Happy 60th Birthday, Karen!

Karen is now officially a member of the "over 60" crowd.

I didn't see her on her birthday - I believe she was in hiding. She does go out every once in a while and now Violet is her best friend. Happy Birthday, Karen. If you don't say "60" then it's like you're really not that old.

Happy Birthday Michael!

I hate saying this out loud, but Michael turned 35. No way do I look like I have a 35 year old son - at least that's what I keep telling myself.

I wanted to take him to Chuck E Cheese but Michael wanted to go hit golf balls. Happy Birthday, Michael. No more after this year!

Gladstone Bluesfest

I'm always looking for exciting adventures to get me out of the house.

My cousin invited me to come to the Gladstone Bluesfest. This was just a fancy name for a concert in the park. There were 3 bands who performed. The first wasn't too bad but the lead singer had blue tooth type equipment so he kept roaming through the crowd. It was a little hard to keep an eye on him. The second band was better. But the third band, I swear, was nothing more than 5 guys jamming in their garage. I don't believe they could reproduce that exact song - it lasted about 15 minutes. I'm sure all the applause at the end was because the song was over.

Pony Tails

Melissa always dreamed of having a baby girl so she could let her hair grow long, put it in pony tails and fancy braids. From the time Violet was a baby, Melissa always had a bow in her hair. Now that Violet is getting older and making her own decisions, she doesn't want her hair in a pony tail.

But that phase is starting to change.

Not only can you put her hair in a pony tail (if she's in the mood) but it stays in for longer than 5 minutes. There usually has to be a special event for the pony tail. This time it was helping Daddy with the firehose.

Professional Portraits

Melissa has this obsession with taking professional pictures of her family. But she's getting better about only ordering a few pictures.

This was Lincoln commemorating his six month birthday! Taking the pictures is the easy part. Sitting in front of the computer and analyzing each and every shot for an hour is now the obstacle to overcome.

Lincoln - 6 Months Old

I know I keep saying this but time is going by way too fast.

Lincoln is already 6 months old. He's such a happy baby - as long as his mother is within eyesight.

Mother's Day 2016

Awww Mother's Day! That wonderful day of the year when mothers are pampered by their kids....not!

You would think just having your two kids over for dinner on a Sunday afternoon would be quiet and relaxing. But when you add in Violet and Lincoln, and my having to fix dinner, it gets a little hectic.

Melissa celebrated her third year of being of mother. Violet's at that age where she'd just as soon get the picture taking over and Lincoln's confused about everything. There were other pictures taken outside, but this is my favorite.

I think your favorite part of Mother's Day is supposed to be the love and joy of having your family around. Mine is the presents. I got a new masterpiece from Violet.  Lincoln was supposed to be part of the hand bouquet, but he didn't want to cooperate. A new Fitbit Alta and an iTunes gift card to get more music to walk by.

I wouldn't trade being a mother or a grandmother for anything!