The 4th is More Fun with Friends!

Andrew especially had a fun time with his friends this weekend at the lake! Our tube was a hit...even when it was stationary! We are loving that Andrew is more independent and yet still "watched over" by his buddies! Happy Independence Day!

Family Photo -Sorta Professional

Okay, so if we had this to do over again, we probably wouldn't have sat looking right into the sun, but this is pretty good considering it was right before dinner, Nana was the photographer and we were right in the middle of an oil spill!

June (Orange Beach Pics II)

Orange Beach Pics - Sorta Professional Photo Shoot, Couple's Putt Putt Tournament, The Track and Another Birthday Picture

June (Orange Beach Pics)

Orange Beach - Andrew turns 5, crab hunting, Waterville and oil evidence.

June (Boat, Louisiana, Orange Beach)

For whatever reason, Blogspot isn't allowing me to do captions. I guess these speak for themselves. We went out on the boat, went to Louisiana to fish and went to Orange Beach.

Mold Confessions, Mumbling and Miniature Horses…Oh My! – The Bachelorette, A Review

Episode 5's recap for the Daily Times Leader:

Mold Confessions, Mumbling and Miniature Horses…Oh My! – The Bachelorette, A Review

What better place to find love than in Iceland, right? ABC takes the 9 bachelors left vying for Ali’s heart on a world wind trip to beautiful Iceland this week for Episode 5. Everyone gets to go on a date this week through either a solo date, a group date or a two on one date. The Bachelorette producers had each guy compete for the one on one date by composing a love poem for Ali in only one hour! The guys were encouraged to learn Icelandic and incorporate some native words into their poems. The poems were actually cute and fun to hear except for Kasey’s and ghost dude’s (Chris N.). Ghost dude, the guy who never talks on camera, finally gets his chance, and he forgets his lines. Everyone else had theirs written on a piece of paper, and Chris N. tried to recite his from memory…not necessary! Kasey’s poem was inaudible and required subtitles. Kirk and Frank learned from Roberto last week, and they performed their poem “to” Ali. She chose Kirk since she had already had a one on one with Frank.

Kirk and Ali get to explore Reykjavik, and it does look like a unique place to vacation. They buy matching sweaters and have lunch where Kirk reveals he has never had a relationship that lasted for more than a year. Ali is concerned about this, but I would have been thrilled! I don’t get it. Ali worries he is holding back a deep, dark secret. Kirk later reveals that this dark secret is that he suffered from mold poisoning in college and almost died. It takes him about 15 minutes to get all of this information out in the open, and I wasn’t as moved as Ali. I have sympathy for tragedy, but what does this have to do with his ability to have a romantic relationship? What is the big deal? He states “Now that she knows where I am coming from, I think she will know where I am going.” Are you going somewhere different due to the mold, Kirk?

Moving on - Roberto, Chris L., Craig, Ty and Frank are selected to go on the group date with Ali. Everyone selects a “Cousin Eddie” had to wear along with matching snowsuits, and they all saddle up for rides on individual miniature ponies. Ty is the only guy who has experience with horses, and he is able to help Ali and the other guys with their equipment. Finally – some Ty camera time! Woohoo! I think Ty’s horse experience helps, but I also think the general nature of the southern gentleman comes into play here. He is just naturally concerned about Ali and everyone else, and he wants to help. After horse riding, Ty continues to help as they all enter a cave for some spelunking - a fancy word for cave exploration. To conclude the date, Ali takes all of the guys to Blue Lagoon which is a hot springs type of swimming area with steam. She reveals a flattering blue bikini and jumps right into the water leaving most of the guys somewhat shocked! Ty gets some alone time with Ali. I didn’t exactly see fireworks, but I am hoping Ty is trying to play hard to get or just being traditional. I think he is playing it smart. Anyone can kiss, and it may not have felt like an appropriate time. Chris L. later gets alone time with Ali, and Frank gets concerned. Ali later tells Frank he needs to step it up on the group dates. As I have said previously, I get weird vibes from Frank. Chris L. – I like him. I don’t see the passion that Ali shares for Roberto with Chris L., but I don’t think he will be going home anytime soon.

