Weekend

Friday:

• VBS for kids, last night
• Ryan and I attempted getting new cell phones.  Only success for me, as they didn't have the color Ryan wanted.
• Ryan and I grabbed supper out.
• Picked kids up.
• Ice cream with a few other VBS friends.
• Bed, tired family.

Saturday:

• Ryan worked.
• Kids slept in.
• Cora was owly... overly tired I believe; and has a little cold.
• Met Mike and JeanAnn for lunch.
• they then purchased school shoes for the kids.
• Back home... Cora continued to be owly, so she took a little rest.
• Watched a movie with the kids.
• Bed.

Sunday:

• Church
• Groceries
• Snuggles with Cora - she was my little friend all day.
• Purchased tap shoes, ballet shoes, leotards and tights for her dance class.
• she was ecstatic!
• Quiet day. Somber day.

 

Been playing with Cora's hair - braids at bedtime

 

Waves the next morning.  Love.

 

 

Wow - red lipstick.

New Hawk outfit from Grandma

 

VBS 2018

This year, we have both kiddos going to the VBS at Waukee Hope!  Last year Cora could have, but I thought she was just too little... but this year, she's all big now, and all in.  And by the way, she's done awesome for not knowing anyone in her little group! 

This year - Mon through Friday, 6-8pm.  And wow, our kids (and myself) were TIRED!!!  Doing something every single night like that is a lot for our little routine family...  they both can't wait to sleep in tomorrow!  ha. 
But overall, it's been fun for them.  They each brought a friend Thursday night - Kayson brought his buddy Blake; and Cora brought her friend Alex.  Good kids... and so fun to see them so darn excited!

I have so many pics and videos from the week.  And my favorite thing is some of the phrases or sayings they have each day.  Some really cool ones that apply well to kids, but also adults.

#Shine - Be The Light!

 

 

 
 

 
 

friend Alex

friend Blake

one of my favorite sayings

Proof - exhausted.  :)

Weekend

Friday:
Exhausting week...  Ryan gone, work has been so busy and a lot of thinking!, and a couple later evenings, and it just caught up to me.  I was wiped out.   But we still needed to eat... so we head out and went to Spaghetti Works downtown.  It was a good decision... beautiful evening, we sat on the patio, the kids ate.  Success. 

Back home... and the kids played with the neighbor kids for a bit.  I sat in a chair outside and chilled.  

Saturday:
Ryan worked. 
Kids and I ran to the store.  I cleaned the house.   And we just hung out for awhile.  We grabbed lunch out, then headed out to enjoy the weather.  Ryan and Kayson went to the batting cages; Cora and I (and Grace) went to the playground at the park. Then when Cora was done, we met the boys at the baseball field near by and practiced a little with them...  it was fun, and warm!

We tried to have some quiet time in the afternoon... but Cora was a little out owly, actually a lot owly.  I'm not sure if she was tired, or what... but she was in rare form and pretty bratty/mouthy.  Somehow we need to work on that better... she seems to think she's the boss a lot.  Anyway, we got through it...  and then Jess, Lex and their kids came over.  We ordered pizza in... kids played fairly well (again, several not good moments from Cora), but again, I guess we got through it.  Eventually the kids quieted down and watched a movie or the iPad, and us 4 were actually able to talk.  It was a beautiful night out too... 

Sunday:
Church.
and an afternoon at home.  I've done loads and loads of laundry.  Evey ones bed is clean.  The kids have played really well this afternoon.  Olivia came over for a bit.  It's just been a nice Sunday.  I should have probably went out and did a little more birthday shopping for Cora, but I didn't...  

That's about it.  We have another busy week... Ryan's traveling again for most of it, kids have their daily stuff, in addition, they are doing VBS at Hope Waukee.  It'll be busy nights for us.  

