Strawberry Picking

To kick off our summer fun, we decided to head out and pick strawberries.  We ventured out to Eudora, Kansas and made a day of it by eating a picnic lunch afterwards at a local park.  You can see the fun we had-and it was a very toasty morning!  

It's times like these that I'm thankful my sis and I chose the same career path.  We had a wonderful summer!  Stay tuned as I will be updating this blog!

Rainy Days

We have had some rainy days around here!  While I love a good thunderstorm, this rain has been a bit too much.  In fact, my softball team has yet to play a game this season!  Fortunately, we've only had to take cover once and this is what it looked like in the basement (don't ask me about where John was).  

With John's work schedule and all the rain, sometimes you just have to mow when you can!  I was worried because the lightning was horrific!  

IKEA Fun

A few weeks ago, I bought my sister a Royals wreath for her birthday.  Well, maybe I bought myself one too?!?!  The lady that I purchased the wreath from lives right next to IKEA, so we just HAD to meander on in and look at everything.  We were slightly overwhelmed, so we made another trip the next weekend.  And you guessed it, we went out again this past weekend!  I'm waiting for John and I to take a trip out there, without kids!  As you can see, my kids enjoyed their trip-this is where I found them when I caught up to them!

Baseball Days

Kyle began playing for a new team in January and while it feels like we spend a lot of time on the ball field, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Kyle lacks confidence in himself, so he gets frustrated and then I find myself getting frustrated.  However, once he builds that confidence, I'm just sure he will enjoy the game a little better.

A few of his games have been rained out, and we've been stuck in downpours at the ball field.  Here is his sister rooting for him.  And the next few pictures are of him playing catcher.  This was a rainout game, and many boys on the team had vacation plans.  I ended up being able to teach him how to play catcher (since that's what I play on my softball team) and he did well!  The gear weighs quite a bit and the machine pitches at 35 mph, but he handled himself well.

Last Day of School

Anyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely love summer vacation (but Winter is my favorite season-I love snuggling on cold, winter days)!  I've never taught summer school and now that I'm older, I prefer to not have any snow days, just so I can have a longer break with my kids.  But as each year school year comes to an end, there is a bit of sadness that filters through me.

Kyle has had 2 amazing years at Gashland!  I couldn't ask for better teachers for him.  His teacher retired this year, we became pretty good friends.  I used to sub for her back in my college/subbing days.  She absolutely loved Kyle and out of everything I want for my child's education-being loved by your teacher is one of my top priorities.  She really saw something in him and they connected well.  

Kia started preschool at King of Kings.  I absolutely canNOT say enough things about KOK preschool.  I haven't had many other preschool experiences, but again, Mrs. Greene and Mrs. Hilgenkamp love Kia and she loves them!  She reminds me that she's in pre-kindergarten and while it makes me super sad, she is really becoming a funny, serious little girl.  

My sister and I had a great year and we are much more excited about not having to take classes all year this next year!  We are sad that part of our team is leaving, but know they will do well in their next adventure!  I never post pictures of myself, so enjoy a rare picture with my team!  

So, now that summer vacation has begun, we are having a blast!  Oh, and we are staying up past our bedtime and I don't feel guilty! 

Let's go ROYALS, Let's go.....

I've always been a Royals fan and I'm excited to say my girls are Royals fans-I would love to see Grandpa Sevedge's face in heaven with my girls cheering on the Royals!  If Natalie sees ANYTHING baseball, she automatically assumes the Royals are playing.  When we go watch Bubby play baseball, she thinks they are the Royals!  Now, Kyle plays on an awesome team, but they aren't quite the Royals....just yet!  For Aunt Nerned's birthday, we went to a Royals game and had a blast!  My sis made us HIKE to our seats, so once I sat down, I wasn't moving and I may have met a friend sitting next to me.

Anyway, here are my munchkins taking in a Royals game and they won-BONUS!

Baby Rylee Mae

My really good friend, Rachel had a baby in February and the girls absolutely love Baby Rylee!  We were able to visit with them on her maternity leave, but on one special day, we decided to head out to the Zoo.  Those who know me (and Rachel) know that we HATE the Zoo.  It definitely takes us back to our "daycare days" and the thought just ruins it for our own children.  But the girls had a blast and the Zoo is a much better experience because of all the changes that has been made through the years.  The day was super hot, but that didn't stop the girls from enjoying some animals and......Baby Rylee!

We are looking forward to more fun dates with Miss Rachel and Baby Rylee!

Red Barn Farm Field Trip

Kianna's class went on a field trip to Red Barn Farm.  I was able to take the day off and join them on their adventure.  It's always fun to see your child in a different light and she truly takes in all the information and enjoys the company.  Because it has been so rainy, we had to be careful of the mud.  As a teacher, I was proud that all of her classmates are good listeners and followed the leader's directions.  Anyway, here is a picture of her class enjoying a day at the farm!

Swimming Lessons

In November, I received an email about my 3rd graders participating in a district swimming test and immediately my heart sank.  I've always been worried about Kyle not feeling comfortable around water and while he's been in swimming lessons for years, I decided to put him in group lessons.  Needless to say, I'm very proud of my fish!  I have been so shocked each and every week at the progress he is making.  I will definitely sign him up again at the Liberty Community Center-they are AMAZING!  The pictures below are of his first week.  I wasn't able to take pictures this last week, but he now puts his head under water when he swims.  Great job, Buddy!  

Natalie's 2nd Birthday

Wow, it's been awhile since I last posted, so I will attempt to write down as much as I can remember from the last 6 weeks.  I left off with Natalie's 2nd birthday and we had a wonderful little party to celebrate her, despite all the craziness!

Before I post pictures, when we went to the doctor for her checkup.  The doctor was impressed with all the progress she's made with walking and now running!  She is even putting 3-4 words together and if you don't know what she wants, she doesn't stop asking.  She's very independent and is learning to be quite bossy.  However, she still loves to "rocky" and snuggle at night, so I'm super thankful my cuddle bug, still loves to snuggle with me.  She weighed in at 25.2 lbs, and 31 inches.  She's in the 50th percentile across the board, which is still surprising, but we will take it!

Natalie Juliette, Happy Birthday, sweet pea!  We love you so much and can't wait to see what God has in store for you!