Our own version of Jack Ass!

I have had these pics. for a week and I have been debating on whether or not to post them. This has to be some of the worst parenting that I have ever done.... but it was so damn FUNNY! We were playing in the back yard last weekend and the kids brought their bikes back there. They were riding in the grass and eventually either Ellie or Brayden took a bike up the hill. I think it started with just the big wheel, which worked well. It's low to the ground and very stable. With only one big wheel they had to take turns, so eventually all of the different kinds of bikes were rolling down the hill, sometimes with kids on them, sometimes without, and SOMETIMES with kids partially on or partially off. :)

I think everyone knows about how I laugh inappropriately ALL the time! Brayden was the first to wipe out. It was one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. He completely flipped over, landed, and the bike came crashing down. I did pause long enough to make sure he was ok, then I couldn't control myself. Thankfully Kent had just made them put all of their helmets on. I thought they were fine without them since they were on the grass, but I hadn't factored in the bike slamming down on top of their heads.... After I gained control of myself, (it was a good few minutes) Ellie came barreling down the hill on the trike. Well, this was a bad choice because it is a wee bit top heavy. She totally bit it, and Brayden started laughing and screaming, this got him in trouble by Kent. Kent said, "Brayden it's not nice to laugh at people when they fall, just because Mommy does it all the time, doesn't mean it's ok." This made me laugh even more! Meanwhile, Ellie is lying on the ground pinned under the trike. (She turned out to be just fine.) I think cautious Dani was the only one who didn't crash and burn, she fell a few times, but nothing extravagant. :)

I looked over at Kent and said, "This is pure entertainment, I don't think it's very good parenting, but I haven't laughed this hard in a long time." Eventually we had to tell the kids no more, and put the bikes away. Maybe another day..... I will keep you posted, especially if I can capture a fall in action!

Dani hangin' out at the bottom of the hill where it's safer.

Brayden after a successful ride down the hill.

Ellie safely at the bottom.

Our Shelbi is all grown up!

Today Kent and I attended our baby-sitter, Shelbi's, graduation! I can't believe our little girl is all grown up. She has only been in our lives for two years, but it seems like she has always been a part of our family. I can't believe we only have two more months left with her. I am so excited for her and the new chapter she is beginning in her life. She is an amazing person and she will do wonderful things with her life, I can't wait to see the person that she will become.
In August she is moving to Bellingham to live with my sister, Kalin, and four other room mates! Kalin and Shelbi met in Florida when we convinced both of them to accompany us on our first family trip, when the girls were six months old and Brayden was 3. They instantly hit it off and have kept in touch ever since. I think moving to B'ham will be a great adventure for both of them, I can't wait to hear the stories that they will have to share! During the graduation ceremony I got a little teary eyed (mostly because I realized just how old I really am) thinking about how much my life has changed since my graduation day. I love my life and all the experiences I have had to get to this stage. I am so grateful for all of my wonderful family members and friends that have shaped me into the person that I am today. I couldn't help but think of all of my 'couve girls and how we have remained friends throughout these last 13 years since graduation!

Here's to lots and lots of wonderful years to come for the new graduates and us oldies!