Saturday, July 30, 2011

Let's Go T-Bones!

This past week the girls participated in a cheerleading camp that I had heard tons of good things about. Keep in mind I was never a cheerleader, dancing was more my thing, but I love exposing my kids to the unknown just so they can experience it all.
The camp is taught by a former NFL cheerleader who is very enthusiastic about pretty much everything. What I love most about it is that each day after practice they sit together as a group and have "girl talk". Their talks this week ranged from being a nice person inside and out, to smoking is bad for you, and how to keep your body healthy. Having three girls I feel that as many people they can hear this good stuff from the better. There are too many negative things out there that my girls can get themselves caught up in. My prayer is for them to know right from wrong and hopefully always speak up for what they believe in and what they think is the right choice.
This fun week ended with the girls cheering at the T-Bones baseball game last night. My girls were on cloud nine and loved every moment of it. Mimi, Papa, Nana, and GranStan all came out to watch them cheer.
Margaret was known as the "Sassy Shaker" and Isabella told me that she wanted to do this every summer until she was the best at it:)

Friday, July 29, 2011

Manor Park

The new park is finally open in our neighborhood!!!!
We have lived here for 5 1/2 years and they have been talking about the park and trails since we moved in. Well it is finally completed (minus the landscaping) and my kids were super excited to go check it out!




Although the park equipment said for 5-12 year olds we were happy to play. A bit challenging for the little ones but still lots of fun.
Kyle has been holding off on buying a play gym for our backyard because of this "park" that was being built. I really think our kids thought we were full of it! Now after many years of waiting the pieces are finally starting to come together:)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Going to the Chapel....

Our little man walked down that aisle for the fourth time!
He was the ring bearer last weekend in my cousin's wedding.
He was a little nervous the night of rehearsal, until he saw how cute the seven-year-old flower girl was. On the second run through he told me I could leave, he didn't need me:)

On the big day he did a great job and even sat in the front row throughout the ceremony. He did give me a little trouble when it was time to take pictures but quickly snapped out of it when Aunt Suzy offered him the talking Mater truck.

Kyle couldn't make it to the wedding because it was out of town and he worked an extra 32 hours this weekend. We missed having him with us, but that didn't stop my kids from tearing up the dance floor. Apparently Walter has been secretly taking break dancing lessons, or maybe boys just do this but he had some serious moves. I wish I would have gotten it on video! Margaret found a "boy" as she called him on the dance floor, who happened to be my cousin's date. She wanted to dance with him all night and even asked him to come visit her in KC. I think I might be in trouble with this one! Isabella loved trying to learn all of the group dances. At 10:00 I had to drag them off the dance floor to head home. Poor Walter even had blisters on his feet he danced so hard.
Caroline was content being passed from one person to the next. She is a little trooper, she hung in there to the very end. It was a beautiful wedding and I am so thankful that we got to go and share in their special day. I loved getting to see family that I had not seen in quite awhile.
The girls with Grandma Jones
Just in case you were wondering where this red hair might have come from!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

July 4th! On the 12th:)


Okay, so at least I got it in the same month!
July 4th was great!
We were in T-town to light up the sky at my parent's house.

We spent the day swimming with Kyle's family...
riding Papa's mule...
and hanging out one last time before my brother and his family left town.
It was sad to see them go but I am so thankful for all of the wonderful memories we made for our children while they were here.

Hoping you all had a wonderful Independence Day filled with special memories with your family!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Floatin and Boatin

Okay, it has taken me awhile to pull myself together since our lake trip and I may have gone into picture overload but as I was looking through my pictures tonight I was remembering all of these moments and I couldn't resist. I actually already miss these guys!
My brother and his family were back in Kansas for the first time in about two and a half years. Life has lead them here and there and everywhere and we were just so excited to have them all home for two whole weeks!
What better way to celebrate than to throw a few swimsuits in a bag and head to the lake! Well that is just what we did, although it was a bit more than a few swimsuits in a bag considering we had six adults and six kids all ages six and under.
We headed down to Table Rock, a special place where I grew up learning how to water ski, jet ski, and tube until I just couldn't take it anymore.
What I love about this place is that when I am here I am in complete lake mode. We are in our swimming suits from the moment we wake up to the moment we crash in our beds to recharge for the next day.
Cousins!
These girls hadn't seen each other, other than Skype, for 2 1/2 years and they picked up right where they left off.
Inseparable!
Mimi and Papa celebrated their birthday's while we were there.
I have always thought that it was amazing how my parent's birthdays were one day apart:)
Night time fishing.

Caroline loved getting to know her Aunt Cecilia!
She actually let her hold her most of the time we were there.
Kyle spent some time trying to get Isabella up on skies. She was pretty close but probably needs another year to gain that arm strength. She didn't like that the water kept spraying up in her face. She told me that she was afraid that she might swallow a fish:)
Our down time was spent just hanging out. These two guys are just seven months apart. They hadn't seen each other since Walter was just one-year-old. They had a great time playing trains and cars.
He will probably hate this picture but it is one of my favorites because Walter thought he was hilarious!
Going on a ride on Papa's jetski.
Miss Caroline did so good on this trip. She loved the boat rides and swimming in the lake.

He almost caught a fish!
Relaxing with Papa.
Loving the water!
Love my boys!
Watching the big kids play outside while I packed our bag for the day.
The only one missing here is Isabella, she was off on a jet ski ride.
Are you kidding me, isn't she the cutest thing ever!
Love this girl!

My crazy family!
We spent our mornings and evenings on the lake but our afternoons were spent by the pool. The place we stayed was rocking this old school slide. I think that there may be a reason that they don't make these anymore.
The girls went down it about 3,000 times and luckily no one got hurt.
I love these guys so much and am so thankful that they got to come and spend this special time with us!

The End!
Hope to see you again next year!
(yes that is Flat Cow from Chick-Fil-a, he went to the lake with us too)

Friday, July 1, 2011

The First and Hopefully the Last:)

Today is a big day at our house!!!
Yesterday Kyle completed his three-year fellowship in Cardiology. Today he starts his one-year fellowship in Interventional Cardiology. I know, they give him a huge break between fellowships. Just enough time to rest up and start fresh:) Good thing we just got back from our trip to the lake where he was able to take a bit of a breather.
I have heard through the grapevine that this is going to be a tough year for him, not only will he be learning a ton but his hours just got really bad. Supposedly the worst we have seen yet. I am not sure how it could be worse than the 80+ hours a week that he already works but we shall see. Although the thought of him being gone more this next year makes me sad I am really excited for him to get to do what he has talked about for years. I am ready for him to get this party started and finish this year out with a bang.
I am so very proud of you honey!
You are the most amazing husband and father!
I love you and hope that you have a great day!