Kayson - Baseball Season done

Last night was Kayson's last baseball game of the season.  It was called a 'tournament' game, however there was nothing following it and it didn't change the current standings of their season.  Weird, but whatever!

He did well...  definitely not a home run hitter!!  But he's quick, and he's also 7.  Its a great experience and I hope he remembers the fun times he had with these boys, and how well they did overall.  

Kayson - Private Swim Lessons

Second year of the private swim lessons at the 'white house on University'.  And it's successful.  I've said this 1,000 times to myself as I watch Kayson succeed and not sink ---- "this is the best feeling in the world, knowing he can swim."  It seriously makes me tear up.  I'm so thrilled. 

The lesson was a 2 week period - Mon-Thurs.  I honestly wish we could go another week!  ha. 

Regardless, he did great!  

Cora - Tumbling

Well we have started tumbling... and I tell you what, it has gone well!  

We are just starting with a week clinic - so 30 minutes a day.  We had to see if Cora would really be interested and like it... and so far, so good!  It totally makes me giggle and happy to watch her try so hard to do the things the teacher was showing the girls.  I loved it!

Isn't she the cutest little tumbler?!?!

With friend, Presley

Lots more to come with this little girl.  I see a future of dancing!!!

Family Movie Night

Tonight, was a spur of the moment type of night...  we decided to go to the movie - like in a theater!  Cora has been to one movie before, which was nearly a year and a half ago (with her grandparents), and we thought it was crazy then!   But we decided we needed to try it again...  

We saw "Finding Dory"... a little fish who has short term memory loss.  Of course, Ryan and I made a few funnies about my Mom... and how she would have loved it.  ha.  Mean?  No - just have to find ways to keep that topic 'light'.  

Anyway, we got there early - probably too early.  Cora was already full of popcorn 10 minutes into previews!  ha.  But overall, she did ok... definitely got antsy about an hour in.  She also seemed a little scared at times --- loud music, exciting moments, etc...  a little un-easy for an almost 4 year old.  Kayson did awesome, loved it he said.  Ryan and I liked it as well...  good story. 

So overall, first family movie night was pretty good!

Kayson - Lost 6th Tooth

and #6 is out!!!  Our little toothless wonder!!!
Kayson was brushing his teeth Friday morning... while he spit, there was a little blood.  He panicked, and I pulled the tooth out.  SO FUN!

A celebration cappuccino

Kayson's Busy Week with Me!

Well, this past week has been a busy one.  
Kayson has been a busy boy...  swim lessons started and basketball camp.  About a week ago we figured it would be best (with a little push from Ryan), that if I stayed home (and worked) while running Kayson back and forth to his activities.  In the end, it made sense, since he would have only been at BTB for about 10 hours.  

Anyway, it's worked out pretty well for both of us. I've been able to work, he's been able to be on his iPad a ton.  He'd tell you that has probably been the best thing about the week.  ha. 

Monday through Thursday our schedule went like this:

• Up at normal time (which was somewhat a bummer!)  ha. 
• Swim lessons at 8:00 for 30 minutes.  
• Back home... I logged onto work, and worked til about noonish.  Kayson pretty much was on his iPad that entire time...  with a few exceptions of going to the bathroom, or having a snack!  Bad Mom.  Tuesday I did make him color at the table... and have a conversation with me.  ha. 
• 12:30 we headed to basketball camp.  Dropped him off...  I'm back home to work. 
• 3:45 I headed back to pick him up from camp...  pick up Cora... and back home.  

Busy days. 

Tuesday and Wednesday he had baseball games too.  Talk about tiredness catching up with you!  He was so exhausted by Wednesday night.  Poor kid.  


Friday was probably our best day yet.  I worked for a little bit in the morning, then Hope came down to DSM to spend the afternoon with us.  We had lunch, then went to the aquatic center and had a ball!  Kayson does so awesome in the water now, and Hope made it super fun for him.  Thank goodness for her!   Great memories made right there...
 
In a nutshell, we really had a good time together.  He was rather pleasant the whole time!  :)   

Here are some pictures of our week together. 

1st day of swim lessons.

It was chilly Wednesday morning, so he wrapped up.

We had some work done on our yard...  Kayson loved watching.

Weekend & Father's Day 2016

Friday:
We just stayed home Friday night...  made supper, and just hung out. 

