Breckenridge 2008: Foster Family Reunion III

All kidding aside, I want the Master Bedroom.
(Actually, I am just kidding.)

Okay, here's a tentative sketch of the Breckenridge happenings. Assignments are in CAPS after the events. For your assignments, remember to include ways for everyone to be involved, especially the kiddos.

Please comment on this post about your thoughts or additions, and then I'll make a revised schedule.

June 10: When is everybody actually arriving in Denver?

Wed, June 11:
Morning: one group of intrepid climbers leaves early to climb a Fourteener in the Breckenridge vicinity. (Ty, you're in charge of this activity since it was your brilliant idea. Randy might have some good input on a good half-day summit hike.)
Afternoon: The other group leaves Denver later in the day and arrives in Breckenridge by 4 pm, sets up the cabin, gets dinner ready.
Evening/Night: Settling into the cabin, just hanging out. I suggest roasting marshmallows and marinating in the hot tub.

Thurs, June 12:
Morning: Family Nature Hike MARGARET
Afternoon: Hangin' Out
Evening: Foosball Tourney MICK
Night: Campfire Concert MARK/ELIZABETH

Fri, June 13:
Morning: Whiffle Ball or Kick Ball Tourney DREW/KRISTEN
Afternoon: Hangin' Out
Evening: Family Karaoke Concert MATT/WENDI
Night: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of . . . (Is it just me, or is this a lame title?) MEGAN

Sat, June 14:
Morning: Outdoor game (more like "Mole Hunt", less like "Cold War") TY/DANA
Afternoon: Afternoon in Breckenridge (Concert? Museums?) JEFF/ANGIE
Evening: Hangin' Out
Night: Stargazing trek ADAM/LAURA

Sun, June 15 (Father's Day):
Morning: Yummy Breakfast for the Dads
9 am Family Devotional ADAM/LAURA
Clean up cabin DREW/KRISTEN/MEGAN (by themselves)
Out the door by 11 am (Worland Fosters at least need to be on the road by 11 am. How about everybody else?)


Lots of fun things, several competitions, daily outdoor activities, and plenty of downtime. In a word, brilliant. At least that's what I think. How about you?

In other words, if you have read this far, please take the time to comment on it.
Like right now.

Justin's First Year

The Surprise

Pick a day...any day!

Okay, Fosters, here is your chance to win a DQ Blizzard! That's right, a blizzard of your choice - you pick the flavor and the size (above you will see the DQ Blizzard of the Month, but don't feel obligated to go that route). I know, I know...you're really excited. Please try to contain that excitement so that I can tell you what you need to do to claim this incredible prize.All you have to do is correctly pick the date that Kelly Anne Foster is going to make her entrance in the world. A few things to keep in mind: her due date is February 29th; Max came 1 week early (well, labor started one week early, but he was actually five days early); the doctor said that she has dropped significantly, but I'm not really dilated yet; I've had lots of little contractions and I exercise and walk to try and get labor going as often as possible. So with those things in mind, pick a date!

(You may have to remind me when I see you again, but I really do plan on coming through with the reward. It's time a new tradition was born of actually following through on the promise of the Blizzard! :) )

Good Times Had By All

I thought I would post a few pictures of the wedding festivities. It was so fun to see everyone! Except I think that we all commented at one time or another how much we missed Matt, Wendi and Simon. Can't wait to ALL be together at Breckenridge. Congrats to the newlyweds! We sure love you both.

This picture (above) cracked me up...check out at all of the boys' mouths. :)

The Foster Table

Such a handsome grandpa

The Ladies

The Song

Tuckered out...

And, oh, was there dancing!

See you all in Breckenridge!

Ho, Ho, Hummmm . . .

Merry Christmas

from Grant and the disinterested Santa
at Pamida.

The Mick and The Mags

I love these pictures! I take no credit for snapping them - they came from Angie and Jeff's camera - but I figured that Jeff and Ang wouldn't mind me posting them. We are so lucky to have such a fabulous patriarch and matriarch for this family. I get so excited to get together with everyone because we all have a great time and I know that is in large part because the greatness starts at the top. Thanks to Mickey and Margaret for raising such a wonderful family and for your continued love and support of each of us. We love you!

Foster Fall Festival

Here's a proposed agenda for the upcoming week's festivities.

