happenings on the hill...

Fall Time Fun!

2009-11-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

1st graders parading around the school.

Braden the dirt biker dude,

Paxton the magician, and

Brody the Mummy.

The annual Fall weekend Get-Together!

A few of the kiddos ready for some chow.

Lets Eat!

Sawyer playing hide n seek with the dogs.

Friday night the weather was great, Kev set up

some big lights that lit up the yard, and the

guys had a football game under the lights.

It was so nice out we decided to serve up the

dessert outside buffet style.

No comment needed.

Shelley entertained the ladies with her

hula hooping skills - good laughs!

Saturday Janice decided it was about time

to learn how to ride a bike - she did GREAT!

Lets GO!!!

Out on the buggies for some hide-n-seek .

Saturday seemed to be a bit short because we had

to get ourselves dressed up and over to the barn for

5:30 potluck, hayride, and a great haunted house - thanks

again to the best haunted house crew around!

Kate, Bella, Braden, David, and Sawyer down front.

This was great!

Yo Yo Big Kev & hunter Braden.

Big Kev, and his wife.

Sandy & Mr. Sawyer.

Dr. Dave and B.T.

Lindi the 80's chick with her kiddos.

Hannah, Megan, Josh and Kristy.

Shad - mail order Bride, Tucker, and Miss Concord.

Lajoie

One of the kids asked if she really swallowed

a pumpkin - how cute!

Breanna the witch - you should hear her cackle.

Mr. Cowboy David, Hunter Braden, and

superman himself - Kyle.

Andrea and her itsy bitsy spider Shilo.

Peace!!! Brent & Johanna, and

Claude & Rebecca.

Tourist Sharon and her handsome Husband.

Happy Birthday Mr. Klinetobe!!!!!

Wow!!!

Lots & Lots of really GREAT costumes.

As always I wish I would remember to take more

pictures during this fun fall weekend.

Apple Picking

2009-10-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

I took the kids to Windy Hill Orchards a few weeks

ago and when we got there we found out that

there was no more picking - bummer!

We still got to go on the hayride thru the

orchard, and enjoy a yummy caramel apple.

Up in the apple trees.

As we were getting ready to leave Patti,

and the girls pulled in. We told them that

there was no more picking (and we all really

wanted to pick), so we headed down to Hollis

and found plenty of apples to pick!!!

We left with lots of yummy apples!!!

1st day of School

2009-08-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wow! Summers over & school is here.

Breanna a 4th grader,

and

Braden a 1st grader!

Running up to the bus stop!

Braden told Kevin & myself that he picked this

flower for Sue the bus driver because it was

his first time riding the bus so he wanted to

bring her something.

Hugs!

Watching for the bus.

Bye guys, Have a great day at school!!!

(sob, sob!)

Happy 40th Heather!!!

2009-08-31T08:31:00.001-07:00

Girls Weekend!

Mom, Heather, Jananne, Jill, Katie, Brooke,

Megan, Kristy, Hannah & Myself went to

Portsmouth for Heather's 40th.

Supper at Flat Bread Pizza Co.

Shopped around for a bit to make room

for dessert at Popovers.

Relaxin at the Hotel!!!

Sat. we hoped to have a beach day, but we got
rained out so we went to Kittery and did
some shopping.

A fun time!!

A day at the Beach

2009-03-16T12:57:00.000-07:00

A day at the beach in March!

We had some great weather this past weekend.

We took a drive to the beach and had a great time.

Braden was very excited!

Hmmm that water looks pretty COLD!

but lets give it a try - crazy!!!

splashing thru the toasty 38 degree ocean.

Lots of soccer games on the Beach!

Action shot - does he get a goal?

Touch down!

Kev propped the camera up on the bag

for a quick family shot.

We saw lots of horses on the beach.

Breanna watching the horses going by wishing

she was riding on the beach - it sure

looked like lots of fun.

Breanna with straight hair!

The kids, and

Dad & Mom.

What a great day!

When we left the beach we drove a bit

further up to where they go surfing.

We stopped to watch them surf, and the kids

went down to climb on the rocks, they just

couldn't get enough of the beach!

A THUMBS UP DAY!!!

Busy Boys!

2009-03-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

David came for a sleepover on Friday night, &

Breanna went to Bella's.

These guys played outside all day.

Bike riding, trampoline, swing set, trucks, 4-wheeling, &

they even found a great spot to go sledding that still

had snow on it. Sledding in a t-shirt how fun!

Always making some sort of ramp or

jump to ride over. They are usually

quite creative in the materials they use

to make them, this one is propped up

with 2 cases of water.

Beach Day at School

2009-03-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Beach day at Braden's

school. It was lots of fun to watch the

kids use there imagination for a fun day

at the beach.

Braden's whole class sitting under

the Beach umbrella!!

The boys.

Playing in the sand.

Checking out the shells.

A picnic lunch at the beach - hot dogs!
They all brought beach towels to sit on.

What a really fun day for the kids!

A Warm Sunny Day on the Slopes!