The two on one date put Justin “Rated R” and Kasey “Mumbles” in an awkward position considering they don’t get along so well. The Bachelorette is keeping helicopter companies in business this season as Ali and the other two guys were taken on a tour of an active volcano. Ali is later deposited on top of a mountain with the mumbler and the fake wrestler. Justin continuously refers to himself as “Rated R,” and he refers to Ali as a wrestling belt (the traditional prize for winning a wrestling match). He clearly is here for his career.

The highly anticipated tattoo reveal takes place later between Ali and Kasey. She reacts by saying “Your mom is going to kill you.” I am guessing this wasn’t the response he was hoping for with this tattoo. He says “guard and protect your heart” only about six times during his montage. She ends the date by thanking Kasey “for being you.” This is code for not interested. She leaves him alone on the glacier, and Justin gets the rose. Thank you, Ali!

At the elimination cocktail party, Chris N. is once again mute. Ali tries to prompt him for conversation where he reveals a little known fact about him is that he is “funny.” His guilty pleasure is “mexican food.” Wow – he really went out on a limb with these revelations. Not surprisingly, Chris N. is sent home roseless.

Next week, the guys are headed to Turkey. The previews look very steamy with Ali getting a phone call from someone’s current girlfriend. It also appears that Ty and Ali share some more alone time – with kissing. I can’t wait! Tune in next Monday for Episode 6 of the Bachelorette. Until next week, Go Ty!


Reality TV fanatic Nancy Catherine Young was raised in West Point. She is currently the Director of Marketing Communications for McPherson College in McPherson, KS. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son during commercial breaks.

Cloudy with a Chance of Cheese - The Bachelorette, A Review

Wednesday's column in the Daily Times Leader:

Cloudy with a Chance of Cheese

Last night’s episode of the Bachelorette took viewers on a trip to New York City. Episode four began with Ali participating in a photo shoot for InStyle magazine. Ali selected Kasey the advertising account executive from Clovis, CA for the first one-on-one date. They flew by helicopter throughout New York City, followed by a picnic in a park. I have always thought Kasey to be different, but he took things to the creepy level Monday night. He started out by telling cameras in one of the private interviews that he felt Ali was “a cocoon in the last season of the Bachelor, but she is now a beautiful butterfly open for love.” What?! Later, he began serenading Ali with what I feel was the worst singing imaginable mixed with the most awful lyrics ever heard on television. My sister referred to his style of singing as reminiscent of Buddy the Elf, and I have to agree 100 percent. It gets worse. They continue on to the American Museum of Natural History where Kasey begins speaking gorilla and later picks up where he left off with the singing. The conversation wasn’t any better. He tells Ali he is on the show to “guard and protect her heart” – a phrase that he repeats about 10 to 15 times on this one particular episode. I guess he thinks if he says it enough, Ali will believe him? The date ends in a way that again, did not follow appropriate Bachelorette procedure – something that sends me over the edge. Ali tells Kasey she doesn’t want to hear his lines – she wants to hear the truth. She worries he isn’t being real. She decides to keep him on the show, but she does not give him a rose. Again, this is not how it works. I think Ali is just making the rules up as she goes, and I don’t agree. It isn’t fair to the other bachelors who have been sent home or the ones who remain.