An accident - running into the INSIDE of her closet door. :(

Baseball decisions - at age 9

Kayson did well at baseball... improved and liked it.  We actually all enjoyed it!  So...  when it was time to think about next year (yes, we think about next year nearly 8 months in advance!!), we knew K would do the try outs again with Iowa Sticks.  That was done in June (I think!)...  and then we wait.  Prior to the try outs, Kayson and us were approached by another baseball team to be on their team (completely un-related to the Sticks).  We thought about it... talked about it...  ignored it for awhile!...  and then talked some more.  Eventually the results of the try outs for the Sticks were released, and unfortunately Kayson didn't make the 'elite' team.  I know there's a different word for it, but I can't think of it now! Anyway, we weren't exactly expecting him to make that top team, but had a thought that maybe he would make another team.  Typically there are 2 or 3 'elite' teams (but there was only 1 for his age group), then Sticks changed it up a little - and in addition to the elite teams, they have a baseball academy.  Anyway...  i'm sure I have that wrong, it's confusing, but he didn't make those teams... and neither did his other friends.  

So...  we went back to that team that had asked us to join them...  and we have 'accepted' to join them and be part of the Westside Aces family.  In the end, it's probably the best decision...  this team would be a long term team (until he's 14).  The coach is a parent, and obviously had a kid on the team, and the coach has every intention of continuing to coach.  We know other families for sure, possibly 4 families...  so it seems to be a good fit. 

The past couple months has been interesting when it comes to making baseball decisions for a 9 year old... and again, we won't even play til next Spring!  But that's the way it goes around here in the big cities!  ha.  

More to come with this... but glad we've made a decision.  Now we just keep practicing a little here and there... 

Cora - Swim lessons DONE

As of yesterday, Cora's swim lessons were a wrap.
She did well... and I feel she learned.  Things we need her to work on are:

• kicking at the same time as moving her arms.  Makes me giggle, cuz I am not a swimmer - but when watching her, she definitely stops kicking (and starts sinking!)...  so she just needs to practice more!
• her breathing...  just getting that down and being able to keep going, if she weren't able to touch. 

 
It was fun to watch her... and know that she was absolutely exhausted after!!!

 
 

 

Weekend

Friday:
I had Friday off to hang with Kayson...  since he was at basketball camp Mon-Thurs, he didn't do BTB Friday, so it was me and him.  I feel like we haven't had a full K and Mom day in awhile... so it was nice.  We hung out in the morning...  he did some electronic time, I did some 'watching The Today Show' time.  :)  We played a few games, and got groceries, where he was an actual big helper.  I personally hate the grocery store, but he made it fun (for that day)!  ha. 

We then went to the pool.  It was a super hot day... and I told Kayson we could do whatever he wanted (except be on electronics all day!)...  we landed on the pool.  It was not busy at all, which was kind of fun...  we just hung out, played catch in the water...  it was a super nice time. 
 
The rest of the day was relaxing...  and we snuggled a little.  I've realized that he's big.  Like a real big kid - the biggest kid I've had so far!  ha.  But he still loves me and thinks I'm 'ok', which I'm thrilled with.  I know that won't last forever...
 
Anyway, Friday night we had Hummel's over.  Hud and K are best of friends... and they were off to play PS4 and giggle about whatever boys do.  Eleanor and Cora played a little together, but not like I thought they would.  They each have some super strong personalities... so they may have butted heads a little, but also were fine too.  Us adults just sat and talked... which was so nice.  We spent a ton of time together this summer, but really don't feel like we ever really 'talked'... it was more cheering the kids on and hauling them!  So we had a nice time.
 
Saturday:
Ryan worked.
Kids and I went to the party store to get Cora's birthday decorations... we landed on mermaid stuff.  And it's soooo cute.  We had a good time doing that...  then back home to sit for a bit.  Then we were invited to meet Jess and Lex at the pool for a Pool Palooza.  We hadn't done that before... but basically it's more kid activities at the pool and music.  The music makes it way fun... in my opinion.  They need music playing every time we are at the pool!  Anyway, we met them... but barely was able to talk with them...  Kayson ran into 2 of his friends, so he was off... and Cora ran into one of her little friends too!  Kind of fun!!  We originally was going to just stay for an hour or so... and 2.5 hours later, we were heading home!!  ha.  I'm just glad we are using that pool... so nice, convenient and fun for the kids. and we are getting tan!  ha.
 
Saturday night Hope and Logan came over...  had to check out her beautiful ring!!!  We had a nice time with them... chatting wedding stuff, and listening to Cora talk.  Oh.my.gawd.  That girl - was obnoxious and a little bratty...  she's a handful when she's comfortable with people at our house.  And she loves Hope and Logan, so she was in prime form.  But regardless, we had a good time...
 