Theme:

Keepin' It Loose, Keepin' It Real

Wednesday, November 21
Morning: Introduction to rules of Foster Film Festival /

Mark and Elizabeth to the Temple
Afternoon: Open
Evening: Open / Late Flick ("Bee Movie" or "Dan in Real Life"?)

Thursday, November 22
Morning: First Annual Foster Turkey Trot
Afternoon: Leave for Haag's approximately 2 pm
Evening: Feasting on the Bird at the Haag's

Friday, November 23
Morning: Basketball "Clash of the Titans"
Afternoon: Family Council 1:30-2:30 pm / Family Picture 3:30 pm
Evening: Ty's 30th Birthday Party
Late: Family DVD Night

(Let's come up with some sort of elaborate nomination / election system to select the night's movie, something that will generate endless controversy)

Saturday, November 24
Morning: Temple?
Afternoon: BYU vs Utah at noon
Evening: Megan's Recital / Foster Film Festival


Whaddya think folks? Can't wait to see you all in a few days!!!

Why Not Trot?!

Hey fam! Dana here, and I am proposing....The First Ever Foster Fam Turkey Trot! Picture it: a crisp Thanksgiving morning, the Mick in his running shorts, the whole fam getting limbered up for a little walk/jog. There are turkey trots happening everywhere, so why not start one with our own fam? We've got the numbers and the able bodies. Now the question is do we have the desire?

I am thinking that since we will all have other responsibilities that morning, like getting our good grub ready, that we do it somewhat early and don't go for very long. I don't know what that would mean exactly. A full 5k or just a run through the neighborhood? I just thought I would throw this out there first and then plan it if there is interest. This could mean whatever you want it to mean for you. You could be among the front-runners, going for the coveted 1st place "trophy" (and by trophy I mean the kind that you picture in your head) or just out for a shorter version of the race with a baby in tow or hang out at home and cheer as the runners and walkers come back through the door. I think it would be fun to all get out there and do something active like that together before we go and gorge ourselves on the good grub previously mentioned. Let your voices be heard!

*Please don't feel badly telling me if you think this is a bad idea. I just read it on a friend's blog and thought, "Hey, that could be really fun with the Fosters." That's about all of the thought that's gone into it. Just tell me that you think it's a bad idea in a nice way since I have been known to be a little more emotional as of late. Last night I was explaining the meaning of a country song to Ty and broke down in tears. :)*

Happy Halloween!

Hiya Fosters, Wendi here. It's been ages since I've blogged, I know -- Sy keeps me pretty busy these days (I'll try to get something posted soon, promise). But in the meantime, here's a great little animated piece that Matt and I saw recently -- it's called "Mysterious Mose", and it's fitting for the season (as well as being appropriate for all ages). I thought it was clever and fun, and I hope you do too...so enjoy, and Happy Halloween!

Unbelievable film footage

I was with Uncle Bob this last week and he showed me the video, of which I have attached a link. It takes about 10 minutes but stick with it. It was filmed by some smuch who just happened to get lucky....right place at the right time. There are professionals that have spent a lifetime trying to film such an event. It is really fascinating. Turns out good so dont' worry but watch it till the end.

The morale of this film is don't every tick off an water buffalo as they have terrific memories and lots of friends.

Enjoy,

Dad

http://ugv.abcnews.go.com/Player.aspx?id=556758

Celestial Fireworks

Just wanted you all to know that there are several celestial events that are happening this month and you should try and see them if you can. Here are the ones I know about. Lest you think I've suddenly become some kind of a astronomy nut, this was in an article in the paper this week and I thought you all might want to take a crack as seeing some of this.

Astronomically yours,
Love, Dad

1) There will be a major meteor shower this month. It happens on August 12th (tonight) and August 13th. Those are the peak times. It will also be a new moon so it should make for some great watching. This meteor shower is caused by the earth going through the debris trail of the Comet Swift-Tuttle as it makes its 130 year orbit around the sun. This is called the Perseids meteor shower. As many as 100 'falling stars" can occur every hour. Unfortunately the best time to watch this is when it is darkest which is between 1 a.m and 5 a.m. Tomorrow, the 13th is the prime time, but don't worry because you will have a couple days after that...it just won't be as intense. I have seen this once and it is really amazing.

