Vacation Bible School

We have a lady in our community that loves to put together Vacation Bible School each summer for the kids and she does a wonderful job. Brooke went every day for 1 week 9-11:30. She learned Bible verses, Christian songs, stories from the bible, played games and made crafts daily. The kids look forward to this every year. Cassidy was disappointed when she discovered last year was her last year to participate.

The girl to the right of Brooke is her very best friend, Hope. Believe it or not they are the same age. Brooke loves to have Hope over to play. We are always asked if Hope can come over to play. I am sure she will have withdrawals while in Montana. She and Brooke were not in the same kindergarten class but were inseparable in the 1st grade since they were in the same class. We will see what 2nd grade brings. Her class had 17 kids with only 5 boys.

They had a water balloon toss on Friday. It was hotter than heck out so this was fun for everyone.

On Friday the kids get to experience something very special. Fleece material of various colors and themes is bought for tie blankets for sick kids. The kids stand in a circle around the blanket and say a prayer for those who will receive the blankets. Then they get to take part in tying the edges of the blankets. Those who don't know how to tie are taught or someone sits with them to help. The girl Brooke is sitting next to is one of Dylan's close friends. (Wink! Wink!)

Cassidy had basketball camp every morning this week so she wasn't able to help out like she wanted to but she did get to count money on the last day. The person with her tongue hanging out is Autumn, one of Cassidy's best friends.

I love this picture. When all the kids are finished with crafts (when they tied the blankets) then it was time for the helpers to do their part and finish them up. There were blankets there that had race cars on them but ironically the last blanket was the pink Winnie the Pooh. I did give him a hard time but he didn't care. He's cool like that.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

What a ball game it was. This was the first game with temps in the 90's and very humid. Typical Kansas! Cassidy is really enjoying the ball season this year. She has improved immensely from 2 year ago. She started to play last year but with coaching issues we chose for her to end the season very early. She played 2 games (sitting the first).

She has an awesome line drive that gets her doubles and even triples. The last year Cassidy played she would shy away from the ball in the batters box because they were coming in fast, but this year it has clicked for her and she is the only one that will swing at pitches close to the strike zone to get a hit. Pitchers are still having a hard time finding the strike zone. Batter have to take what they get if they want to hit. Hitting is her game.

Cassidy plays short stop, 2nd and 1st. Friday night Cassidy was playing short stop and had a grounder hit to her, she stopped it and made the throw to 1st base for the first out. Two batters later she caught a line drive that went right past the pitcher and into her glove she tagged 2nd base for a double play to end the inning. It was AWESOME!

I (Leslie) had signed up to coach but was not choosen (all political). It is hard to watch games and see mistakes that should not be happening at this age go on time after time and try to keep quiet. This should be fun and sneaky at this age. I have taught Cassidy how to play aggressive but the coach holds her back. Although there are times that Cassidy makes plays that she knows are right without listening to the coach. She loves the sneaky part. For instance, when a batter is walked if they make it to 1st base before the pitcher is in her cirlce with the ball, the runner can proceed to 2nd base. Many players and coaches don't know this rule. Cassidy gets away with it a couple times before the pitcher catches on. Cassidy's coach does not want her playing this way but it sure charges up the crowd. Just seeing the grin on Cassidy face when she safely makes it to 2nd base makes it worth it all. We are half way through the season. Maybe next year she will have me (Mom) as the coach.

Cassidy is growing up fast. She is maturing mentally as well. She finished basketball camp last week and has volleyball camp next week. Cassidy has been babysitting for 4 little ones. The oldest being 7 and youngest 1. The one year old loves Cassidy. The other night she was babysitting but had a game so I got the job. While on my lap he saw Cassidy at short stop and wanted her. It was cute. She is enjoy freedom this summer with no set babysitting schedule and Brooke being old enough to take care of herself. Cassidy spends time with her best friends Autumn Weir and Morgan Wayman. I am sure you will hear lots of storys about them.

Play Ball!

This is Brooke's 5th game and she's loving it. We may be conceited parents but she is one of the best players on the team. What do you expect, Mommy is the coach. She has won 3 games and had our second loss last night. This was one of the worst games yet.