Saturday:
We all woke happy.  :)   We did this and that around the house, then did a few errands and had lunch out.  Cora took a rest, then we headed out for our first aquatic center outing of the summer.  We had such a great time!!!  The kids did great - Kayson's doing really well with being comfortable in the water too.  Then it was time to leave... Cora thought throwing a fit would be fun.  Such a disappointment - to make the happy time, such a crabby time in seconds.  Boohiss.  

Anyway, we got home, had quick supper, then had movie night.  We watched 'Zootopia' - what a good little movie.  It was a nice night at home.

Sunday:
Happy Father's Day to Ryan... and my Dad... and Mike.  It's been a great little day...  super, duper hot here, but good day overall.  We attended church, then Ryan requested Olive Garden for lunch.  It was super yummy.  Then back home...  and we just hung out.  I did a few errands... then more hanging out.  Ryan and Kayson went to the batting cages a little bit ago.  Cora and I just stayed home... and relaxed.   

Arizona family visits Iowa!

Several months ago, my cousins, Jacqui and Kellie messaged Trish and I - "We are coming to visit this summer!!!"  I was ecstatic... I love them.  We don't see them often, as they are in AZ.  And we just have so many good memories from growing up, and now we have different/busy lives - it is great to make new memories.  

Jacqui and Kel's parents (Aunt Caroyl (My Mom's twin sister) and Uncle Rick) were driving here as well...  they wanted to see us, and Mom.  Mom continues to get bad, so it was really important that they saw her (even though she had no idea who they were, or why they were here).  This breaks my heart, all of our hearts.  

Anyway, they arrived in Cedar Rapids (flew in there) on Saturday afternoon.  The kids and I headed over to CR Sunday after church.  Ryan originally was going to be out of town, but that changed last minute... but still wasn't able to get away with us on Sunday.  Our drive was ok... Cora had a hard time, lots of yelling and just not happy.  She was tired, but was fighting it.  Finally, she rested for about 30 minutes.  SIGH.  

We arrived, and joined our other cousins, Monette and her hubby Gary, daughter Shanna, and my Aunt Di and Uncle Mort, as well as Trish and Eden met us over there.   We went to a petting park and walked around, let the kids play at the playground... the weather was actually beautiful.   We instantly jumped in and had such a nice time.  Monette and Gary hosted all of us at their house so we could visit and hang out, have supper.  Cora became best friends with Jacqui's little guy, Derick.  He's about 14 months old.  She just loved him, it was pretty sweet.  

Sunday night kids, myself, Trish and Eden went to our hotel - crammed all 5 of us in!!!  We hit up the pool at 9pm (Mom of the year right here!!!), swam for about 30 minutes, then we all crashed.  Monday morning we got up, had a quick breakfast then headed over to Clarion.  We had a good drive this time... the kids were pretty good/they were happy - thanks to electronics!  We made one quick stop to get gas and a snack.  

We got to Clarion, and we went to Jill's to hang out with them.  Jill made us lunch, and we just sat and visited.  Eventually we went to Tricia's to get unloaded, and Cora took an awesome nap, which was great.  More just hanging out... then we all met up with the AZ gang, and more cousins, plus Mom and Dad.  We just gathered at the church - easy, big space.  We ordered pizza in, and just hung out.  It was a great time.  We then pushed it a little (I guess I did), and went out to the lake to do a bonfire...  it was super nice, but my kiddos were just exhausted.  I felt bad.  

Tuesday was more just hanging out with everyone...  the weather was kind of random - hot, then rain, then cool, then more rain, then hot.  Ryan made the trip up for the day, which was super nice...  everyone was asking about him, so I'm hoping he had a good time.  We gathered again at the church.  It was just a really nice day.  

Kids, Ryan and I headed back to DSM Tuesday night.  I was sad to leave, but also ready to be home in our own beds.  :)  We had such a good time... and I pray that my kiddos remember these memories and how special our family is, and how lucky we are.  

Here are some pics from my phone...  

LOVE.

"That little boy" is what Cora called him - Derick. 

Reading to Derick.

Fun at the playground. 

Playing "Spot It" with Lindsay and Kellie

with Monette.

Mo, Jill, Trish, me, Jac, Kels

Cora was less than interested in pics!

with Aunt Caroyl = sweet.