2009-03-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Breanna had no school (teachers workshop)

We decided it would be a great day to hit the slopes.

It snowed the day before making it even more

appealing, so we took Braden out of school and off

we went. As you can see in the picture below the

weather was amazing! Bright, sunny warm day.

Nate joined us for the first half of the

day, and then he had to leave.

We also met up with Bronson, Garret, & Kasey.

The skiers, and

the snowboarders.

Trying to soak up the sun!
I couldn't believe how much sun everybody
got on there faces by the end of the day.

A really fun day!

This video is pretty blurry, but anyway Kev is

chasing Braden down the hill trying to video.

Garret & Breanna trying to hit this jump.

I don't know what was up with the camera,

but all of the videos came out really bad.

Braden giving the jump a try.

School Vacation Week

2009-03-04T08:54:00.000-08:00

The kids had Feb vacation this past week.

We had a busy fun week!!!

Monday we took the kids to Conway arena

to do some ice skating - fun time.

Tuesday we headed into Boston to the Science

Museum. The kids really enjoyed it.

Wednesday we went to Jump on in, and

as the kids were having a blast jumping and

sliding, Kevin & I decided that when we got

home we would pack up, & head up to North

Conway spend the night & ski on Thursday.

That's what we did. We had a fun time at the

Hotel, the kids thought swimming outside was

pretty neat in the middle of winter!!!

Thursday was an amazing day for skiing

(my kind of ski weather - I actually got hot.)

Beautiful warm sunny day!

The workers joined us on Friday, and stayed

with us for the weekend.

Union Sunday was here, and a potluck - thanks

for all the delicious food.
Sunday night was a fun evening here with some

friends that were visiting from GA.

Monday was supposed to be back to school, but

we had a SNOW day!

Here we are at the Boston Museum of Science!

They have a frog exhibit at the museum right now,
some pretty interesting frogs and facts.

Science in the park was a fun area for the kids.

We watched a 3-D film on sharks that was pretty fun.
We also went to see an Omni film called Amazon.

Lots of fun playing around with all the exhibits.

In the butterfly Garden.
Breanna is looking at the butterfly map trying to
figure out the different names of all of the beautiful
butterflies that we saw. We didn't really like them
flying all around us, as you can see Braden is on watch.
Kevin was laughing at us.

The kids had a fun time running thru obstacle courses,
and going down slides at Jump On In.

Breanna up to bat.

Serious concentration!

A doubles air hockey tournament.

A race down the slides.

We left Jump On In at noon grabbed a quick lunch

on the way home. Packed up our stuff and off we

went. We got to North Conway at about 6:00.

We checked into our room, and walked to

a restaurant for supper.

When we got back to the hotel we went

down to the kids area, and they were having

an ice cream social and a movie night for the kids.

Off to the pool we go. The kids were pretty excited

to try the outdoor pool and hot tub. I couldn't do the

pool, but the hot tub felt pretty good - not so good

getting out tho BRRR!

Here we are in the indoor pool/hot tub.

Pushing Bre into the pool. It felt pretty cold

going from the toasty hot tub.

Thursday was GREAT weather for our day on the slopes!

This is our first time out this year. We had so much fun,

we are hoping to go again soon!!!

That's Braden heading down the hill.
This was pretty much his first real day of skiing.
He did really great and had lots of fun.

Breanna snowboarding down the hill having a blast!

Kevin all smiles cruisin down the hill.

Towards the end of the day the kids wanted to try
to go up the chair lift together in front of Kevin & I.
they thought that was pretty cool.

Kevin is following Bre down the hill taking a video.

And when we were at home the kids had quite

the 4-wheeling track in the front yard Thanks to Dad.

New York Water Park Weekend

2009-02-17T11:43:00.000-08:00

We went to the Great Escape Lodge Water park

in New York again this year. Thank you Dave &

Sandy for planning it - always a great time!!!!

Sunday lunch at Dave & Sandy's

This is the first year that the kids tryed the flow rider.

Jackson, Ava, Breanna, & Braden all did great!

Videos compliments of: Dave Howe.

Top video is Braden, Bottom video is Breanna

Fun Times in the Snow!

2009-02-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

What a fun run down the driveway!

(Don't mind Braden's bloody nose close ups.)

Happy Valentines Day Everybody!

2009-02-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am still alive, but my blogs not!

I hope to do some postings soon.

Have a great valentines Day.

Degroot Family Photos by Kelly K.

2009-01-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas week!

2009-01-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

Darryl, Melissa, the girls and Grampa arrived

Wed. the 24th. Grandma came the week

before (the day we got our power back.)

The kids got out of the van and wanted to head

right outside to play in the snow. We geared them

up and off they went. Melina and Jenna were

really excited to play in the snow.

Mr. Snowman

(he was completely melted the next day)

A long walk thru the woods - we had to

go check out the frog pond. Looks a bit

different in December than in July when

the girls come and stay for 2 weeks.

Found Garrets cabin that he and Corey are

making in the woods - pretty neat!

