run the halls as usual but since school was in session we just walked around quietly.  Later that night Keegan, Dakota and I played quake 1 on the internet.  Dakota and I played against Steve and Keegan.  Keegan is pretty good and runs around.  Dakota hides and doesn't always want to be at the keyboard but he got 5 frags so did pretty well. ryan_julie_john_maryann_jeff1, dakota_ryan_julie_john_maryann_jeff1,

January 17th, 2007 - Jenna, Abby and Carson stopped by to visit Michelle and the boys.  carson1, carson2, carson3, carson4, jenna_carson1, dakota_abby1, dakota_abby2,

January 16th, 2007 - Keegan's friend Michael came over to play with him.  I called home today and Keegan answered the phone.  He asked me if I could do the Hokey Pokey with him tomorrow.  I told him we could do it when I got home tonight.  When I got home we found the song on the internet and went upstairs.  Keegan just watched Dakota and I do the Hokey Pokey but he enjoyed it nevertheless. 

January 15th, 2007 - We all went to see the Night at the Museum today.  It was a very good show that we all enjoyed.  dakota_nick1, keegan_kyle_sydney1, keegan_kyle_sydney2,

January 13th, 2007 - The day started very early this morning. Dakota woke up with an earache so Michelle had him in our bed.  Keegan woke up before 6am and we ended up getting up after Dakota threw up.  Dakota spent the day watching cartoons in our bed and fell asleep for most of the afternoon.  Keegan spent the day mostly playing games on the computer while I updated photos and web pages.  He made me take a break to play quake 4 with him.  He got to go over to Simon's during the evening and watched Josh play pacman. viking_thief1,

January 12th, 2007 - I took Dakota to school this morning then did an hour's worth of work and picked him up on my way home.   The boys played most of the afternoon with Nick and Kyle.  They all played quake 1 most of the time but a few times took some breaks to play with toys until Keegan and Nick wanted the same toy which led to Nick going home mad.  So Keegan, Dakota and I went upstairs and watched the movie Invincible.  Keegan fell asleep right away.  Dakota watched all of it with me and then went over to Simon's house to watch Josh play pacman.

January 11th, 2007 - sydney_shadow_viking1,

January 10th, 2007 - The boys played with Nick, Kyle and Sydney today.  Later in the day Dakota and Keegan went over to Simon's without telling us.  Michelle went over and Dakota wasn't too polite to her so she grounded him from going over to watch Josh play pacman later this evening.  Keegan headed over to watch Josh play about 5pm.  Dakota came downstairs and told me he was going to do the opposite of what we told him.  A little while later Michelle called downstairs and asked if he was down with me.  She thought he snuck over to Simon's house, which he did.  So I had to go over and carry him home.  He got sent to his room for the rest of the night, although Michelle let him come down for dinner and a bath later in the evening.

January 8th, 2007 - dakota_keegan_nick_kyle1,

January 7th, 2007 - dakota_dad1_shadow1, shadow_viking1,