Secret Agents

After being introduced to "Get Smart" Dot decided to have a spy themed birthday party. We made up the invitations to look like manilla folders with coded messages inside, printed out some fingerprinting forms, and put together a basket full of things to use as disguises. The girls had so much fun becoming secret agents, getting a "badge", and being fingerprinted.
The food was good, the company was great, and the presents were all well received. The party was over too soon for the girls (but not soon enough for Jim!), and the supplies were (eventually) all put away.
You, however, can review the remaining evidence, if you would so desire.
I accept this mission.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

This Friday evening we went to a Bowie Baysox game with a group from our church. Jamie was thrilled to get to hug the mascot, and to collect his "prize" from the kids club. He was also happy to be able to sit with his friends - and be picked to play a quick game between the 5th and 6th innings!



Each of the three kids got a t-shirt and a chance to throw a rubber hoagie onto a large mat. Whoever threw it the furthest (with it still being on the mat) won an insulated lunchbag. Jamie and his two friends waited very impatiently for their game, and when the time came, they each did their best. The first girl got it halfway down the mat, the second girl threw it beyond the mat, and Jamie threw it wide to the left. He wasn't happy that he didn't win - but he finally realized that getting to play the game was a pretty big deal (Dot didn't get to play!!), and that he didn't need another lunchbag anyway, because that was the kid's club prize that night.


The game was long and slow, but it was fun to be with friends. The fireworks at the end were quite nice, and the kids love to get to run the bases after the game.

No haggling!

Jim was quite tense this week, with all the uncertainties that go along with new car shopping, not to mention the cash-for-clunkers program. He can relax now, as we finished it up last night at Carmax. We are the owners of a new 2009 Toyota Rav4!
The kids were extremely sad to see the old minivan go (they both cried!), but are thrilled with the new car, although Jamie wishes it had a moon roof. Jim and I are happy that we don't have to worry about the van breaking down somewhere... and that the van was eligible for the CARS rebate!
Check out more photos HERE.

Kid's summer vacation

Things are busy here, and much more messy since the kids got home. In between dealing with them, their messes, and the possibility of a new car purchase, I posted the photos from their time in Ohio this summer.

Check it out HERE.