Turtle Power

This week, the kiddos and I went on a Journey Off The Map at Natalie's VBS.  It was so much fun!  The people at Nat's church have to be some of the friendliest ever.  Evan, Payton, Addi, and Karsyn loved going to services each night and I really enjoyed attending with them.  Friday night was family night.  We got to watch the kids sing, eat dinner, and race turtles. The kiddos performed the songs that they had been learning all week.  Aunt Kary, Emily, and I watched as each age group performed.  We all got a little tickled when Evan and Stephen were on stage. Our boys do not typically like dancing in front of people, but they were super good sports.  They danced and we giggled a little.   Evan saw us and busted out with a huge smile.  I love his easy going personality.  After their last lesson, we all headed to the fellowship hall for hot dogs, cookies, chips, and watermelon.  These were some happy girl cousins!

 Karsyn wore her watermelon romper to eat one of her favorite fruits.

Nattie also loves watermelon. ha ha ha! 

After we ate, we headed outside for turtle races.  A little blurry, but I always love the way that these guys stick together.

 Each child that attended VBS went and picked out a turtle from the pastor's truck.  The church is out in the country, so he had plenty of turtles.  I'm not sure how he found 55, but the kids were all happy that they had racers.  Natalie helped Karsyn pick out a small turtle.

 Evan and Stephen were both sure that they had winners. 

Each class had a group turtle.  Here's the pastor introducing the racers.

 Karsyn kept a close eye on her turtle.

The kiddos eagerly watched on as the race started.

 It was neck and neck or shall I say shell and shell.  The second grade class pulled out a win.

 Then, Addi and Karsyn's class raced.

We all cheered for Karsyn and Addi's turtles, but they were both too pokey.

Karsyn was a little afraid that a turtle might go rouge.  So, she stayed protected in the arms of her big girl cousins.  I love these blue eyed girls!

Stephen was sure his turtle was a winner.

 Here's Payton getting ready to cheer on her turtle.  Her turtle came in 3rd place.  Unfortunately, she was one place short of making the finals.

 The boys both cheered on their turtles as if they were competing in the Olympics.  There was jumping, yelling, and fists raised in the air - that was mostly Evan. ha!  However, their turtles lacked the stamina and the general working knowledge of how to race.  Both had a strong start, but then turned and started going in another direction.  =)  We might not have been able to pick winning turtles, but we did have a lot of fun!

What a great night!  Thank you so much Natalie for inviting us to VBS!

Week 10 of Summer {2015}

Week 10 of summer was another fun and busy week.  I'm going to pack in as much fun as possible the next 2 weeks!  Yep, two more weeks until our summer is over.  On Friday, the kiddos and I went grocery shopping and had breakfast for dinner.  When Jason got home, we watched Hulk in our Marvel movie-a-thon.  It was the older version and I think almost everyone fell asleep during it.  =)  On Saturday, the kiddos and I did some cleaning, organizing, and a whole lot of laundry.  When Jason got home, he made hamburgers and we watched the Avengers.  We all really enjoyed it! On Sunday, we got up early and went to Sunday school again.  I really think it's great for everyone in our family.  After church, we ran by Aldi's.  There were a few things that I forgot and Jason wanted to check it out for the first time.  I really love these shopping cart sisters.

Jason made Chinese food for lunch.  (I didn't have to cook all weekend. Yay!)  Then, we got Sarah and headed to the pool.

We spent a couple of hours at the pool and really enjoyed it.  We dropped Sarah by her house and then came home for the evening.  We watched our next installment in our Marvel movie-a-thon - Captain America: The Winter Solider.  Monday morning, the kiddos and I got up and worked on the lawn.  Since they were all in their swim suits, we decided to hit the splash pad.  We picked up Sarah and Silas on the way.  Addi and Silas had me laughing so hard on the way there that my stomach hurt.  Those two together are something else!

While we were playing, there was a 4.5 magnitude earthquake that hit our state.  It could be felt as far as southwest Missouri, but we didn't feel it. Maybe that was a good thing. Later that afternoon, I dropped Evan off at Aunt Jenn's house.  Sam is going out for the football team and wanted to play catch with Evan.  He wanted some practice passing and receiving. Monday evening, we went to Natalie's church's VBS.  She's Karsyn and Addi's teacher.  Evan and Payton were excited to see lots of cousins and friends.

Tuesday morning, we got up bright and early and headed to the free movies.  This time, we brought Emily and Silas with us.  Payton was super excited to meet a new friend. =)

We got popcorn, had a dance party, and were ready to watch Kung Fu Panda.  You can just barely see Evan, Addi and Silas. (Jason was off getting popcorn for us.)  Kung Fu Panda has always been a favorite of ours.  I took Evan and Payton to see it with Aunt Ashley and Jessi when it first came out.  I felt kind of guilty for going to see it without Jessi.  It was her favorite movie!

