water

the trending thing to do right now is the ALS ice water bucket challenge. Our family was challenged and it was a very warm day, so we did our challenge, put it out there on Facebook and then since people were already wet they enjoyed some sprinkler fun. I am not sure how many more of these HOT August days we have left but I want to remember this heat in December when our green grass has turned into white snow. I will take mowing grass and sprinklers over scooping and snow any day!!

back to school

 3 at one school, how is that even possible. Where did the last 6 years go?? it really seems like just yesterday Makayla started at this school and here we are sending the boy to kindergarten! crazy. While the kids are sad to give up sleeping in days and the relaxing days of summer they are excited to return to school and reunite with their friends!

 PJ started kindergarten this year, no tears and not really any fears. He sat down like a champ, began coloring and without looking up said "bye mom!" and that was it. I asked if he was ok, he said "yep,  bye!" okay so much for the nervousness that I anticipated! way to go PJ!
We are one week in and he has had a great week and is looking forward to week 2!

 Maggie was already busy coloring when we arrived for her picture. She politely looked up, smiled for her picture and then promptly said "bye mom!" I got the hint, wished her a teacher and good day and that was it. 2nd grade has big plans for you Maggie Jean and I know you can handle everything it has in store for you!!

Okay so Makayla is in 5th grade, apparently not many moms take pictures of their 5th graders, except me! The teacher had already begun class when I appeared at the door, Makayla was in the back of the room. The kind teacher waved me in and said "oh come right in!!". Makayla was about 10 shades of red, poor thing, but guess what I got my picture! she is always such a good sport!! 5th grade is going to throw some challenges your way sweetheart but stay true to who you are and you will do just fine!

At 815am on Monday morning I was headed out of the school, photos taken and no tears in my eyes! Success!!

Adventureland

A trip to Adventureland via a Christmas gift from Granny and Pop. It was final family break before the school routine becomes the normal.  The kids had a blast as we knew they would! Brie did not join us last time, that did not stop her! No man, she was the first to always say yes about a ride and typically requested to sit in the front! she was too small for most of the roller coasters but she certainly would have done them otherwise!Maggie made it to all the roller coasters and Makayla played shy, steering clear of the unknown. PJ too was not sure about a lot of the rides, however the ones he did do were each his favorites! I think the group decided after the 6th ride that the long ride was the best one in the park. We will have to go back and do the water part another time as the day just flew by and I had to work the next day. 

A double thumbs up GRANNY and POP!! THANK YOU THANK YOU for the bottoms of our tummies!! we each had a great time! Thanks again!! love and hugs to each of you!!

babysitter fun

 The kids had a great summer filled with many memories from tie dying to making fruit pizza to countless days outside hunting for the best butterflies or caterpillars.  Many walks and talks were done and many adventures were had. The four kids bonded like no summer past. While they are still siblings and have their frustrations they all are always on the look out for each other. School will be starting soon and these guys are going to miss each other.

capturing a few photos from afar, unnoticed by those being photographed truly are some of the best!

So for now we will say good bye summer vacation, thank you for all the wonderful memories and we look forward to summer 2015 and what it will have to offer!! A special THANK YOU to all who made our kids' summer memories so special. There are many who contributed to these and we appreciate each of you!

picnic 2014

My brother Mark and sister in law Carol hosted our family picnic once again. Another year of success in the books. I think we were only missing 6 people this year!! A good time was had by all! A new game this year was Jenga! the kids had a great time being challenged by the wind as the tower grew! Kurpluck I think will always remain a fun game!

 Pete was able to join us this year and it was nice to have him there! He enjoyed the day as well, relaxing, talking, and a little horseshoe.

 Maggie tried her hand at Farmer's golf, one just could not stand anywhere in the area! it was hard to tell where her golf balls were going to end up!!(insert giggle here!)

 Makayla got a lot of practice for volleyball and PJ was free to run all day long where ever he chose. He was a man on the move that day!

 Auntie Carol is always so good about keeping the kids entertained, this year they had a scavenger hunt looking for sometimes very small items!

 Good times had by cousin friends! These moments are special and we need to make sure they continue to happen in our kiddos lives. There really is nothing that compares to family!

here's PJ on the bike, just never knew what he would be up to next!

My eldest sister, my older niece, myself and my mom! A picture I will treasure a lifetime! the day went so fast, sure wish we could freeze the hours on this day so we could all enjoy each other's company for much longer!
A BIG THANK YOU to Mark and Carol for hosting!! We all so look forward to this day all year. You create such a relaxing and enjoyable environment! THANK YOU !!!!

baseball

Pete's sister and family came into town to support his festival. We also mad time to enjoy a baseball game. This time we paid the money and let the kids enjoy the "fun zone". They had a great time playing with their cousins and riding on the carousel and playing in the inflatables!

 A BIG THANK YOU to them for coming into town and hanging out with us for the weekend and also taking the kids to the zoo on Monday!! It was wonderful to have you as guests! THANK YOU THANK YOU for all that you did!!

Fistival fun

Pete was in charge of the Heartland Family Festival. It turned out to be an amazing day! The Spirit was alive that day! Collin Raye and others entertained crowds, and Anna and Elsa even made an appearance! Brie wanted a photo with them by herself. She was amazed as their presence! So happy to finally meet them in person! Many fun moments had by all in attendance!  ( I had to include this sweet photo of a dear friend of mine! just quiet moments like these all day, melts my heart!)

 I was able to get a nice photo of Brie and our Archbishop who baptized her 4 1/2 years ago. We have been Blessed to have such a wonderful leader. He is a true gem and great example for all to follow.