Better Late Than Never!

To those that are loyal followers of our family blog, I apologize for not updating in such a long time! Things have been a little crazy around here since school started. These pictures are a couple of weeks old, but this is the first chance I've had to post them. The weekend before school started, we took the kids to St. Louis.

We love the St. Louis Zoo and spent most of our day there, enjoying the animals.
We stopped by the Science Center for a few hours, which is always a good time! It hadn't changed much since the kids were little and we enjoyed the familiar exhibits.

First day of school! Ok, so it was a couple of weeks ago, but better late than never!

Most of us were thrilled to be going back to school.

Kyla absolutely loves high school and the whole academic part of it. She's still not sure why people think they need to socialize while they are there, but she gets along fine when she has to. Yep, that's my girl on the first day of school, hiding behind the mailbox while waiting for the bus. She's over the hiding thing now and at least makes it to the same side of the street as the other kids. Both kids have made a lot of progress since the first day and both love their teachers and classes. We are blessed to have such great kids that adapt so well to new surroundings. Hopefully this will be the last move for them for a long time!

Better late than never

We finally got around to planting flowers, weeding, and doing all of the other things that most people do at the beginning of summer! I look at it as a head start for next summer! The kids are great helpers and always look for an excuse to get them off the computer and get some fresh air!
The boy doesn't like dirt, what can I say? He takes after his momma.

Well, I got a new haircut and a new job all in the same day!! I may look cross-eyed in this picture, but rest assured, it's a happy face! I feel very blessed and thank all of you for the prayers this summer through the interview process. Love you all!

Fun with the kids

This week we had a wonderful visit with our niece and nephew. Unfortunately they had to go home a couple of days early because Uncle Brandon got sick, but we sure had fun while it lasted!
The kids had fun playing at the water spray park. Sophia was really excited that she got her face all wet without crying!

Walking down to the river.

The kids had fun wading in the river and throwing rocks.

Grant is an amazing little man with so many talents. He can tell time better than most kids his age that I've known. It was exciting to see him create and have fun.

Planting a flower for mommy.

Casey painting a dinosaur statue.

4 of my favorite people!

My guy

I'm pretty sure that I am married to the greatest man alive, and this week just happens to be his birthday.
First, we enjoyed a nice visit with Brandon's parents over the weekend.

My camera ran out of batteries for the "blowing out the candles" shot, but at least we got this picture of the delicious cake Kyla made for the occasion.

No party is complete without silly string.

Kyla waited until everyone else was almost out of string before she made her attack.

My guy. Happy Birthday Bran. We love you.

When momma's happy, everyone's happy!

I just have to take a few minutes to brag on my family. I've been laid up for a few days from a little accident I had last week and have been so impressed with my family pitching in to take my place. Bran spent all day washing and sanding the deck (no...he wouldn't let me take a picture of him bare chested in knee pads and safety goggles) and the kids have been taking over all the indoor cleaning and cooking. Casey is now the laundry expert and even washed a blanket that Charlie had a little accident on!
Kyla is always baking up a storm, but she's been doing more than usual in the kitchen from baking, to cleaning, to dishes.

Casey has taken over dog duty and patiently takes Charlie out to use the bathroom and walks him around the block several times a day to get the exercise his little puppy body needs.

My other "son" is no help at all but he starts puppy classes tonight, so I'll be able to brag on him too in no time! I LOVE my family.

Father's Day Weekend

This is the weekend that we celebrate all the wonderful daddies of the world. I am blessed that my kids have such a wonderful daddy. This is a hamburger ice cream cake that Kyla made for Bran to celebrate the occasion.

Casey got all the credit this year for picking out the gifts for dad. I was fresh out of good ideas so I left it up to him!

No family weekend is complete without a board game or two. Charlie thinks he should be allowed to play, too.

We started the weekend off with some new fishing equipment and lessons from dad on how to fish.

What a wonderful weekend with two great kids and an awesome husband!

Dog in the water = no fish

Charlie is "Bad to the Bone".

Just Us

Posing for a quick picture before heading out the door to church.
Of course no trip out of the house is complete without Charlie taking a potty break first.

My family!

This is an actual, non-posed picture. I thought it was funny to see all 3 of them texting away at the same time! Bran was showing them how to use their new phones. We opted for a family cell plan rather than a land line. I obviously won't be posting the kid's new cell phone numbers online, but if you'd like any of our new numbers for your address book, let me know. We are officially available!

LiFe at HoMe in WaYnEsViLle

We went for a little walk at the Waynesville City Park and Roubidoux River.

There's a new mini waterpark that Casey had to try out.

Charlie doesn't realize he's a golden retriever yet, so he's a little nervous about the water. Once he gets brave enough, we'll never be able to keep him out!

Casey enjoying his new loft bed.

Here's a partial view of Kyla's new room, too. They are both really enjoying their new rooms and home.