That evening, we went night 2 of VBS.  On Wednesday, Evan and Payton headed over to Aunt Jenn's house to spend time with Silas, Sarah, Nushea, and Sam.  You know, because they clearly don't get enough time with their cousins.  That evening, we headed to night 2 of VBS.  Of course on the night that we took group picture, my girls who almost always wear dresses just came in play clothes. ha!

Jason worked a half day on Thursday so that I could attend my could attend my cousin's wife's funeral services.  I went to the services with my mom and brother.  Nana and I got back into town in just enough time for me to take the kiddos to night 4 of VBS.  It was picture night for everyone in attendance.

Lastly, I would really appreciate your prayers for my cousin Sean.  Although I never had the pleasure of knowing Sherri well, I know that she will be truly missed.  Sherri always had a big smile on her face and the love that she and Sean had for each other was always very evident.  They had only been married for a handful of years and I hate that cancer robbed them of the opportunity of growing old together. Thank you so much!

What's Up Wednesday - July 2015 Edition

It's the last Wednesday of the month.  That means I'm linking up here again for What's Up Wednesday.

To join in on the fun, answer these questions and link up.

The bonus question this month is - What will you miss most about this summer?

What we are eating this week....

Crock pot BBQ sandwiches are on the menu for today.  I need to get a menu plan and grocery list ready for Thursday.

What I'm reminiscing about...

We still have about two and a half weeks left, but I've been reminiscing about what a great summer we've had.  It's really been the summer of cousin fun.  We went to the beach, the girls had their dance recital, VBS (times 2), park time, pool time, fireworks show, and we've seen a few movies...and most of this was done with our family.  I can't believe our summer fun has almost come to an end.

What I'm loving...

I ordered my girls' backpacks from Viv&Lou and I just love them.  They are currently 50% percent off and that includes free monogramming.   I love all of the pockets and was really impressed with the quality.  Not to mention, it's under $19!  (This is not a sponsored post, I just love to pass good deals along to other moms.)

What we've been up to...

Our last summer days are always filled with appointments.  The week before last, the kiddos all had eye appointments.  Here are Evan's new glasses.  Payton also went to the orthodontist and we are finishing our summer out with Well Kid check-ups.  Between all of those appointments, we've also been having a lot of fun.  We've went to the movies - where we met Olaf and have spent a lot of time playing in the water.

What I'm dreading...

The alarm clock is going to be making it's return very soon.  I'm going to miss sleeping in.  I mean, sure the latest we slept in all summer was 7.  But, that was nice!

What I'm working on...

Getting the kiddos ready for back to school and back to extra circular activities.  I think I am finished school clothes shopping. We are shopping for new shoes this week and supplies next week.  Then, I have to put together the puzzle that is known as our kids' after school schedule.  Figuring out dance classes and soccer practices for 4 kids and working it around Jason's work schedule and church takes a lot of planning.  

What I'm excited about...

I'm really excited about meeting my little classes.  We have meet the teacher day coming up soon.  I am looking forward to meeting all of my students and their parents.  It's always a fun day.

What I'm watching/reading...

We've been having a family Marvel Movie-A-Thon.  We are trying to get all caught up on all of the movies before school starts.  We've watched Thor, Hulk, Captain America (the first and the second) and the Avengers.  It's been a lot of fun.

What I'm listening to...

Our favorite song this summer has got to be "Drops in the Ocean" by Hawk Nelson.  Click here to listen to it.  They played a free concert in our area recently, but we had to miss it.  It was the same week that the girls went to Hip Hop Camp.

What I'm wearing...

My p.j.'s at this very moment.  

What I'm doing this weekend...

This week, the kids and I have been going to my niece Natalie's church's VBS.  On Friday night, they wrap us services with a big family party. The kiddos are really looking forward to a cookout and some turtle races.  The rest of the weekend, we'll either hit the pool or maybe go fishing.

What I'm looking forward to next month...

I really love summer.  I love that the kids and I are out of school and that we get to do something fun every day.  It really is the most wonderful time of year.  As much as I enjoy summer, I know that it can't last forever.  So, we are looking forward next month to the start of the school year, dance, soccer, and all of the other activities that we do.

What else is new...

Addi has decided that she wants to give soccer another chance.  She played for one whole practice when she was three and decided that soccer was not for her.  The other day, she came into the dining room with her soccer ball and asked me to sign her up for soccer.  I was a little shocked.  When I asked her why she wanted to play, she told me it's because she's good at it.  I'm really excited that she wants to give it another chance!

Bonus Question - What will you miss most about summer?....

I'll miss so many things about this summer, we've had such a great time!  But, what I think that I'll miss the most is that it was our last summer for this stage in our life.  When school starts, the clock will start counting down to some changes.  This will be Payton's last year of elementary school and Evan's last year of middle school.  It will also be the last year before Karsyn goes to Kindergarten and is in full day school.  That's really tough!  For the last 12 years, I've had someone at home or at school with me.  Another big change, is that it's our niece Natalie's last year of high school.  In one year, she'll be going off to college!!!  This is a lot for my mommy/aunt heart to handle. We'll do our best to make this year great!

