Inexpensive Toys

I often wonder why we buy toys for our kids. There seem to be so many things they find on their own that entertain them-that are free! Here is Dylan's latest favorite spot! The one cabinet he is allowed in--the one with the tupperware--I am learning so much about boys and how they will go anywhere- and think they can fit anywhere and will do anything to make it happen! Enjoy!















But wait---- there is more--- the day he decided to crawl in Kadyn's laundry bag! What a riot watching him try to get out! Is it bad that I laughed as he cried in frustration? Yes, I did help him get out--after I made sure I had some pictures!

Father's Day 2006

Ok- I am a little late in getting this on here- but better late than never. Somehow- Eric managed to escape the camera all day! He is pretty good at that. After church, we went to Granny Lou and Pop's house to celebrate with them. Below are the pics of Pop and the grandkids! Several are action shots- the story of our lives these days!













I am so thankful for my father-no life has not been perfect for us. There have been struggles throughout the years- but his love never stopped! I am so grateful for this example from him. I am so glad that my kids get time with him! He loves them and is a great Pop! He learned this from his dad!

Eric- you love our kids and I am so thankful for this. They adore you. This is evident in how they come running to you when you walk through the door!

Happy Father's Day to you both!

Vacation Bible School 2006

Vacation Bible School was fun this year. I worked with Kindergarten so I could be in the worship time with Kadyn. What fun to get to watch her worship! Truly, to be in there with 3, 4, and 5 year olds as they sing to God- what a blessing!

Kadyn would have sheer delight on her face during the worship time--one reason...... look below!

Pop played the roll of Klondike Keith. He mainly spent his time in the grade school worship time, however he did make an appearance on the last day with the preschooler's. He was in a tent-- and would snore-- LOUDLY! The kids would yell loudly to wake him up and he would come out making a big fuss! What fun this was! The huge smile on Kadyn's face is the moment she realized it was Pop!

The theme for the week was Artic Edge. Kadyn is doing the motions and here she is doing the motion for Edge--trying not to fall off!

This is Mrs. Pauline- she was great at leading the preschooler's each day. Mrs. Karin said she was better than Ms. Pattycake! How true this is-especially when getting the wiggles out!

Mrs. Karin would lead the kids each day in the motto for the week as well as their Bible verse for the day. She also came to different classes and spent time with the kids. Kadyn loves Mrs. Karin and Mrs. Karin loves her! She has a wonderful heart!!

The next few are shots from the worship.

The picture below shows the time of the offering. There was a competition between the boys and the girls to see which group could raise more money. The boys beat the girls by a few hundred dollars- but overall, $5000 was raised to help others--all of this by children! Kadyn is in the middle of the group below taking the girl's offering for her class.

Kadyn and Dylan spent each morning with me before the other kids arrived. Dylan loved to crawl in and out of the tent. Kadyn- such a good big sister played with him, laughed with him and loved on him! I happened to catch a still moment with Dylan!

We can't wait for VBS next year!

Official Recital Pictures

cHere it is- the first official recital pictures. I can't believe how tall Kadyn is! She truly loves ballet and had a great time at their camp at the beginning of the summer. Kadyn cannot wait for ballet to start back in August.

Here the photographer asked if she could have fun with Kadyn! Of course, Kadyn loves to dress up and be in front of a camera-so she had not objections!

This next one is my favorite- look at those eyes! We are in trouble!

OK- oops somehow this one got on here twice-- oh well-- she is cute enough to look at twice!

ACE

Ok so it has been awhile since I have updated. There are several things to share- I will divide them up-- but the first is ACE. Ace is Uncle David's dog. David came and helped us last night-- more on that in another session. Anyway- Ace came with him. Ace is no little Dog. Ace is 8 months and not full grown. He is a German Shepard and a sweet dog. He loved the kids and the kids loved him. Ace was so gentle with them and Dylan would just squeal! Ace would push Kadyn down--gently--and then lick all over her face! Anyway- here are some pics of Ace and the kids!

Pictures of Dylan's First Birthday Party in Random Order

Kadyn and swimming lessons

Kadyn started swimming lessons 2 weeks ago. Kadyn has always loved being in the water, but hates getting water in her eyes. Her swim coach, Ms. Jeneatte, says she is doing great so far. She has very strong kicks and good body position.We are going to get Kadyn some goggles to try and help her be more excited about putting her face in the water. Here are a few pictures of her first lesson. She did go off of the big slide after the lesson last week and went all the way under! She was so proud of herself! I hope to get pictures of her going down the slide next week.

Never Say Never

I have had two situations in the past few weeks that I promised myself as a teenager I would never do. Of course- what did I know at that time in my life? I thought I knew everything! The first came when I went to try on my swimsuit before heading to the pool with the kids. I am so glad I tried it on the night before or I would have been in a world of hurt the next morning! Needless to say, I was not fitting in it anymore. I bulged where I should have flowed smoothly. I showed Eric and he said there was no way I was going out in public in that suit! I definitely agreed. So, off to the store I go. Now, I have never been one to find a bathing suit quickly. So I began praying all the way to the store. I needed a suit that I felt good about but I needed it fast! Well after only two trips to the dressing room I found one!!! Here is where the irony of my teenage years came in-- I now have a skirt on my suit! Me- who made a vow to never wear such a "mother" suit is now the proud owner of one!

Of course that was not all. I am now the proud owner of a Dodge Grand Caravan-- yes that is right-- me in a minivan. Again another thing I said would never happen! However, the importance of space with two kids seems to outway anything else. What I find funny- I actually love it! Granted I have only had it 2 days- but I LOVE IT!!!!!!! My how our perspectives change as we mature- as we add children into the mix. I know there are many more of these "I never" situations to come! I look forward to each one!

Dylan's Birthday continued

Here are more pics of Dylan's first birthday. We did have a party the Saturday after his actual birthday. Those pictures will come soon. He is in 18 month clothes! He is a little over 31 inches and weighs about 22 lbs! He is walking everywhere now and of course is into everything! We had a blast watching him celebrate!

Dylan's First Birthday

ok- technical difficulties- I will have to try and add more pics later-- blogger is not uploading--???


Today, June 1, is Dylan's first birthday. The day started out normal-waking me up at 6:30. He played quite well this morning, but then it was nap time. He did not want to go down. He fussed for over an hour and finally gave it up. I had a hair appointment today, so Dylan and Kadyn went to the Fore's for most of the afternoon. Michael said he was great. He loved their dog Elliot. Then it was home. Granny Lou called and asked if we would like to meet her and Pop for dinner at Molly's Burgers. They wanted to see Dylan today. We were already planning to have a cake at our house tonight- so we took it with us. What fun we had! Daddy let him have his first taste of Coke- and well- he is my child- he wanted more-- LOTS more! I will let the pictures show you how much Dylan enjoyed his cake. He had an audience at one point and the owner of the place came out and Dylan offered him some cake! It was a neat time! We are looking forward to his birthday party this Saturday.

Dylan- I cannot tell you how much I love you. You have brought such excitement to my life. You keep me on my toes, wear me out, but always want to stop for a hug. I love you for this. You are my prince-I have loved this first year of your life. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. I know that God has great and marvelous things planned for you. I pray that you begin now to know His name and feel His love for you. I love you sweet boy! Mommy