2) We wil also have a total lunar eclipse on August 28th. This is when the Moon passes through the earth's shadow. The full moon will darken and and turn deep orange near dawn. The further west you are the better as in California you will be able to see the entire eclipse from start to finish. Not sure what you will see up in Seattle Ty and Dana. As you go farther east the more the eclipse's end will be cut off as the moon sets. Total lunar eclipses happen up to 3 times a year all over the world. but he continental US has sometimes gone years without seeingone. There will be another one next February if you miss this one.

3) The constellation Taurus, (the bull) is know for the "V" of its head and horns, with the red star Aldebaran forming an eye. I have never seen this myself. Apparently, between Aug. 18 and Aug. 24 after Mars passes close to Aldebaran, the planet will form a second red eye, completing the bull's fiery gaze and making for a striking sight from anywhere in the USA, especially between 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. Th situation occurs only every few years so it is somewhat rare. The hour of the day isn't the greatest for sure. I think you look somewhere to the western sky for this.

4) This last one takes a telescope or a strong pair of binoculars. On August 29th, Jupiter will get a new neightbor in additon to its 4 moons that can be seen from a telesope. It is Vesta, the brightest asteroid in the sky named after the Roman goddess of the hearth. It was the 4th asteroid every discovered It is about 330 miiles across and has a highly reflective surface that rotates about every 5 hours so as to be visable. It is the only astroid visible to the naked eye. It hasnt shown this bright since 1989. Since none of us has a telescope it doesn't do us to much good but it is supposed to be pretty spectacular if you see 5th "moon" appear around Jupiter. Maybe if you look for Jupiter....not sure but I think it is in the western sky, maybe you can see it.

Let's Belly Up to the Bar

All,

It is time to make sure we are all square on the finances for our recent reunion at Iron Springs and that we committ for our reunion at Breckenridge next summer. (Date to be determined)

Iron Springs

Cost of Gemma Cabine --------- $750
Mom and Dad paid for laundry - $50
balance - $700
Mom and Dad ----------------- $200 Paid
Mark and Liz ---------------- $150 Unpaid
Ty and Dana ----------------- $150 Unpaid
Jeff and Angie -------------- $100 Paid with a Ben Franklin
Drew and Kristen ------------ $ 50 Paid with 2 Andrew Jacksons and a Hamilton
Adam ------------------------ $ 50 Paid with sweat and blood
balance - $0

All other costs were absorbed by the group so there is no other costs. Is that okay with everyone or do we owe something so someone? Just send a check to Mom and I when you get a chance.

Breckenridge - summer of 2008

A great place that sleeps 16. It is going to be great. We will have 8 kids at that time so it will be crowded but we will make do. I paid the $1000 cost and then Mark paid me back as I didn't have that much in my checking account. So the Man (and woman) from Worland are on the hook. We need to pay Markus back as soon as we can so they are not destitute for long.

total cost --------- $1,000
Mark and Liz ------- $ 250
Mom and Dad -------- $ 250
Ty and Dana -------- $ 150
Matt and Wendi ----- $ 100
Jeff and Angie ----- $ 100
Drew and Kristen --- $ 100
Adam --------------- $ 50
total $1,000

Costs were allocated on what was perceived as to how much each of you could afford at this time in your situations. It is arbitrary and if it seems unfair or too much please let me know and we can change it to what you think it should be. We don't want anyone to feel like they can't come because they can't afford it and let's face it, some of us right now are in a bit better condition than others so it isn't the same for everyone. On the other hand, I think it has value in everyone contributing something according to what they can.

The good news is that once we get Mark paid back, next summer is paid for except for the food and other actitivies. Mark and Liz has been very generous in putting this money up front for us and we need to get him paid back as soon as you can. We can't leave the man with no wallet swinging from a palm treeing grasping for his money for too long. Just pay him when you can.

Let me know if this isn't okay in any way. Don't want anyone upset about this and we are already looking forward to it.

Love,
Dad

Grandparents

I thought these thoughts about grandparenthood were funny and sometimes maybe even true!!

