Spring 2011

Time to start updating the BLOG again... It's been too long and there's too much to share!

We've been blessed with some weekend mini-vacations. In April we visited Dodge Nature Center, MOA rides, and St. Paul sites...








Of course, Ezra turned 2 years old!




Family time and traditions at Easter...






Visits this Spring from family. Teresa's kids are growing fast...




And Julie was in town (up from Down South) so grandma got to see all her kids together..


Then off to DesMoines in May. The kids were excited about treats and police on horseback at the Farmer's Market and to go inside the Iowa capitol building...



But most excited to go to the water park and pizza place with games (spending time with old friends)...






May also brought nice weather and outside fun...



And, of course, Asher's last day of PreK...

Now he's off to Kindergarten this fall (and very excited!).

In June we switched to summer schedules at the daycare. So we have all our "regulars" on Wednesdays and some special friends coming other days. Asher is excited to have his best buddy in town every couple weeks and Ezra has a friend that just started coming every couple weeks too. We also enjoyed seeing Katelyn's dance performance, both cousins play T-ball, the 1st parade of the summer, and time out on the boat...







Another first was camping with our friends...





Our next weekend trip will be to St. Louis, so more pics to come!

4 years old!

Asher turned 4 years old! Our birthday morning tradition is presents and a special muffin for breakfast. This year Asher decided instead of just 1 candle, he should have four. We had a great morning.





Over lunch, Asher was thrilled with the surprise of grandpa stopping over. He took grandpa up to his room right away to see his new "big and wood castle" and the people who live in it because brother got him "a princess with a crown and flowers and a prince with a hat with a feather in it who ride in a carriage!" Grandma called in the morning to tell Asher "Happy Birthday" and she came over her lunch to read him a story and tuck Asher in for nap time. He had a great day!

Growing too fast... Katelyn, Asher, Chase, & Ezra

Thanks to Holly for our annual end of summer picture session. Think this year's 10 minute shoot was a record (in time and successful photos)!

We got all the kids to actually sit still and look for one picture. Just wish Ezra wouldn't always look so concerned when we get out the camera ;)

Here Ezra 1, Chase 2, Asher 3, and Katelyn 4... but not for long. We soon will be celebrating September birthdays!

Here Ezra looks a little less concerned, but has taken after brother in biting his lip...


Love this one of Chase sneaking in on Katelyn's moment...

Chase smiles...

Katelyn poses...


I tried a new technique with Asher this year... surprise him with a new hat! I think it worked because I can't remember the last time we got so many great, real smiles on camera :)

Asher's 1st Day of School

My 1st born is 3, almost 4 years old, and already starting year two of preschool. Last year, Asher went to preschool at Faith Lutheran PS in Shell Rock 3 mornings a week. This year, Asher is at Shell Rock Elementary School's PS 3 days a week for the whole school day.

Here are a few pictures from his 1st day of school (8/25/10)...




He transitioned well into the classroom his first day. Mommy got a big hug and kiss, but Asher said "no" to taking pictures of him at school. So, alas, I have no picture of him in front of his locker. (Maybe we can get one on his last day of school.)

Asher knows a handful of boys in the class already from his PS last year. Also, cousin Katelyn is in his class. He was excited to be helper with weather during circle time the 1st day and shared with us about a silly "Mr. Alligator" song they sang. He also got the sharing bag right away, which was fun. Asher brought a Transformer toy, his toy violin, and a picture of himself with his guitar...


He loves computer class, but hates gym. We thought his joking around with the teacher and trying some of the activities (1st time to participate so far) last week was a good sign, but he still is asking not to go in the morning when it's a gym day. He actually told me he knows the stuff they are learning at school and doesn't really need to go, but we talked about the importance of time with kids his own age, making new friends, and enjoying the other activities like centers, art, library, etc. We are trying to keep focused on all the fun things and hoping it will get better... birthday treats to bring and back-to-school night to show mommy, daddy, brother, grandma, and grandpa around.