Well, we just did it . . . we just put our oldest on the bus to Kindergarten! He did great -- and mama did too :). He was SOOO excited -- he couldn't fall asleep last night.
Waiting at our bus stop -- this is our neighbor boy who is also in his class. They play together ALOT!
One pic with all of the bus stop kids!
I went up to the school to see the "gathering" of the Kindergarten classes. 
So exciting . . .!
Some very, very special friends of ours came by for a visit this weekend . . . and we are already missing them! Dale and Pearl were like "grandparents" for our kiddos before we moved to KS and it was such a blast to reconnect with them again! 
Their offer to visit Chuck E. Cheese was certainly taken up by our kids! 
Pearl and Kayla coloring
And of course, some super yummy ice cream to top off the visit! 
Since J started Kind. tomorrow, I guess this post title is appropriate. More on that for another post. One more trip on the good 'ole Topeka train . . .
Kayla does her darnedest to keep up with Joshua!
If there was one action shot to capture Tyler's entire summer . . . THIS WOULD BE IT! If the boy could push strollers, tractors, lawn mowers, YOU NAME IT, all day long, he would be one happy camper! And oh . . . he gets TICKED if runs off a paved surface and into the grass!
Making use of McDonald's free smoothie coupon!
Last week, J and I had a morning together while K & T were at PDO, so we did something special things together -- like bowling!
Our baby's going to kindergarten! 
Our last Friday lunch together -- extra special meal at Applebees thanks to free kids meals with Summer reading program! I COMPLETELY lost it last week when the realization hit me that our Fridays with Daddy will be a bit different now with J in school -- all part of life, right?
Cool summer thunderstorm and Bryan experimented with camera!
No, she's not pouting . . . she fell asleep like this!
These pics are a little late . . . but last week we returned from an extended weekend of our church's Family Camp. J & K LOVED it, once again! Tyler had some "rough" nights (translation . . . several 3am walks through the camp -- thank you, bryan!) but overall we had a great time! If you ask J or K what their highlight was . . . definitely doing the zip line!
The first afternoon the kids spotted other young kids giving it a try, and begged the entire next day . . . so we gave it a whirl! Joshua climbed up himself, and Kayla enjoyed being hoisted by the rope staff!
Here are the four of us (Tyler was getting some much-needed zzzz's at the time) waiting for last minute instructions. The kids started to freak out towards the end (who can blame them . . . notice that Bryan and I are holding onto the pole VERY SECURELY!) but they came through in the end. The only hitch . . . they forgot to "untether" me from the cable . . . so after I worked up the nerve to JUMP when they said to . . . I went about 4 inches. A great "bonding" time with the kids!
Tyler's just wishing he was a bit taller for this foosball table!
Boys and water . . . what can you say????
It was a bit warm there, but we tried to make the best of the outdoor games . . .but it was HOT!
This was our first year to do anything at the water front -- and Joshua wanted to give this huge slide a try -- it's pretty steep! He did great!
The pool was of course a favorite! Both J and K have turned into little fish this summer!
I'm thinking that this landing was a little hard on the belly. . .
And this would be Tyler's very favorite way to enjoy the water . . . not being in it! We're hoping things change a bit before next summer . . . he did NOT enjoy it at all!
And of course hitting the canteen is a favorite!
We just got back from a quick trip to St. Louis (can you tell????) and had a great time! The main point of our visit was seeing G/G Smiley (see bottom of post) but we also met up with my brother/sister-in-law/cousins . . . lots of fun!
We decided to actually go up the arch . . . Kayla was a little hesitant, but did great! 
Yep, we were there!
Went to Grant's Farm . . . highly recommend it!
This pic doesn't do the turtle justice -- insanely big!
I'm sure I should come up with a funny caption . . .
The cousins waiting for the animal show to begin
One of the many "tricks" -- the pig rolled out the red carpet.
They let this big 'ole owl loose . . .a little scary if you ask me!
We saw the Clyesdales up close -- huge.
Fun swim time with the kids!
Not a ton of swim pics . . . always a little dangerous to take around the water :)
Tyler's favorite place . . . out of the water and out of the pool!
Time with G/G Smiley! Grandma delighted in observing Tyler -- I think she was helping him fold his blanket -- only for him to unfold it!
We convinced Joshua to play a little something for Grandma . . . no telling how many students have played on that piano!
Sweet memories!
Joshua and G Grandpa. 
