Aren't they cute?

Here is just a few pictures from around the house. I got a picture of all three kids laying together on the sleeping bag. Of course Kyra didn't lay there long, she doesn't sit still much. Mason is giving Kyra a hug and Kyra is crawling underneath the coffee table. Did I mention she doesn't sit still for long?

It's that Time of Year Again!!

Tanners Orchard is open. The kids and I headed out there on Tuesday to meet up with some friends. Unfortunately I just realized I didn't take any pictures. None the less, the kids had fun playing on the train, feeding the goats, and of course eating donuts. On Wednesday after swimming lessons we met some friends at Wildlife Prairie State Park for the afternoon. The kids had a great time visiting and looking at the animals. That evening we took the neighbors paddle boat out on the lake. The kids had fun riding, unfortunately it was mom and dad who got tired from the paddling, not the kids. The kids can't wait to take the boat out again soon.

Camping Rinkel Style

We asked the kids what they wanted to do on Saturday.
Valynn wanted to have a picnic, kick a ball, and go camping. Mason wanted to play baseball, have a picnic, and go camping. So we did it all. We had corn fresh from the field thanks to John. The kids helped shuck it to have on our picnic. Later that night after another picnic, playing kickball and baseball we had smores over the fire, watched a movie, and then all five of us slept in the tent. Mark, Kyra, and I headed in around 5:30 in the morning to find a softer bed (the ground is hard after the air mattress deflates). Valynn and Mason slept out there the whole night and keep asking to do it again.

Misc. Pictures

Here is the picture of Valynn and Mason riding the Al's Electric float in the parade. I also have pictures of the kids standing on their heads.

11 Months

Kyra has some new tricks up her sleeve. She learned to climb on the stool and to walk this week. She is so proud of herself. She is so cute when Mark comes home, she heads right for him and wants to be picked up. She is by dad's side every chance she gets. She is constantly on the move, putting things in her mouth, trying out her teeth, and getting into everything. Kyra is also saying a few words, mama, dada, hi, bye.

Meet the Parents

I never thought I'd be saying that when Valynn was 5. We had Valynn's boyfriend's family over for supper last night. We took the kids fishing after we ate and they had fun, it was a beautiful night. We got enough fish to have them back over for supper another night. The kids had a great time visiting and we enjoyed our visit with the parents.

100 Years in the Making!

We were in Lignite for their Centennial Celebration. It was a whirlwind trip but we made sure to relax by the pool and have fun. Valynn and Mason took part in the kid games, they won the wheelbarrow race. I kept busy, I was in the Centennial Band float, the kids and I were part of the Al's Electric float. The kids also collected candy during the parade and will be on a sugar high for the next 6 months. I was also in the style show and modeled three outfits. The kids enjoyed dancing during the street dance.

Fun on the Farm!

We headed up north for the week. The kids had a great time with their cousins. It was a full house with all of Mark's siblings home, unfortunately the two oldest cousins were in Alaska so we didn't get to see them, but 7 cousins were still present. Valynn and Mason helped with milking the cows but took time out for a hay rack ride and swimming. We attended an 80th birthday party for Mark's uncle. Mark's uncle Vernon from Africa was home and spending time on the farm. We attended the 4th of July celebration in Hillman. The kids collected more candy than they could eat and Mark marched with the legion in the parade.

Smile!

July 4th

We went to the famous Kranzburg parade and then left for home to attend the Lignite Centennial. Ty traveled very well. Ty is already 10 lbs. and has grown several inches already. Ty got to meet his cousins this weekend too!