Saturday, August 18, 2012

Sparky Costume



So, last year, my mom and I decided that we should make a Sparky costume -- like a full-size kind of thing to use for our Sparks program.  After all, how hard can it be, right?  Well -- let's just say it has been pretty consuming the last several weeks but here was tonight's final try-on . . .






Still have several things that are "bugging" me -- but with 12 hours to go until Discovery Day tomorrow at TBC, it'll have to be GOOD ENOUGH.  And, it's pretty safe to assume at this point that I'm not planning on starting any kind of costume-making business!!!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

First day of school!

 Well, after a summer with NO rain, we had a nice little shower this morning . . . which made getting "1st day of school pics" kind of interesting:)  Here is Joshua -- all ready for 2nd grade!

 And here is our Kindergartner . . .Kayla was SOOO excited this morning!  I couldn't get them to eat breakfast to save my life!


 Walking down to the bus stop . . .

 Part of the but stop crew . . .

 Kayla and Carter -- these two are buddies!  

 Tyler's never one to be left out at the bus stop . . .

There they go!  Praying for a great year for each of them!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Family Camp

Well, since school starts tomorrow I thought I should get this last "hurrah" of the summer documented on the blog:)  On our way down to Family Camp, we stopped by my grandparents, which has become somewhat of a tradition.


 Only this year, it was harvest time, and my uncle said we could take a couple of laps in the combine if we wanted!

Turns out, that we ALL rode in the cab -- yes, there were SIX people in there but it was super fun to do it!  Tyler did NOT want to be in there, but once we were settled, he was fine.  It was pretty amazing to see the corn coming in at such a fast rate.  Then we grabbed some food and told everyone to take naps on the way to Family Camp!


One of the best parts is being able to hang out with different families, kids, etc.  

The kids love to show their independence by going to the game room, carpet ball area, etc. by THEMSELVES!



 One new addition . . . a wooden train play area . . . T was in his glory!!!!


 Kayla and Daddy . . .he took each of them for a lap around the island, and nobody got dumped.  Success!


 We spent A LOT of time on the island with the ropes/challenge course, so there's a ton of pics from that:)  Tyler wanted to try the "screamer" after seeing J and K do it . . .basically they hoist you up really high and then let you go . . .you swing a really long way out:)  The first try wasn't successful . . .

  . . . but after that he was golden!  I think he just liked hanging with the big kids!


Still looking a bit apprehensive . . .

Kayla was helping him get his harness on . . .

 The kids offered to help hoist Bryan up on his turn . . . well, it was a nice thought!

 Last year, Bryan was next in line when they closed this down and he didn't have a chance, so he wanted to give it a try.  I think it will be a one-time experience as he said he felt like he had gotten off a spinny ride at Worlds of Fun!

That's Kayla on the Screamer!

 K wanted to try the rock wall this year . . .she made it all the way to the top!

 Joshua LIVED on the zip line this year!  He got so he liked to go "superman" style . . .the harness is linked on your back, so you jump off the platform suspended from your back instead of the front . . . um . . .NO THANK YOU!


 Looking way too grown up  . . .in my opinion, anyway . . .



 On Day Two, we let Tyler have just a small power nap . . . we could see way too many meltdowns in the future . . .

Joshua in green on the right, Kayla in light blue, second from left

 Our three adventurous kiddos!

 Tyler engrossed in conversation with another preschooler  . . .

 Hearing last-minute instructions . . .not sure how much he comprehended . . .

 Kayla wanted to try the "Pamper Pole" -- basically a telephone pole that you would climb, but then have to stand on top of (no platform, just the pole) and then jump and try to grab the handkerchief.  I was really hesitant as some of the kids would freak out at the top.


 But . . . she climbed right up to the top . .. 




  . . . and climbed up like it was no big deal:)

 Jumping for the handkerchief . . .

Didn't quite get it, but I was so proud of her . . . wow, mama wouldn't do that:)

Great, great week.  Lots of fun memories.  School starts tomorrow. Wow.

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Week with Indiana cousins


Last week the cousins from Indiana were in town . . . so there was lots of socializing going on with the family!  

 The oldest four are now 7,6,5 and 4 -- so the idea of them sitting "by themselves" while we eat is much more manageable than it was several years ago!  Not sure how much eating actually happens though . . .:)


Another view of meal time -- I think there were 18 all together when everyone was there . . . just call it "Mama's Cafe!"


 The three "babies" -- but do not try and connect the baby holder with the baby . . . they don't match!  Emmy and Weston are 7 months, Jordy is 5 months.  LOVE this age!


 The older boys LOVED it when their uncles played BB with them . . . so neat to see!

 This is classic . . . BB going on, the Crazy Car is right in the thick of the BB game, and on the outskirts are babies being held and entertained . . . yep, that's pretty much it:)


 The cousins got to come over several times . . . one of those boys is about to get a mouthful of wonderful pool noodle water . . .:)


 Jordy sporting his swim diaper . . .

 The warm water is PERFECT for little ones:)


 One of the evenings, we met family in Emporia for an last-minute extended family get together.  Since Great Grandma's bday was only a few days away, we threw in some b-day candles for giggles:)

 Cousins

Great Grandkids -- missing six, I think????  

 Great Grandma and Great Grandpa with kids . . . if you could only 
see the prep that went into this picture:)  We're still recovering I think . . .


Cousins and spouses

No cousins visit is complete with Chuck E Cheese . . .


Uncle Jonny playing left-handed Skee-ball thanks to a broken right wrist:(

Grandma and Baby Emmy

Mom decided while they were here to make Emmy a little dress made out of the same fabric that Kayla's dress was . . . so cute!