One Crazy Week!

Abree jumped in with Gunnar just after blowing out the candles! What a night they both had!

This past week was one of the busiest on record for the Aune family...and we survived! Every Sunday night I sit down and fill in our weekly schedule for the fridge, so we can keep track of everything, not miss activities, and remind Leonard where we are when he comes home to an empty house. Not much room was left on the schedule this week. For some reason, this week every year is just jam packed. Leonard was in the field most of the week, but finally they finished the big spring push just before another big rain! I just love spring on the farm, it is so beautiful!

Mondy found me starting the crazy week with a much needed massage I'd received for my birthday (thanks Kim!). It was amazing! As the week went by, I realized how great of an idea this truly was. Then Abree started her dance recital rehearsals from 3-6 pm in Colfax. So two trips to Colfax today.

Tuesday found at Abree's 1st t-ball game. She's waited so long for her first game. The little sweetie has sat through so many of her sister and brother's games and events, that she was thrilled that it was finally her turn. As we loaded up (we had to travel 1 hour to Rosalia for the game) she asked her dad, "If I try my best but lose, is that ok?!" Oh my goodness, it just melted my heart! What has she heard us say to have her say that? Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very cooperative and we sat in the car for the first 15 minutes waiting for a big black cloud to dump on us. Then we got out and those tough little kid played their first game in 46 degree weather with an amazingly strong wind. We were still cold when we got home. Gunnar had baseball practice in LaCrosse. Thank you Jamie for getting him there.

Running to 3rd!

Wednesday found Abree in Colfax at dance recital rehearsal again from 3-6. She just loved seeing all the other little girls' costumes and watching them practice. I hired a babysitter to stay with Abree after I dropped her off and got her dressed (the babysitter brought her home, too) so I could race home for Ashtyn's DARE graduation. They served us pizza dinner and then had a wonderful graduation. Ashtyn wrote a great speech about what she had learned during her DARE training. We are so proud of her! Sadly, I teared up as she is growing way too fast and I realized that this is the first of a few graduation/promotion experiences to come in the next 7 years! (Oh, and as I was loading the kids up to head for recital rehearsal, got in the suburban to find the battery dead. Think our littlest daughter may have been playing in the car! Thank goodness the pick-up was here, after a quick dance with a few carseats and other necessities, we were able to get off in time not to be too late or lectured by the instructor...oh, but we got 10 miles down the road and I was going through everything we needed and we forgot the tap shoes...had to turn around and head back home to get those. Thank goodness all the state patrolmen were off duty after the big WSU graduation weekend they had last week which filled their quotas!)

Giving her DARE speech!

Her class

Thursday found me loading up the crew and heading to Spokane for dentist appoinments. Got a little shopping done while we were there, too. We had GREAT dentist appointments. NO CAVITIES x 3!!!! That never happens in our family. I walked out of the office in shock that I didn't have an appointment slip in my hand for next week. We are so lucky, our dentists' office is great and filled with awesome hygenists. They are so good with my kids. My kids get excited to visit them. We've been going there for years and they've watched our family grow. One gal even remembered Gage's name from our last visit when he was a few months old. She came over and commented on the "Aune cheeks" he inherited and squeezed them. We found ourselves quickly loading up and heading home on a mission. T-ball game at 5:15 and baseball practice at 5:00. Had to dress, get gear and get to the fields...yeah, this time in the same locations!

In ready position, the one with the pink mitt. Yes, she is either in ready position or sitting down because her little legs are tired of ready position.

Friday found us celebrating Gunnar's 8th birthday. How is it possible he is 8 already!??! I headed into the school at 10 to put Abree's hair in curlers for her recital (not the event of choice for Gunnar to celebrate his 8th birthday, but he survived), did my weekly volunteering at school 1st and 2nd grade spelling tests, picked Abree up from preschool, had Gunnar's birthday party at school, came home and put the kidlets down for a nap, prepared for the evening's events, mowed my very tall, out of control lawn, dressed Abree up with curls and a little make up to make her sparkle, watched a great recital (Ash really misses it this year. But with jr high sports there was no way!), came home and celebrated an 8th birthday with grandparents, aunts and cousins. The final guest left about 10:30 pm. Whew! What a day! But everything about it was great!

Abree did a great job tap dancing to the "Yetti Stomp" (from the Backyardigans). She has been waiting so long to dance in her first recital. She patiently watched all of her big sister's dance practices and recitals for years, always to ask, "When can I dance like that?" And, FINALLY it was her turn. She knew her steps and had a great crowd of supporters. When tucking her in I asked what she liked best, and her reply was "the flowers!" Thank you McKays and Flemings.

At his class party

Got the dancin' shoes on!


Waiting for the music to start.

