Will and Lily's Preschool Graduation

Thursday Will and Lily graduated from Preschool... donned with caps, gowns and diplomas! It was so cute to see all of the preschoolers walk across the stage.

Before they actually graduated each class summarized what they had learned throughout the year... they both did a great job and Will made us laugh especially hard when he finished his speech with a dance... it closely resembled something Ummie Mike would do.

80's Party at the Rye's

Last Saturday our neighbors John and Dana had an 80s party - and they went all out complete with Rubics Cube key chains and Pop Rocks aplenty! Everyone was encourged to dress in 80s attire to take home one of the sacred 80s prizes for the winning outfit!

I dried my hair with a diffuser and ratted it up so high it took me three washes to get all of the tangles and hairspray out! Mike said I looked like a girl out of a Whitesnake video... if only I had a hood of a Camero to crawl on...

Jeff and Michelle went to the party with us and Jeff took home the winning prize for the men - a bottle of Drakar! He went all out for the party... even grew a foo-man-choo!

Sheri Holder took home the prize for the women - a bottle of Luvs Baby Soft - remember that scent? That brought back some memories!

Mike Holder DJd with Totally 80s tunes... anyone for some NKOTB?

Happy Mother's Day

I must admit I am a little, okay a lot, behind on posting these pictures to our blog. I have been so busy I have been neglecting to keep this site updated!

On Mother's Day we celebrated by going to Granite City for brunch so none of the moms would have to cook that day. We waited for over an hour to be seated for brunch, so we were all STARVING by the time we finally got to eat. I will say however, the wait was well worth it. I ate at least 2 1/2 cinnamon rolls in addition to my brunch! Yummy!

If only Kent and Nedra and Jason could have been with us we would have been complete!

Baby Searcey is Here!

Chad and Jonalee welcomed Slayton into the world on Thursday, May 8th (just in time for Mother's Day)! He weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 20 inches long. Mike and I went to visit them at the hospital on Friday and although we weren't able to hold him yet (he's in the NICU being monitored for a heart murmur) we have to say that he is a beautiful baby! Everything about him is just perfect!

Chad and Jonalee radiate happiness and excitement and are elated to finally welcome him into the world! Just thinking about what a miracle life is brings tears to my eyes... listening to Jonalee describe the experience and not being able to do so without shedding tears of joy and amazement is a feeling that I cannot wait to experience one day when it is our turn!

Happy 86th Birthday Grandpa!

Today we celebrated Grandpa's 86th Birthday! It was a GREAT day with much to celebrate. He was released from the New Mark skilled nursing facility this morning after a two month stay in the hospital and nursing home.

I am impressed at how much better he is doing in just a short week. Last Sunday mom picked him up and he spent the afternoon with us at their house - he was out of breath from just a short walk from the living room to the kitchen.

This afternoon he was really getting around much better with his walker and did not get winded as easy. He will be staying at mom and dad's until he is well enough to go home and stay by himself. Hopefully that will be sooner than later. I know he is anxious to get back home!

New Pipes!

Saturday the new Vance and Hines Big Shot Long pipes were installed to the Harley. Mike was extremely anxious to get to St. Joe to pick up the bike despite the rain/snow flurries/and 40 degree weather.

The second they started up the bike, Mike was all smiles! It was exactly what he wanted... a very deep/loud potato...potato...potato sound (much louder than the factory pipes that came with the bike). I think we are going to need to invest in some ear plugs now!

Mike bundling up for the ride home!

Someone once told me that once you have a Harley, the spending never ends... there is always the next "upgrade" that you want to make to the bike. I now believe them 100% - Mike is already talking about new handlebars, chroming out much of the bike and much, much more!

Saturday Ride!

Saturday Mike and I spent most of the day on the motorcycle. It was a beautiful day... 65 degrees and sunny - weather that we haven't had in a while in KC. It was a bit chilly on the highway, but the backroads were perfect! We rode almost all day long and had a fabulous time! Next weekend Mike gets Vance and Hines Long Shots installed and the bike is going to be a lot louder then. He is so excited... it's funny to listen to him. He's like a kid the night before Christmas!

Kelly, Michael, Emma, Mom and Dad came over that night for dinner and to watch the KU / North Carolina game. Emma got to ride on the motorcycle with Ummie Mike from the driveway to the garage (with Michael hanging on to her of course). She loved it!