The group date involved Kirk, Ty, the Weatherman, Frank, Roberto, Jesse and Chris L. This was one of my favorite dates of the season yet because I too adore musicals. The men were asked to learn choreography and sing a few lines from The Lion King in front of some very important people from the staff of this Tony award winning Broadway musical. Ty’s forte is country music, and he is quite a talented singer. However, I assume his country style of singing wasn’t what the judges were looking for in this date. I sincerely hope we get to hear more of Ty singing and playing his guitar. He is ultra talented, and he really shines when he is given the opportunity to sing. Back to the date, Jesse’s style of singing wooed and impressed me. From what ABC showed of this date, I felt he had the best voice for this competition. However, Roberto swooped in and stole the show with his decision to sing while looking at Ali instead of the judges. As the winner of the date, Roberto and Ali were incorporated into the musical for that evening. They learned choreography and were once again lifted off the ground with cables together. Roberto really impressed me with his attitude and his statement that “this (Broadway) is special to me because it is special to Ali.” That is a sign of a caring, genuine and mature man. Bravo, Roberto and encore! Besides Ty, I am pulling for Roberto.
Later in this date, Ali becomes ill and decides not to give out a rose. Kirk escorts Ali to her room where they bond, appropriately. Kirk leaves her alone to recover.
The final one on one date involved Chris L. of Cape Cod. Ali was still feeling quite ill for their scheduled date. She appeared to have a severe head cold. However, she invited Chris to her room to just hang out and talk. Chris brings her flowers and soup. He states that he is “fine with the way things worked out. Married people have to take care of each other at times.” He is exactly right, and he has the right attitude. Later, Ali feels better and they do actually go on their date. It was actually Chris L.’s birthday, and they celebrate with lobster and a phone call home to Chris’ dad. Chris used to live in New York, and he moved home when his mother fell ill. He is very close to his family. Ali states she would “like to marry into that kind of family.” I would have to agree. Chris L. gets a rose, and he deserved one.
Back at the bachelor pad, Kasey is getting creepier and creepier. Since Ali questions Kasey’s sincerity, he comes up with a solution to calm her worries. He disappears for twelve hours to get a tattoo on his arm of a shield protecting a heart with a rose off to the side. When the guys question his whereabouts, he tells them he was in the hospital due to a burn from the oven. Now he is a weirdo and a liar. He later fesses up to the guys, and Frank says “the only thing that tattoo proves is that you are nuts.” Well said, Frank.
Roseless men for this episode were Jesse and the Weatherman. I was sad to see Jesse go. He was one of my top guys, and I liked him even more after he left because of his exit interview. He said that he felt “Ali was a city girl. I want some cows and some acreage, and I can’t wait to see my dogs.” Jesse was a simple, handsome man. He will make someone very happy one day. The Weatherman – he should have gone home a long time ago.
Next week, the guys are headed to Iceland. The previews looked awesome, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for us. Ty contacted me recently, and he appreciates everyone’s support. Please join “The Official Ty Brown Bachelorette Fan Club” on Facebook. Until next week, keep supporting our Mississippi boy! Go Ty!