Today the kids are branding calves with their dad and our dear friends on the last day of their branding season. Tonight they'll host a large branding party to celebrate the end. We will have a smorgasboard of authentic Mexican cuisine, a pinata (thanks Aunt Sara for visiting East Pasco for us, the kids had a great time stuffing it this moring), live music, a bon fire, and about 100 of our closest friends. It is a great gathering every year! Watch the blog for pictures...no guarantee when!

We found ourselves saying lots of prayers this week as our 11 year old cousin underwent a biopsy on his femur. The surgeons felt good about what they found, hoping it is just a stress fracture. The lab results will come soon. YEAH! We continue to pray that the results will be positive. You are so brave, Tyler!

Whew! What a week! Today I'm finding myself not motivated to do much but relax and enjoy Gage. Poor guy didn't get much mom time this week. Thank goodness WSU is out, and I was able to get a great babysitter to stay with him. And, thank you to G'ma Lola for keeping him a couple times this week to avoid the cold, icky weather. He is so lucky to have people who love him so much.

Our reader!

Deep into one of his books!

Ok, I never dreamt I'd have an avid reader as a child. But some how it happened. Gunnar loves to read! His dad and I can't figure out who he got it from, as neither of us are addicted to reading novels. Sure we read, but it is the sports page, People magazine, newspaper, scrapbooking or cooking magazines, but not book after book. We figure he has already passed us both in number of books he has read. We are so proud of him and thrilled that he has found this love.

Gunnar has fallen in love with reading! Our first grader (I was going to say little, but he has grown so much in the past few months I can hardly say he is little any more!) wants to read all the time. In the car, when he is supposed to be asleep at night, as soon as he gets home from school, any free moment he has. He can read in gym during basketball games, nothing distracts him. This past February he discovered the Magic Tree House chapter book series. Since then he has read 32 of them! He started with the original 28 and was bound and was determined to read all of them before continuing on to the "Merlin Missions" portion of the series (they are a little longer...about 110 pages each). We searched friends' home libraries, his classroom, the school library, the county library, and finally the Spokane Public Library to find them all. And, last week he did it! Now he is conquering the Merlin Missions, 4 down this week and 10 to go! Some days he'll read two books a day. Just amazing!

He has a list of the Magic Tree House books that he keeps track of as he reads them.



I'm quite embarrassed to say that once in awhile, I have to take reading away from him for a consequence...isn't that crazy! Oh, he just came into the office ... just finished another one this afternoon! On to the next one. If you have any ideas of great chapter book series to get him hooked on next, please share (about a 3rd/4th grade reading level).

Gage is 10 months old!

One of our sweet boy's newest pictures!

Oh, my goodness! My baby is officially into the double digits ... where has the time gone?!!! And, boy, oh, boy has he changed this past month. Gage has become mobile. The first week of crawling was pretty cute. He looked like a little robot going back and then realizing what it took to go forward. His actions were very thought out and slow. But, now, he is cruising! He has discovered every corner of the house and can make it from one end to the other in about 1 1/2 minutes. He is also standing up on things and starting to walk around them. Just crazy! Where did my baby go?! Our lives have changed drastically...constant watch, baby proofing, gates. Now that he has discovered mobility, he no longer sits contently to snuggle with mom. He is moving, looking for action, afraid to miss anything. Matter of fact, the other day I put him in his crib so I could put my contacts in my eyes without worrying about him and he fell asleep ...sitting up! He wouldn't give into laying down with his snuggly blankets. Now, he was sitting up, head bobbing and sleeping. It was hilarious and I caught it on film.

Gage just loves to crawl. He is so proud of himself!

He can finally chase his sisters and brother around.

One of his favorite new toys is his sister's kitchen. He spends forever emptying every cupboard and drawer. Doesn't he look like a big boy!


Teething was also a big issue this month. Gage got his bottom two teeth a few months ago. Then he got his top side tooth first, followed by his front tooth next to it. Even though they were a little off kilter in his mouth he still discovered how to grind them! He was quite lopsided until this last week when he got the other two top teeth to match.



Gage and his top two teeth.


Not only has he discovered mobility, but he is also eating mostly table foods, plays patty-cake, and so much more. He is all boy!!! And, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Our little rock star!

Gage has brought such joy to our lives. Each day we thank God for this gift. He is such a good natured little guy who makes us all smile and reminds us it is the little things that are important every day. What fun he has brought to our home and family!

Celebrating Easter!

He has risen! He has risen indeed!

The kids

Easter is my favorite celebration of the year! It is a time to rejoice in Jesus Christ and the proof that He is absolutely awesome! He gave his life for you and me, everyone! He proves His love for us each and every day and I'm so thankful for our Savior that gave his son to us. His death and resurrection provides us with knowledge of eternal life...WOW!!!!! How lucky are we?!!

I love that Easter falls in the spring of the year! It is always so glorious come rain or shine, and we had a little of both this year. I was just glad we didn't have to fully winterize the kids' Easter outfits this year!

