Father's Day 2012

 

 

We celebrated Father's Day 2012 in Red Bud.  Sorry for the casual photos, Lauren couldn't wait to get her clothes changed.  At the father's request, naps were the primary  highlight.....

Trip to the Firehouse

 

We took a trip to see Uncle Keith's firehouse in Evansville.  The kids loved climbing around on the trucks and trying on all of Keith's gear.  Blake is really excited by firetrucks and firemen right now.  It will be very interesting to see what the future holds. 

Garden Harvest

 

 

 

The garden is really producing.  The kids and I have been heading out early each day to pick the ripened vegetables (hence the pajamas)  Zucchini has been pletitiful and rather large this year.  Blake's gator comes in mighty handy in carrying it all back to the house. 

Go Cards!

 

We went to a Cardinals game on June 13.  We were fortunate to sit in a suite compliments of a lawyer friend of Bradley's.  The kids loved having a space to play in with the other kids and watching the game (a little).  Go Cards!

Macie is 2! Braden is 3!

 

 

We celebrated Macie's 2nd birthday and Braden's 3rd birthday at Oak Run Lake.  Macie loves baby dolls so a Bitty Baby was a big hit.  Braden loved his new tractors to add to his collection. 

 

The kids loved playing in the sand and boating.  It was Blake's first time on the tube and he loved it!  Later we took the girls on the ski trainer and Miss Brenna took the prize being the bravest to stand the whole time.  Loving summer! 

VBS - Take 1

 

Lauren and Blake attended VBS at a friend's church in Okawville.  They had so much fun making crafts, singing songs, and playing games.  The shirts they are wearing they got to decorate with their handprints and wear to the closing program on Friday night. 

Pledge Class Reunion

 

My pledge class from 4H House (Class of 2001) got together for our 10 year reunion the first weekend in June at our house.  Although we should have celebrated in 2011, as usualy things got busy and we couldn't get our plans coordinated.  Everyone brought their families and the kids enjoyed playing together so much!  It was a beautiful weekend and the kids loved being outside on the farm and doing lots of water activities. 

 

Although it's been 10 years, these ladies are still some of my best friends.  Although we don't get to see each other often, we just pick up where we left off when we last talked.  It's so nice to have friends like that.  These girls made my college experience amazing!  I hope all of our kids go to college together as well so we can see each other more often!!!

 

 

Grants Farm

 

To kick off our summer vacation, I asked the kids to come up with a "Bucket List" of things they wanted to do and places they wanted to go over the summer.  One thing that made their list was a trip to Grant's Farm.  So we headed out!  It was great seeing the baby clydesdales, feeding the goats, watching the elephant and bird show and of course enjoying some beverages (slushies for the kids of course)!

Grizzlie's Game

 

Lauren earned tickets to the Grizzlie's game for being on honor roll at school.  Her friend Carissa tagged along with us.  The girls got to go on the field and have their names announced.  They only watched the game for a bit as all the fun games and activities they had for the kids caught their attention. 

Car Wash

 

We kicked off the "official" start of summer with a kids car wash!  I found the idea in a magazine and knew the kids would love it.  It was super easy to make and the kids thought if was great! 

Last Day of School!

At Lauren's request, we rode bikes for the last day of school 2012!  We aren't in good enough shape to ride the entire 4 miles to school so we drove into town and then biked four blocks to school.  The kids thought it was great!  Lauren has already requested to do it again next year. 

Slime

 

Lauren's school participates in the Jump Rope for Heart program each year.  If student's raised at least $100 they got to "slime" their PE teacher at the end of the year Fun Day at school.  Mr. E was a trooper having about 30 kids slime him.  Lauren was the top fundraiser in her class, all which went to a good cause. 

 

Fun Day was lots of fun for the kids with inflatables, face painting, and tons of games.  A great way to wrap up first grade! 

Little Gym Show Day

 

Blake had his show day at Little Gym on May 16th.  This was his final Funny Bugs class before moving on to the sports skills class in the fall session.  He loves little gym and has grown so much through the program. 

Children's Museum

Blake and I met some friends at the Edwardsville children's museum for a fun playdate.  Blake and Austin could not get enough of the pretend firehouse, fireman pole, and truck they got to drive.  What a fun day!

Mother's Day 2012

 

The kids made me feel really special on Mother's Day.  They both made projects at school for me to enjoy.  I love having homeade keepsakes from them! 

 

Blake's Preschool Program

 

 

Blake had his preschool program on May 10, 2012.  He did really well and sang his heart out in front of the crowded church.  He really loved his first year of preschool at Rainbow.  His teacher Mrs. Johnson made an awesome memory book for him of all the fun things they do at school throughout the year. 

Ok this is pathetic, it's been nearly a year since I've posted on this blog.  I desperately want to keep it updated but honestly have fallen to Facebook for most of my picture sharing these days.  After a conversation over the weekend, I'm inspired to get back on the horse and get this thing updated!  So wish me luck and if you enjoy the blog, let me know!