Dad


Grandparents

A grandmother is a babysitter who watches the kids instead of the television. ~Author Unknown
Never have children, only grandchildren. ~Gore Vidal

Becoming a grandmother is wonderful. One moment you're just a mother. The next you are all-wise and prehistoric. ~Pam Brown

Grandchildren don't stay young forever, which is good because Grandfathers have only so many horsey rides in them. ~Gene Perret

When grandparents enter the door, discipline flies out the window. ~Ogden Nash

Grandma always made you feel she had been waiting to see just you all day and now the day was complete. ~ Marcy DeMaree

Grandmother - a wonderful mother with lots of practice ~Author Unknown

A grandparent is old on the outside but young on the inside. ~Author Unknown

One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grandbaby around the finger of a grandfather. ~Joy Hargrove

It's amazing how grandparents seem so young once you become one. ~Author Unknown

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old. ~Mary H. Wald!

You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to
your grandmother. ~Proverb

An hour with your grandchildren can make you feel young again. Any thing
longer than that, and you start to age quick ly. ~Gene Perret

Grandmas never run out of hugs or cookies. ~Author unknown







Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts
forever. ~Author Unknown



If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have
had them first. ~Lois Wyse




If your baby is "beautiful and perfect, never cries or fusses, sleeps on
schedule and burps on demand, an angel all the time," you're
the grandma. ~Teresa Bloomingdale







Grandparents are s imilar to a piece of string - handy to have around and
easily wrapped around the fingers of their grandchildren. ~Author Unknown

My grandkids believe I'm the oldest thing in the world. And after two or

three hours with them, I believe it, too. ~Gene Perret

If becoming a grandmother was only a matter of choice, I should advise

every one of you straight away to become one. There is no fun for old

people like it! ~Hannah Whithall Smith

It's such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother - that's why the world

calls her grandmother. ~Author Unknown

The best baby-sitters, of course, are the baby's grandparents. You feel

completely comfortable entrusting your baby to them for long periods,

which is why most grandparents flee to Florida. ~Dave Barry

I wish I had the energy that my grandchildren have - if only for

self-defense. ~Gene Perret

Grandmother-grandchild relationships are simple. Grandmas are short

on criticism and long on love. ~Author Unknown

What is it about grandparents that is so lovely? I'd like to say that

grandparents are God's gifts to children. And if they can but see, hear

and feel what these people have to give, they can mature at a

fast rate. ~Bill Cosby

Grandchildren don't make a man feel old; it's the knowledge that he's

married to a grandmother. ~G. Norman Collie

Grandmas are moms with lots of frosting. ~Author Unknown

What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and

they give me a million dollars' worth of pleasure. ~Gene Perret

Grandmothers are just "antique" little girls. ~Author Unknown

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild. ~Welsh Proverb

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little c hildren. ~Alex Haley

We love you guys.

Dad

See you soon!

Can't wait to see everyone in a few days!

Remember to learn these lyrics . . .

Neil Diamond - Soolaimon Lyrics

Come she come say
Ride on the night
Sun becomes day
Day shall provide

Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon
Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon
Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon
Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon

God of my want, want, want
Lord of my need, need, need
Leading me on, on, on
On to the woman, she dance for the sun
God of my day, day, day
Lord of my night, night, night
Seek for the way, way, way
Taking me home
She callin'

Bring home my name
On the wings of a flea
Wind in the plains
Dance once for me

Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon
Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon
Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon
Soo, soolaimon
Soolai, soolai, soolaimon

God of my want, want, want
Lord of my need, need, need
Leading me on, on, on
On to the woman, she dance for the sun
God of my day
Lord of my night
Seek for the way
Taking me home

God of my want, want, want
Lord of my need, need, need
Leading me on, on, on
On to the woman, she dance for the sun

God of my day, day, day
Lord of my night, night, night
Seek for the way, way, way
Taking me home

God of my want, want, want
Lord of my need, need, need
Leading me on, on, on........

Revised Reunion Plans

Thanks for everybody's comments and suggestions. Basically, I've tried to incorporate all of them into the revised plan below, revisions in green:

Wednesday, June 20th

Mick, Mag, Meg, the Worland Fosters, and Drew, Kristen and Adam arrive very late at Iron Springs, approximately midnight.

Thursday, June 21st

• Breakfast and Lunch: Everybody on their own


• Morning: Margaret and Megan make a run to the store


• Jeff, Angie and Cal arrive mid-morning.


• Ty, Dana, and Max arrive early afternoon.


• Afternoon: Settling into the cabin, visiting, and arguing over the topic of your choice.


• Late afternoon: Expedition to the Boulder Pile. We'll see who can still fit down Phil the Tooth.


• Dinner: Mickey and Margaret


• Evening: Guitar playing, cards, etc.
  