They played for a long time down by the stream.
making bridges with the snow.

The snow haulers.

working hard.

Melina and Jenna were amazed by all the snow,
it was so fun to watch the 4 kids have an absolute
blast together in the snow for hours - they couldn't
get enough of it!

Christmas morning.

The hunt is on!

Searching high and low for presents!

Relaxing by the fire.

Ice skating on the frog pond.

Everybody did great!

Grandma & Jenna

Grampa & Breanna

A train.

The kids put on an Amelia Bedelia play - very cute!

A fun sledding evening, the snow was sooo fast!

Breanna,

Jenna,

Melina, and

Braden, heading down backwards - Yikes!

The kids getting hauled up the hill by Kevin.

New matching dresses from Auntie Melissa.

New York City here we come!!!!

We decided to do a quick day trip to the city with

Darryl & Melissa. Grampa & Gramma stayed home

with the kids. We had a great time!

On the double decker bus.

Darryl & Melissa

Kevin & Jody

A bit of shopping.

Warming up with a hot chocolate.

Rockefeller Center.

Wow, was it packed!

Darryl, Melissa and the girls left the following

Wednesday,.

We had a really really great week!!!!

It went by way too fast.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T03:52:00.000-08:00

Kevin's Parents, and Brother's Family will be

with us for the holidays - We are very excited!!!

Just a quick Hello...

2008-12-18T08:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a week!!!!

Last Thursday night because of the ice storm

we lost our power, well I am writing a week later

Thursday morning 11am we just got our power back!

This is going to sound a bit crazy, but I can not wait to

do laundry, vacuum the house, cook with an oven, etc, etc....

Well I have a million things to do so I will hopefully

do a better post when things get caught up - might be a while!

Thanksgiving weekend

2008-12-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

We had a great thanksgiving feast at the barn.

A close up of the beautiful centerpieces.

Everything is just about ready - yummy!

The big kids table.

The little kids table.

Silly boys.

Ava, Kristy, and Hannah.

(A table full of adults in the background)

Breanna & Ellie

My favorite spot - the very full dessert table!

Off to the Dome for some games.

Breanna and Auntie Heather in a game of kick ball.

The next morning we headed north.

On our way up we stopped in to see Grampy at

the hospital, he had just had heart surgery.

An hour from home we ran into this -

the kids were very excited!!

We arrived at camp and in about 5 minutes

Braden had found all of his winter gear and got

dressed to head out for some sledding.

And he's off!

A ride up the hill from Daddy - that's the best!

It was quite a long ride down and a little jump at

the bottom that Breanna & Braden loved to get air off.

Kyle is in love with helmets!

Jobe & Molly and Calista riding with Kevin.

Andrea & Shilo.

Shilo with Daddy!

Relaxin! Nate & Katie.

Calista, Lilly, & Breanna playing up in the loft.

Crazy man!

Nate was hot after playing games down at Carl &

Sally's camp so he road home like this to cool off - BRRR!

Breanna with the Pratt's dog.

Colby, Breanna, & Braden ready for more sledding.

After going on a trail ride we stopped by Carl &

Sally's bonfire to warm up a bit.

Relaxing after a full day of sledding.

Braden has a bit of hat head going on.

Our last night at camp, my turn to make supper.

Jobe & Mamie and the kids joined us.

Lots of fun!

This is what we came home to on Sunday night.

The snow didn't last very long, but we do still have

the 2 piles of snow that Breanna & Braden made.

Pilgrims & Indians

2008-11-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

Braden's school had a Pilgrim & Indian feast

on Friday Nov. 21st.

On thur I went in to help make stone soup

with the class for the feast on Friday.

Bradens class were the pilgrims, and

Brody & Paxton's class were the Indians.

They had the stone soup that they had made,

they also had rolls with the butter that the kids

made, and apple or pumpkin pie for dessert.

The 2 classes put on a little show for the parents-

really cute!!!

Sitting down to a feast.

Lots and lots of pie!

Brody, Braden, and Paxton

Mr. Braden the Pilgrim.

Yeah Dad's Home!

2008-11-12T07:12:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon we drove to Boston to pick

up Kev. The kids were so excited, Breanna

greeted him with her usual sweet welcome home

letter, she always signs it from Braden and

Mom also - pretty cute!

On our way home we stopped and had supper

at the Rain forest Cafe, the kids were super psyched

about that. We sat next to the Elephants.

(Photo by: Braden )

Breanna and Braden had fun walking around and taking

pictures of each other by the animals.

(Photo by: Breanna)

What a fun night!
Oh ya, we topped it of with a slice of
cheese cake from the cheesecake factory to go.

Wilton Project

2008-11-12T07:01:00.000-08:00

Wilton is really coming together, it seems like

lots is happening right now - flooring, lighting,

sight work. Here are a couple pictures.

Tuesday Nov 4th

2008-11-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

Kevin flew out early Mon. morning after our

fall weekend get together.

He had a job in Arizona so he was gone for the week.

We had some great warm fall days at the beginning

of the week so we tried to enjoy them.

