July 24th - Pioneer Day

This year's Pioneer Day Celebration was really fun. Every year Uncle Bubby does a firework extravaganza affectionately entitled "The Big Show." This year we decided to do it at our house and the kids had a blast! Even though the older "kids" though they were too old for fireworks, they really got into it. Although if you ask them, they were just getting the sparklers ready for the kids.

Our kids had the most fun with the sparklers. Hailey was a bit hesitant at first, but once we got her to hold one, she was having a blast moving it around in the air. She kept saying, "Look Mom, I'm making circles" as she twirled it in the air. Zach loved it too and was running around swirling and twirling his sparkler.














After the pops and the sparklers were gone, Uncle Bubby put on his firework show. The kids were happy that there was really only 1 really loud one - our kids are not big on loud noises. Zach had a fun time picking out the next one with Aunt Afton for Uncle Bubby to light.

Meanwhile, Hailey spent the whole time on Papa's lap, nice and wrapped up in a blanket.

Thanks Uncle Bubby and Aunt Afton for all the time and money in putting on The Big Show - the kids are still talking about it today and they can't wait for next year.

Explanations of Spreadsheets and Drawings

Ok, since Genny asked I'll explain my references in my last posting. You see, I have this spreadsheet. Actually, just calling it a spreadsheet seems like less than adequate, although that's really all it is - a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. But, it contains all of my finances - not only that but has a list of all of the gifts we've given people since we've been married (birthdays, anniversaries, chrismas', etc.) and a whole lot more. My brother likes to tease me about having my whole life programmed into that spreadsheet. I usually take offense, but to be honest, he's probably right. I have lists of things I want to do, things I have to pay, even a schedule of the family christmas lists for the past 5 years in that one file! It's sad to be honest, but it's a handy place for me to keep track of everything I need to. There are few things that would really put me into a panic if I lost and I have to say that this spreadsheet ranks in the top 10.

As far as the drawing in CT goes. Jeremiah and I were walking through the mall one day not long after we were married and we were flagged down by one of those guys with the clipboard - you know the ones I'm talking about. They wander around the center section of the mall where they get your attention (if you're stupid enough to make eye contact) and then beckon you over to have you listen to the latest spiel about some new, fancy product. Well, we fell into the trap and found ourselves being talked into entering a drawing for a free home security system. Thinking that we never win anything, we entered just to get the guy to let us go and get on with our shopping. We didn't think anything about it, but low and behold, 2 months later we got a phone call out of the blue stating that we had won a complete security system with service paid for like 6 months or something. That was fine and dandy, except that we were renting and had a clause in our rental contract stating we could not make any structural changes to the condo we were renting. After explaining to the person on the phone that we couldn't use it, she was completely surprised and asked us why we even entered the drawing in the first place. We explained that we were being polite and that their sales person would basically not take no for an answer. We told her to go ahead and give the prize to the next drawn person. She was less than enthusiastic, but agreed to pass it to the next person. So basically, that's the only thing we have ever won and of course, we couldn't even use it!