Her second favorite position is pitcher. Her team consist of 14 girls with 10 of them understanding the game and wanting to learn. So making the lineup is very difficult. I try to do it the night before the game otherwise there is not enough time. I have tried everything from stacking the beginning of the lineup to staggering the hitters throughout, but still no luck with a happy outcome.

Brooke's most favorite place on the field is 1st base. She does a good job of catching the ball thrown from other players which is so important at this age level. She has improved lots from last year. We were always on her about paying attention, especially in this position. This year she plays it like a pro.

Mommy giving last second pointers. This year Brooke actually listens.

Her third favorite position is catcher. All of the advanced girls like to catch. I think that is because of all the action. I never have to worry about who to put in that position. Brooke is disappointed in me because she want to catch but I very seldom put her there because I need her on the field.

Making another out. The look in Brooke's eyes when she makes an out is so warming to my heart. This is what keeps me going. It is not only Brooke that I get the look from but many other players as well. The dad that pitches for me has a daugher playing and last night she ran after a runner and got her out. She was so excited about it that she came running to me (not her dad) saying, "I did it, I got her out", and gave me high five.

=0>Tim and I still coming to grips with the fact that Brooke is a second grader and we have a high schooler and junior higher. Where does time go???

Kansas Style Fishing!

After fishing in Montana these two men decided they would venture out to do some Kansas fishing. Tim and Joe went to a creek beside Council Grove lake and set limblines lastnight. It was an all night event. The creek was called Munkers Creek. Tim now calls it Lunkers Creek.

This is what you catch in Kansas. The dark one is a 12 lb flathead and the other is a 9 lb channel cat. Now these are what I call keepers. Tim says the flat is small but the channel is huge. Joe named the flathead Herkamer. WHY??? Don't know.

Friday after work Joe and Tim headed to the creek. Joe has a 14 foot v bottom aluminm boat thye used to set the lines. Not sure if everyone knows how to set limblines but here it is. While in the boat slowly going along the side banks you grab limbs hanging over the water and you tie a piece of twine that has a hook on it with live bait. You usually use bluegill. Tim showed Joe some of the dangers involved. While reaching for a limb he yelled stop, stop, STOP!!! Confused Joe did see the copperhead sleeping on the limb Tim was getting ready to grab. Minor excitement snake escaped and so did Tim. You have to check the lines every hour so the fish don't get away. Flathead only bite during the night. They hate sunlight and don't much care for the moon either. Flathead are known as the T-Rex of the deep. Some reach 50 to 80 pounds. Maybe next time.


Tim and Joe got back so early that no one else was awake to take pictures so they took turns holding the fish and posing. Had to do Uncle Dennis' BIG fish photo trick with these large hogs.

The Men in the Mountains of Montana

Highlight Lake at Galatin National Forest just north of Yellow Stone National Park. This is where we caught lots of Cutthroat and Brookies. A beautiful day Dylan threw snowballs at us. Weather was perfect!

Dylan at Holden Lake waiting to put the boat in the water. Beautiful morning accompanied by magpies squawking all around us. Dylan thought he would climb the mountain beside us. He made it most the way up before remembering what the mountain air does to his lungs. Spooked up lots of mule deer.

Killing time waiting on the boss to let us into the gate for the boat ramp.

The canyon was gorgeous with steep cliffs on either side. We were visited by bald eagles and mule deer. But mostly walleye and trout.

Tim caught this one taking its perch. These fisherman were silent and apparently unproductively. I really want to watch one snatch a fish but no luck.

Canyon Ferry Res. We gave up on the walleye and went after rainbow trout. Much to Uncle Dennis' dismay. He doesn't mess with trout since discovering walleye fishing. Walleye are much more tricky to catch. Nothing like a good rainbow fight though.

The crew as pictured by Dylan. Tim, Uncle Dennis and Joe Wayman.

This beautiful picture of Highlight Lake.

Dylan holding a rainbow trout. Canyon Ferry. All the trout we just about the same size. Lots of fun to catch. They jump alot, you get them close to the boat then they strip your line and head to the sea so you can pull them in again.

This was one of the best fishing trips I have ever taken. From the scenery to the weather and of course lets not forget Uncle Dennis' graceous hospitality and excellent guiding services. He has a great boat, knows how to use it and knows where the fish are. When at home he is who all the locals call for the fishing report. Just don't report to Leon between news, dinner and shower time.