Balls of Fun!

From time to time my kids get to benefit from some of the fun or crazy things I plan for the college students. Today was one of those days when 1500+ ping pong balls showed up at our house. It did not take long before Caleb was convinced they were for him. Here is a video of him having fun in a box with some of the ping pong balls. It wasn't long before all 1500+ balls were all over the house. Crazy times but great memories!!

Back to School

Today Brandon started Kindergarten and Taylor started 2nd grade. Both of the kids were thrilled to get the teachers they wanted and to have a couple of their friends in their classes. They were excited and ready to start school! Caleb will start a 3 year old preschool in a couple weeks, but until then we will only have 2 at home during the day!

The Annual Steam Engine Show

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Everlasting Love

My heart is heavy today as I think about my mom. It was 3 years ago to the day that my mom went to be with Jesus. I still don’t think a day goes by when I don’t think about her and wish she was still here. I miss her friendship, her strong faith, positive outlook, her unconditional love and amazing joy she found in spending time and caring for my kids. While Taylor and Brandon still speak of her with great fondness, I only wish she could have built a relationship with Caleb and Emily. I can only image how proud she would be of each of them. I can’t help but think that she would have been Caleb’s greatest cheerleader and constantly holding him up in prayer. Even though our time together was too short her impact was huge! She taught me so much about life, loving others and most of all finding peace and joy in having a personal relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ. Her legacy of faith and love lives in me every day. While my heart aches for her presence, I find peace in knowing that she is in heaven with our Lord. I still don’t understand the whys, but I trust God, the source of live and life everlasting. For God is Good – All the time – for that is His nature.

Special Day with Sarah

This summer we have been so blessed to have a very amazing student named Sarah live in our basement and spend time with our family. She was one of our babysitter's is past year and graduated from NWC is past May. She has been so much help and my kids have grown very fond of her. It will be difficult for all of us to say goodbye in just a few days when she has to leave for grad school in Indiana. In the past two months she has become one of the family. Knowing that our time with her was quickly coming to an end we decided to spend the day together at the Sioux Falls Zoo and a visit Chuck E Cheese.

Caleb went crazy when Chucky came out to visit the kids. He loves big cartoon people!

Emily and Sarah - her first ride on a carousel.

The kids and Sarah

Looking at the Turtles

Sarah & Emily

Emily with the Goats in the Petting Zoo

Emily our little tour guide telling us all about the animals -- too bad we could not understand anything she said.

Sarah and Caleb

Emily loving all the animals!

Batter-up for T-Ball

This summer Taylor played T-ball with the city Parks & Rec program. I wasn't sure if she would like it, but after a few practices it was clear it was a good fit for her. She did really well and turned out to be one of the best hitters on her team.

Taylor in the Outfield
Taylor hitting the ball.

Comin home.

Running the bases.
Warm-up - playing catch.

the team

Summer Fun

Wow! This summer has gone by so fast thus far. Between our travels and the cooler weather it seems like it should be the beginning of June not the middle of July. At this rate the summer will be over before we know it. I need to go back to work on August 3rd and Taylor and Brandon start school on August 20 Nevertheless, it has been a great summer thus far with lots of trips to the pool, swim lessons, T-ball, playing outside, homemade ice cream, and popsicles! Here are a few photos of all the fun!

Emily playing the coupe car on our back deck

The girls relaxing on a beanbag

Sarah pushing Emily in the bucket swing

Caleb and his friend Hannah on the glider on our swing set.

Taylor and Caleb eating Popsicles

Emily at the summing pool

Brandon relaxing at the pool

The boys at the pool

Caleb playing with Daddy at the pool - He loves to go swimming!

Daddy and Caleb

The girls at the pool!