Friday, June 22nd

• Breakfast: Mark and Elizabeth


• Morning: The Classic Matchup on the courts


• Lunch: Megan and Adam


• Afternoon: The Mole Hunt revisited--remember that game from the Ranch?--or some other creative Foster competition at Little Flat Rock (Jeff and Angie in charge) (To answer the Mick's concerns: bring your two walkie talkies, and anyone else that may have access to some, bring 'em. But I'm counting on Jeff and Angie to come up with some game that's even better--is that possible?--than the Mole Hunt, one that may not even need walkie talkies . . .)
  
• Dinner: Ty and Dana


• Evening: Catch a flick in Prescott. Ocean's Thirteen, anyone? (Megan in charge) (Megan is previewing Ocean's Thirteen for us. Any suggestions on what to do with the kid's this night?)
  

Saturday, June 23rd

• Breakfast: The Girls have a Baby Shower/ Brunch for Wendi; the Boyz is on they own


• Morning: The Boyz have a totally open morning. They'll need to be watching the kids anyway . . .


• Lunch: The Boyz eat at Sonic; Girls on their own after the brunch


• Afternoon: Ping Pong Tourney moved to the afternoon so the women can participate . . . specifically to give Kristen her shot at glory!
  

• Late Afternoon: Everybody gets cleaned up for Pictures on the tennis courts (Margaret in charge)


• Dinner: Potluck with the Boice Clan on the tennis courts


• Evening: Nertz tourney? Night-climbing? Guitar playing? We'll just let this night sort of happen . . .

Sunday, June 24th

• Breakfast: Mickey & Margaret


• Morning: Sunday Devotional in Iron Springs with the Rustand Family (Drew and Kristen in charge) (Drew and Kristen: give Carson a call to work out details on the devotional. I'm envisioning something with just the Fosters and Rustands, but it's your baby. Don't let us down.)


• Lunch: Drew & Kristen


• Afternoon: Hike to the Old Mill? City Hill? Railroad loop? Humpty-Dumpty? (Ty and Dana in charge) . . . somewhere on this hike, Mark will challenge (and defeat) Drew in a ten-yard dash (and Mark gets a five yard head start)
  

• Dinner: Jeff & Angie


• Evening: Official Foster Family Council (Mickey in charge)


• Nighttime: Final family guitar session, featuring a group rendition of Soolaimon by Neil Diamond. Please listen to this song carefully, master its lyrics, and ponder its message deep in your hearts. We must do Neil proud on this night . . (
  

Monday, June 25th

• Breakfast: Ty and Dana


• Morning: Golf Tournament, nine holes at Antelope Hills (Mark in charge)
  
• Everybody clean up cabin and head for the hills by noon . . . on your own for lunch.


• Reunion adjourned. To be continued next summer at Breckenridge thanks to Mick and Megan.

Other issues:

• Forget the Video contest--postponed until November due to technological limitations as pointed out by Jeff.
  
• Food: Sorry about the confusion. Dana's idea is a good one--I had forgotten about it. How about those who want to buy food communally and then split the tab give Mom a grocery list by Thursday morning? Otherwise, you'll get the food on your own. Be aware, though, that it is probably at least a ninety minute round trip to Prescott for that will need to be worked into another day . . . But as you all suggested, someone would need to make that trip anyway to re-stock milk, etc.
  
• Cabin space: we'll all be cozily together in one cabin, but we need to be cognizant of everyone's space, and specifically of the little ones (and newborns) who need their bedtimes, naps, and peace and quiet. 'Nuff said. Just to reiterate . . .

There's the revision. Again, comments and suggestions are welcome, and we'll keep fine-tuning it.

2007 Family Reunion in Iron Springs

In two and a half weeks, we'll all be together in Iron Springs for the Second Annual Foster Family Reunion. (See picture to the left.)

With extensive input from Grandma Maggie, here is a proposed schedule for the weekend's festivities. (It looks kind of busy at first glance, but it's actually quite loose and allows for plenty of leeway and down-time.)

Wednesday, June 20th


Mick, Mag, Meg, the Worland Fosters, and Drew, Kristen and Adam arrive very late at Iron Springs, approximately midnight.

Thursday, June 21st

• Breakfast and Lunch: Everybody on their own


• Morning: Margaret and Megan make a run to the store


• Jeff, Angie and Cal arrive mid-morning.