We met the Flynn's at Keyes field for some fun.

The Flynn's are the family that bought our Souhegan St

house and one of the daughters is in Breanna's grade so

we have been able to keep in touch - pretty neat.

Breanna and Keelyn

That night we asked Katie if she would go

with us to Manchester to pick up Kevin's truck

at the airport. We went to the mall & out for supper.

A mall favorite for the kids - the spinner!
Ya, I'm glad I can watch from the side they
get that thing spinning so fast!

Woo Hoo that was sooo fun!

Annual Fall Weekend Get Together

2008-11-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

We had great weather for our fall weekend.

All of the families that stay with us during Milford

Convention come out for the weekend, and all of the

couples with young kids in the area.

The guys enjoyed some football in the front yard.

Most of the ladies.

Time for some hide-n-seek!!!

Everybody was so glad that we were able to get the

buggies out for this fun game. Last year we got rained out.

A load of girls, and

A load of boys!

Brad's group was the first to hide - a great

spot, but they had to get pulled out of the mud.

Nate & Shilo.

Mr. Sawyer!

The ladies escaped to the basement for a little

baby shower for Shelly Howe.

Congratulations!!!!

Sunday was union mtg. & pot luck at our place,

and another fun afternoon for the kids.

I took only one picture on Sunday, and I had

to post it because it is a great picture of Adam & Lisa.

Wish I had of taken more pictures of the weekend.

Halloween Get Together

2008-11-05T09:32:00.000-08:00

What a fun Halloween get together!

Lots of great costumes, a scary haunted house,

a fun hayride and a great ending with Eric's

amazing fireworks!!!!

Thanks for all the help you guys.

(Sorry I'm not posting more pictures I have lots!)

The winners circle!

Mr. potato head - Riley, jack in the box - Remington

Cheer leader - Brent, scary guy - Bronson,

Nerd - Alan, Sarah Palin - Janice, Homeless - Jed.

GREAT JOB YOU GUYS!!!!!!

Alexa & Sam - great job on the haunted house!

Charlotte - what a cute witch!

Brian great pose!

The Rock Stars!

Eric, Lori, Sara, & Mark

Breanna & Ellie

Braden the army dude hiding out on the hayride!

Dave, Sandy & Sawyer - Very Cute!

2 hayrides loaded down with great costumes-

headed off to see the fireworks!!!!

Autumn Adventure Day

2008-11-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Friday I was at Breanna's school helping out with

Autumn Adventure Day!

The kids went on a hike thru the woods and gathered

items in a bag along the way to create a trail mix.

10 stations along the trail with parents at each one

handing out goodies for the kids.

Lots of fun!

Breanna's Class.

Amber & Breanna enjoying the goodies.

Fun Days.

2008-10-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Lucille and Yasmin came for a visit Sunday, &

left on Tuesday. The kids never think its long enough.

They always have lots of fun with them.

Going on walks, playing games, painting.

Yasmin, Breanna, & Braden went on a long walk

Monday afternoon. Braden had already run up

the hill & onto the trampoline before I got the camera

out. Yasmin joined them on the trampoline after

I went back inside with the camera - the kids

thought that was pretty fun!

The girls had lots of fun painting - quite talented.

They collected leaves on the walk. They traced them,

& then painted them with all the different

fall colors - very pretty.

Kevin & Braden made a great fire, so we decided

it would be fun to have supper by the fire.

A fun way to spend our last evening with the girls.

Visiting by the fire, and of course making smores.

A Fun Weekend Sleepover.

2008-10-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

On Friday we went to the Klinetobe's for

David's 4th Birthday!

We enjoyed a lovely meal - but we almost ran

out of lasagna ha ha!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID, &

Thank you Mike & Janice always a fun time!

David and Bella came home with us for a

sleepover. Braden crashed immediately.

The rest of the crew was still ready to party!

Saturday morning we woke up to a very cold

frosty morning. The kids bundled and headed

right out to jump on the trampoline & ride bikes.

The sun warmed up the day and the kids

spent most of the day outside.

Not sure why it was fun to play on the stairs,

but anyway the girls were stringing beads, &

the boys were playing monster trucks.

Check out the skater dudes!!!

(Braden has his sisters mud boots on)

The girls!

Here we go all the way up the hill!

(just kidding Mike & Janice.)

Whee - lots of fun!!!

Here goes Bella!

A 4-wheeler ride with Kevin.

The girls always put on a great show!!!

Saturday night fire & roasting marshmallows.

Sunday Morning Cuties!

A Girls only tea party.

2008-10-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Andrea has arranged a once a month tea

party for the girls.

The theme this month was Pretty in Pink!

They all had so much fun!!!

The girls laying out on the kitchen floor

creating artwork.

When Breanna got her invitation in the mail,

Braden said to me: Mom we need to set up a

boys only party.

Luckily Kevin was working at the house that

afternoon so Braden & Brody stayed home & played.

Off to work with Kev.