Week 9 of Summer {2015}

Week 9 of summer was a mix of super hot weather, thunderstorms, appointments and cousin fun.  Bright and early Friday morning, Emily and Stephen came over.  Aunt Kary was on her way to pick up Natalie from student council camp.  Evan and Stephen were super excited about getting some video game time in.

Addi thought it seemed like a good idea too!

I really thought I might have to pry the kids off the couch, but I offered to take them out for tacos.  That got everyone ready to go.  Taco Bueno was celebrating an anniversary so all of the party nachos, tacos, and burritos were on sale for 49 cents each - perfect pricing when your taking 6 hungry kids out to lunch. The big kids got a table to themselves and really enjoyed it. 

We left the restaurant and the kiddos all wanted to do one thing - visit Grandpa James.  As we were leaving, they had a great grandpa group hug.  It's a little blurry, but I think you can feel the love.

  After Grandpa's house, we changed and went to the splash pad.

Before we left the splash pad, the kiddos talked me into snow cones.  I'll be honest, it wasn't a hard sell.

Aunt Kary called and said she was home, but Stephen and Emily weren't quite done having fun with us. So, they stayed at our house the rest of the afternoon and had dinner with us.  We really enjoyed our time together!  Saturday, we were all very tired.  We did nothing.  Sunday morning, we got up early and went to Sunday School for the first time since we became a family of six. I'm a little embarrassed by that, but I'm so glad that we went.  Jason and I really enjoyed our lesson and the other couples in our class.  The kiddos loved it too. That evening, we were invited to a friend's church for VBS.  We went, but our friends forgot to let us know that they wouldn't be there.  I proudly wear the badge of an over protective mommy, so I awkwardly followed Karsyn and Addi's group around for the evening. The kids had a blast!  I umm.....yeah, I was glad when the services wrapped up 3 HOURS later!  Our friends let us know that they wouldn't be able to go due to a car issue, so we decided that would be the only night that we would go.

Addi and Karsyn's group plaing a game.

Monday, I wanted to go do something fun.  The littlest ladies had another idea for the day. They wanted to play Littlest Pet Shop in their p.j.'s.  I did a laundry all day.  Evan and Payton read and played video games.  Addi and Karsyn played great together all day long.  I remember playing dolls with Aunt Ashley for hours when we were the same age.  I love that my littlest ladies have that too!  Tuesday morning, we got up bright and early to go to the free movies.  We got Stephen and Sarah on the way.  Jason got to come with us this time and we all loved that!  Karsyn was so excited to meet a minion.

And give Olaf a warm hug.

 Then, we headed to the theater to watch Rio.  It was so nice!  Before the curtain came up, we got to have a dance party and light show with the minions and Olaf.  The girls LOVED it!!!  The kiddos had all seen Rio, but it was my first time to watch it wall the way through.  It was really cute!

Wednesday morning, Payton and I went into T-Town for her first orthodontist appointment.  (I've only been trying to get the dentist office to send the referral paperwork since March.  GRRRR!)  Little Miss has 2 sets of braces in her near future.  Payton will start Phase 1 in the next 6-8 weeks (I was really hoping we could start the process this summer. So, here's one more GRRRR to our paperwork being delayed.)  Growing up, I had to have orthodontic work done and I hated having the molds made.  Payton's molds were made digitally with air!  Pay is super excited about getting started and I think she'll make one cute brace face.  We left the orthodontist office and headed to Justice.  We hit a really good sale and Payton now has several new tops for school.  We left and had lunch at Ted's Cafe Escondido.  Since it was Payton's first time to eat there, the manager brought us some free guacamole.  It was the best I've ever had!  We also got complimentary chips, salsa, queso, tortillas, and sopapillas, but everyone who goes there gets those treats!  Payton declared that it's her new favorite restaurant.  The food was great, but my company was even better!

After some great one on one time with my beautiful big girl, we headed home.  Evan and Payton went to a cousin party at Aunt Jenn's house.  That evening, we watched Captain America.  We tried to watch the Avengers next, but almost everyone fell asleep.=)  Our goal is to get caught up on all the Marvel movies before school starts.  Thursday morning, we got up early and took Evan to the last day of his summer internship.  He's had so much fun working it this summer.  After we picked Evan up, we went to "verify" Evan, Payton, and Addi.  Our school district is moving towards an all digital curriculum and verification is an additional step in the enrollment process.  When we wrapped things up at the school, we headed to Old Navy for some school clothes shopping.  Then, we picked up Payton's new lens and Evan's new glasses.  I really love how Evan looks in them!

Thursday evening, we watched Thor in our Marvel marathon. =)  It was a good week!  Hope you had a good one too!