Valynn's last TBall game

Saturday was Valynn's last TBall game. She got a trophy and Popsicle afterwards. She enjoyed playing and can't wait to play again next year. She also had a birthday party she went to. We worked outside in the garden this weekend. I got the onions and carrots thinned out and pulled up all the spinach since it was done and Mark hopes to get more planted tonight. Mark weeded some of the garden and worked on the Suburban, a U-joint went out. Mark also bought a work car this weekend. Mark was given the go ahead by the builder to get the building permit so he hopes to get that done this week as well.

The last couple of days

It's been a busy time the past week. Yesterday we went to Wildlife Prairie State Park with everyone. I think my three kids ran the whole time, Ty would have ran if he could. We rode the train and went down the slide after looking at the animals. It was a good day today because we were able to see all the animals except the black bear. We went to The Roadhouse for supper which is a restaurant out in the country and then to Valynn's TBall game. They played three innings and she did a great job hustling after the balls that came her way.

Here's a link to a photo album

Company's here!

Just a quick summary of our activities. Valynn was in the Heritage Day parade on Saturday. She had a great time walking and throwing out candy. On Sunday our company arrived. Grandma and Grandpa Larson, Aunt Paige, and cousin Ty. The kids are having fun with them here.

Heritage Days

It is Heritage Days in Princeville. The Budweiser Clydesdales were in town for the celebration so we went up to see them with the neighbor. The kid absolutely loved them, they were huge. Mark had a work supper so he couldn't join us until later. Here is a picture of all six kids in front of one of the semis that brought the horses. There were three semis. After the horses we got something to eat and then went to the carnival. Valynn and Mason had a great time on the rides. They did the Merry-Go- Round, the Big slide, the roller coaster, and the monkey house. Then Mark joined us and they wanted to ride the octopus. They thought it was great and went a second time. Kyra wouldn't do anything but watch. Today we're headed back for the parade and maybe the kids' games, we'll see.

Children's Museum and a new baby!

We had a long busy day today, and of course I took the camera but forgot to take any pictures. I think there's a pattern this week. Our first stop of the day was to take a meal to some friends who just had a new baby. Their older boy played with the kids but Valynn and Mason made sure they got to hold Kyle before we left. Valynn even held him twice. Kyra didn't know what to think of the baby, she was definitely intrigued. After the visit we headed to the Children's museum in Bloomington. We had a great time with the Bane's and the kids wanted to stay later at the museum but after 3 hours I thought it was time to head home. For me the best part of the day was the message on the answering machine from Chantel asking if I wanted to go over for supper so I don't have to cook. Who could say no to that?

I'm beat!

This morning I woke the kids up at 7:00 so we could be out of the house by 7:30 to go strawberry picking with Chantel and her 3 kids. We picked for about 45 minutes and then headed into town for groceries. After groceries we met Chantel and the kids at Safety Town. Valynn and Mason did a great job riding their bikes around and avoiding all the kids. Safety Town was something I promised them when they learned to how to start by themselves on their bikes. I of course forgot my camera, I was rushed this morning. Valynn and Mason started swimming lessons yesterday, I'll be posting pictures soon.

Happy Father's Day

We hope all the dad's out there had a great day. We went to church this morning and then to a Peoria Chiefs game. The game got rained out after the 5th inning. So now are tickets are good for another game, this is the second time our game has been rained out. The kids had a great time, but it helps when we say you can get whatever food you want thanks to the food coupons we got after the first game was rained out. We've got a busy week coming up and we'll keep you posted.

Having Fun in the Sun

It's been a busy week. The kids were enjoying their slip n slide, it lasted two days before it broke. We had the neighbor kids over playing which always adds to the fun. On Tuesday we found peas ready in our garden so we picked and shelled peas, then the kids at most of them. Today we went strawberry picking at a strawberry farm nearby. Afterwards we went to Wildlife Prairie State Park and walked around and had a picnic lunch. Unfortunately most of the animals weren't to be found. The kids did have fun on the big slide and even Kyra got brave enough to try it. I thought I had exercised the kids enough that they would all nap, but only Kyra is the one sleeping. Maybe that means it'll be an early bedtime for all.

Valynn's Big Night

Friday night Mark and I attended Valynn's dance rehearsal. She did a wonderful job and looked so grown up with her hair all done. Saturday morning she had a TBall game. She hit a home run yesterday, she hit the ball to the outfield so they let her run around all the bases. The second picture is of her rounding third. After her game we did a few errands in town and had a picnic at the park. Valynn had her recital Saturday evening. It was a very well done recital. My only complaint is that it was four hours long. Most people left before the end of show. The last picture is of Valynn and Buttons asleep this morning. Our little dancer is all tuckered out.

Fun in the sun

It's been an interesting week here. Mark started school, the kids are readjusting to Valynn being home full time, they learned to ride their bikes without training wheels, and I think we have Kyra potty trained. I won't say Kyra is completely trained and I expect some regression, but she's only had two accidents since Monday and last night she slept in her big girl panties and woke up dry. She is still working on the signs for when she has to pee but if I remember to take her every couple of hours she stays dry. Unfortunately I'm bribing her when she has to go pee and the bribe works like this. "Let's go potty and get some candy" "OK mom". After peeing I give her a candy heart, which she takes to Valynn. Valynn puts it in her hand while Kyra gets down on her hands and knees and pretends to be a horse and eat the candy from Valynn's hand. I guess whatever works. Valynn has her dance rehearsal tonight and her recital tomorrow night. She is excited. I posted some pictures of her in her outfit from yesterday. I'll be posting more from the rehearsal. I've also posted pictures of the kids running in the sprinkler with the neighbor kids I watched one morning. It's finally summer here.

Warning.. Proud Parenting Moment

On Monday Mark set up a small bike without training wheels for Valynn to try. She got the hang of it almost immediately but was only able to go short distances. Mason wasn't able to ride the bike so Mark jacked up his training wheels. Last night we went back out for them to practice. Valynn decided she wanted to try her bike, and she got the hang of it right away. Mason then decided to try again and he was able to ride without training wheels as well. We're so proud of both kids, they need help starting and can't turn around yet, but that'll come.

Busy Sunday

We survived Sunday. After church we had a bridal shower for Alyssa and Chance at the church. The ladies server lunch which was great. Valynn helped with the gifts, she took care of the wrapping paper and then got to take the bows home. I forgot my camera otherwise I would have had some cute pictures.

Yesterday afternoon we had our subdivision block party. We had a great turnout. Everyone enjoyed visiting and the new couple with three kids came over to meet everyone. It was finally warm enough that we got the pool out for the kids and they played in there the whole afternoon. Of course the food was great as well.

We are now officially starting our summer. Mark went back to work today and starts summer school this week. Valynn has her dance recital this Saturday which we will be glad to be done with. Have a great week.