Conversations with Sean

Sean: Mom, do worms have skeletons?

Me: No they don't they just have a nervous system

Sean: Do turtles have skeletons?

Me: No...well yes but they also have their shell so it's kind of like a skeleton on the outside of their body. 

Sean: You mean an exoskeleton?

Me: YES!  How did you know that?

Sean: Wild Kratts

Sean: Look mom it's a falcon family. (I think it was ducks) They are flying Southwest.

Me: How do you know they are flying Southwest?

Sean: Because it's cold and that is the direction they fly.

On the way home from swim lessons we had a "How It's Made" question marathon. 

How was the road made?

How was the earth made?

How are cars made?

How is food made?

How is meat made? (that one was tough and involved him saying "but cows are nice, and too bad dinosaurs are not alive then we could send the bad ones to the butcher instead")

I did my best but think I need to start studying again!  

Graduation

We headed back to Eastern MT this past weekend to watch Shaunessy graduate from High School.  We enjoyed a little baseball on Saturday.  These little monkeys had a good time goofing off. 

Hanging out with Uncle Jeff. 

We got to see and pet our first toad!

Shaunessy was born a few weeks after I graduated.  As mom and I looked at the calendar we realized that it was 18 years to the day that that my family celebrated this occasion with me.  It has been a joy watching her develop in a kind, strong and wonderful young woman.

Mother's Day

We stayed in Billings for Mother's Day so mom and Kyle could continue their tradition of the horse races in Miles City.  This year Cami went with them and she seemed to have the best luck getting some quick cash.  Mom and Kyle had their typical year.  Ethan, the kids and I decided to stay in Billings and enjoy the day as a family.  I think the day ended up being more about the kids but it makes me happy seeing them enjoy new things.  We went to the Billings Zoo. 

We watched the Grizzly Bears play in the water and wander about. 

Saw white wolves....

and listened to them howl.  There were sirens in the background and they kept in tune with it. 

Fed the ducks. 

Mikayla was a little timid about it. 

This guy put on a nice show for us.

Playing farmer.

Enjoying the animal "rides"

After the Zoo we had lunch and then wandered around Cabela's.  Sean saw this fish and said he really wanted it.  I told him we would see and as we wandered around the store he all of a sudden stopped and looked at me and said "Mom I know! I want that fish for Mother's Day it can be my Mother's Day present".  I said Mother's Day is meant for women and mom's to celebrate and be pampered since they do so much for people all year".  He said "well this can be your Mother's Day present and we can share it."  He then proceeded to decide that I get the fish on Thursday's, that is my day to enjoy it. I think I got the short end of the stick here and it's time to do some serious teaching about giving!

After Cabela's we got some Dairy Queen, the one thing I really did want.  We enjoyed our ice cream on the tailgate of Kyle's truck since we had nice weather for a little bit and so ice cream didn't end up all over Kyle's house. 

The kids also discovered the doggy door.

Mom, Kyle and Cami made it back to town so we enjoyed a nice dinner at Olive Garden.  A great end to the day. 

Mikayla Turns 2!

Ethan had to head to Kalispell to complete a remodel on an Applebee's.  He tried to make it home for Mikayla's actual birthday but didn't make it before she went to bed.  He sent her a wonderful video wishing her a happy birthday.  She was very confused and didn't understand why she couldn't talk back to him on my phone.  When I tried to get her to record thank you or I love you daddy she couldn't figure out why she was seeing herself and not daddy. 

Confused face. 

When all was said and done this spoiled girl got 3 cakes/parties!

The day started off with the best present from Finn and Rachel, she couldn't wait to get them on. 

SUPERGIRL UNDERWEAR!  It's pretty cool!

We had cupcakes at lunch so Finn could celebrate with us. 

He was more interested in a nap than cupcakes. 

That night we had more wonderful visitors and another reason to celebrate. Gwen and Lisa were in town!!!

We enjoyed pizza with Gwen, Lisa, Grandma Barb, and Snooks.

Then we enjoyed carrot cake cupcakes.  Sean picked these out, he said "I love these they are my favorite". He had never had them before but once we ate them he started with the orange frosting carrot...pretty sure that was why he wanted them.  His favorite color is orange. 

Time to open presents.  Mikayla tries to take her time, rips a piece and hands it to you, but Sean assisted so it went very quick. 

A sleeping bag just like Sean's but pink! Thanks Grandma Barb. 

For Mother's Day we headed to Billings for the Montana Women's Run.  I was privledge to be joined by Linda, Mom, Snooks, Cousin Rici, Michelle, Michelle's mom Jaime and Kyle's girlfriend Cami.  Some of us completed the 5 mile race and some the 2 mile race but we all did an amazing job.  Finished in the top third of our age groups and top third overall!!  It was a blast and I enjoyed sharing it with these wonderful women. 

After the race we headed to the Pizza Ranch for Mikayla's Party. 

She wasn't sure what to think of everyone singing to her. 

Luckily she didn't stick her finger in the cake after she picked her nose. 

Present time!