Memorial Day 2009

It is Memorial Day again! How does that happen so fast? I should have posted for Quinns birthday, but I had strep throat the day before and we didn't do too much during the day and although we did have a nice dinner with Grammy and Grampy, and a visit with Aunt Mary and Uncle Mark, I didn't get my camera out the whole day... shame shame.

Anyway, we made it up north yesterday for the McClelland Memorial Day picnic, and although I had to endure the Red Wings game up close and personal it was a fun afternoon visiting with new babies (Nichol had a baby girl) and new puppies (Colleen and Jason and family bought two new bluetick/coon hound puppies). Again I neglected my camera, I did take some pictures with my phone, but I have to figure out how to get them off of the phone and onto here.

Today we got up and headed out our back door to the Memorial Day parade. Em and Bob and the girls joined up with us after biking their way over. We decided to sit on the other side of the street this year, and as you can see it was a bit bright. But the kids had fun as always, and after listening to a bit of the ceremony at the cemetery, we headed home to play and work on homework. Not sure what we'll be up to the rest of the afternoon, but I'm sure we'll figure something out it is a beautiful day!

Pictures Pictures, not enough room...

I'm not that far behind in posting but we've been really busy and I have taken alot of pictures. Lets see where to start.... Ok last Thursday Avery made her acting debut in her class play as a flower, and she did a great job bouncing away in her part. Saturday was Quinn and his best buddy Spencer's birthday celebration with their friends from school. They decided they wanted to go bowling, and we all had a great time, it was a little crazy trying to wrangle 21 kids in full party mode, but we did it and it was alot of fun. My friend Marcy (Spencers mom) made the cake, and if you need someone to make you an awesome cake for any occaison, she is awesome!
Sunday was the 30th anniversary at the church followed by Cub Scouts. We attended a bonfire where Quinn and his other Tiger buddies officially became Wolf Scouts. They also had the chance to participate in a flag retirement ceremony, it was pretty neat.

Finally today I spent the afternoon with Kaleigh on a farm field trip. She was totally in her element, and couldn't get enough of all of the animals, most of which were babies. She was right in the thick of it petting, feeding, and getting kisses. It was cute. And on the way home (we took the back way because it was such a nice day) I noticed something in the middle of the road, when I took off my sunglasses I realized it was a TURTLE! Since it was a dirt road, I pulled over, and went out and picked it up and put it on the other side of the road. This would have been an exciting experience just for that, but if you know Kaleigh, you know that she is an absolute turtle FREAK! She loves anything and everything that has turtles on it! So it was extra special that it was just her who got to experience it.

Tree Farm Field Trip

Today I got to go on a field trip with Quinn and Ella's first grade classes. We went to the Urquhart Tree Farm and it was alot of fun except for the little bit of rain and a longer than expected wait for the buses. It is a beautiful mostly Christmas Tree farm tucked back on a small dirt road, and we got to learn a little bit about the trees, then took a wagon ride through many acres (not sure how many, but it was about a 10 minute tractor ride) to the sheep farm. They raise sheep mostly for fun, but also for the wool, and since it is spring, they had probably 30 or so lambs, black and white, that were grazing in a pasture along side a pond and small creek. Really pretty, and the kids seemed to really enjoy themselves. I like living in town, but could really see why someone would want to live in the country with a place like that. Quinn didn't really care for me taking pictures, and since it was raining I didn't get too many, and they really don't do the place justice, but here's a few...

Guess What?

Avery has used this phrase for as long as I can remember, and tonight at dinner it was in full force. "Guess What? Olivia did such and such in the class today and guess what? We got to go do this and that at specials and guess what? We delivered cupcakes to Mrs. so and so, and guess what? So and so did such and such for this and that." We have tried not to react to it by saying "what", but Scott and I both looked at each other and just laughed (not at her, but under our breath)... and then thought, man the phone bill is going to be pretty high when she gets old enough to use it. Guess What? That's it for me today...

Play Day

Today was a big performance day at the McClelland house. Kaleigh had her Mothers day tea this afternoon at school, the class sang two songs for all the Moms, it was super cute and they did a great job. After school, and a quick dinner, it was time for the other two to put on their shows. First was Avery, who had her music concert at 6pm followed by Quinn's class play at 7pm. It was a little bit interesting to get it all organized to be at both, but we did it, and they both did a FABULOUS job. Avery sang nicely, and did a great job with all of the songs they have been working on in music class all year. Quinn really did a great job as the narrarator in the Goldilocks and the Three Bears play. He sang all the songs, spoke his parts clearly, and really the whole class did a beautiful job. Scott said it was the best play he'd ever seen. The kids really worked hard and it showed. It was a lovely evening, and even though my camera didn't like the indoor venues, it is one that we will remember even without the pictures.