Another Anniversary - 16 Years

Yesterday was our 16th wedding anniversary.

We had an evening out for some delicious steaks, drinks, and a movie.

The traffic in Omaha was horrendous, and the weather was a bit damp, but the evening overall - it was delightful.

Payton was nice enough to snap a shot of us before we left.

Payton Makes Birthday Cake

Payton made Gregg's birthday cake this year. It was her first attempt and german chocolate is what he requested. Not only was it quite stunning to look at, but it tasted wonderfully.

Four layers of german chocolate cake with the traditional coconut pecan icing. The outside was encrusted with toasted pecans and the top was covered in shaved german chocolate.

Great job Payton!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREGGREY

Tennis Camp

Last week Payton attended a tennis camp Monday through Thursday. It wasn't a sleep over type camp, just a meet each day at the same time sort of camp. Anyway, it was run by the city of Papillion recreation department and I think they did a pretty good job of it.

Payton had a great time and learned a little too.   

 

 Payton even had a friend from school to hang out with. 

The camp was held at the North High School. We sat each evening and watched the girls play a little tennis.

 

 

Since camp concluded last Thursday, we went to the South High School to play a little on Friday and I'm still paying for it. 2 hours of tennis at 34 years old = not reccomended.

We had fun though.  

What A Way to Wakeup!

Check out what my dear, sweet husband had waiting for me on the counter when I got up this morning.

It's amazing that I didn't tear into it right then and there; it smelled so good I could hardly stand it!

What a great husband I have. He worked all night and then drove out of his way to pick up the cake he had made specially for me before coming home to finally get some sleep. All just so I'd have a smile on my face first thing in the morning on my 34th birthday.

He's a keeper!  Oh, and the cake is too.

Summertime, and The Living is Easy

This summer has been a delight so far.

The weather has been beautiful and things have been slow.

Gregg is now working shifts, so that has been odd, but we're making the best of it.

Our days are filled with...

Swimming in the neighbors pool.

Sitting around the fire after swimming.

Pretending to be nuns. Isn't that what a beach towel is for?

Payton practicing her violin.

We have located a new instructor and he seems to be making great progress.

There are some videos at the end of this post.

I've been doing a lot of sitting in the sun on the deck.

Snoozing, reading, listening to music, having a cold beer.

I cannot ask for much more than that.

I've been trying to get Austin outside (the child hates being outdoors), so he has been spending an hour or two each day on the trampoline. This view is from our eat in kitchen area.

Payton ordered a new coin holder for her state quarters back mid May and it finally arrived today.

Are you taking pictures of me?

Why yes, yes I am!

Here's Austin complaining about being outside.

At least he's not jumping around the perimeter of the trampoline anymore.

The kid will get some exercise this summer if it kills me.

If the summer continues in this manner,

I may become a more relaxed person you know.

 I am just loving my time at home.

Best. Summer. Ever.

Hope I didn't speak too early...

Graduation

So, Payton is moving on to Junior High next year. It is hard to believe, time is just flying by. I took a few photos from her graduation the Wednesday before school let out for the summer and thought I should finally get around to posting them.

Before the graduation there was an indoor picnic.

Here are Payton and her friend Bailey eating in the library.

Bailey took part in a skit for D.A.R.E. about cell phones and rumors.

You've got to be kidding, 12 year old girls have issues with rumors and cell phones? I had no idea.

This was Payton's teacher, Mrs. Logan. She gave a really touching speech mentioning all of the special things about this particular class.  Breaking into song as a class for no reason, and an affinity for the end of the State Farm radio commercials. It was cute.

She also read a poem that Payton had written. I have yet to get my hands on a copy of that poem.

Payton's favorite person at Patriot, Mrs. Scarborough, the Principal. They did not get along so well in the past few months, going so far as Payton getting berated for walking on the grass in front of the school.  

You can see the tension on her face from the Principal trying to hug her. Awkward.

Later the PE teacher handed out awards from the track meet.

Payton and her relay team all got blue ribbons.

After the whole thing was over, I tried to get a serious picture of Payton and Bailey.

This one was pretty good, but I got quite a few variations of this picture below first.

The girls had fun. And I got the distinct feeling that they were all glad to be moving on.

This banner was posted at the entrance, what a cute baby!

Upon arriving home, Payton humored me posing for more pictures.

This one with her D.A.R.E. certificate.

And one with her 1st place track ribbon. 

We are so proud of you Payton, GREAT JOB!

Papillion Junior High won't know what hit them come August this year.