Hiking

Our family loves to go on day trips.  One of our favorite things to do is hiking.  Last week Ben took a day off work and we headed up to Mt. Rose.  We went to a place we had never been before and it was awesome.  We had so much fun and the kids did great!

We couldn't do anything else until Kyle got to throw rocks in the river.  This is one of his favorite things to do.  I honestly think he could do it all day long if we let him.  Makayla was climbing around and exploring things around us.  She found a really flat rock.  She got it wet and then put leaves all over it.  She was making a wallet.

Next it was picnic time.  We found a beautiful spot in the middle of the trees and spread our blanket down.  We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, grapes, strawberries, cheese and Rootbeer.  Then we topped it all of with some muddy buddies.  Yummy!!!

Finally after rock throwing, exploring, more rock throwing, our picnic, rock throwing, pictures and of course more rock throwing it was time for the hike.

Oh yeah, before we could officially start the hike Makayla needed to strike a pose.

There were tons of fallen trees that we could climb and explore on.  There was one especially skinny tree that Ben bet me $100 to climb across it.  Now as some of you know I was in gymnastics when I was younger so this was not a big deal.  As I started to climb Makayla burst out in tears.  She was so scared that I would fall into the water.  As much as I wanted my $100 I couldn't make my little girl cry while doing it.  Next time for sure!!! 

The best part of our hike was that we were in no hurry.  We let the kids climb rocks and of course Kyle got to throw more rocks in the river and just take our time and explore everything.  When we were done it was a short walk back because we didn't get very far.  Over all it was a perfect day with our family.

Ky's Two-Year-Old Pictures

I still can't believe that my little boy is two years old!!!  He isn't really doing the terrible two thing but who knows what is yet to come...

During this photo shoot we took advantage and took some other pictures too.  Enjoy!

VIDEOS!!!

This is Makayla's dance recital.  She did awesome!!!  Pictures to come soon.

Kyle loves to sing.  It is adorable because he sings the last word of each line.  This is a song that Makayla and I taught him that he loves to sing.

Kindergarten Graduate!!!

I can't believe that the school year is over and I don't have a Kindergartener anymore!  How did this year go by so fast??!!  Makayla had a wonderful year.  She made lots of friends and absolutely loved her teacher Mrs. Moyle.  Makayla started the year as one of the youngest kids in her class.  I was a little worried that she wouldn't be able to keep up with the other children but not only did she keep up with them she even passed a lot of them up.  (Okay was that rude?  But I am her mom so I can say stuff like that right?)  Anyway, we are so proud of Makayla and all that she accomplished this year and the beautiful, amazing and smart girl she is becoming.  Makayla is excited for our packed summer but she is already counting down the days until she gets to go to first grade!!!

On Makayla's last day of school she picked out her special dress to wear that I had made for her.  She looked beautiful.  She went to school and then a couple hours later Ben, Kyle and I were able to go to her graduation ceremony.

The whole class sang us a song called "I Am I Said I".  Makayla loves this song and had been singing it at home a lot.  It was so cute to see the whole class sing it together. 

Next they grabbed a partner and did a jig.  Makayla's partner was Steven.  They looked so cute together.  Steven's mom thought they looked like they were going to the prom!

Kyle even found a great hiding place where he thought he was getting away with something.  It was great because it kept him busy and quiet during the ceremony. 

As I said in the beginning Makayla had such a wonderful teacher this year.  Mrs. Moyle took such an interest in all the kids in her class and made each one of them feel that they were her favorite.  I can only hope that we will have as great of a teacher next year.  Congratulations my little Makayla.  We are so proud of you and love you more than anything!!!    

JUMP!!!

This is what happens on a Sunday afternoon when you want a beautiful day to go outside and play but instead you have a cold and dreary day and have to entertain yourselves...

JUMP

Kyle absolutely loved this game!

This makes me think we should sign this girl up for karate!

No, I was not a cheerleader but maybe I should have been!

Yes, we might be a little crazy but at least we have fun!!!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!!!

Seeing as these two little munchkins are the whole reason I get to celebrate mother's day I saw it only fitting to start out with some adorable pictures of the cutest kids in the whole world!!!

Ben and the kids made me a wonderful mother's day dinner.  My very favorite roast beef, mashed potatoes, and fruit.  Oh man, it's making me hungry just thinking about it again!

To top it all of we had chocolate mint cake...can we say HEAVENLY!!!

After dinner I got to open my presents.  The presents were hidden around the house and I got to find them.  Makayla was a big help with this game since she is the one who hid them.  Overall it was a great mother's day.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and beautiful amazing children that make every day of my life mother's day.  Thanks guys!!! 

CAMPING!!!

Now, for all of you who know me, saw the title of this entry, and immediately went directly to my blog in utter shock that I went camping, let me ease your minds.  No, I did not go camping it was just Kyle and Ben.  Our church had the fathers and sons outing a couple weeks ago and Ben has been waiting 12 years to go to this.  Finally Ben got his little boy and Kyle was old enough this year to go.  I have to admit I was a little nervous about Kyle (two years old) going camping but I knew that Ben would keep him safe.  They both had so much fun!!!  Ben is already counting down the days until next year!

Kyle LOVED the tent.  We have set the tent up in the house before and Kyle loved it so when it was set up in the woods he was in Heaven!!!  Ben said that Kyle slept very well despite the cold weather.  I can't say as much for Ben.  He was up all night making sure that Kyle stayed under the covers.

Kyle spent most of his time throwing rocks and sticks into the lake.  

And what would camping be without a walking stick.  Unfortunately it didn't occur to Ben to have someone else take a picture so both Ben and Kyle could be in the picture but at least we have cute pictures of Kyle right?!  Anyway, they both had a great time and can't wait to do it again.  Makayla and I had a nice girls night.  We had a chocolate fondue party, watched Barbie movies and took Josie on a walk around the neighborhood.  What a fun weekend!!!