Saturday was quite chilly for the Easter Egg Hunt in the park, but we weathered the storm. Gage had help from his big sister Ash (too old for the hunt), Abree required holding mom's hand or she'd just watch, and Gunnar could care less if anyone was around, he was on a mission. (You won't find pictures of Gunnar's hunting adventures at the park as he was long gone by the time the others found a few eggs and I wasn't running to catch up with him!)

Gage's 1st hunt with help of big sis

Abree after she picked up a few eggs and let go of Mom's hand.

Saturday evening was egg coloring at our house once dad got home from tractor work. The kids were antsy all day and did a great job coloring and experimenting with color mixing. Gage and dad chose to hang out on the floor and practice crawling instead of coloring.

Me and my girls (photo courtusy of Gunnar)

Bunny ears and Eggs...


Working on making one beautiful!


Gage and dad working on crawling while we colored eggs.

Sunday morning I got up to make cinnamon rolls very early and our early riser Abree joined me very anxious for the day's events. But, I wouldn't let her wake anyone until after 7. The kids ran, giggled and enjoyed a beautiful sunny morning of egg collecting. Their offering for church came from the lute that was collected in the "golden" eggs found that morning. They thought it was a great idea!

The Easter Bunny brought her the new Taylor Swift CD...how did he know it was just what she wanted?


Gage trying to get it by himself!

With baskets full, G and Abree

Church was full...yeah, we love it that way! Leonard's sister Sharron and her husband Brad joined us. Easter services are so uplifting and warming. I just love it! Everyone dressed up, happy, rejoicing in the Lord...what could be better!

After church we loaded up and headed to Othello for a delightful brunch with my parents and my brother's family. It was very low key and fun! We had way too much food as always, but man was it GOOD!

Rylee and Abree filling the cupcake tree for brunch with their polkadot dresses.

The grandkids lined up for their Easter surprise from Grandma Joleen.

Love how intent they are on what she has to say!

The McKay Grandkids

God is great!

Happy 60th Birthday, Grandpa!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Gunnar, Ashtyn, Myles, Grandpa, Abree, Gage and Rylee
(Missing was Austen)

My dad celebrated his 60th Birthday on April 8. As is tradition, the celebration included dinner and birthday cake! It worked perfectly that we could join everyone. What a fun evening it was! I feel so lucky to live close enough to be able to participate in most of the family events.
Yeah for my kids!
Getting ready to blow out candles!

Make a wish...with lots of little help!

My dad with his parents and sister!

Thank you, Dad/Grandpa, for being such a wonderful dad/grandpa! You are a caring and giving person. We are so lucky to have you in our lives to be a role model and friend! WE LOVE YOU!

Spring is finally here!

Yeah! Spring weather is finally here for us to enjoy. It was a long cold spring break, but the last 3 days made up for it completely. The entire day yesterday was spent outside enjoying the weather. The first part of the day was spent riding horses. The kids have been waiting all winter for a good day to ride, and they got it. Abree and Gunnar even to got join in on the fun with Ashtyn and her friends Lexi and Torrie.

Gunnar brushing Otis and getting ready to saddle.

Abree riding Otis, she's been waiting all winter! Sarita was so wonderful with her during "lessons!"



Gunnar riding in the arena. He likes to trot and doesn't want to get off!

Ashtyn and her friends heading to the arena to ride.

Gage taking in the action! Oh, I'm a lucky mom...he loves it outside.

Torrie on Pansy, Ash on Pali, and Lexi on Cruz.

Once that was done we headed to work calves. The kids just love branding season. Our friends work calves the "old fashioned" way...no chutes or electric branding irons needed. They gather on horse back, seperate and then rope the calves and drag them to the fire. Yes, we brand with a fire that warms the branding irons! Our kids just love tackling the calves once their roped, holding them down while their being shot, cut and branded, and then chasing them back up the pen. Gunnar this year and last really got into being the "nut" collector...yuck! He was very focused and didn't miss a bull calf, and was right there to check each calf to see if it was a heifer or bull. Needless to say, he was quite dirty when he got home, as were all of them.

(Our friends will do this every Saturday and Sunday from now until early May...the kids will join in when their schedule allows.)

Getting their instructions from Butch!

Torrie, Ashtyn and Lexi pushing calves up to find their mamas.

Gage's first horse ride with Shane, his Godfather!

Gunnar's hand off from Leo.

Ash and Lexi taking a break.

Gunnar quite proud of his bloody hands.


Abree's happy place. She is quite content watching the action from the fence. "Mom, next year when I'm six, I'll help and get in there!"

Caleb roping a calf and draggin' it in.

Ash and Caleb holding down a calf while Shane, Monte and Butch do their work.

Spring is my absolute favorite season...the green wheat, sunsets, warmer weather, flowers! It is fantastic! Just the inspiration we need after so much "inside" time this winter. What a great day!My kitchen window view just before dusk.Sunset from the front yard! Isn't it loverly!??!