June 19th, 20th, and 21st 2009
Note from Pam: After pressing "click to play", press the "full screen" button to enlarge the pictures .

Manson with the Keeney's

We all traveled over to Manson with the same intention -- to say a final farewell to my Aunt Tonn. She passed away unexpectedly in January, but it was decided that we would do a formal memorial in Manson and Chelan this summer when everyone could come. This was the weekend. Everyone came -- except for Todd and his family (but they will be visiting Spokane in the next few weeks and will take a trip to Chelan then), Conor and Emily, and Dave jr -- they all live on the east coast and could not get back to Washington. Anyway, it sure felt like the entire Keeney Clan converged on the small town of Manson -- and it was wonderful. Uncle Tom found a big (ok, huge) house for all of us to stay at. It was so nice for all of us to be together. Here is who was able to attend: Mom and Jay, Mike, Kristi, me and the girls (Martin was on his trip in Nicaragua), Tom and Bonnie, Jeff, Linda and Baltimore, Dave and Kathleen, Shannon, Neil and Clara, Marc and Jenny, and Tim. The house was in Manson, just down the road past Willows Park -- fittingly called "Quails End". What a gorgeous retreat -- so peaceful and beautiful. It was quite a hike down to the lake, but boy was it worth it! Stunning views of the most beautiful lake in the world! The water was so clean and clear -- but dang that glacier water is cold! The dock had a table and chairs on it, so it made it fun for all of us to congregate down there. Once you got down.....you thought twice about going back up! The girls didn't seem to mind at all -- running back up and down quite a few times. I'm sure their calves must have hurt the next day!!! LOL! On Saturday morning we all drove into Chelan to attend our service for Aunt Tonn. Father Cesar presided,and me, Jeff and Shannon did readings, Kristi and Mike brought the gifts up, and Uncle Tom did a very moving (and thoughtful) eulogy of his beloved sister. Many tears were shed -- but only because we miss her. We all felt a sense of calm and completion after the mass and burial -- knowing that she was in the exact spot that she wanted to be. Her and Myron were buried right next to grandma and grandpa in the Chelan cemetary -- up on the hill surrounded by beautiful hills and orchards. After the mass, we all went up to the cemetery for the final goodbye. Mom had the girls help her plant a few pots of Pansies a few weeks ago and she brought them for the cemetary -- they were Aunt Tonn's favorite flowers and they looked perfect. It was a beautiful goodbye to a very beautiful person.

Goodbye Montessori Central!

Well....after 4 long years (I mean, short years!) Audriana will be leaving Montessori Central school. Dawn Pipella is the director of the school and we could not have been more happy and pleased with the care and education that she received there. It's a bit sad....4 years is a long time for a 6 1/2 year old! She loved every day -- literally -- at this school. She never liked the summer and winter breaks because she couldn't go to school. She went in just as she was turning 3 and I remember her first day being such a happy day for her. Her dear friend Caroline Hawkins, who was 1 year older than her, took Audriana under her wings that first day and showed her the ropes. She wasn't scared or the least bit hesitant.....she never clung on to me like you see some kids doing when their parents dropped them off....she said goodbye to me and walked right on into the classrooms and began working. The perfect Montessori learner -- very focused and very busy completing "work" everyday. The amount of knowledge that she has garnered is unbelievable. We are so in awe of her and are so proud of her! COngRaTUlatIonS!

Audriana and Miss Kawabatta

Dawn Pipella and Barbara Medina

Both of these teachers were with Audriana all 4 years! A big thank you to these two wonderful ladies!

Audriana and Lauren
Audriana and Grandma!

A busy weekend!

The weekend began on Friday night when we celebrated Audriana's graduation from Kindermusik.....what a cute bunch of kids! The show was great! They did a little rendition of Don Gato, played their dulcimers and their recorders, and then they each performed a number of their choosing. It was adorable and we were so proud of Audriana getting up and participating in so many of the songs! Way to go, Audriana! :-) From left to right: Samuel, Lola, Jillian, Nikki, Maria, Audriana and Jonah

The lovely and very talented Miss Ruth! We were so lucky to have such a loving and fun-spirited teacher like Miss Ruth. She truly loved each child and taught in such a way that made it fun for the kids to learn. She was just great and we will miss seeing her each Tuesday!

Here is our little graduates......Audriana and Maria!

Here the kids are performing "Don Gato". Lola, who played Don Gato, really stole the show with her very theatrical sense about her -- her grandma is Ellen Travolta (John Travolta's sister), so I guess it runs in the family. After the show, she decided to give everyone an autograph -- too funny!!


