Visit with Nanny and Papa Jim

We drove over to where Nanny and Papa Jim were RVing on the Umpqua River. It was a nice afternoon visit and they were able to meet there newest great-grand baby. Somehow Nanny and the kids were the only ones to get in any pictures. Alex and Alli rode their bikes and explored the river with Annie. Drew ran around the field and took a nap. Ashton hung out with Nanny loving all the attention. We are looking forward to the next time Nanny and Papa Jim come to visit and of course the kids are super excited about camping at Nanny's house over the labor day weekend.

Alli turns 9

Allison's 9th birthday

Allison wanted to have her birthday in the park this year which I thought was a good idea at the time. Her birthday ended up being one of the hottest days of the year getting to 100+ degrees which was crazy hot for Eugene. Her cousins and a few friends braved the heat and went geocaching with her and ate the melting cake. Allison designed her cake this year and helped make it. Thanks to everyone who came out for this special day. I think next year we will plan another pool party!

The Half-Blood Prince Opening Night July 14th 2009

We were fortunate to be able to go to yet another Harry Potter midnight movie release! All of our schedules worked out which is a miracle. Unfortunately Aiden got sick at the last minute so Adam had to miss it.
Here is the breakdown of who went as who.
Poppy: Professor Slughorn
Grandna: Molly Weasly
JJ: Lucious Malfoy
Carrie: Dolores Umbridge
Alex, Alli and Frank: Hogwarts Students
Mitchell and Sharon: Death Eaters
Lisa, Cassie and Sarah: Muggles
Connie and Alicia: Hogwarts Professors

We had so much fun. The movie was super of course but the waiting and having fun with the other movie goers is just as much fun. I love thrilling little kids and making teens laugh while in character. This was JJ's first time to dress up and he got tired of getting his picture taken, but he thought it was fun too. We are already working on our ideas for the next movie!

Halsey/Manko/Hilllman Annual Camping Trip 2009

Once again we went camping with a newborn in tow. Good Times! Ashton was actually an excellent camper. Since Drew was using the pack-and-play for a bed we used a dresser drawer for Ashton to sleep in and it worked out perfectly. We went to Dorena lake for a long Fourth of July weekend and it was perfect. Perfect weather, perfect food, no injuries, everything was great....except when a bird crapped on Sarah when she and the rest of the Burner clan came to eat lunch with us. Alex and Allison had fun riding their bikes and going to the swimming hole. Alex jumped off the bridge into the water a bunch of times before I found out. He told the Papa and Nana that some guy told him there was a big fine for jumping there so he stopped before I had to nix it. Jace and Drew did great the first couple of days but by Sunday needed some time in the suburban watching Blue's Clues. So we relaxed in the AC for about an hour and watched Steve and Blue. It was great that Jill and Jace could come camping with us. We missed Mike, hopefully he can make it next year. The Burners came by for a visit Sunday afternoon and Aiden, Drew and Jace got to play. We didn't think that we would be able to set off any fireworks but we ended up being able to afterall. A ranger came by and told us we could set them off at the boat ramp. There were a bunch of people down there so we were able to enjoy ours and their fireworks. All in all it was a great weekend! Thanks to everyone for a great time.

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