Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Thank you, Mr. Sun!

Now THIS is summer! The kids and I spent all morning at Raccoon River Park. So fun. Even better... we had the whole place to ourselves pretty much since we were early birds. When the crowd started flowing in, we were headed home. Perfect. Kale and Ava both LOVED digging and playing in the water. I, of course, had my camera and took about 120 pics (no joke) but got some really super cute shots. The best part was, this kids didn't even notice I was snapping a way! (usually Kale has a few complaints about the camera in his face ;)). Ava managed to bring home her share of sand (most of which was ingested) but it was so worth it. We were there for 3 hours...we could have easily stayed 3 more! Here are some snapshots of the morning!


Ava could hardly get those purple crocs of fast enough to get down to the water!






Kale has been working on mastering the art of the back float. I think he's got it! Now, if we could just work on the ineffective doggy paddle.


Monkey see.....



Monkey do.....


Homeward bound, what a great start to a beautiful day!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Summer!

Summer time has arrived but it does NOT feel like it! Good thing we bought pool passes this year..grrr! We did manage to squeeze in 2 trips to the pool before this arctic rush. Ava, just as suspected, is a fearless potential poolrat (I say potential because who knows if we will get back to the pool this summer at this rate with the rain and cool temps). She was jumping, splashing, practicing her strokes and dives (this two times I had to pull her under both times she looked at me laughed). Needless, to say, Ava is NOT satified with the pool from the 0 depth area. She perfers the deep end which makes for one busy momma! Here she is sporting the suit!



I love my job during the school year and also for this incredible summer break to spend with my family. Joe has been working at Character Building Academy since school got out. It's official, he could have never been in the teaching profession. However, I think he does see the impact he could have on young lives in such a short amount of time. Mostly though from the scheduling prospective we LOVE character camp because of his "normal" hours. But, I think he is itching to get back out "on the road." That's cop talk for out on the streets fighting crime.. :)!
We met Shannon, Sheldon and Jake at the Omaha Zoo. The boys had a great time together. Ava did great until she faceplanted on the concrete. Ooops.. Poor thing. The weather was perfect!




Adventureland with the Lust family was a blast as well! Kale hit up all the rides with Addison and Camille. I think it helped to have these two fearless leaders along to help the confidence! Mom and Dad (ok mom) did not give him enough credit! (I have never been a rides fan..). We sent Ava on a couple rides as well. Dad won the apprehensive award for her...Ava loved, of course! Joe paced nervously watching like a hawk. :) Good times had by all. Ava was asleep before we left the parking lot! (rare for her to even nod off in the car!)





We have made it back to see the Grandmas and Grandpas once this summer. It was Great Grandma and Grandpa Goekens big 65th wedding anniversary party. We had a celebration at the Community Center in Everly. It was very special.

I have a new found hobby that I can't seem to get enough of (but I think my kids have had enough ;), Photography! Lots of the camera in the face. Kale has been playing right along. He has claimed my old camera as his own and has added photographer to his long list of jobs. Here are a few: Calling all cute kids! My kids would loved to be replaced as the guinea pigs so let me know if you want to be in a photo shoot with me ;)





Can't wait to see what the rest of summer brings! Mr. Sun, Please shine down on me!!!!