Happy 2nd Birthday

On August 30, we celebrated Ellie's second birthday. What a big girl she is becoming. We were so pleased that so many friends and family were able to join us. Ellie loved her Dora cake and blowing out the candles. And she got tons of great gifts, including identical tricycles from her grandparents, so she was able to share with friends at the party.

Happy, happy birthday, our sweet girl!!!

Vail, CO

After spending some time with Family in Evergreen, we went on up the mountain and spent a couple of days in Vail. Vail is such a scenic mountain town. We had a great time looking at all the sites, riding the gondolas up the mountain, digging for dinosaur bones in the sand pit, and enjoying the wonderful weather.

Do you notice the princess camera in any of the pics?

Playing

After the wedding, we spent a few extra days in Colorado visiting with family. Ellie and Paige are becoming such good buddies, and I hope they will get to grow up with as good of memories as I have of growing up with my cousin, Stephanie. It's such a huge benefit to have a cousin so close to your age, so every holiday and family gathering you have your friend with you.

Ellie also landed a great princess camera, that talks and flashes. It rarely left her hand during the Colorado vacation, and I'm sure you'll see it in other pictures.

I Do!

Jason's cousin, Ryan, got married this year. He married a great girl, Danelle, and we're thrilled to have her in the family. Ryan and Danelle were kind enough to include both Jason (usher) and Ellie (flower girl) in the wedding. Jason's younger brother, Nick, sang and accompanied himself on guitar during the wedding and did a great job. I'm sure one day we'll all be saying we knew him when. Jason's Aunt Sherry made the flower girl dresses, and she did an amazing job! Ellie and Paige looked absolutely adorable.

We all had some slight reservations as to whether Ellie and Paige would actually walk down the aisle, but they all did a great job (maybe it was attributable in part to the practice runs we did as well as the Reese's Pieces reward that was waiting for them at the alter)! It was a very long day for Miss Ellie, since we had to get up at 4:30 am to catch our flight to Colorado, so she couldn't last for more than one dance with Daddy at the reception. But they had bubble favors, so she was a happy camper.

Singin' in the Rain

When you have such a cute raincoat and Dora umbrella, of course you can't wait till it actually rains to use them. You have to take every opportunity to look adorable, rain or shine.

Happy 4th of July

We had a small BBQ on the 4th, and enjoyed the day with some family and friends. The kids enjoyed playing in the sprinkler and the pool before we headed out to the front yard to shoot off some very small fireworks in the street. Our own little fireworks show didn't last long though, and soon we were cleaning up and getting ready to head out to watch O'Fallon's City fireworks.

Just about that time, the local police pulled up in front of the house. Apparently, O'Fallon issued new city regulations that went into effect this year, that prohibit any fireworks in the city limits. This is quite a change from prior years, especially since our neighborhood does a rather large display in the cul-de-sac in front of our house. But needless to say, one particular neighbor does not enjoy the 4th, and I'm sure was chomping at the bit to be able to call the police on anyone that was not in compliance with the new regulation this year. The police officer that visited our house was very nice, but some of the kids were still rather concerned for their fathers, running in the house calling, "Mom, are they going to arrest Daddy?" The kids' fears didn't last long though, when they heard all the dads outside cracking jokes and laughing with the police officer.

Freed Family Band

The record producers have been calling nonstop!

We got Guitar Hero for the Wii in May, and then counted the days till they released Rock Band on the Wii. Luckily, it was released right before Jason's birthday (the big 30!), so it was pretty clear what gift he would receive this year. We've had countless hours of fun with the game already. Ellie started out on the mic, but has since moved on to the drums as her instrument of choice.

However, the most memorable Rock Band sessions have come when we get together with friends, and are privileged to be able to hear the musical genius of a certain friend (thanks Josh!) in his rendition of The Police's Roxanne. Priceless!

Lake Week 2008

We enjoyed another vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks this year. The week was full of lots of swimming in the pool, floating on the lake, riding wave runners, golf, and just being together. What more could you ask for on a family vacation?!

The Freed Cup '08

Ryan & Danelle

Jason & Kate
Bryan & Valerie
Corey & Erin
Larry & Kelly

Jim & Lisa

Mike & Sue Brad & Sherry

And the winners of the Freed Cup 2008...

Pam & Kristin!!

NOTE: All other players above are listed in no particular order, so don't go thinking Mike & Sue or Brad & Sherry came in 2nd place.

This year's couples tournament proved to be another successful one. The weather cooperated beautifully, and everyone played well. But who wouldn't play well when they're sent out onto the tee box with a lovely gift bag, complete with a collector's "StB" golf towel to commemorate the event. Thanks Pam and Sherry!

Pirate's Cove

ARRRRGH, Matey!! What's a Lake vacation without a round of miniature golf? Yes, Jason won the round in our foursome, but just ask him who had the most holes-in-one....(the answer would be me with 3, count 'em 3!) It was also nice putting practice for the big couples tourney the following day.

Miner Mike's

During our vacation at the Lake we spent an afternoon at Miner Mike's, and boy did we have a good time. Ellie climbed in the maze, played in the balls, and flew down slides. To our surprise, she loved the miniature mine train roller coaster (it actually goes pretty fast). When it came to the games, ski ball was probably her favorite, and since she wasn't quite strong enough to get the balls up to the targets, it was a never ending game. But her absolute favorite part was driving the Muppet car with Fozzy Bear in the backseat....we had a minor meltdown when we forced her to get out of the car.