Our Aweful Beautiful Life

IAll throughout the school year last year, Emmalyn, Annabelle and Addison made plans to have a pool party this summer at Grandma Mandy's! Today, those wishes came true!  Colton and Dad were heading to Waveland for a guys only fishing trip...part of Colton's birthday gift from Uncle Jacob.  So, while the boys are away, the girls will play! I asked Emmalyn who she might like to take to the new splashpad that just opened in Remington, and she was quick to reply, Addi, Madi & Annabelle. So, we checked the girls schedules, loaded them up and headed north! We ate a quick lunch at McDonalds, food for any good swimsuit model, and continued our track west! We loved the new water park! It was great for this age kids, but especially great for Keaton! What can I say, boys will be boys! Haha Once we got bored here, we took off for Grandma Mandy's pool!  The kids had a great time, but there were two moments that warmed my heart more than any. Mom always says she doesn't want to b...

Back in July, the kids had the chance to attend the Vaction Bible school offered by Chalmers Community Church. Grandma Pat loves showing off her Great Grands at her church, and enjoys watching them all have a great time together! Our kids love the music, fun with friends and time spent with Great Grandma! Always a fun week!  At the end of the week, Mrs. Layton took our kids and the Wiese kids to Columbian Park! They certainly appreciate a break in the daycare routine, and I'm thankful for the village that helps raise these kids and values giving them fun memories as much as I do!

How it's even possible that the kids went back to school today and a whole summer of fun is behind us, is BEYOND ME. Were we not just celebrating the ridiculous end to reading logs & nightly math sheets, and oh crap you have a spelling test today -- let's study on the way to school!!! But here we are, and thank the good Lord these kids were excited and happy to head back -- as was momma! Emmalyn, today you started Kindergarten. Child, I have no idea how this is even happening right now. Your 5 years on this earth have by far been the FASTEST yet....and to see you proudly stand and hold your K sign today for pictures....kind of broke my heart a little bit.  I can remember Colton going to Kindergarten, and I was raging with emotion. Granted, Keaton was fresh & new, and that likely had something to do with it, but the uncertainty of what K held, played into my anxiety with Colton. With you, I feel like I know K, I know what to expect, and what's expected of us. ...

Colton - your dad and I are so proud of the way you played ball this summer. You were a great teammate, and your grew your game because you played with all your heart and paid attention. Thank you for listening to what your coaches were trying to teach you, and for never giving up.  Our message before each game was to play hard and be a good teammate, and most of all - Have Fun! And that sir, you did. We are so proud of you! Love you! Also - this one -- compiled by the coaches Mom...who snapped shots all year long. LOVED this one...she titled her album, "Diamond Expressions"...........I call it the Many Faces of Colton's baseball season! :)

We survived Fair week, and I can safely say the kids are as exhausted as I am. We had a wonderful last two days! I worked a half day Wednesday, then boogied to get the kids and get them up to the "mini 4-H lead" at the Goat show! Thankfully, we made it in time! Emmalyn chickened out, but Colton did a wonderful job! Though your Dad is Leary of our future as goat farmers, Colton, we are both so proud of the way you opened your heart and mind to learning this new project. You will be an excellent animal caretaker and showman when your 4-H days roll around. Until then, we are proud of you for putting yourself in a new/uncomfortable position and trying something new!! From there, we pretty well spent the rest of the afternoon gearing up for, working and enjoying Family Fun Night! What a success!! I was thrilled that the crowds got involved and loved it, and you kids enjoyed the unlimited bounce house and stunt jumps and Boilermaker Special Rides! Thursd...