Audriana and Nikki did a duet and sang "You're a Grand Old Flag". She sang really well and very strong. After the program she told me that she was kinda nervous before she performed, but that she was really happy that she sang "good" and "on pitch"! Out of the mouths of babes...


Maria sang "Bell Horses" and did a really good job, too! Doesn't she look adorable with her pony tails?!


Miss Ruth's graduating class of 2009

The next morning, it was off to Audriana's last soccer game of the 2008-2009 season. The Silver Streaks played their last game together. They had a great season and the kids really became a good team. Crystal (Ryan's mom and wife to Coach Dave) brought silver colored hair spray and sprayed a silver steak into each players hair. It was so cute.

Audriana's silver streak!Good job, Audriana! She really focused this season and began to really understand the concept of being a team player (passing the ball and not hogging it all the way down the field!) and watching the opponents (great defense!). We were very proud of her. She made a least 1 goal each game, except for this last game, where they played a really good team and no one scored!


After the soccer game, it was off to Noah's 4th b-day party at Terrace View Park in the Spokane Valley. Lisa brought squirt guns and water balloons (it was a 90 degree day) so the kids just had a blast (big surprise!). It was a great day and it was fun to celebrate our little Noah turning another year older. We have spent every b-day with him -- we are usually celebrating his birthday up at the cabin during our annual Memorial Day weekend celebration up there, but this year we did not go, so Lisa planned the party in Spokane. Thanks for driving from Ephrata to let us celebrate with you!Happy Birthday, Noah James!Here are the kids with Grandpa Jay -- doesn't he look proud? Micah 18 months, Noah 4 yrs, Ryan 8 1/2 yrs, Audriana 6 1/2 yrs, and Sofia 3 1/2 yrs.

Yeah! Cars tatoos!

What sweet angels! These 2 are so photogenic, aren't they?


Here's the whole group!

So, after the party, we left the park and zoomed back downtown to Brown's Addition where Art Fest was happening. Martin's band, Son Dulce, began playing at 5pm and played until about 6:30. They were outstanding! So much energy! It's amazing how powerful their 10 piece band can be. Everyone was up dancing and loving their latin beat! Great job, babe!

Jenn looked great in white capris and a colorful top in front of the band all in black.

Here is my star of the show! He played so good!

Kindermusik graduation, Audriana's last soccer game, Noah's 4th b-day party, and Son Dulce at Art Fest! Geez.....we need to slow down -- this horse is goin' way too fast!

MEmoRiAL DaY 2009

Memorial Day for me brings my thoughts to my Dad, my grandparents, Aunt Tonn and Myron, and all of those that have gone before us -- many of them way too soon, many of them in combat serving our country. It's such a bitersweet day - and it always reminds me that life is to be cherished. Each day a blessing. Every minute with your loved ones is a treasure. I miss my Dad -- even though it has been 21 years since his passing (Sept 29 1988). I love to bring my kids up to the cemetary and let them experience my memories of him -- and let them "talk" to their grandpa. I feel so bad that they never got the chance to meet this wonderful man that would have been such a loving force in their lives. It is up to me to ensure that his memory stays alive and that they know what a great man he was. Today was ultra-special because we met up with Aunt Virginia (my dad's sister) and helped her put out flowers for my dad and my grandparents, Carl and Verona Schurra. I recognize that it must be so hard for her -- all these years all alone without her only brother, and without her parents. She is the only one left of the Schurra's -- so I am holding on tight to her and reaching out for her to share her memories with my kids. We attended the outdoor mass at the cemetary then went back to Aunt Virginia's house for a little lunch. It was a great day to be with family! I'm looking forward to tomorrow when Martin comes back home from San Francisco. He goes every Memorial Day to be with his daughters, Aura and Brianna -- sweet Denise Elayna, too!

During the service, I could not have been more proud of my girls. They were quiet and very well behaved. Sofia spent a lot of time making these "crosses" out of pine needes on her lawn chair -- do you think at 3 she comprehends just how profound that was? Amazing. The other very amazing thing that happened was that we were sitting next to one of my Dad's best friends, Duane Costa! I kept looking at him -- I knew I recognized him. After the service I asked him his name, and sure enough, it was him. I introduced myself as Jim Schurra's daughter, Pam. I know he was surprised and happy to see me....he made sure to tell me what a great man my dad was. I needed that today. What a wonderful day.

My Day (AKA - Mother's Day)!

I'm in love with them!

