Sunday Mornings

I love sitting around and having family laughing time!

Our Update

Life is way too quiet around the Packard Ranch! We miss "the house full of boys" and Ali of course! Doug is still finishing up his last few secondaries, but has started receiving some interviews. He had his first interview on Tuesday at U of A- Tuscon. His comments were that is was very relaxed and informal. Since some people have inquired about his application status, I will keep the list to the left up to date (much to Doug's disapproval).

Here is a shot of Callin's first lawn mower ride with dad. He thought is was a little loud- but I think the thrill of the ride made him forget all about the noise.

Celebrating Aimee's birthday: (Heidi- see how much fun AZ is?? You are missed!)

The girls & the boys

Parents of 5

We had a great time watching the Kellers! Some of Isaac's happenings were (most occurring while I was nursing): spilling pop in the key board, writing with pen on the computer, playing with knifes, spilling out multiple cereal boxes, and constantly escaping (on two occasions neighbors bringing him home or alerting me to his whereabouts-one of those times he was supposedly in the neighbors care though...) How any mother has a 1 1/2 year old and a baby is beyond me! We had a great time with Ian, Josh, Eliza and Isaac! Here are some pictures:

The Other Side of the Hill

For the past two years I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of walking my little kindergarteners outside to meet their parents. The moments leading up to this occation are undescribable! 25 students: "Where is my backpack?" "Can you help me zip up my jacket?" "Sebastian hit me!" "Corbin stole my picture." "Do we have school tomorrow?" "Are you sure my mom will be outside?"

There were always the same 2 or 3 late parents...and then the joy of having another day finished - one day closer to summer break- would hit.

This week we are babysitting my sisters 4 kids while they are cruising Alaska. I had the opportunity yesterday to be the parent in the car picking up their kindergartener. I have to say I didn't quite know that I missed that little goodbye routine until there it was before my eyes. All the little kids filing out the door in the boys and girls line behind the teacher.

Not to worry- I played my new role well. I dropped all 7 kids off at school on time (my 3 plus the neighbor's 4- not to mention 2 babies plus myself- yes we had a little double belting), came home and gave the babies a nap, did a quick round at the treadmill (I mean quick!), cleaned up the breakfast mess, feed the babies, and returned to school 3 hours later to pick up the 2 kindergarteners. I was the mom I had seen so many times - not showered, no makeup... "What have they been doing all morning?" I have wondered many times!

Anyway, I know this is a random post...but I just want to say that it is great to get a look at both sides of the hill, and my conclusion is that Callin is the Greenest!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDY

Happy 8th Birthday to my cutest sister!

We wish we could be with you in Mozambique celebrating!

(This is Kelvin - our soon to be brother that Doug's parents are adopting from Mozambique!)

We love you!

And miss you soo much!

Squeaky Clean!

BEFORE

DURING
AFTER
Callin loves to get naked and loves to splash in the water. However, he hates getting out and being cold. I love slathering him in lotion and kissing his squeaky clean chunky body!

The 19 Hour Road Trip

What I've Learned: if at all possible, try to avoid driving to AND from California in one day (plus a quick trip to the beach and going to UCLA for a football game.) Cal was the champion sport of the day! (The cougars did pretty good as well, but still lost 27-17 to UCLA.) Here are pictures below...