Go-o-o-o Cats!

This past weekend Paxton went to "Cheer Camp". Ray High's cheerleaders put on a 2hr. camp for all the kids who want to be on the Bearcat Jr. Pep Squad.

Last year I somehow got away without getting her signed up, saying that we were planning to move and the house was for sale and so on. Well, the house is still for sale and we are still hoping to move, but we signed her up anyway. Now that she is in Pre-K, there are girls in her class who are also a part of it and she hears a lot about it. I dont think I could have gotten away with not letting her in this year.

Who am I to keep her out of it all anyway, it is what she loves right now. I say 'right now', because I am hoping she will grow out of it. I've never been one who liked cheerleading, so if she sticks with it, I'll really have to learn to like it so I can support her in her interest. (like a good mom would do)
One of the cheers

keeping busy

A while back we started prepping the house for new exterior paint. We went over it all with the pressure washer and it did a great job chipping away at the old loose paint. The original plan was to paint it in one morning with the ease of a sprayer. But that would be to easy and we would be missing out on a great opportunity to teach the precious ones the art of good hard work! That, and Caden has been wanting to earn some money to buy a new bike that we told him we would go half on for him.

So we waited until August to get here, so the heat would be at its prime and we busted out with the rollers. It is a slow process, but it is coming along. We've got a couple of real good workers here. They haven't complain a bit and are doing a fine job. This particular morning wasn't to hot, regardless of how Daisy looks. She is our little sweat box, poor girl, always drenched!




We also pick up two additions to the house last week. A mother cat had her litter at Spencers office. She either abandoned them or was killed in some way. There were 6 kittens and he brought two home. Paxton's cat is "Sleeping Beauty" and Caden's is "Pat". They are really enjoying playing with them, while Daisy just terrorizes them.


And in other news, the kids have started school. Caden's first day was Friday. He is in first grade this year.


Paxton started Pre-K. She goes 3hours ~ 3 days a week. When I was taking her the first day she was so giggly and excited. On the way we were talking about school and she says "I've waited my whole life for this day!" She's been fun to watch these last few days.


We can't forget this girl. I like this picture of this little trouble maker! Something she enjoys doing right now is shaking the heebitty jeebitty out of Calvin while he is sitting in his bouncer. Once I get to her to stop her she just looks at me all innocent with the smallest hint of a smile.

At G-pa & G-ma Johnsons

Before leaving Dad & Vic's, we enjoyed a little time in their beautiful yard. We had a nice strong breeze, plenty of shade from the trees and cool, thick grass between our toes. I got a shot here of each of the kids.

CADEN ~ currently 6 and ready for school to start! 1st grade this year.

PAXTON~ 4 here, going to pre-K and thrilled about it.

DAISY~ 18 months and doing some heavy teething right now.

CALVIN~ 3 months now, full of smiles and cooing conversation

Just chillin

Daisy is often wanting to hold Calvin and Paxie is always willing to help

My Dad & Vic have had these dogs forever. Peanut in the back and Hobbs up front. They walked up into the shot just before we took the picture. So here is our first picture featuring Calvin and Hobbs.

This day we straightened Paxton's hair. It is so long once the curl is taken out.

Demonstrating some skills

Wiffle ball = good times

G-pa & G-ma Johnson w/the crew

Cousin fun

Where do I start? We've had a fun week. My sister's family has been out visiting from Missouri. Last Saturday we went to hang out with them in the valley and swimming was the highlight of the day. I forgot the camera, so no pictures. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins that they only get to see one, sometimes two times a year if they are lucky.

Wednesday we rose with the sun and headed up north to visit some more with them at my dad and Vicki's. The weather was so nice. We enjoyed the cooler temps and my dad smoked a couple of turkeys for dinner.
Zachary is a couple years older than Caden, but they enjoyed every bit of eachothers company.


Paxton and Gracie are just two days shy of being 1 year apart, with Gracie being older. They couldn't get enough of eachother. I just love this first picture.



Kara is about two years older than Daisy. ~~ Really the girls all had a great time with eachother. (Kara,Gracie,Daisy,Paxton)


Heather, Rusty, Me.


This pictures sums up Daisy's past few days. She getting a few new teeth and has been a little monster!


Zack and Paxton


Before they left we got a picture of them with G-pa. G-ma wasn't home when we took this.
Daisy, Caden, G-pa Steve, Zack, Kara, Gracie, Paxton, Derrick


Here they are again all together. Derrick is Heather's oldest son, I didn't get many pictures of him. He has is so grown up and is such a good kid.