2008-10-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

I joined Kevin last week on a job at the Gillette

Stadium. It was really fun to see the stadium

and the new shops & restaurants that they

have added around the stadium.

Fall photos

2008-10-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

The kids wanted to go see Timber (the horse) at

Gramma & Grampas so we decided to drive the little

buggy around in the field with the animals and took some

pictures along the way - in some trees by some rock walls.

Dad saw us out in the field on his way home from

work so he came out and joined us on the buggy.

The kids love to drive that thing around - they like

to find every bump & pot hole they can!

October Ladies Night Out.

2008-10-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

We were at Andrea's for ladies night out this month.

She made an absolutely delicious fall meal!!!

Thank you Andrea.

Apple Picking

2008-10-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

The kids had no school Monday - we spent most of the

day at home just hanging out. Late in the afternoon we

decided it would be fun to go pick some apples. Off we

went to Windy Hill Orchard.

(Shelley and the girls joined us.)

On the hay ride to take us out to the orchards.

Lots & Lots of yummy apples!

Filling up our bags.

Bags are full - walking back to catch the hayride.

My camera battery died at this point but we had

fun going thru the corn maze and getting caramel apples.

Mountain Lane Farm Open House

2008-10-14T06:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday we spent the day at Heathers for her

Open House. Perfect Weather & Beautiful Foliage!!

Hayrides were a hit!!!

Looking across the street to where the cowboy

race took place - lots of fun to watch!

Landon & Breanna watching the race.

The fences were lined with spectators.

Late in the afternoon a bunch went on a trail ride.
Kristy & Braden

Maggie

Hannah

Breanna

Braden on his own pony - he thought that was cool!

These pictures didn't come out so well as I was trying

to lead Braden's pony and snap pictures at the same time.

It was absolutely gorgeous up on the hill behind the farm.

(Heather, Lilly and Amy in the field)

After the trail ride they all went across the street to

give the obstacle course for the cowboy race a try.

(Breanna trying to rope the cows head.)

What a really fun day!!!

Pumpkin Picking!!!!

2008-10-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

We had another fun time picking the pumpkins for the

Milford Pumpkin Festival.

(The Kokko's Pumpkin patch)

The boys had a blast in some really big mud puddles!!

A Happy Muddy Braden!

Friday night at the pumpkin festival.

We took the kids to the Magic show, they really enjoyed it!

Out on the bike

2008-09-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Kevin & I went out for a quick ride on Thursday

morning before he flew back to GA to finish up

that job with Darryl.

I think this might be only the second time I've

been on the bike all summer - that's terrible!

We had a really fun ride.

Tenting out

2008-09-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

We set up the tent out on the deck off of our

bedroom. The kids have really wanted to sleep in

the tent so we all had a sleep out on wed. night.

Snuggle up to keep warm!

It was chilly outside, but nice and cozy inside.

Kevin standing up in the tent with plenty of head room.

Luci also enjoyed sleeping in the tent with us.

FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!!!

Tea anyone?

2008-09-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

We had Naomi with us this past week. I decided to

have a few of the ladies over for a last minute tea party.

8 of us: Sharon, Naomi, Myrna, Ann, Judy, Ella,

Alice and myself. A good time.

Ella & Alice.

While Naomi was with us she liked to come with me

to drop off & pick up the kids from the bus / school.

Each day we would pick Braden up at 11:30 and then we would come

home and have lunch on the deck (beautiful weather last week!)

This day after lunch Naomi decided to have her nap in the lounge

chair on the deck. Braden was playing in his little fort and also

fell fast asleep on the deck - pretty cute!

Braden's Birthday!!!

2008-09-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Boy!

(It's all about dirt Bikes.)

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Shelby really enjoyed her cake - mmm.. yum!

Time for presents.

Uncle Nate & Auntie Katie found him this cool shirt -

Now I'm trying to get him to take it off long enough to wash it.

Monday we did his birthday party at school -

that was a lot of fun. I got to stay & help out for

the day because the teacher's aid was out.

Daddy!

2008-09-18T06:05:00.002-07:00

Kevin has been in Atlanta for the past 2 weeks

helping Darryl on a job - we missed him like crazy!

Here we are at the airport Mon. night -

a bit late for a school night but they were so excited.

We were able to watch Kev's plane fly in and land so

the kids thought that was pretty neat. Then they

ran downstairs to.......

watch for Daddy to come around the corner.

This picture is fuzzy but anyway they almost ran right

thru security to get to him.

Yahoo Daddy's home!!!!!!

Fun Times!

2008-09-18T06:05:00.001-07:00

The kids & I met Janice & the kids at Chuck E Cheese.

They had so much fun!!!!

(All the kids bowling - Bre, Bella, David, Braden & Kate.)

A horse ride for David.

Braden had so much fun on the flying games -

he was burning thru tokens pretty fast!

The roller coaster was a hit - Bella & Bre.

Hold On! Bella, Kate, David, & Bre going for a ride.

This video is a bit long but anyway they were having a blast!!

