You might be a redneck if....

So Des *loves* to walk, but its killer on our backs. They actually sell contraptions where the kid is in a harness and you have two "handles" that you hold them up with while being able to stand upright. So we decided to do our own, cheaper version - Marc insisted on the whitie tighties for comedic effect. The real funny part is that Des *loves* it.

Vacation!!!!

At last we are in summer vacation swing! Marc finished all work duties (are they every truly done?) yesterday morning and is officially on summer vacation. The kids and teachers had a friendly kickball competition on the last day of school and the teachers proudly won (and kept face). I can't imagine the ribbing that would have happened if the students had taken the title - although maybe that's why they do it on the last day of school?? =)

Graduation was last Sunday. The school is small enough that they were able to have a few special features. They had a Salutorian, two valedictorians, a guest commencement speaker, appreciation for each of the parents and a slide show of all the kids in younger and recent years. Although the class was small enough to specially recognize some folks it was also just big enough to make it a long ceremony. The choir and band both preformed very well, impressing many. Maybe that will positively impact attendance at the concerts next year. =) Des did very well with the sitting for 2 hours in a hot gymnasium. He hates applause. Every time people clap for something he either cries or yells (kind of a "hey, quiet down!"). So he cried a lot during the ceremony but no one ever heard him because it was only during applause. I will say though that he faced his fear with great courage and toward the end of the ceremony I think he was getting desensitized.

We spent the first day of vacation revisiting our Play Station days. I, of course, still dominate in one particular game and *unfortunately* we didn't have time to play any that Marc beats me at. =) So I am the victor (for now).

We are looking down the barrel of a busy summer, I'll try to keep posted on a regular basis with all the excitement. I got my camera back and its in great shape so we'll keep the shutter flashing and try to catch all the happenings on memory card (amazing how our everyday sayings change with technology). =)

Yay for peas and carrots!

The other side of this vent is directly under Des's crib. When he doesn't go to sleep right away for his naps he bangs around and talks and such until he does go to sleep. Tana always sits and "watches" until he's quiet and then she goes to take her own nap.... Maybe she does like him???

My favorite thing about Des is his laugh - so forgive yet another video of, yes, his laugh.

Busy bees

The last couple of weeks have flown by. We are getting excited here in the Graham household because school is almost out - and as soon as school is out we can start summer vacation! Woo-hoo. Marc is busy prepping the choir and band for graduation this coming sunday as well as trying to get the rooms, his office and the instruments all cleaned up. Then he has to do inventory, grades and assessments before he can officially check out for the summer.

A week ago last Saturday was prom. Marc's talents were hired for one of the prom dinners that the senior parents put on every year. They turn the senior center into high school paradise and serve a nice dinner to the prom participants (and anyone else that wants to have an 'upscale' experience). =) Marc's payment was free dinner for him and a date and he asked me! =) I accepted, of course, and we found a babysitter for the evening. We dressed up, had dinner and then attended the grand march which was an *event.* Its held in the high school auditorium and everyone comes. The kids all take turns marching out onto the stage and then posing for a few moments while pictures are taken and then the next couple is announced - a lot more fuss than I remember from my high school formals - but everyone enjoyed them selves and that's what counts.

This last Saturday night was the high school play. Marc and I again got a babysitter and attended - it was an interesting plot and they did a nice job. Its always neat to see the students in different capacities. It was fun to get out again.

Yesterday we were pleased to have a last minute trip from my parents to help us celebrate Mother's Day. Marc got up early (ish) and cooked breakfast. Then we all went to church where we sang in the choir and the church had a nice recognition of mothers. One of the local restaurants had a sunday brunch buffet so we partook of prime rib, pastries and quiche. It was pretty good. Then Des entertained the grandparents for awhile before they headed back home. (PS it took me 15 minutes to find the correct spelling for quiche.)

I still don't have my camera but I do have a few pictures. Its hard to catch Des in the act of anything cute because the minute I pull out Marc's camera to take pictures Des notices it and wants to play with it- therefore dropping whatever activity he happened to be cute at. He didn't do that with my camera (maybe he was used to it?).

First time swinging and loved it.

Wasn't such a big fan of sliding...

Can I play with the camera?

Our little boy, just hangin' around...