1st Day of Preschool!

Today was the first day of Preschool. Both Caden and Allyson did awesome! They told me I didn't have to bring them in, I could just drop them off by the door and they could find their way in.
I did bring them in (more for my peace of mind) and they ran right to their lockers, hung up their backpacks, and ran right to their room! They didn't need me. They were so excited for school to begin. No tears from anyone!
When we got home, they both had to share what they did today... they "watched a movie in the principal's office about the 3 little pigs" (in the gym they watched something about the 3 little pigs on a big screen). They also got to play "bolleyball and basketball at recess in the gym" (because it was rainy). They were disappointed because preschool wasn't all day and they had to go to daycare in the afternoon. They are so excited to go back tomorrow!






































I have a funny story to share. We have been talking about what we want to be when we grow up. Caden wants to "work at Tye's dentist and fix teeth" and Allyson "wants to work there too - but watch the prize chest".
Allyson also told me this morning as we were pulling into the parking lot to school "when I get done with this school, I want to go to college." Wow - I will remind her of that in the years to come! She didn't even have 1 day of school down and already she wanted to go to college! Aim for the stars!

Preschool

We attended an open house at the kids new school last evening. The kids were so excited to see their new school and meet their teacher. What a great opportunity for the kids to find their room, find their lockers, and put their school supplies away. Their teacher this year is Mrs. Moser. She is super nice! I can tell that we are going to have a great year. We have preschool in the morning, and then go to daycare in the afternoons.

Playing with Friends

Last weekend, we enjoyed playing with friends. It was sooo hot and humid that the kids enjoyed playing in the sprinkler.




























Look at those 3 handsome boys! (This one's for you Carey!)














Allyson loved getting pampered with a manicure!














After lunch, they enjoyed some down time while watching Race to Witch Mountain.

Picnic

The night before Chad, Amy and Chandler went back home, we had a picnic at Grandma Mary's house. It was a beautiful evening!
Blowing bubbles while supper is on the grill.














Sitting with Daddy




























Playing soccer with Chandler














Watching a video of Aunt Tami driving truck.




























Roasting marshmallows.














Grandpa Wayne won for best roasted marshmallows - mmm - perfectly gooey!



















Playing PS2 with Chandler

Fun Friday!

Friday, we enjoyed spending the day with Chad, Amy and Chandler. We went to the park to run around a little, and then the nursing home where Grandma Mary works had a "Happy Hour". She asked us to come and visit.
We enjoyed yummy treats and pop.















































Then we went to the swimming pool.
All the kids had a great time!

Growing Up

The other night, I found Allyson in the bathroom brushing her hair. She told me she was getting ready for dance camp. "I brushed my hair (and made it wet) and brushed my teeth!"
Where did my little girl go? You are growing up too quickly and becoming very independent!

Dance Camp

Last week, both Caden and Allyson attended Dance Camp. They loved it! We weren't sure if we were going to attend dance classes this fall, so we didn't have the clothing yet (Boys wear black shorts and white shirts - Girls wear black leotards and pink tights). After the first day, Allyson came home and found a black dress that was in her closet and asked to wear that to dance camp the next day.
On the last day of camp, parents could come in to observe for the last 15 minutes. The kids did so well all week.
When the parents started filing in, Allyson was so excited to see me - and then started to cry - she didn't want to leave me to show me her "dancing". Of course Caden didn't want to be left out, so he wanted to sit by me too and not do his "dancing". About 1/2 way through, I finally talked Caden into showing me what he learned with the other kids. (I did promise him a piece of gum when we got into the van) Allyson didn't want to show me what she learned.

Here are the dancers getting ready to "leap over the river"














Here are the dancers doing their dance routine with the balloon.



















I am so proud of both kids. Allyson told me after we got home that she "was nervous" and is more than willing to show me what she learned at home. We have seen the Peanut Butter and Jelly move frequently!
Yes - we have registered and are going to be attending dance classes this fall!

Girls Night Out

Last week, I went to a movie (The Ugly Truth) with friends.

Blog Makeover

I thought it was time for a new look for this blog. I am liking it so far. I have a little work left to do (like the header with the title of the blog) and hope to get to it tomorrow. I can hardly keep my eyes open anymore tonight!
Please excuse the "In Transition"!

Camping at Lake Benton

The week of July 18-25, we camped at Lake Benton with 3 other couples and their families.
Darin, Amy and kids, Brian, Doni and kids, and Dan, Dana and kids.
We had a great time. The weather was great. High 70's to 80's all week during the day. On Monday, it was cloudy and a little cooler, but no rain during the day. The evenings were cool, but nice.
The kids loved tubing, riding the wave runner, and playing on the beach during the day.















































Jace, Eli and Allyson going for a tube ride. They started off from the dock, and as the boat was starting to get going, the tube started plowing water, and all 3 kids got tipped off the tube. The kids didn't let go of the tube after it flipped over. They were a little scared, but thanks to Doni jumping in to help out, they were fine. Allyson and Eli got back on for a ride, but Jace didn't want to try that again!














Caden only wanted to ride in the tube with a "big hole in the middle". He did great. He rode in the tube all by himself and loved it.














Eli, Emily, and Allyson rode the tube together.














Even I skiid!



















Caden and Daddy on the wave runner. Way to go boys!



















Ally also rode with daddy on the wave runner. During her ride, it ran out of gas, and dumped both daddy and Ally in the water. Luckily they were on thier way back to the beach, and we could see them, so Darin went to help. Ally did very well. When she got back to the beach, she told me that daddy told her "don't freak out, but I did freak out a little bit". She was so brave!

Doni brought her snow cone maker along. That was a fun treat while camping. All the kids and even the adults liked them.




























"Mom, quit taking pictures and making us look into the bright sun!"



















More water fun...














After showers and supper, the kids would go to the beach (about 75 feet from our campers) and build sand castles.














Searching for crawdads. (most of this was done after dark)
Tyler K, Tyler D, Nick, and Cody caught most of them!














Then we cooked them up for breakfast. One morning, there were 16 crawdads to cook. All the boys got to try them and liked them so much they caught more the next night and cooked them again in the morning.

































We also celebrated my birthday while we were on vacation. Broc and the kids went to town in the morning and bought mini cupcakes, my favorite candy bar (Twin Bing) and cards.
Here's me and my blue mouth princess on my birthday.