A Bike Ride

2008-09-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

After the girls got off the bus Shelley & I took

the kids to the Nashua Rail Trial for a bike ride - Good time!

Braden & Ava waiting again for Ellie & Breanna, they had

to keep stopping to fix Ellie's peddle that kept coming loose.

(I didn't get a picture off Ellie & Bre fixing the bike)

And we're off again.

A fun afternoon at the bike trail!

School Days!

2008-09-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

Braden has been anxiously waiting for this day.

He has asked everyday for the past 2 weeks when his school starts.

Well here we are Sept. 8th - 1st day of Kindergarten!!!!!

Breanna wanted to miss the bus today so she could

bring Braden to his first day. He has the same kindergarten

teacher as she had - Breanna really likes her.

A bit sad for Mom.

Kindergarten here we come!!!!

Braden, Brody & Paxton.

Braden with his new teacher.

Afternoon at the Park

2008-09-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Enjoying some really nice end of summer weather.

Braden, Cali, Breanna, & Lilly

So much fun!

Labor Day Weekend - Rhode Island

2008-09-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

We joined in on the annual Labor Day beach weekend

that Shelly Howe puts together. This year she found a

place near the ocean in Rhode Island.

We had lots of fun!

Almost the whole crew. Brian, Lindi, and the boys joined

us again on Sunday afternoon.

The ladies enjoying an evening chat.

These 3 look like they are up to no good!

The Girls hanging out.

Shelly and the boys.

Sawyer - Mr. smiley!

Jackson and Ava

Ellie and Breanna

Sawyer decided to see how the sand tasted - Yucky!

Brynna Rose

Braden digging to China.

Back to the nice warm pool - fun, fun, fun!!!
(A favorite spot!)

Dave and Sawyer - nice shades buddy!

Time for some shuffle board.

James and Brynna in on the game.

Kevin and Brynna taking a break.

Shirtless silly boys!

First Day Of School

2008-08-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Third Grade.....Oh My!!!!

Breanna's first day of school was today (wed. 27th)

Braden's school (Kindergarten) starts after Labor Day.

Waiting at our bus stop.

Braden was upset that his school wasn't starting today to.

Braden took this picture....Bye Mom.

Watching for the bus.

Here it is - Bye Bre!

Braden and I got in the car and met Breanna at school

so we could meet her teacher.

Breanna and her new teacher.

Breanna with her friend Amber - they have been

in the same class since first grade.

We picked up Bre at Ellie and Ava's bus stop after school.

Ellie is also in 3rd grade, and Ava started 1st grade.

A GREAT FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

A few misc. pictures

2008-08-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

Well I am way behind on blogging!!!!

It doesn't help that I took 780 pictures during

the 2 and a half weeks that Melina & Jenna

were here. I still have a bunch more entries

to do before I actually get current, but anyway

I'll keep plugging away a bit at a time.

A cook out at Leighton & Judy's after work day.

Who's eating down by the river?

Braden, Brooke, Megan, Melina, Bre, and Jenna.

A great shot of Melina and Uncle Kevin

The crazy hunters are out.

Shooting with style!

A pyramid!

The supper sluggers are out!

2008-08-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

After Monday night ball Kevin pitched a bunch

of balls to the kids so they could have a game.

They hit and ran the bases till we couldn't see anymore.

Jenna had a cute little leg kick after each hit.

Watch out these 2 girls were quite the serious sluggers!

Bradens taking after Kevin, he prefers to hit lefty.

A rainy evening

2008-08-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

This is a bit out of order it was actually the evening

after our pool day.

Janice and the kids came for supper.

The kids were determined to eat out on the back

deck rain or shine. We had all the patio umbrellas up

as well as a couple of golf umbrellas.

The boys had fun riding in the rain.

After supper we decided to take a walk with

the kids we walked to the farm to see the goats.

We got up to the goat pen only to find them a bit

smarter than us out of the rain and in there little house.

When they saw the herd of kids come into the pen

they decided it would be much safer to stay hidden in the barn.

The whole gang:

Jenna

Breanna

Bella

Melina

David

Braden

Kate, and Kevin.

A cute video of the kids marching along:

A Picnic at the Park.

2008-08-13T07:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of cute pictures of the kids on our way out.

The girls had a blast on the tire swing.

A Pool Day!

2008-08-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

The Boys,

The Girls,

Miss Kate, &

The Moms.

Horse Camp

2008-08-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

Heather started a horse camp this summer at

her farm. A week long session for kids 8 and older.

Melina and Breanna really enjoyed there week at camp.

All tacked up & ready to ride!

The girls were so excited for the first day - they could

hardly wait to get on the horses.

They all really liked the new puppy!

Braden & Jenna watching the girls ride in the ring.

(They also enjoyed some time on the horses. )

Jenna & Braden riding double.

Cleaning out the stalls.

The girls had so much fun learning and doing

so many things with the horses.

The week before they went to camp the girls had

made a special folder for horse camp, and had all of

there matching outfits laid out for the week of

horse camp. It was so fun to see how excited they

were about it.

