Kindergarten for Ashlyn

As a mom, the first day of school is bittersweet. You spend the days of your child's preschool years preparing them for the big day when they will start Kindergarten. Hoping that you told them to raise their hand to ask to go potty, to make sure they have the "perfect" pencils, the new crayons, and the backpack featuring the favorite cartoon at the time. All in hopes that maybe your child will miss you a little when you drop her off. This is how our first day went.

"Ashlyn, it's time for school!"
Without a word, she jumps up and appears from her bedroom with her back pack on. "Ok, mom, I am ready!"
"Um, I think you should get your clothes on first." Yes, she appeared from her room, still in her pajamas, backpack on and ready. I finally convinced her that getting dressed was a good idea. And finally it is time to leave...but not without a couple of pictures.

Just one more!!!

Mom, I am going to be late!

Just one more picture in front of the school.

It is time for breakfast! Ashlyn found a friend, ChayLee, and began to learn the routine of typical school morning.

This is her class. Fortunately, she knew most of her kids from Ms. Krissy's preschool days. As I was leaving, in tears, Ashlyn says, "Good bye mom! I love you." Of course she was ready to get rid of me. I think the first day of kindergarten is harder for the parents than it is the kids...at least in her situation!

The next day, when getting her up for school she says, "But mom, I went to school yesterday!" Truly funny. I love the way her mind works!

Looking for work...still.

In the search for work this summer, I was brought to the little town of Lakeview, Oregon for an interview. Although I did not get the job, I am proud to say the out of 298 applicants for 1 position, I got one of 35 interviews.

This was in a guys yard in Lakeview. Gifford was so amused we had to pull over just to take a picture. It was funny!

This was parked outside of a gas station in Burns, on our way home from the interview. I am not sure what, exactly it is, but Gifford was amused by it.

Branding...again...

Once again, it is the time of year when we bring the cows in from the hills and brand the stranglers that calved late. We are at Buster's this time with only 4 brands going...hard to keep track of who belongs where.

Buck seems to always be running the irons.

Getting the youngsters in on the fun.

Ashlyn makes a great supervisor.

Time for a little ride!

A little randomness...

Here are some pictures I wanted to add that didn't really have a place to go...

While some of my cousins from the Portland area were around, we all met at my aunt's house where the kids did a little fishing!

The prize of the day

Cannot believe my little girl has started loosing her teeth. This was her first, August 3rd. She is now down three!

The "Nutty Brunch"

Every year in the small town of Brogan, Oregon, they have the nutty brunch. This is a brunch served to the public featuring "Rocky Mountain Oysters". For those city slickers out there, that is calf fries, aka calf testicles. They are rolled in a batter and then fried. I must admit they are an acquired taste, a bit chewy, but oh so good.

During the dinner, they also have the international Cow Pie throwing contest. They divide contests in different age groups, and of course both of my kids were eager to participate.

Gavin found the biggest cow pie he could carry and threw it. Here is another one he picked and was in first place for 5 and under boys for a long time. He was, however, beat out by some older kids.

Ashlyn was a little reluctant to participate at first but.....
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ended up winning for her age group. Woo Hoo! She score a nifty t-shirt for her trouble. The older groups got a belt buckle and she was a bit upset that she didn't get one too. She was eventually accepting of her prize though.

Independence Day 2010

For the fourth of July this year, we were invited to the Anderson's house to celebrate our nation's birthday. Tons of fireworks were bought and we had quite a display for everyone to enjoy. Gifford was the resident pyro, setting off the display.

Loving the sparklers!

Boy mom this is fun!

Aslhyn was cuddling with her new, soon to be cousin, Raynee.

Looks like a few lies were being told...LOL I have married into a wonderful family!

Happy Birthday Kids, Ashlyn 5, Gavin 3

I cannot believe my babies are getting so big! Because their birthdays are only 5 days apart, and they are still little, we are able to have their parties together.

We actually allowed Gavin to ope his "main gift" a couple of days before the party, because this was actually his birthday. He got his very own tool set. Now he can help daddy around the house and fix things that are broken, which he absolutely loves to do.

Since both kids are "June Bugs" we were able to have a bit of a pool party. Their friends all brought their suits so that they could get wet.

This was the "cake" I made for them both. I think it turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself.

Enjoying time with friends.

What yummy cake!

Road Trip to McCall, ID

Gifford and I have become Harley Harlots...LOL. We bought a Harley Davidson a couple of years ago, and have been enjoying a get away now and again. Our dear friends, Kim and Brenda Cox, have corrupted us, and go with us on rides when they can. We got a wild hair one Saturday afternoon and decided to take a road trip to McCall, ID. What a great day. We headed out of Ontario, taking Hwy 95 through Weiser, Cambridge, Council, and finally to McCall. After lunch, we headed through Donally, ID and ended up in Emmett for the Cherry Blossom festival. It was a great day!


Fueling up before the big ride!

Our counterparts.


This is the view of the lake in McCall. Lots of boats on the water today!

Gifford, Kimmie, and Brenda outside the restaurant where we had lunch.

Gifford posing with the lake in the background. The wind was blowing a bit and one of the umbrellas off the table behind us hit another table. It could have been disastrous...

All in a day's work

For those of you who may not know, Gifford's family owns a ranch in Harper and we go out there to help out when we are able. Even the kids get involved. This past summer, I have learned to apply gates to a gated pipe, drive a swather, and even a little about the cattle business. In these pictures, we are getting the irrigation going for the corn field. Every "little" bit helps!


It never ceases to amaze me just how strong my father-in-law is, and he makes it look so easy. Not sure how much one of these pipe weighs, but I know they are not light!

Gavin was "driving" the 4-wheeler. He loves anything with wheels and switches; oh and buttons too.

Ashlyn and family friend Crystal are helping to set the pipe up and waiting for instruction for instruction on what to do next.

Making sure it all lines up!

Last one...almost done!

Takin Sissy for a ride

Here is Gavin in the "wasp". This is Grandpa Tom's "Going to town rig" that has no finders, or hood, or doors for that matter...at least on the driver's side. It has just recently be equipped with a passenger seat, as there used to be a milk crate for the passenger to ride on. The thing is, it actually runs and "Papa Tom" drives it around occasionally. Gavin absolutely loves "Papa Tom's truck", and when I can't find him outside, chances are this is where he is at.

He asked his sister to come to town with him. He wanted to give her a ride. Too cute!

Summer Camping

Well, first of all, let me apologize for not posting since like July...I am going to do my best to get things caught up this weekend. That being said, let me get you caught up on the life and times of the Allaire clan.

We didn't do much camping and such this summer due to my job being absorbed and joining the list of the unemployed. Therefore, we set up a tent in the back yard and the kiddos played "tent city". The Tent we set up was one that Gifford got from his Army days. This is why there is no floor to this tent.

Gavin had to have all of his blankets and his favorite stuffed dog in the tent with him. They were a little scared to stay out there all night and the tent was too small for mom and dad to be with them.

Ashlyn had all her essntails in there too. Her "B"...(blanket) her babies and her beach ball....also her water bottle. It was a fun day.