Independence Day 2017

Red, White & Blue!

Happy Fourth!

Annual Holiday World Trip

School's Out...It's Holiday World Time!  We go to HW each year around Scott & Natalie's birthday.  It's becoming a fun tradition. 

This year, Jon and I noticed how the Holiday World dynamic was changing.  We used to have to talk the kids into trying a new ride, and they would both want to sit by us.  This year, the kids wanted cars to themselves and would plan which more adventurous ride to try next.  (We also noticed how expensive this place is getting now that no one gets in free anymore, and Scott was tall enough to be charged for an adult admission this year.  Boo.)  

Scott had read and re-read the Holiday World website prior to going, so he was our expert guide. 

This was the last year all the girlies can fit together in an eagle...squeeze!

Turkeys!

I took a before and after shot of Scott on his first real roller coaster.  Before...

After...not sure what I was expecting, but I really wasn't expecting him to say, "Let's do that again!"  Natalie wanted to try it too, and she loved it as well. 

 We were able to walk right on most of the rides that day.  Rain was predicted, but it never happened and the crowds were light.  Praise the Lord for a great day!  As you can see above, Jon & Natalie had The Raven to themselves! 

Kate had her own thrill rides...those fast & frightening fish!

On the way home, when asked their favorite ride, all three kids responded with "The Raven!" (even though Kate is still 4 inches from being even close to riding it).   We did reposition her ponytail to the top of her head early in the day, and she was able to barely pass the height test for most of the other rides we wanted to do.  Good thinking, Jon! 

A good day!

Another Summer Birthday, The Silly Sisters, & Father's Day

Scott turned NINE earlier this month.

Are you serious?

Where has the time gone?

Grandpa & Grandma took Scott for a special day of hiking.  He loved it, and felt very official with the walking stick. (Happy Father's Day, Dad!!  I love you!)

Scott is definitely an outdoor, nature guy- like his dad. 

 Speaking of special dads on Father's Day, here's one below! :) 

Sweet sisters

Soaked sisters

Squashed Sisters (and yes, we buy "chicken fries" in bulk...Kate LOVES her chicken fries.  Sadly, it's one of the only foods Kate loves.  They say the shortcomings you have as parents can be seen magnified in your children.  Picky parents= Extremely picky children   :(  Over time, Scott and Natalie have gotten better, so I am REALLY hoping that Kate will broaden her food selections in the coming years.  For now, if you ever have an extra coupon for chicken fries, please send it my way.  Eek!)

Church Skating Party Fun

Secrets, secrets,
Are no fun,
This is getting too long,
My post is done.

Hello Summer Break!

So long, Second Grade!

 Farewell, First Grade!

Welcome Home, Playmates!!!

Both kiddos got all A's this year and earned special reading awards.  They ended the year with fun field trips to the zoo and museum, so Kate and I had to venture out to Chuck E. Cheese for an end of the year "homeschool" field trip.  I sure hope she outgrows that place soon. 

The kids have been SO excited about swim lessons, but unfortunately it hasn't happened yet.  We keep showing up- all suited up to swim- only to find out that they are cancelled for one reason or another.  One day, the disappointed swimmers came home and did this instead.  Not my idea, but hey...desperate times call for desperate measures. 

 There ARE other fun things to do besides swim lessons, such as playgrounds...

and bubbles...

and free coupons to redeem at Monkey Joe's...just to name a few!:) 

So far, so good!  (Minus the summer learning packets that their teachers sent home for completion throughout the summer.  One child is NOT a fan of summer learning.  He has asked/instructed me several times to leave the packet at home when we go on our vacation!  Fair enough.  Although I may slip some flashcards in his suitcase.)  

Catch Up Time!

Now that the end of the school year projects are completed, it's time to catch up on the blog.  Let's see how many posts I can crank out this week. 

Reoccurring conversation with Kate over the past few weeks...
Kate: What does "a-t-y-m-i-e-o" (insert any jumble of letters) spell?
Me:  That's not a word.
Kate:  Does it spell goodest?  (Since I've told her that's "not a word")
Me:  No, it spells...(attempt to phonetically sound out whatever fake word she has spelled)

Repeat.

AHHHHHHH!!!

A blue marlin mask for his blue marlin report- Scott was quite proud of his creation!

This boy is really into his bike.  Look closely and you can see that he made it to 100 miles on his odometer.  That's a lot of trips up and down the driveway so far this summer.  His goal for summer break is 250. 

Last year, my loud garage sale find was a drum set.  This year, a karaoke machine.  :)  
Jon:  "Can you take that thing DOWNSTAIRS?!"

Kate (in attempting to describe someone to me):  I know this isn't nice to say, but she's (whispers)...fat.  Well, she kind of looks like you but maybe just a little fatter.  ?!?!?

The girlies had their dance recital in May.  Blurry pictures, but fun memories!  They both enjoyed being on stage.  :)

 And lest you think it's just the girls who have talent, check out what my boys can do...:)

Nifty Natalie turned SEVEN in May.  As usual, we talked about her birthday for much of the year, and she was so excited when the big day arrived. 

 How can my sweet baby Natalie be a big seven year old already? 

 I'm shocked too!