• Ty, Dana, and Max arrive early afternoon.


• Afternoon: Settling into the cabin, visiting, and arguing over the topic of your choice.


• Late afternoon: Expedition to the Boulder Pile. We'll see who can still fit down Phil the Tooth.


• Dinner: Mickey and Margaret


• Evening: Guitar playing, cards, etc.
  

Friday, June 22nd

• Breakfast: Mark and Elizabeth


• Morning: The Classic Matchup on the courts


• Lunch: Megan and Adam


• Afternoon: The Mole Hunt revisited--remember that game from the Ranch?--or some other creative Foster competition at Little Flat Rock (Jeff and Angie in charge)


• Dinner: Ty and Dana


• Evening: Catch a flick in Prescott. Ocean's Thirteen, anyone? (Megan in charge)

Saturday, June 23rd

• Breakfast: The Girls have a Baby Shower/ Brunch for Wendi; the Boyz is on they own


• Morning: The Boyz have a Ping Pong tournament (Adam in charge), then head to town to catch a matinee flick (something with high testosterone content)


• Lunch: The Boyz eat at Sonic; Girls on their own after the brunch


• Afternoon: Everybody gets cleaned up for Pictures on the tennis courts (Margaret in charge)


• Dinner: Potluck with the Boice Clan on the tennis courts


• Evening: Nertz tourney? Night-climbing? Guitar playing? We'll just let this night sort of happen . . .

Sunday, June 24th

• Breakfast: Mickey & Margaret


• Morning: Sunday Devotional in Iron Springs with the Rustand Family (Drew and Kristen in charge)


• Late morning: Hike to the Old Mill? City Hill? Railroad loop? Humpty-Dumpty? (Ty and Dana in charge) . . . somewhere on this hike, Mark will challenge (and defeat) Drew in a forty-yard dash


• Lunch: Drew & Kristen


• Afternoon: Video contest screening (see below for details)


• Dinner: Jeff & Angie


• Evening: Official Foster Family Council (Mickey in charge)


• Nighttime: Final family guitar session, featuring a group rendition of Soolaimon by Neil Diamond. Please listen to this song carefully, master its lyrics, and ponder its message deep in your hearts. We must do Neil proud on this night . .
  

Monday, June 25th

• Breakfast: Ty and Dana


• Morning: Golf Tournament, nine holes at Antelope Hills (Mark in charge)
  
• Everybody clean up cabin and head for the hills by noon . . . on your own for lunch.


• Reunion adjourned. To be continued next summer at Breckenridge thanks to Mick and Megan.

Other issues:

• Video contest: to be explained further at the reunion. Teams will be formed, videos will be made over the course of the reunion, and a final screening will occur on Sunday afternoon. Ty, I need to talk to you about your laptop capabilities in editing/ showing the videos.
• Food: I propose that Margaret be in charge of making a run to the supermarket on Thursday morning before everyone arrives and buys the food for the whole weekend. This way, we don't need to make many separate trips and we can consolidate on items like butter, milk, cheese, etc. We can then equitably split the total tab amongst all the families. To this end, everyone needs to plan their meals and gets their grocery lists to Mom prior to the reunion . . .
• Cabin space: we'll all be cozily together in one cabin, but we need to be cognizant of everyone's space, and specifically of the little ones (and newborns) who need their bedtimes, naps, and peace and quiet. 'Nuff said.

That's it! What do you think?

Give me your comments, updates, criticisms, suggestions. We'll try and incorporate it all into the big picture and make this an unforgettable reunion!

Introducing . . . Justin Mark Foster

Born on May 21, 2007 to Mark and Elizabeth Foster, weighing in at 8 lbs 0 oz, 20 inches long. He's a keeper!

Kristen's Graduation

Congratulations to Kristen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristen is officially done with school. These are some pictures and a movie from her graduation. It was a great ceremony! Except for the fact of it being 90 degrees and taking about 2 hours due to the 1500 names they read. Other than that it was great. It was really exciting for the 5 seconds Kristen was on stage as you can tell in the video. Honestly, congratulations Kristen!!!!!!!!!!!! Being a college graduate is not small feat!!!!!!!! You are done with school forever!!!!!!!!!!!!


Well, I guess you are a school teacher. So forever isn't the right word, but at least until fall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!