Kayson - on the road to Braces!!

We've been seeing the orthodontist for awhile now - just 6 month check ups to see where Kayson's mouth is, extracting teeth and just prepping. 

Today was another appointment, but I knew deep down this one would be actually doing something!!  And I was right --- the plan is to get a 'roof' spacer (something similar to what I had when I was growing up!), use that or about 3 or 4 months to spread his mouth open...  because he has two more teeth to come through.  And there just isn't any room right now!  

Then the process will be braces on the top.  

That's all we know now, but more to come on this!  I'm excited, Kayson is nervous, but this is part of growing up and he has my mouth and teeth - so lucky him - braces are in his future!  

Summer... more! Part 2

Now that baseball is over, it seems like summer has slowed down a little.  We had our first weekend without baseball, and it was weird!  ha. 

Saturday we headed to Creston to celebrate the life of Travis Kuhl, our dear friend who passed away this December.  Our hearts still hurt and honestly, I am just so mad that he couldn't fight through that terrible disease and stay here for his family.  Regardless, we celebrated him and it was a great afternoon to think of only him. 

The kids played at Grandma & Papa's while we were with friends...  they had fun doing some water fun!  

Last week, Hope was with the kids all week - and they were busy.  Cora had tutoring and dance.  Kayson had a golf camp.  It was busy for them - Hope hauled them everywhere!    I feel like the week went fast for them... but not for me.  My work has been absolutely crazy busy, and a little stressful, so I've just been nose to the computer.  I could use a little stay-cation.  Gonna get that planned! 

Here are some random pics from the past week or so.

Cora and her friends Charlotte & Zoe

Cora & Ira!

Cora's 2nd grade Square Art was displayed at the Waukee Arts Festival!  SO COOL!

STATE baseball tournament

We finished up the 12U AA season this past weekend.  What a ride we had - so much ups, and some downs that were disappointing, but these boys worked hard, and we have to remind ourselves that they are 12!  So much still to learn and 12 is a tough age (in my opinion!)

Friday we played two games...  1 loss, 1 win.  And honestly, they were ugly games.  Not very good!!  With that loss, we ended up in the Silver bracket.  Big bummer, because we KNOW those boys could have done better!!!  We were thankful to have Friday evening to recoup and start new!  

Saturday - two more games, and those were both wins - and great wins. The boys played well, and everything clicked!!  It was a fun day.  Saturday after the wins, we headed to Parker's for a 'end of the season' gathering --- and man we had fun.  They have a great set up at their house - so many games, a great cul-de-sac, so the kids could just play, plus pickle ball court 'street style' was a hit!  We had a good time, and love those Parker's!

And onto Sunday - we unfortunately lost our first game, so then we were done.  It was so disappointing... tough strike zone, and just weren't hitting the ball like we can!  The boys were frustrated, as we were too.  BUT - it honestly has been a great season...  lots of learning and more connections with the kids.  We ended up in 11th place in state out of 81 teams.  I'd say that's a great success!!  

We will miss these baseball weekends!!!  Onto finishing up summer, and hopefully landing a good basketball team this fall!!

Bettendorf baseball tournament

I lost count of what number this baseball tournament was...  but it's always fun. 

This year, we headed back to Bettendorf... for the entire weekend.  Always "a lot" spending time in a hotel and balancing keeping the kids 'busy and not bored' for our down time, but we also have a good time with the parents. 

We headed over east Friday late afternoon...  drove through some bad rain and wind, but made it.  Friday night the kids just hung out/swam.  

Saturday we didn't play until 4pm...  so it was more waiting around.  The kids hung out and we did lunch and just tried our best to keep them busy.  Two wins on Saturday (one game was played inside, which was super weird, but cool!)  

Then Sunday - same story...  more waiting around, then played at about 4:30...  with a loss.  Super bummed...  

So we headed home!  

It was a good weekend... always a good experience for the kids. 

Rained all weekend!!

Ira and Cora - besties

SAFE!!!

Celebrated Ryan's birthday too!

Some of the boys did Lazer Tag!

Tie Dye!!

The kids spent the other day tie dying a ton of things - I lost count on how many shirts!!  But they had fun, and are getting so much better at it!!!

4th of July weekend!

It was an extended weekend for us, and that was so nice.  I really enjoyed just hanging with the kids, and doing some things...  it was tough getting back on the work computer this morning!!!

Friday I worked, but was talked into going to the pool with the kids and Hope.  The kids did well, until they don't...  they tend to fight more now that they are spending so much time together.  It's tough, but it's just the way it goes (and with their ages and personalities!!) 

Friday night we just hung out at home...  

Saturday we did some things around the house, and chilled... then met up with Colleen, Mike and the kids at the Urbandale carnival.  It was hot, and oh so much fun for Cora.  Kayson, not so much... just not a big 'ride' guy.  I was surprised at how many rides Cora went on - with the help of Shae!!  Those girls had fun, so that's all that matters!!!

Saturday night we just went back home and sat outside... the neighborhood kids played, and Ryan and I sat and listened to some old music and chatted... haven't really done that in forever.  It was a late night for the kids!

Sunday we slept in... like 10 am slept in!!  What!!??!  It was wonderful. Sunday afternoon we went to a surprise 50th birthday party for our friend Clint.  Another super hot afternoon...  pretty uncomfortable actually!!!  Then the Showalters came over to our place for a couple hours... sat outside and watched the kids play and do fireworks.  It was a nice night, and another late night!!  We were pooped!!

Monday - DAY OFF!  I had lunch with Colleen and Lacey, did a few errands, then we went to the pool.  Man, we were non stop!  No wonder I'm exhausted!!!