The Circus sans Pictures

Last night I took Katie and her two friends to the circus. Yup the circus. I know people think we live so far out in the middle of the country that a circus wouldn't come here. But they do. Every year. The Shriner's put on a wonderful circus for the children. It was free for kids, and $5 for all of us.
Side note: every time I write kids I am taken back to my degree seeking days in Chico when my professor drilled it into my head that kids are goats not children. But I don't mean that goats got in free, children did! Just wanted to clear that up!!
Anywho, the reason I had to write this post, even though there aren't any pictures, is because Katie rode and elephant. By herself. She was shoved in between two strangers and rode on this HUGE elephant with only smiles and waves for me. This was a child who won't do anything unless I do it with her or help her. It was a proud moment.
The circus itself was pretty good. Complete with elephants, tigers and lions, motorcycles in a cage, and lots of pretty dancers up in the air. Plus a few death defying acts that gives the circus it's name.

Visitors

The last two weeks, and the first of summer were filled with swim lessons, and visitors. First to come was my Aunt Nancy and cousin Jenny. Jenny lives out on Kansas City now, and they were driving back there from California. They were able to stop for an hour or so and fill me in on all the happenings!

Then, Katie's Great Grandparents, and my Grandparents came out for a week long visit. Katie loved having them here. She plied them with tons of hugs and kisses.

She also forced them to play princess, pony, and barbies with her.

It was great to have a cheering section for her at swim lessons. Each time she completed a skill she looked to them for a clap or two. She is learning how to go underwater and she informed Great Grams that when she went under she wanted Great Grams to say "Where's my Katie?" So she did.

Katie led the way each day into the pool area at the high school. She loved having everyone come with her!!!

This is her teacher Siobhan. Katie LOVES Siobhan. We couldn't get through two weeks of swimming lessons without her!

Katie wasn't the only one to get spoiled this week. Grandpa and Grams gave Rick and I some new bedroom furniture. I was able to pick it out, and Rick loves it too.

Last Saturday some friends of Aunt Carrie's and Uncle Jack's cooked us some yummy Mexican food. This is David. He makes an awesome, and very spicy tomato and green chili spread. I think he used about 20 tablespoons or so of garlic for this one bowl. Spread it on a Parmesan taco, or dip in a chicken roll up and WOW!

Elaine showed Aunt Carrie and Grams how to make enchiladas, tacos, roll-ups (taquitos) and salsa. She used a lot of chili powder. Burn your throat, but you don't care because it tastes so good, hot. I like it when David and Elaine cook.

It has been a great two weeks. Lots of activity. But the next two are bound to get me. We are headed back to California! This week is meant for packing, cleaning, shopping, and getting ready. I better go catch a nap before all the excitement!

A letter from MacGregor

Dear Family,
I am having a lovely time on my vacation. This family is nice to me, and it is very comfortable here. Last night I informed them that my usual sleeping arrangements didn't include sleeping alone. They were gracious/too tired to care, and allowed me to sleep on their very comfortable bed.

They have a lot to see out the windows, but darn these short legs, I just can't see very well.

Aaahhh that's better. Now I can see/protect this house from unwanted strangers.

I got my daily exercise when Katie chased me around the yard. There are a few knot holes in the fence as well, and I can check out all the neighbor dogs, and talk with them. Molly has been pleasant, although she mostly ignores me. I think she is intimidated by my good looks. We both have a lot in common. Especially our LOVE for all things edible.
I sure miss you all and can't wait to see you Sunday!
Love

MacGregor.

Dear Spicers,

Please come and get your dog. My family thinks he is adorable, and has been spoiling him with attention. I am feeling very unloved. He got to sleep with my family, and I had to sleep on my dog bed.

Hurry!

Molly

A day at the salon.

I finally brought my camera to one of Katie's hair appointments. Katie's stylist, Erica, would usually only wet her hair and cut her bangs. But this time she got the real deal. The whole shebang.

First Katie had to have her hair washed. She liked it, but she didn't want to let it show.

She did a great job keeping her head tucked, and letting Erica do her magic.

After the cut, it was time for the style.

The finished product. Katie is pretty happy to be a girl!

Rainy Day Conversation

It rained today. Hard. Flash flood hard. Thunder and lightning for 1 hour straight hard. I was home with Katie and her friend Kalesy, and between eating snack and running under the coffee table for fear of the lightning we had a very fun, and hilarious couple of hours.

Kalesy and Katie had some interesting conversation over chips, juice, and applesauce. Here is how it went.

Katie: "One time at Aunt Carrie's house a FLY got on me." She said fly like it was a huge ordeal, like can you believe a fly landed on me?!?!

Kalesy: "IT DID?!?!?!" Like holy crap not a fly!!!!

Katie: "Yeah."

Kalesy: "Did you flick it off or squish it?"

Katie: No! Aunt Carrie just swished it off. Just SSSWWWIIISSSHHH." Katie said the last part while moving her arm in a swishing motion over her other arm.

The two of them were completely serious. This was a real issue the flies landing on people. It was hard to keep a straight face.
It got especially difficult when they started showing me the faces they can make. Spooky!!!
Katie mostly copied Kalesy, but with her own twist.

These two are really strange. Thank goodness they are entertaining on rainy days such as it was today.
Help me!!!!