Headed out on a trail ride, & to pick blueberries.

Craft time at camp.

A few cowgirls!

A Day at the Beach!

2008-08-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

Jean & I took the kids to Hampton Beach.

Wow was it crowded!!!!

The water was its usual freezing temp. but

the kids still had fun playing in it.

Warming up in the sand.

We walked up to the playground after we had

our picnic lunch.

We parked our car right next to the water park,

so of course we had to give the slides a try. They had lots of fun!

(In the background you can see a green & white slide.

you get in a double tube and down you go and then into a

big circle that you go around a couple of times and then down out

the bottom. Braden called that ride the toilet bowl.

Another fun day at the pond

2008-08-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

I ask the kids what they want to do today, And

I always get the same answer: go to the pond!

But don't you want to go to the pool? No we want

to swim in the frog pond. OK off we go!!!!

Sunbathing in the warm sand.

Melina,

Breanna,

Jenna, &

Braden jumping off the cliffs.

Cabin # 85

2008-07-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

The kids named the cabin: The Frog Catchers Cabin #85

Snack Time in the cabin.

Reading books up in the loft.

The cleaning lady - Miss Jenna

Frog Pond Fun!

2008-07-21T05:36:00.001-07:00

I'm a bit behind on blogging and I can hardly

remember all the things we've been doing and

in what order we've done them, but anyway its

been birthday parties, beach days, cookouts, and

all sorts of fun summer days!

The kids!

Once again I'm siting on the edge of the frog pond

in my lawn chair while the kids are having a

complete blast!!!!!!!

Melina's doing a special mud treatment on her arms.

Three frogs in about three minutes - let us out!

Hand stands!

Kevin drove down after work to meet us at the pond

on the kids little bitty dirt bike - pretty funny looking!

The frogs don't have much chance with this team

of catchers - Melina & Breanna go in for the grab.

We got him!

Breanna didn't really like to hold the frogs last

year, but this year she likes it - crazy.

Little Miss Jenna with her net.

The kids climbing up on the diving board.

One, Two, Three.......

Jump!

Jenna,

Braden,

Breanna, and

Melina.

The 4 rugrats.

The frog hunters are back!!!!

2008-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Still trying to figure out why the favorite thing to

do is get eatin alive while we hunt for frogs, but anyway

they all sure love it!!!!!!!!!!!

This is actually night 2 of frog hunting - quite a

successful hunt: the frogs were HUGE!

Brad and the girls joined us tonight.

Take a look at these hunters.

Going in for the scoop - WE GOT HIM! (that's the yell from all

the kids after each catch.)

More hunting!

Check out this guy!

Here lets stretch him out and take a look at how long he is.

Hey Melina we'll let you hold him and maybe we'll just touch him.

Actually Ellie did hold one of the smaller ones, and Breanna gave it a

try to, but just as I was about to snap the pictures it jumped

on my lap. Oh ya did I forget to tell you that I Just love these things!

Cousins

2008-07-14T10:50:00.000-07:00

Its been all about matching!

The hair, the shoes, the clothes. We even have

to match our pajamas. Oh what fun!!!

(I remember doing this with my cousins)

Excited Kids!

2008-07-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

The kids have been excitedly awaiting this day for

quite a while. Grandpa & Grandma arrived with

Melina & Jenna Sat. afternoon.

They will be with us until July 29th.

Breanna wanted to make these shirts to wear when they

arrived. The shirts said: Welcome back Melina, Jenna, Gramma,

and Grampa. We missed you! love Bre & Braden xoxo.

Luci was pretty excited to see Grandma!

(Breanna made a welcome shirt for luci to wear also.)

Ellie & Ava were also here to greet them.

Out of the car & onto the trampoline.

Tree legged races!

The girls picked some beautiful flowers for the dinner table.

Strawberry Picking

2008-07-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

Wow was it a hot one, but the strawberries were sooooo good!

Fun Times!

2008-07-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Ethan stayed over on Sunday night.

Lots of fun swimming!

(Braden being silly)

Couldn't get enough swimming!

One, Two, Three, JUMP!

The kids coming off the diving board:

Ethan

Braden

Breanna.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

All of these pictures are taken in Temple. We went to

watch the parade because Kristy, Hannah, & Megan were

riding the horses in the parade.

Waiting for the parade to come by.

Here comes the girls. (Megan)

(Kristy)

Check out the cool saddles blankets.

(Hannah)

Coming back home after the parade.

Breanna jumped on with Hannah.

Fun with the puppies!

Pony Rides! (Shelby)

(Landon)

(Molly)

(Braden)

(Breanna)

Mom relaxin!

Saturday we had a Curtis family reunion at Carl & Sally's.

It was a really fun time, & great weather.

I didn't have my camera, but I'm sure Mamie will be putting

some pictures up on her blog.

Timber joins us on the deck.

2008-07-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

Our Pony (big dog) Timber came up on the back deck and

stood at the slider door to see what was happening.

"Whatcha got cookin in there?"

Beachin it with the kids!