Sunday:
Church... and NOTHING!
We literally laid around Sunday afternoon.  The kids played SOOOO well together - building forts, and playing PS4 TOGETHER.  Kayson did really well with Cora trying to help her, etc.  It was nice.  She even fell asleep on her little chair for a bit.  Cute.  Anyway, we didn't do anything, and it was honestly great...  so nice.
 
And we are another week in...  about 6 more weeks til school.  CRAZY.  Ryan's out of town this week... and sounds like the next couple weeks too. 
 

 
 

 

 

Sweet thing.

 

 

 
 

Pillow fight with Dad.  Oh dear.

 

 
 

 

Cora - swim lessons!

We are almost half way done with our first week of swim lessons ... already.  I tell you what - summer is flying by (and it's kind of making me sad!!!)

Anyway, no swim lessons for Kayson.  We just decided that he probably didn't really need them... he's not going to do swim team or anything like that, he's comfortable, WE are comfortable with him and what he knows, so we opted out this year. 

So it's just Cora.  
And so far, so good!  Like last year, I thought she'd be shy and scared... but she's really stepped out of her element when it comes to swimming/water.  She's comfortable, maybe TOO comfortable... for not really knowing how to swim yet.  So it's a good thing, but scary too...  she's got a lot to learn. 

BUT - this week has gone well.  Her teacher is Miss Becca... I believe Kayson may have had her one year... or at least I've seen her there in the past!  She's fun with Cora... and Cora listens to her.  

It's going well.  I'm anxious to see how much Cora can do by next Thursday!

Wild.  :)

Weekend (and Engagement excitement!)

Friday:
We had planned to stay in...  then Kayson mentioned going to a Waukee HS baseball game... and there just happened to be one in town that night.  So... we headed out - it was a beautiful night, and was nice to do something a little different.

Saturday:
This and that around the house in the morning, and was another beautiful day...  warm, not a cloud in the sky, but not humid.  We had lunch out on a patio...  Ryan and Kayson then went to practice hitting a little, while Cora and I headed to the pool!  We are definitely loving the LifeTime pool, which is great.  Ryan and K joined us a little later...  we hung out there for about 2.5 hours.  The kids had a great time. 

Back home to relax a little... and Cora was wiped out!!  Wow - she could barely keep her eyes open.  I gave her a little snack and she perked up a little... I only did that cuz we were having a sitter come, and I didn't want her sleeping!  Anyway, we had some quiet time, then Ryan and I met Jess and Lex for dinner.  Miss Steph came to hang with the kids, and they had a good time...  I don't think they 'do' much, but Steph said they were good.  We had a nice dinner out - haven't gone out in forever it seems. 

Meanwhile while we were out... my phone was blowing up with snaps from the family (We have a group snap of my sisters and nieces).  it's not uncommon for me to get a ton of snaps from them... so I ignored them while we were eating...  Well, I shouldn't have ignored that long!  Hope and Logan got engaged!!!!  We are beyond thrilled for them!!  Logan is a great guy... and they make a darling couple.  We are so excited!!! 

Anyway, more to come on that I'm sure.  I can barely stand it that I can't see Hope right now!!!  :)

Sunday:
Church... and then we were out and about all afternoon.  Ryan wanted to do some shopping, which never happens... so we all did that.  We then just putzed around the mall, kids played at the movie theater arcade and then we went to the movie "The Incredibles 2".  Really good movie!!!  Then we grabbed groceries real quick, ate late... and had a little quiet time, then bed.  It was a busy afternoon of being gone...  The kids were tired.

That's about it...  super excited about Hope and Logan.  I'm realizing that summer is going super fast... which kind of bums me out.  Even though we have the same routine and really nothing is different - I just feel like we are more lax, and Kayson is just really enjoying his summer. 

 
 

Flood waters/Saylorville Dam

Last week Iowa was hit with an emergency flood warning (I think that's what it's called) - basically a TON of rain in a very little amount of time. 

Tuesday night we decided to go do something (cuz we didn't have work/school Wednesday).  So... we headed out for a drive to see the Saylorville Dam.  I hadn't been there in years...  and it was very cool (and scary at the same time) to see all that water!  Kayson was amazed!