5 Shopping days left...

Six shopping days left....

Disneyland or bust!

The Dorney and Hoyt famlies are doing their part to boost the economy. We decided to throw caution to the wind and take our traditional trip to Disneyland. We even travel on election day.

This will be the first year that TJ will be able to vote and he will be the swing vote in our house. That is all I am going to say, you will have to draw your own conclusion as to what side Kim and I are on. Needless to say, we are having some heated debates. You think you know someone....

Anyway, we are really looking forward to this trip, especially me and my brother Brandon. We get more excited about this trip than the kids.

34 days! Make sure to vote.

First Day of 10th grade

What a beauty!

Laces Down

This is Gunnar's ball of choice. TJ used to have a dozen practice balls. This is the remaining ball.

Summer ends... Labor Day

We celebrated the end of summer with our best friends, the Bennetts. We had a blast! Crane displayed his expert BBQ skills with burgers and brats. We then played volleyball (our own version). We call it Suburb Volleyball.

Gunnar Needs a Bath!!!

By the time we got home from the dog park Gunnar was ssmmmeeelllly! So, we decided to give him a bath and with a 95 lb Lab, this is a family affair.

After his bath we combed him out then TJ brought out the aftershave. "This is what Grandpa Ken does for Sully".

So now puppy is fluffed and folded and smelling pretty.


By the time we were all done the poor guy was pooped!

The Dog Park

So, most of you know that as a family, we are in LOVE with our dog Gunnar. We have all vowed to lay down our lives for this dog (Christine is rolling her eyes). Anyway, we decided to take Gunnar to an "off leash" dog park not far from our home. He had a blast and made some new friends as well.

Lions and Tigers and Bears.... Oh my!

For those of you that don't know, I am over the activities for my church. This year for our summer party I rented two huge pavillions at Como Park. Como Park has this great little zoo that is free to the public. So, during the day families were able go to the zoo and see the sights. Then, everyone met at the pavillions for dinner.

As everyone was arriving, the little kids (and some "big" kids) were given zoo animal masks and then little bags to go on a safari. We hid little animals all around the area.

The tables were covered with butcher paper and I put crayons on the table so people could exibit their artist abilities. Also, I put little bags of animal crackers on the table for everyone to nibble on.

After dinner there was softball, volleyball, Badminton, frisbee and so on. All in all I think everyone had a good time. I will never get released!

Gunnar Loves Megan & McKenzie

Gunnar followed Miss Megan & Miss McKenzie the entire time the girls were here. HE LOVES GIVING KISSES! I think the Dorney's need to get a normal size dog. Oh, I forgot about Tinker.

The Cake

OK, so maybe it looks small and I KNOW I spent too much for it but isn't it pretty?! Plus, she is such a good girl that it is fun to spoil her.

Four layers of chocolate fudge cake. YUM!

Cousins

TJ finished work and was finally able to join the fun.


I think it is so great how close these four are.

The rides at MOA

We shopped for about an hour then it was time to hit the rides. We even did the Airbender ride that TJ did for 20 hours. I have know idea how he managed that.

Girl Stuff

On Rylee's birthday, we did a bunch of fun girlie stuff. First. we had our toes done. Although little Kenzie short feet could barely reach the water.

















Then we went to the Mall. That is The Mall of America. We did a little shopping then had lunch at Johnny Rockets.

Slumber Party

The girls camped out in the family room with their fierce protector Gunnar.

Rylee Turns 15

Rylee had a great birthday. It was kicked off with a surprise visit from her cousins Megan and McKenzie. Our first adventure, an out of this world dinner at Space Aliens.

Girls Camp

Rylee and Kim were able to spend a week at Girl's Camp. The camp was at Father Hennepin State Park on Lake Mille Lacs. they had a wonderful time and survived the mosquitoes and may flies.

Check out my Slide Show!