Max Takes Off Like a Big Kid

Our big kid MAX - taking a spin on his big kid bike for the first time without training wheels. Max has been riding a big kid bike at school all summer long, but it is a really, really small big kid bike. For Christmas last year Santa gave Max a big kid bike that was a little too big - so he's been very frustrated with his efforts to ride his bike at home because he can't start by himself and certainly can't stop by himself. Well, last night, the training wheels came off and Max took off - riding up and down our street screaming "LOOKOUT BE-HO!!!" (Max's play on "lookout be-LOW") every time he approached the audience that was gathered to watch him go and go and go. He had to ride into the grass everytime he wanted to stop (just in case he fell), but he even got the hang of dismounting.

"LOOKOUT BE-HO!"

I had to throw this one in for some contrast. While Max was riding his bike up and down the street all night, Bella changed in her pajamas (complete with pink fluffy slippers, which you cannot see). She then fashioned a long skinny stick and a short stick into a microphone and sang Miley Cyrus for all of us . . ."I've got my sights set on you, and I'm ready to aim. . ." She has not shown any interest in riding her bike yet, but she really appreciated the opportunity to perform for the audience (although anytime she thought anyone was looking she'd turn her back to us, still singing, of course).

Montana Fair 2008!

We had a spectacular time at Montana Fair this year with Connor, Carter, and Auntie Ali and Uncle Joe. The kids had a great time on all the rides, and Gavin and I had alot of fun watching them this year. This was the first year that Bella wanted to join Max on all the rides and the first year that Mom and Dad got to watch from the sidelines (unless Brighton wanted to go for a spin or a slide). The weather was perfect - it actually cooled off for an evening thunder storm (which didn't hit until we were safely home). Brighton loved the first couple minutes of the Merry-go-Round, at least until her horse spooked her and she wanted Mom to hold her.

Daddy and Uncle Joe decided to try and climb the rope, hoping to reach the top and push the button TWICE to win their women some big prizes. Things didn't work out so well after all the Vikings, hand-dipped corn dogs, indian tacos, elephant ears, teriyaki bowls and cheese curds enjoyed for dinner. Both Dad and Uncle Joe flipped the rope ladder - although they had a great time doing it!Here were the stars of the day! Connor, Bella and Max had a great time at the fair. . .and so did our little one - although she was plum tuckered and decided to take a snooze as we exited the gates.

MAX LOST HIS FIRST TOOTH!

Our Maxer lost his first tooth on Monday night. It was very exciting, as you can see. Above is a picture of the little guy modeling his new gap. Below is a picture of the sparkler right after it came out! Boy is the Tooth Fairy in trouble now that the Murphy Kids are losing teeth - we're going to break her bank!

Bella also lost a tooth on Monday, in fact, she actually lost her tooth first. The kids were sitting on the couch watching TV with their Dad when Bella suddenly yelled, "my tooth came out." I immediately looked over at Max, who also had a loose tooth. You have never seen a kid work a tooth like Maxer was. Not more than a minute later, Max yelled, "I lost my tooth, too!" So, here are my two toothless wonders, showing off the evidence of growing up. *SIGH*.

Our Baby is Growing Up!

This post is dedicated to our baby, Miss Brighton. As you can all see, she is growing like a weed. Brighton will be 2 in November. She loves to play with her brother and sister and mimics all things Max and Bella. Her favorite toy right now is her baby (whichever one is lucky enough to be her companion for the day). She loves wrapping her baby in a blanket and whacking (I'm sure she thinks she is being very gentle but she is not - a real baby would not survive such love pats) the baby on her tummy or her back, all the while telling her family to "shhhhh, shhhhhh" with a cute little finger over her lips.
Brighton loves to dance with her big sister, Bella. She will throw her arms up in the air and turn in happy little circles, skipping and jumping when the music really gives her a beat.

When Brighton is happy, everybody is happy, but when Brighton's not happy, she lets us all know it. She is becoming very good at removing herself to "Cozy Corner" on a nightly basis to provide herself with an opportunity to stop crying. Unfortunately, many of Brighton's trips to Cozy Corner occur during dinner - she is not very good at sitting quietly and allowing the rest of her family to finish their meal. In fact, we have had conversation over her discontent on more than one occasion. She is getting better, however, now that Mommy and Daddy (okay, Daddy may have put his foot down long ago) have become resolute in their determination not to reward her for meltdowns.

Brighton loves putting on Mommy's shoes and stomping around the house in them. It is quite amusing and fun to watch. She is a tough little cookie and will continue her walking sessions regardless of the number of times she falls due to the large encumbrances on her feet.

Yes, we love our Brighton. Max and Bella think she is the "cutest baby ever" and love to tell her so. They also are more than happy to scream "MOM" when Brighton is ruining their fun. The Murphy Crew is definitely complete since Brighton has joined us. We feel so blessed to have such a bright and lively little one to finish our circle.

Floating Flotilla and Fish Fantasies - THE FLOATS

Here they are, ladies and gentlemen, 16 of the most memorable "floats" from the 2008 Floating Flotillas and Fish Fantasies festival in Twin Bridges. The entries were fabulous (there were 30 total) and entertaining. Several of the floats didn't make it under the bridge, which provided added entertainment.

FLOATING FLOTILLA AND FISH FANTASIES

Every year in Twin Bridges there is a parade on the river called "Floating Floatilla and Fish Fantasies." Individuals and organization throughout Twin, Sheridan, and surrounding areas come together for a day of water fun. This year, the Chamber of Commerce decided to quit sponsoring the event, and Mom came to the rescue and agreed to chair this important community spectacular. The event was beautifully organized and a resounding success - there were more entries and it was better attended than ever. Good job Mom! The below picture shows the fishhead herself, getting ready to pass out ballots for the parade. What follows are some of the snapshots (mostly of the kiddos) taken at this year's event.

Following the parade Ali organized great games for the kids. They were able to "fish for prizes," participate in a goldfish toss, throw bean bags for prizes and many other activities. It was hot, and Ali kept all the kids busy with games (she was exhausted after spending four hours organizing what seemed like hundreds of children in the heat).

On Sunday before we took off we once again enjoyed breakfast at the fabulous Blue Anchor in Twin Bridges. The kids' love the tradition of sitting at the bar, and Mom and Dad kept Brighton entertained (as only grandparents do) while we waited (and waited) for breakfast.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Please Welcome: Bella Billings!

Bella is a Rock Star. She absolutely loves Hannah Montana and her alter-ego Miley Cyrus. We bought Miley's "Breakout" CD on the way to the Ranch last weekend, which started a Hannah Montana kick you wouldn't believe. We are now introducing Bella on a nightly basis and she insists that we call her "Hannah Montana" when she is in character.

Daddy has tried to dub her "Bella Billings" but Bella prefers to be referred to as Hannah Montana. When I asked her if she was going to be a rock star when she grows up, she said, "No, I'm going to be a doctor. I'll just be a rock star when I'm not at work." Bella, like Hannah, is looking for the "best of both worlds."