Reality TV fanatic Nancy Catherine Young was raised in West Point. She is currently the Director of Marketing Communications for McPherson College in McPherson, KS. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son during commercial breaks.

“He’s like Mr. Jekyll…and…and…Hyde” – The Bachelorette, A Review

Here is episode three's recap that appeared in the Wednesday edition of the Daily Times Leader...

“He’s like Mr. Jekyll…and…and…Hyde” – The Bachelorette, A Review

Have I mentioned how much fun I am having watching this show every Monday night? This is just about the coolest thing that has ever happened to me…knowing someone on a reality television show AND getting to write about it, but I digress.
Monday night’s episode began with a one-on-one date featuring Ali and Roberto, the Latin lover. Roberto is the perfect mix of hotness, confidence and romance. He is not too touchy feely, not too arrogant and he is very attractive. Their date began at the Bachelorette house where they were picked up in a helicopter and carried away to a twenty-story building. Their date consisted of walking across a tight rope to another building where dinner and champagne awaited their arrival. At this point, Ali is starting to get on my nerves. I am sorry, but I just have to point out…you don’t tell someone you are worried you might not be pretty enough for them. Think it in your mind if you must, but don’t say it out loud, Ali! Roberto was a gentleman on this date, and he went on to share that his first language was actually Spanish, followed by English and knowledge of French and Italian. Roberto is a traveled, former professional baseball player who can speak Italian. Sizzle.
Roberto received a rose – I think I would have given him an entire rose bush after this date.
The group date followed with a video shoot for the Bare Naked Ladies new single “You Run Away.” Sadly, our Ty was not picked for the group date this time around – everyone will eventually have to sit out a turn. Each guy on the date starred in a short scene with Ali where they were doing something risqué like making out, flirting or wearing semi-nude attire. The funniest moment of the video was when Jonathan “the weatherman” let Ali know that it was “okay” with him if she didn’t want to kiss as the scene called for in the script. Jonathan reminds me of Tom Cruise, post Oprah Winfrey couch jumping…the feminine awkward one who always has anxiety and worry. Jonathan eventually starts to cry due to his fear, and Ali pulls him close to her and forces a kiss on the little man. Later, at the cocktail after party, Kirk and Ali make out post video (again) in the hot tub. Impressed by his kissing abilities, Ali awards Kirk the second coveted rose.
On the day of the final one-on-one date of this episode, Justin “Rated R” pulls a move that I classify as cheating - plain and simple. He hobbles himself, some old photos and his doggie tags all the way to Ali’s house for some one-on-one time of his own. This was not part of the game. You are supposed to be invited on a one-on-one date or a group date. There is no “visiting” in The Bachelorette. A rule follower myself, I would have been ticked had someone not followed proper Bachelorette procedure. But, oh, no, Ali is impressed that he would do anything to spend time with her. Woopideedoo.
Back at the mansion, Justin decides not to share with anyone about his deceit. The guys already dislike him and feel he is there for the wrong reasons. He has a heart to heart with some of the guys about how he wants to be a good dad and all, and he even starts crying. I thought it was fake.
Later, on Hunter’s one-on-one date, Ali arrives late because Justin took up a good bit of her time with his illegal stunt. Ali takes Hunter to her massive California mansion (courtesy of ABC) where they cook hamburgers and hang out in her hot tub and pool which both have an awesome view. This was one of those dates that was painful to watch. I felt sorry for Hunter who was clearly out of his element. There was zero chemistry, and Hunter was not given a rose.
Following the date, Ali arrived at the mansion yet again for another cocktail party. Steve, the sales representative from Cleveland, OH or “the Screech from Saved by the Bell lookalike” tries desperately to create some alone time between himself and Ali. However, he fails miserably when he isn’t even man enough to open the champagne bottle.
Then, the good part comes. I had been missing Ty and all of his insights throughout this episode, but Ty doesn’t disappoint in his handling of the “Justin” situation. Ali shares with Roberto that Justin came to see her at her house. Ty and Kasey find out and confront Justin who tries to deny what he did, but he eventually admits that he did go see Ali. Justin goes off to cry and sulk while Ty gives a commentary on the Justin situation. He states “He is like Mr. Jekyll…and…and..Hyde” meaning Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. However, in his frustration, he just can’t get it to come out correctly. Hilarious! All the bachelors are mad, and Ty expresses that “the person we see isn’t the same person that Ali sees. Justin is two-faced.” In all of the excitement Craig M. declares himself a “professional bulls*&$t detector.” No one is happy with Justin, but Ali sees fit to keep him around yet again – a move I predict she will soon regret.
Rose-less men for episode 3 were Hunter, Steve, and John C. I was sad to see John C. go. He appeared to have a good personality, decent looks and had a great job in Washington as a hotel business developer. Stay tuned for Episode four next Monday night on ABC! Ty’s single from the show “Living in the Moment” has been recorded and will be available at www.tybrownmusic.com soon. Until next week, Go Ty!

Reality TV fanatic Nancy Catherine Young was raised in West Point. She is currently the Director of Marketing Communications for McPherson College in McPherson, KS. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son during commercial breaks.

I Love I Love I Love My Calendar “Boys” – The Bachelorette, A Review

Here is my latest installment for The Daily Times Leader:

Monday night’s Bachelorette was loaded with drama, drama, drama. I found myself able to relax for the majority of the show since Ty received a rose early on in episode 2. Go Ty!
This episode featured three dates – two individual dates and one group date. Per Bachelorette regulations, if a guy doesn’t get a rose on the one-on-one date, that is it for him. He is off the show.
The show started out with a one-on-one date for Ali and Frank who is just not my favorite character on the show. I get weird vibes from Frank, and I can’t really say why. I think he tries to play up the fact that he follows his dreams with screenwriting just as Ali did with leaving her career behind for love. Who really cares, Frank? Anyway, Ali picked up Frank in a vintage convertible, and they headed out for some paparazzi pictures on Hollywood Boulevard. Next, they hiked to the infamous Hollywood sign where they took in the view, shared their feelings and smooched. Their date culminated with a ride in the convertible to a look out where they feasted on champagne and cupcakes. Again, they shared their feelings. Ali mentioned that Frank made her feel that “everything she is looking for is possible.” Frank received a coveted rose after the date.
Back at the house, Ty read the invitation aloud for the guys invited to participate in the group date – 12 guys total including Ty. All of the group date participants met Ali at the beach in Malibu where she revealed they would be doing a photo shoot for a sexy guy calendar to be sold all over the country, the benefits going to a charity. The guys were not allowed to select their outfits, and most of them were given Speedos to wear for the shoot. Ty was given regular swimming trunks, but I have no doubt he would have worn a Speedo if asked. Ha! Jonathan, the Weatherman, experienced a great deal of anxiety over his Speedo outfit. Ty tried his best to get the Weatherman to come out of his dressing room – it was a laugh out loud moment for me. Mr. Weatherman didn’t look that bad in his Speedo. He just needs to tone down the mouth – he talks too much, and he is just plain goofy. Getting to the good part, Ty decided to set himself apart from the other guys when he pulled out his guitar and began singing to Ali about “living in the moment, living in the present time.” He sounded great and appeared confident and at ease in front of the cameras. Ty later confessed to Ali that he had recently divorced after a brief marriage. Ty stated that “he felt a burden was lifted” after having this conversation with Ali. In my opinion, if this bit of information didn’t bother Ali immediately, I don’t see it being an issue later in the show. We all make mistakes, and if we learn from them, I feel we are better people because of those mistakes. Ali saw fit to give Ty the group date rose – out of 11 other guys! Ali stated “Ty never let me forget he was here, and that he was here for me.” Way to go, Ty!
For the last date, Ali chose Jessie from Peculiar, MO (a small town outside of Kansas City) to go on a glamorous date by private jet to Las Vegas. They had dinner in a suite overlooking the city and a concert for two staring singer/songwriter Jamie Cullum. At 24 years old, Jesse is the man to beat when it comes to looks. He has got it going on in the hotness department, but he just doesn’t have the entire package. He is lacking in personality, and I was yearning for him to come out of his shell on this date. I actually like this guy, but he just didn’t make the connection that Frank did on his one-on-one date. I fear Jesse won’t last unless he finds some charisma.
The men left rose-less this week were Craig M., Tyler V. and Chris H. Craig M. spent his time poking fun at the Weatherman, and I think Ali was able to recognize he was “just not that into her.” Tyler V. was one I was surprised to see go home – he was one of my picks to stay. Chris H. – I don’t really think he was on camera for more than a few seconds. I don’t know much about him other than he was from Canada.
Stay tuned for next week’s show on ABC where I know Ty will continue to dominate his competition. For more on Ty’s music, visit www.tybrownmusic.com.


Reality TV fanatic Nancy Catherine Young was raised in West Point. She is currently the Director of Marketing Communications for McPherson College in McPherson, KS. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son during commercial breaks.

My Newest Adventure - Column on Ty Brown (West Point's Bachelorette Contestant)

When I got the call from the editor of The Daily Times Leader on Monday of this week, I had an idea what he was going to ask. Ty Brown, our classmate from elementary school all the way until the 8th grade was appearing on ABC's The Bachelorette that evening, and he wanted someone to write about it. Two things I love are: 1. writing 2. reality television
My column will appear in the Daily Times Leader each Wednesday. I have posted my first column which appeared in today's paper below:


Ask me what I know about Ty Brown, and I can tell you a lot about him from when he was a kid. We used to ride the bus together from the former East Side School to Central School where Mrs. Dale and my mom worked. Ty was the kid who had braces before anyone else, and he still had them on, in what seemed like, ten years later. Ty was the guy picked to sing the solo about astronauts in our fifth grade music performance. He was my best friend’s first real boyfriend. He was funny, and he was fun to be around. Sadly, Ty and his family relocated to Booneville, MS our eighth grade year. We still get to claim him because he lived in West Point longer that he lived in Booneville.

Fast-forward to our college years, Ty and I crossed paths yet again because we both went to Mississippi State and majored in marketing, though I think Ty also got a degree in biology so he could make the big bucks selling pharmaceuticals. Smart move, Ty. I quickly realized in college that Ty had lost the chubby cheeks of his elementary days, and he had turned out to be quite a handsome and charismatic guy. He was the kind of person you could talk to, and his eyes would just light up the room. He had something special…something that I now realize was a “star quality.” When I realized recently that Ty had disappeared as my friend on Facebook, I knew something was up. Soon after, the “The Official Ty Brown Bachelorette Fan Club” started gaining in popularity, and I knew my dreams had come true. Someone I knew was going to be on a reality television show, and that someone was Ty Brown.

