The Houben Family

Thursday, August 14, 2008

The Grasshopper Scramble

Bryan and Tyler were scrambling around the yard catching grasshoppers to feed a baby bird he was taking care of. They sure had a lot of fun.

They ended up with quite a few in the end!

My Dad's side of the family has started a family reunion in remembrance of our greatly missed Grandma Kursave. She was always the one to get everyone together at least once a year. Now that she is gone it is up to those she left behind to continue the card playing, laughing and over eating! My Uncle Bud and Aunt Barbara hosted the reunion at their beautiful house in Long Beach, Washington. We didn't actually get to the beach. Ty had way too much fun with his cousins to even ask to go and we were happy to sit and visit. Oh, and of course play cards. My Dad's side of the family has always played card games. Christmas, Birthdays, 4th of July parties, you name it and there will be cards. And I can't forget the dice. My Grandma had a game called 5,000 ( we also called it ziltch ) that we would play for hours. All you do is role 6 dice and get different combinations of numbers that give various points but it was and is so addicting. Many memories of my Grandmother were spent mostly at her table playing all of those fun games.
Anyway, back to the subject, we had a ton of fun reuniting with family and meeting new ones that have come since our last reunion. This was for you Grandma - we miss you so very much.

Aunt Barbara Rose, my Dad and Aunt Betty (the three oldest of 6 kids )

A few of my cousins

Good old card games

Tyler and Cousin Lucas found a not so fortunate June Bug.

They didn't quite want to touch it but.......

it sure was fun to poke.

Eventually they got it into the bug catcher. Poor bug!

A Pile of Boys -they didn't have any fun together!

New born Cousin Baby Elise

You can always find Ty around the babies

My New Bike - July '08

My Grandma is the Coolest! She found me this Cool Dude bike at a garage sale for only $7.00. We call her the "Garage Sale Queen"! My Uncle Steve was visiting so he came out and helped me ride. I bugged everyone all day long to take me for rides because I loved it so much.

Thanks Grandma!

Uncle Steve holds onto the bar on the back of my bike and helps me balance so I can learn to ride like a big boy. My Mommy says that it will be good exercise for her because when I go fast I make her run. She always gets tired before I do, that silly Mom.

Watch me and my funny Uncle Steve!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Father's Day 2008

I know that father's Day was a while ago but I wanted to let everyone know how much Steve means to Tyler and I. Our little family has come a long way and I am very proud of the husband and father that Steve has become. So to show him Ty and I made him a special dinner and took him out to a movie, Indiana Jones. We had a fun Day focusing on "Datty"!

My Honey's favorite dinner, Pepperoni Lasagna!!!!!!! If you have never had it ask me for the recipe. It is the best!

Ty got Dad a "Cool Dude" UFC t-shirt

For my Papa's Father's Day I tried out my artistic side and made his gift. I think it turned out pretty good. He has always been there for me and my family and I was happy to put a little of myself into something to show him how much I appreciate him and all that he does.

Happy 4th Of July

We hope everyone had a wonderful and fun 4th. Our family did it simple this year and stayed home. Steve had to work a long day at the Store so he brought baby back ribs and corn on the cob home and we had a cozy BBQ, just the three of us. Ty bugged us from the time he purchased his fireworks to set them off but we did make him wait until dark. He and Datty had fun lighting them together but it did end in some tears when Ty burned himself with one of his sparklers. I think he scared himself more than anything but it did take him a few minutes to settle down and for those who are around Ty a lot know that he doesn't cry often. Mom fixed his owe with a Mater bandade and ice cream push-up and he was fine. All and all it was a fun night but we promised that we would take him to a real firework show next time. The last thing Ty said before he fell asleep was "No more sprinklers (sparklers) Mom, only the popping ones OK!" You gotta love a three year old!

I'm pretty impressed with my new camera. This fireworks setting worked out really good.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Yay The Pool Is Open Again!

Yay, the pool is finally open. This is one of the things Tyler cannot wait for all year long. His favorite thing to do is to jump into the pool. He has even gotten braver since thesew were taken. No life jacket needed this year, he thinks he's a big boy or something. Steve asked him what would happen if if he let go of his noodle and he responded that he would drown. It was that simple for him. Of course Dad explained that he would never let him drown and to make sure he holds onto his noodle tight or he would have to wear his life jacket. Ty is already tall enough to stand by himself on the shallow end of the pool. He just takes his noodle and kicks all over the place.

Here is a little peek into our daredevil's life.

Watch Me!