What could be better than Karaoke?

When we were in Pine Valley with Shayne's family, McCall brought the funnest (is funnest even a real word?) game. Sing Star. It's kind of like Guitar Hero, so people say, I've never personally played Guitar Hero. You pick a song from a list of all kinds of music genres. The screen will then show the music video, the words, and rates you on your singing abilities. Pretty much how well you can sing on key. You can also compete against one another. Oh... and it records your singing so you can play it back afterwards. Scary. Yes, scary but holding that microphone and belting out the latest Brittney Spears song next to Shayne, well that just feels right. We all had a blast! And if you were wondering who was the better singer, Shayne or myself? Be surprised... it was Shayne. Watch out Brittney!

Picture time

We just got back from my sister's in California and then left for a Scott Family reunion at Pine Valley. Lots of fun. Cousins. Food. Games. Driving. And now laundry. Since Shayne and I are so cheap we took advantage of having a lot of cameras around and tried to get a new family picture, one that includes Maggie who will be turning 2 in a week. Here are some of our options:

This one turned out pretty good. I love Maggie sucking her thumb here.

We are all kind of squinting though.

Not bad but I think we were all looking at different cameras.

I love Kate in this one. It is not a family-picture-taking-session
without one or more of the girls in tears.

Here's Maggie (crying).

This one is probably my favorite because everyone is smiling soooo big.
We may have a winner. Or we will try again when we head up north in another week.
Sadie get your camera ready.

What's it like with 2 less kids?

Great. We sent Parly and Clayre to my sister's house in California for a week. They are having so much fun and will probably not want to come home with us when we go out to get them in a day or two. They got to go on an airplane by themselves. They were not at all nervous and thought it was all pretty exciting. But not as exciting as the fact that my sister got stuck in traffic on her way to get them for 3 hours one exit away from the airport. It all worked out though, my brother-in-law, Dustin was in the area and got them and took them to lunch while waiting for Emily. They have enjoyed swimming, picnicking, shopping, movie watching, playing with their cousins, driving around in a golf cart, and even getting a haircut.

At home Kate and Maggie have also had a lot of fun. They are bosom buddies now. We let Kate sleep in Maggie's room and after the first night of catching Kate trying to get Maggie out of her crib (at Maggie's request) they have done very well together. Kate has taught Maggie some more dance moves and how to attempt a cart wheel. Kate: "Parly and Clayre are partners. And Maggie and me are partners."

I have enjoyed a lot more time to myself, especially in the afternoons when Kate would go off to play with friends and Maggie was napping. Books, movies, and naps myself. Nice! The downside to no older girls around? No extra help. I actually had to get up and get Kate breakfast, that was always Parly's job. Boo. And on Saturday, Shayne had to wait until I was home from my long run before he could go on his. Normally Parly could be in charge for a little while if I was running a little late. Sorry Shayne. But of course we miss the little brats, and it will be nice to have them home. I'm just glad they got to have so much fun.