Indiana Beach

The day before Claire started 3rd grade we decided to use the Indiana Beach passes that the kids received for completing the summer library program. Unfortunately, both Brock and Hope came down with a nasty cold the day before, so they were a little dazed and confused.Hope was really getting into her motorcyle ride!Look out everyone, Claire's driving!

Claire got her hair painted orange and three hours later we had to be at her school for meet the teacher night. Just enough time to get home and wash the paint out. Tired and snooty nosed, Hope was ready for her snuggly bed.

Cousins and the Beach

A spur-of-the-moment trip to Niles to see the K's (Mark's brother Kyle and his family-Kori, Kaia, Kree, Kaari, & Kevea). We had a great time hanging out with them and going to the beach.Hope LOVED to do this. We don't have a clue why, but she's been doing it alot at home too. Claire, Kree, & Kaia very excited about breakfast!!

Our own comedian!

Yesterday Brock had a couple funny thoughts that really tickled us. I try to keep a journal of all the funny things the kids do and say so we won't forget them. Brock's journal is really starting to fill up. Ha Ha Ha

The first one was while eating lunch. Mark was home from work for lunch and we were talking about it being Uncle Wes and Aunt Rita's wedding anniversary. Brock then asked, "Where was I when you and Daddy got married? At Grandma Hurleys?" We told him that God hadn't made him yet, but he didn't like that answer and kept asking. Finally Mark said he was a twinkle in our eyes, to which Brock responded "NO I not in your eye - I was in Mommy's tummy!"

Last night after getting home from Mark's softball game we were giving the kids a quick bath before bed. Mark and I were both in the bathroom and as I knelt down by the tub I said, "Let's start on the ole' face." Brock looked up vey perplexed and said, "I don't have an old face, I have a new one." Then he pointed to Mark and said, "YOU have an old one!" He even gets his sense of humor from his Daddy!!
He's trying to show us his muscles in this picture with Daddy's highschool basketball jersey on.

Another Birthday and Summer Fun!!

Well, June has been a very busy month for us. I helped oversee our church's VBS program, Brock celebrated his 3rd birthday, we went to Brown County State Park for a summer vacation, and celebrated both Father's Day and our 12 year anniversary on Sunday. We've had a great summer thus far and can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has for us. Here's Brock with his birthday strawberry shortcake. He loves fruit of any type, but he could eat a whole bucket of strawberries by himself it we let him. I guess that's why the good Lord brought him into the world during strawberry season!!

Hope had no fear at the water park at Brown County. We had to watch her like a hawk. She absolutely loved the water and swimming every day.

Claire's favorite part of Brown County was swimming and going on a 40 min horse ride. She just made the cut-off of 8 years old to ride the trail by herself on a horse. It was a more challenging ride than she or I thought it might be. The guide took Claire and I on a very muddy, rocky, hilly ride. Luckily Claire had a great horse. However, mine wasn't the greatest and I'm just glad that I didn't come back muddy from being thrown off.

This was probably where we spent the most time. In the Abe Martin Lodge water park. It was perfect for kids of all ages!!!

Claire's 8!!! (Another Post Follows)

It's so hard to believe that our little girl is 8 years old. Claire wanted to have a campout sleepover for her birthday this year. Since the weather has been wet, to say the least, we decided on a camp-in. She had a few friends over and, of course, two crazy sibblings. Claire likes to make everything dramatic, including opening cards. Notice also that she got a hair cut. She's been asking for a short "do" for quite some time. Striking a pose!! Brock will be embarrassed someday that he got into the action. However, since the girls are all 5 years older than him, he may think it's pretty cool to know the older girls.

Where the actual sleeping occurred, or lack there of!!

As usual, Hope liked the gift bags best.

April Happenings - Late!!

Hope is really growing up on us. She has gone from baby to a girl who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it. She's still very much a Momma's girl and rarely shows others her sweet smile, so here it is.

Brock is now really into cutting ("tutting" as he calls it). It's amazing how a single piece of paper can turn into confetti in no time! Claire's 2nd grade class had a field trip to the Shedd Aquarium which I was lucky enough to chaperone. We had a great time!

The night before we went to the aquarium Claire insisted that her and I have the same manicure and pedicure for the field trip. She, of course, had more in mind than just a simple pink. I haven't had this crazy of nails since high school. I was just happy she wanted to be seen with me, as well as our fun nails. We had to paint Hope's toes as well - for the first time!!

Earth Day Essay Contest Winner!!

We are so proud of Claire! She won the Earth Day Essay Contest this year for 2nd grade. Last week she received a call letting her know she had won. On Thursday they had a school wide Earth Day convocation and just before hand they asked Claire if she would read her essay. She said yes and did a wonderful job, so we are told. Several people including teachers, aides, and students all commented on how well she did and how clear and confident she sounded. Claire was the only one from her school that read an essay that day. Other schools from the area were also included so some grade winners came from other schools. We were proud and surprised that she had the confidence to get in front of the whole school (2nd-5th grade) and read her essay as well as do a 'Happy Dance'. It was a great day for her as she also got to jump off the big diving board during swimming class that day. The picture is of her reading it at the Renssselaer Earth Day Celebration last Saturday, not quite as intimidating.