Meet Rachael Serene

Samantha puts a smile on everyone's face. . . one way or another.

Elsa's new baby. Rachael Serene is one beautiful girl!
(I'll be bringing one of these cute little bundles we call "a baby" home in a couple of weeks, believe it or not)

The "Post-Get-Away to Post Falls Post"

Adam and I spent our Anniversary weekend, Mother's Day weekend, and Pre-baby get away in Spokane Valley. Why Spokane Valley? Because I was participating in an evaluation contest for a Toastmaster's Division Conference.


We stayed at a hotel in Post Falls, Idaho that looked out to a lovely view of the river. It was a nice weekend, although I was anxious until the contest's end Saturday at noon.

Me with other speech and evaluation contestants. Fun times--don't know how I ended up being involved in this :) It just sort of happened.

Emily could not wait for me to open her big envelope of gifts--all made with the kind help of her teacher, Mrs. Ireland. Too excited to wait for me, she opened a pink, jumbo sized envelope and started handing me laminated picture after picture, and tissue-wrapped gift after gift. She spoiled me with gifts galore.

Father and Son

Michael and Adam ventured out for a Fathers and Sons outing. We decided to have Robbie stay home this year, just so Michael could really have Dad's attention during their overnight adventure.

Michael's enthusiasm was high all week with anticipation. I wore a smile as I admiringly watched my husband and son work together packing and preparing. Michael was especially anxious to get up there and roast marshmallows at the camp fire, play with the other pack of boys, and sleep (like a rock) in the tent.

When getting ready to leave the campground, Adam asked Michael, "What would you like to do before we leave?" Mikey's reply--collect more air-soft BBs (those tiny colorful balls we see all the time at parks). That was the highlight.