Who knew that this little day would come to mean so much to me. I grew up celebrating my mom (of course) -- But now, the attention has somewhat shifted to me. The feelings I have about being a mom and what my girls mean to me is hard to explain. The love I have for them is the strongest, most fiercest, feeling I have ever felt. I would do anything for them and would go enormous lengths to protect them. They breath sweetness. The smallest look from them to me, or the slightest smile, swells my heart. They are such good girls. So full of light, happiness, and sincerity. It's scary that they are so perfect in my eyes. I know it is Mothers Day, but I couldn't go on without thanking my wonderful husband for being my support and my rock. He's the one that really makes me able to be Super Mom! He lets me shine, even though he is the one that truly shines the most in our family. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family! Thank you God!
My day started with Audriana, Sofia, and Daddy making me breakfast -- hashbrowns, sausage, and blueberry pancakes! Oh, and Martin's famous Nicaraguan coffee that I love (he puts warm milk, honey, and cinnamon in it and it is to die for!). The girls let me go back to bed and watch some of my cooking shows, too! Daddy kept them busy in the other rooms so I could truly enjoy some uninterupped tv time. Audriana gave me a card that she made at school, as well as a very nifty book marker. Sofia also made me a very sweet card. She has become quite the colorer! We ran a couple of errends (Costco and Lowes), then basically stayed home the rest of the day. Kristi came over and we watched Mamma Mia! I love that movie. Then we made Chicken Caesar Salads for dinner and ended the night with some berry shortcake. Yummy! What a perfect day. A big Happy Mother's Day to my mom -- who was up at Jay's cabin for a long relaxing weekend herself! Love ya, Mom!

Happy 70th Birthday, Mom!

Well, let's see.....for my mom's 60th birthday, I was still living in San Francisco, so we flew my mom down and we all celebrated together in San Francisco. That was a lot of fun - and very memorable with all the touristy things that we did - Alcatraz, Pier 49, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Cable Cars etc etc etc. This year was a bit different since most of us kids are living in Spokane (except Todd) -- we wondered what we could do that would top SF! Well......we took her to Cheney! Hey....don't knock it -- it was actually quite fun. After Church, and lunch at our house, we drove to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge park and just enjoyed the quite of the outdoors. We hiked a bit and the girls brought their binnoculars so they could look for signs of Spring. We saw ducks, all kinds of birds, beaver dams (but no beavers), osprey in their big nests, and squirrels. I think Jay and Mom had a good time -- and I know they really enjoyed watching Audriana and Sofia get excited about nature and Spring. It was low key -- and it certainly didn't have the WOW factor that SF did, but it was a nice day to be together as a family. We missed Todd and his family -- as well as Mike as he was driving back over to the Seattle area for work. Here are a few pictures of our outing.....

Looking good, Mom!

Sofia amazed us all with her puzzle skills on http://www.jigzone.com/. She's doing 16 and 20 piece puzzles all by herself - expertly navigating the site all by herself! Wow!

Turnbull -- Cheney, WA

Audriana and Sofia with Grandma and Grandpa.

It's hard to see, but this is an Osprey nest -- way up high in these huge nests!

Sofia had such fun finding and picking yellow and purple flowers!

Awwww....aren't we cute. Still in love after all these years!

eASteR!

The girls woke up this morning to a couple of very sweet Easter Baskets that the Easter Bunny had left for them in their room sometime during the night. Earlier in the week we had written an email to the Easter Bunny to let him know that we would be at Grandma and Grandpa's house again this year, so he could just hide the eggs at their house. Well, he must be a very "connected" bunny, because he did just as the girls requested. They had a ball running around Mom's yard looking for all the plastic eggs. Thank goodness the rain waited until after the egg hunt!

Yum -- a Reses egg, a chocolate bunny, a pez, a Easter water globe, and a small stuffed bunny.

Here they are just before we got into the car to go to Church. They brought their baskets so they could have them for the egg hunt at Grandma's later. By the way, we did something very special this year that I wanted to share -- we filled a little cardboard "rice bowl" with money throughout the Lent season. Our Church would be collecting the offerings during Holy Week and would be using the money to buy rice (and other items, I'm sure) to families in Central America that are less fortunate than us. The girls were very gracious and put money in the bowl each night. This morning we dropped off our rice bowl at our Church -- it felt really good and used the moments to teach the girls such a wonderful life lesson.

Geez -- Audriana was moving at lightening speed this year and her basket filled up very quickly

Sofia did a fabulous job collecting and finding eggs, too!

On the hunt!


Money and candy were found in the eggs! Wow!

Such sweet angels........

After a big meal, Audriana and Daddy headed outside to practice ball. Sofia decided to take a nap -- after all, all that egg hunting takes a lot out of a 3 year old!