2008-07-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Jill has Fridays off from work so we decided to take the

kids to the beach. We met Janice at her exit and she followed

us up to Aunt Vivian's beach. We spent the day Friday, and

decided to stay over in hopes that Saturdays weather was going

to be better than what they predicted - no such luck!

The guys (Kevin & Nate) were away for the week on the bike

trip - they had a really great time! See pictures on Eric's webshots.

THE SEVEN KIDS:

Braden,

Breanna,

David,

Colby,

Bella,

Kate, &

Kyle.

Fun in the water!

Sand Castles.

Later that evening I took the older kids for a walk on

the beach while Jill & Janice tried to get the little ones down.

Colby was already asleep he fell asleep on our way out for supper.

The sky was so pretty.

Goofy Girls!!!!!

Braden went for a swim in the dark - Crazy!

Time for some sparklers.

Crazy man just did not want to go to bed!

Saturday morning breakfast table.

Saying goodbye to Aunt Vivian - THANK YOU!!!

Braden went home with David for a sleepover, & Bella came

home with us. We exchanged kids the next day at Shelby's

Birthday Party.

All decked out with the fancy new hair pieces!

The Wedding

2008-06-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Nate & Katie's wedding June. 21, 2008

We were so happy that it was such a beautiful day-

this setting would not have worked out so well in the rain!

The wedding site.

Looking back towards the house thru the wedding arbor.

Mom & Garret.

Dale & Sarah (Nate's Parents)

Kristy & Hannah with Grampy.

Nate's Grandparents.

Nate's brother Stephen & Megan

Brandon & Brooke.

The ring bearers - Colby, Braden & Kyle

(holding the rings in shells)

Breanna - Flower Girl.

The wedding party waiting for the Bride.

Here comes the Bride!

Mr. & Mrs. Nathan Ball.

Dinner in the front yard.

Crazy Boys!

Hanging out!

The Cake.

Katie with Dad & Mom.

Nate & Katie with Nieces & Nephews

Siblings.

Later that evening the girls went down to play wedding.

They picked the flowers in the field to make bouquets.

and then they would take turns walking down the aisle.

Pretty Cute!!!

Rehearsal Dinner

2008-06-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

Friday night was rehearsal dinner. We got a rain Storm in

the afternoon, but the sun came out and we were able to

have rehearsal, and our dinner outside as planned.

Nate's Grandma, Mom, Cousin, & Aunt.

The Moms working away.

Cousins.

Practice Time - pretty serious.

The kids spent most of the evening cruisen around the field.

Lets eat!

Hard to believe that it was pouring out a couple hours before.

A beautiful sunset that evening.

Brandon & Melissa.

A weekend at the Beach!

2008-06-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend at the Beach in Maine at

Aunt Vivian's house. A really FUN weekend!!

As soon as we got to her place Fri. night the kids wanted

to go right out on the beach. Our camera was being a bit

crazy, but anyway the kids were having a blast.

Relaxing in our little cottage.

This is her home right on the ocean - out the door &

onto your own private beach.

The kids woke up Sat. morning and headed straight

for the beach - they love the ocean!

Out for breakfast.

Riding the waves!

I don't know how they stayed in the water so

much I could hardly get my toes in just to snap

some pictures - FREEZING!

LOVIN IT!

A ball game on the beach - Dad the pitcher.

Braden & Breanna - the batters.

All covered up in sand!

Aunt Vivian & Kevin - We took her out with us for
supper Saturday night, she picked a really great place.

Miniature Golfing - What a blast.

Breanna & Braden both got a hole in 1.

Finding lots of things on the beach.

These little pools of water were nice and warm.

Day 2 Mom remembered that she packed our wetsuits.

SO MUCH FUN IN THE WATER!!!

THANK YOU AUNT VIVIAN WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!

Happy 8th Birthday Breanna!

2008-06-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yikes - 8 years old!!!!!!

The girls!

The Boys!

Molly really enjoyed her cake.

Katie's Shower

2008-06-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

My camera was not working so well so I don't have many pictures.

Megan, Katie (in her Tinkerbell scrubs) and Brooke.

Congratulations Nate & Katie!!!!!

Fun at the pond.

2008-06-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Taking a dip.

Looking for frogs.

They got something!

Pool Party!

2008-06-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Double Jumping.

Garret & Braden Wrestling with Corey.

Flying thru the air!

Late night Bricking

2008-06-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Fixing the front walkway.

Braden decided he was tired so I wrapped him

up on a lawn chair and he was out in about 2 minutes.

(It was a full day of playing outside!)

Field Trip to Squam Lake

2008-06-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Our silly group.

Mountain Lion.

Checking things out under the microscope.

Braden's last day of school

2008-06-13T07:30:00.000-07:00

Good bye Miss Stott!

Braden & Paxton at the last recess.

Braden & Brody.

Fun times on the slide!

Catching up soon hopefully!

2008-06-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! way behind again, just downloaded some

pictures, but it's a bit late so I'm not even going to

start blogging tonight. Bye for now.