Our Newest Water Toy

It has been so hot and humid here for the past week. We decided we needed a new water toy so Robb and the kids went on the hunt to find something. Because we are late to get out and get something, most places were sold out. I popped into Best Buy after work one day and found an inflatable soccer ball sprinkler. That was pretty much the only thing left so I got it. We set it up when I got home and the kids had a blast running around with it. You hook the ball up to the hose and it shoots water out. You can throw it around or just set it on the ground and run around it like a sprinkler. I will say it was $5 well spent.

Audrey and Kate getting wet!

Audrey about to throw the ball.

Forest taking his turn.

Kate doing her "tricks."

What a great way to cool off on a hot day!

My Little Firecracker

The 4th of July was filled with fun this year. Our ward had a wonderful 4th of July picnic with lots of good food, fun, and even a bike parade for the kiddos. Kate was very excited about decorating her new bike so we made sure and had plenty of things to decorate with. We used streamers, stickers, and I made some pin wheels. She looked very festive!

A close up on her bike

Getting ready to start the parade.

After the picnic we went home and had a barbeque. Robb makes the yummiest steak and grilled potatoes so that's what we had. Then, when it got dark we let off some fireworks in our driveway. Lots of colorful fountains-my favorite. It was a great way to spend the day and celebrate our country.

Kate Gets a Bike!

Kate recently got her very first two wheel bike! She has been practicing how to ride it and is getting pretty good. She loves to go outside and ride with the "big" kids now!

Kate riding her bike for the first time.
(She had just gotten up from her nap. That explains the lopsided ponytails.)

Audrey (the best big sister ever!) helping Kate on her bike.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Our family had a chance to go to the New Britain Rock Cats baseball game. The Rock Cats are the minor league team for the Minnesota Twins. My awesome friend at work gave us some tickets so we decided to go and we are so glad that we did. It was a total blast! There is nothing like watching a baseball game in person, especially when the team you are rooting for wins!

Swing!

The kids hanging out in the stands:
Audrey, Jake, Forest, and Josh

Josh

Audrey and Forest

Kate, me, and Robb

I can't believe my kids are growing up!

I can't believe my kids are growing up. I really can't. With the end of this past school year, Josh and Jake finished elementary school. They graduated from 4th grade and will be moving up to middle school this next year. Their 4th grade year was great. They had a terrific teacher that really took an interest in them and made the transition to a new school and a new state really smooth. We love, Mrs. Deeb! The last week of school they were able to celebrate with a 4th grade Moving Up ceremony complete with a Students Only party-no parents allowed! Here are some pictures of the ceremony I was "allowed" to be at:

Lake Garda graduation cake

A second cake with all the 4th graders names on it.
(Josh and Jake's names are in the first row on the left.)

My boys with their certificates.

Along with the boys moving up, Kate also had a graduation ceremony from Joy School. She completed her 1st year exceptionally well. She absolutely loves school and all of her friends. She learned so much and now has a love of music and all things school. This next year we are going to continue with Joy School and also start getting her ready for kindergarten. (Oh my gosh! I can't believe it! She will be in school before I know it! WOW!) Here are some pictures of Kate's graduation ceremony:

Kate with all of her school friends:
Eliza, Kate, Grace, and Lizzie
She affectionately calls all of these girls her "best friends."

Kate getting ready for her performance. Each girl got to pick one of their favorite songs from the school year and sing it for the group. They also performed a few songs together.

Kate and I singing Doodle Caboodle, Kate's song choice. It's a song all about being silly!

All of the girls doing their Joy School cheer.

Kate in her graduation cap that she made.

All of the graduates...

This next school year will bring many exciting things. With a new school, new things to learn and new challenges we are all bound to grow in good ways. I say bring it on!