Ty made his reality show debut on Monday night’s season premier of “The Bachelorette” on ABC. Ty, along with 24 other males from the United States and Canada, is competing for the love of Ali Fedotowsky, a beautiful and energetic career-oriented woman from San Francisco, CA. On the show, men are awarded roses through a rose ceremony that takes place at the end of each airing. Men who don’t receive a coveted rose are sent home, rejected and without the love of the desirable Ali.

Last night, Ali eliminated 8 of the 25 men vying for her affection. Therefore, Ty now has 16 bachelors he is competing against. I have identified the guys I think Ty needs to view as “threats.” Frank from Geneval, IL – he may not be the best looking guy, but he is a motivated fellow. He made the first move on Monday night asking for alone time with Ali. Also, he is the screenplay writer who spent time in Paris. Ali just seemed to bond with him, and she did say, early on, that she wasn’t going for looks. Frank has the motivation to win. Look out for Frank, Ty.
Next, I see Roberto as an obvious threat. Roberto, the aggressive, cool Latin lover sailed right in and took over following Frank with his salsa dance moves and physical appeal. Ali chose Roberto to receive the “First Impression” rose, the first rose given to any contestant. She may say she doesn’t go for looks, but Roberto has most men beat in the looks department. Hmmm.
Third, I would keep my eye on Tyler V. of Chelsea, VT. The online advertising representative may not have gotten much screen time, but there is something about him that makes me feel he won’t be going home soon.
Craig M. “the critic” of Sanria, Canada is one of those guys they will keep around to make things interesting. He criticizes everyone, has a bad attitude and he spends a lot of time on his hair. From my reality television watching experience, people like Craig M. always go far.
Craig R. “the tattletale” is sure he is on the show for the right reasons, and he is going to tell Ali everyone he thinks is there for the wrong reasons. Craig doesn’t have much going in the looks department. However, I can see him sticking around for good television as well.
The last threat I noticed would be Chris L. of Cape Cod. He and Ali seemed to bond instantly due to the fact that they are both originally from Massachusetts. Chris has some family issues that I think will eventually allow for a heart to heart between him and Ali. I can see him getting far in the game.
The other guys remaining were either not on camera much last night, or they tried too hard and appeared desperate. Justin “Rated R” should call himself “Rated Ridiculous.” He is there for his entertainment wrestling career, and someone as intelligent as Ali won’t fall for someone like Justin.
Jesse “Peculiar” from Peculiar, MO had a terrible pick up line. Kasey “the baby” from Clovis, CA seemed like an emotional disaster. Hunter “the bathroom guy” should have gone home last night and taken his ukulele with him. And, Jonathan “the weatherman” is just too animated and into his job.
Ty did us proud on Monday. The camera loved him – he had tons of face time. His accent and mannerisms set him apart. Did anyone see the quick glimpse of Ty doing the cameo of Tom Cruise in “Risky Business”? I never thought I would say this, but I wish it were Monday every day of the week! Watch Ty next Monday on ABC at 8 pm. Also, join “The Official Ty Brown Bachelorette Fan Club” on Facebook. Until next week, “Go Ty!”


Reality TV fanatic Nancy Catherine Young was raised in West Point. She is currently the Director of Marketing Communications for McPherson College in McPherson, KS. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son during commercial breaks.

All School's Day Parade and Activities

Andrew and his friend Thomas before the parade.

Andrew feeding the hungry goats after the parade at Midway Motors.

Andrew enjoying the bouncy slide as Nana looks on in the background.

What would a Kansas parade be without the Wizard of Oz?

Andrew petting the miniature horse before the parade.

Mmmmmm.

A yearly tradition where we live is the All Schools Day Celebration. Business throughout town, banks and every school closes for the entire day. There is a carnival all week long, and a fantastic parade on Friday.

The event begins on Sunday and continues throughout the week. All Schools Day activities include a May Fete event, a huge parade down Main Street, carnival rides, activities in many locations throughout the city, fireworks, music, tours, food and shopping!

Nana, David, Andrew and I were able to enjoy the All School's Day experience together this year.

All School's Day Carnival

On the walk home from the carnival (my photos are out of order), Andrew pointed out that there was a massive raccoon in a tree in our neighborhood. I had never seen one in the "wild" this up close and personal. This thing was big and he was not scared. Odd.

