Zoo Field Trip

Lucas isn't doing a real pre-school this year, but we still wanted to do some field trips. I got a group of mom and kids together, and off we went to the zoo!

Here's Luke and Tyler watching the penguins -- always a favorite. 

 Almost able to reach the pedals.

 Luke's favorite animal on this trip was the zebra. It kept making lip/blowing noise that horses and zebra's make which he said was "tooting," and then it would turn around "showing us his butt," and walk off... He was laughing hysterically. Yep-- I've got another boy on my hands! 

 We laughed at this bear chilling and soaking up the sun. 

 Climbing on the statues. 

 He was a bit hesitant to feed the the goats with their necks and tongues all stretched out to get him, but after a couple attempts, he was a pro.  

It was a fun group of kids! Lucas, Luna, Tyler, Jo, Lilly, and Perry.

Sept 2018

September

Jake's doing great in his martial arts class, and is only one stripe away from his next belt! He's also tried out flag football for the first time. Neither Brad nor I are into football, so Jake came into it with zero experience. It was a struggle for a while, but he continued to try his best, is getting better, and earned the shark flag for one of the weeks. The football and soccer coaches have given him the nick-name "Gazelle" because he's so stinkin' fast -- just need to work on the football handling skills!

Lucas and I love trying out new parks.

Second season of soccer for Lucas, and he did SO much better! He scored two goals for his team, and two for the other -- so we're breaking even! He loved running around and kicking the ball, and is already asking when his next soccer game is, making the tears in the first season worth it.  

  

 Emma is continuing to progress beautifully on the piano. She pulled out another good recital -- she made a mistake where she had to pause and find her spot, but instead of letting it crush her, she started right back in, and did wonderfully. So proud of her!

She's in fifth grade, and this year they get to do their own science experiment and share their results with their class. Emma tried out "knotted bones" where she put chicken bones in vinegar and some in water. The bones in vinegar softened over a few days to where we could bend them around. We made a fun poster with all the pictures and observations, and it turned out great! The teacher was very impressed with her presentation skills.

Jacob's also in soccer this season -- which has made for some busy weeks and Saturdays. Something has really clicked in him this year, and he's become very aggressive and working hard out there! He's getting some good footwork, goals, and his speed allows him to run up and down the field to help where needed and catch those breakaways from the other team. He's one fast kid.  He's #15 in the videos.

Sept 2018

Before They Head to Italy...

My brother Brian and his family are moving to Italy, and stopped by to see everyone, since it might be a while before that can happen again!

We had a nice dinner at Zupas, and then went to the park by our house for some bad-mitten competition, shooting helicopter toys into the sky, and some good quality cousin time. 

I brought over a boomerang for us to try, and Brian and I learned how to throw them! We each had a few catches; another skill under our belts! It was really fun to work with him learning this new thing! A few trees may have had footballs thrown at them to get the boomerang down...

August 2018

First Day of School!

Emma's headed into 5th grade.

 Jake's going into 2nd grade.

  And Lucas didn't want to be left out of picture time. 

We had so much fun with these kids over the summer, and it ended too quickly! These kids are going to do great things!

August 2018

Water Fight!

Our last summer event before school starts in the morning -- a water balloon fight! 

Followed by sprinklers under the trampoline, and running through the yard sprinklers. They're officially ready to start school!

 And we discovered Lizzy loves bubbles! 

And some Roaring Springs that weekend!

August 2018

13 Year Anniversary!

We took the family to Roaring Springs, and Brad decided to go on a few slides with Emma. She always does slides with Mom, so going even faster (and tipping over once) with Dad was a real treat for her. 

 I gave Brad a life-size Thanos cut-out --- because Marvel Super Hero things are the love language around this house. He ended up taking it to work and putting it by the Star Wars cut-outs they have there. The boys were not so happy about that, but I think it was a big hit. Brad hid little things around the house for me, and gave me others throughout the day -- so sweet! But I was totally surprised when there was a knock at the door at 10pm with freshly baked monstrously big,fat, and sweet chocolate chip cookies. A delicious late night treat. And there's my love language: chocolaty goodness! Love him more than ever!

 

 August 2018

Last Few Outings!

Trying out a few more activity places around here before school starts up again! Our first trip was to Urban Air. Emma and I tried out the sky ride, ropes course (you can see it in the background of the first video), and some of the ninja warrior activities.

The boys enjoyed all the slides, trampolines, some dodgeball, and ball pit. We all got in some lazer tag and miniature golf. The kids were entirely entertained and worn out by the end!

We took our last trip to the Discovery Center before our passes expire.  

 Here's Emma and Jake trying to build an arc. They loved the giant bubble maker, pulley chair, water pumps, and racing around to all the other exhibitions. 

Then we tried out the new Meridian Jump Time. Much better than our one before -- with a whole new Ninja warrior course. Another sweaty mess of kids in the van after this one! They all had a blast! I even tried a few of the things with them. Not on video-- but I made it all the way across the spinning log, and half way on the tight rope. The kids were impressed -- so I got them out of there before the teenagers came and showed me up!

July-August 2018