This is the first year that Andrew was able to go down the huge slide without an adult! We are getting so big. When he gets big enough to ride the bumper cars without help, I am going to seriously be sad!

Andrew had no problem walking up this tall thing by himself. He went down at least four times.

Here is Andrew with his friend and classmate Dylan.

Here is Andrew riding the alligator-coaster. No fear! We bought an arm band for Andrew which meant unlimited rides. I wish they sold unlimited bands for the grown-ups to play those carnival games. We played two at $5 a pop. I am wishing we had our $10 back. We basically bought two tiny stuffed animals for $5 each. Why?!

Easter Weekend at the Lake

Hours of playground time were enjoyed by Andrew!!

More playground time!

Dad shot his first turkey of 2010 on day #2 of turkey season, and we would expect no less from the #1 fan of turkey hunting! He used a bow and arrow and a turkey call. Those are all of the details that I am aware of other than this was a 12 hour hunt with an hour off for lunch.

We took the boat out for the first time this year also, and we had fun chasing ducks on the lake. The boat rode great, and I could have stayed out there a lot longer. The weather was perfect for cruising. We forgot Andrew's child sized life jacket, so we had to improvise. Adult XL worked for 30 minutes. David and I were able to put the boat in and pull it out without any controversy. We made a great team.

Captain Dad

Andrew and I went to Maundy Thursday services at church to take communion and celebrate Easter a little early. I am so thankful that our sins were paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. The Maundy Thursday service was a very special service for me, and I am so thankful that my relationship with Christ is growing stronger. I am so happy to have a church home here in KS that is so unlike any church I have ever experienced. I adore our church and all that is has to offer my family. Happy Easter to all!
For our Easter Weekend, we took three days of much needed family time. We got Andrew's summer wardrobe...thanks Old Navy for your low prices! We ate at my favorite Japanese restaurant...mmm, sushi. I read an entire book called Cane River by Lalita Tademy...for my book club, but it was a super good book about life in the early 1800s for creole slaves and free people of color. Of course, I loved that it was set in LA. Andrew and I spent much time at the playground, we watched tv, grilled steaks, examined dad's dead turkey, held a photo shoot for dad and turkey, hid Easter eggs, played with the goodies the Easter bunny left for Andrew, took naps, and had snacks!
On Sunday, we slept in, went out on the boat, and went to the playground again! Of course, we eventually returned home from our super weekend-o-fun where I promptly caught up on Friday's Y & R and Thursday's Survivor (go Heroes!). It was a great Easter weekend!

Egg Decorating Time!

My sweet husband brought home 24 eggs and some decorating kits for Andrew last week. We lost about half of the eggs due to cracking in the boiling process, but we were able to salvage about 12 of the eggs. They are really cute...we were not able to hide them on Saturday due to the weather, and our huge community egg hunt (10,000 eggs hidden) was postponed. However, we are hoping to get some use out of them this week.
Andrew and I had a great morning at church today while dad was working. Our missions team just returned from Nicaragua, and it was awesome to hear them share their experiences. One of the teens from the trip shared that while the Nicaraguan people have so little, they still pray for those that have nothing. It was a very moving experience for me to just hear about their trip. We have so much to be thankful for here in America, and it is so easy to forget that.

Valentine's Partay!!!

Kids Kampus Valentine's Party, February 12, 2010, Miss Jessica's 4 Year Old Class

L-R, Joey, Andrew, and Dylan enjoying their V-Day cupcakes!

Andrew's job this week is being the chair helper!! He put a chair out for each napkin. He is soo willing to help Ms. Jessica...but not pick up his toys at home...hmm.

My Valentine

(If you click on the heart, you can read the words)

Andrew Reads "We Like" Without Help!

Andrew Reads from Young, Nancy on Vimeo.

American Idol Meet Andrew!

American Idol Meet Andrew! from Young, Nancy on Vimeo.

David v. Andrew (A comparison)

Someone on Facebook posted this picture of David from when he was in school as a little boy (I don't know what the check-mark is for...). Anyway, they look identical. I now understand why everyone says that Andrew looks just like David. He does. The Young genes were definitely dominant as you can see in these two pictures!
On another note, a happy early birthday to David who will be 3 years closer to the big 4-0 tomorrow!! We love you dad!!!