Ending the Month of August

I sat down with my computer and a half a ream of Oreos and between the speed of my computer and the deliciousness of Oreos, the Oreos were gone before the blogging even began. But I am determined to catch up on something so here goes the last couple weeks.

 For the last couple months of beautiful weather a group of us go walking in the mornings around 7:45. We have grand adventures of keeping our kids entertained, fed, and focused on achieving our desired amount of exercise - normally a little over a 5k. Some days our average speed is much higher than others. Ian's new favorite thing to do on these walks is to find a place to lay, sit, or crawl along when he gets tired. The explorer in him is coming out and crackers are losing their persuasive power. So much changes in a month or so. The boys usually walk a little over a mile each walk now too - training them young. Tate has also mastered the one legged hop.

 On August 21, 2015, Josh had his white coat ceremony, FINALLY!!! It was a very exciting day. The boys were great as they watched over a hundred people put on white coats. We counted rows, lights, and ceiling fixtures and finally resorted to fruit snacks. We ended the day by celebrating with pizza and friends! We are so excited to be moving forward and Josh is loving adjusting.

 My baby started preschool... I am so excited for his adventures ahead. I wanted to go with him. He gladly said see you later mom and was ready for the change.

 Ian misses him the most. As soon as we drop Tate off we talk about how Daddy and Tate are at school. Ian even asks for Tate several times during the two hours. He loves his big brother!

 How Ian opens a box of cereal. I sat and watched while I ate my lunch in peace. He really was enjoying ripping the box off piece by piece. I had to intervene when he started trying to get the sack open. The damage would have been irreparable for the poor shredded wheat.

 The day sand met the water table. Instead of interrupting I grabbed a book and enjoyed the novelty of the moment.

 Tate and Ian's first ride on a turtle. It was a magical experience they will never forget. So grateful for good friends to make memories with.

 Reading before church. Love these moments!

 Pajamas in the sand. Writing this post I am realizing that I am getting lazier or learning to live in the moment a little more. I am not sure which.

 Tate and I did a 1 mile color run together. It was so much fun!!! He is a trooper and I hope we have many more races together in the future.

 Tate is playing soccer!!!! I am coaching.. I am learning how much my parents really loved me because this level of soccer is painful!!! I feel like I am herding cats each week. The fist game Tate fell asleep standing up several times.

 Tate prefers the sideline and longingly looking at the playground next to the field... He did score a goal though, more in the right place at the right time but still a goal. I never realized how hard it was to simply focus on the ball... We'll see if any more improvement comes as time passes.

A Weekend with "Pad"

We always feel so blessed when family comes to visit. Tate and Ian were thrilled to share an adventure with "Pad", even better than all of the apple varieties. It began with lost luggage and ended with an alarm mishap but everything in between was so much fun!!!

 We began with a Palmer Homecoming Party complete with free food, bracelets, face paint and balloons.

Followed by some Backwater Gamblers down by the river. We enjoyed the show on the water, and for Ian, more importantly, the snacks in our seats.

I learned that they have U.S. team for this kind of sport and that the Backwater Gamblers supply one of their best boat drivers. They even had a 3 year old out doing some stunts in the show. I guess it's never to early to start your kiddos on what you love.

Ready for the fair. We borrowed a monkey leash from a friend. It lasted all of a half hour but Tate did love keeping Ian in tow.

Ian was eager to fill the gas tank on his tractor with a gas can. There was an adorable attraction where kids planted seeds, harvested, collected eggs, milked cows, fed animals, delivered feed, etc. and at the end they were paid a fake dollar to spend on a treat in their store. Tate chose a rainbow popsicle and Ian ended up with a fruit roll up he wouldn't eat despite my best efforts to help him choose otherwise.

Making his father proud with an awesome moose impersonation.

Loving the trains of course. If only it had been a foot shorter so the kiddos could have seen without a boost... My back would have been appreciative.

Tate's scared face next to a couple large snakes. A lot of people were getting their pictures taken with boas and Tate had to be convinced he wasn't interested.

They look like naturals in the saddle. Tate has even mastered no hands.

For some reason, cows are pretty awesome. We saw the biggest bulls I have ever seen and a pig that weighed almost 12,000 pounds. My second thought after how miserable he looked had to do with bacon...

Tate and Patty on the magic carpet slide. Tate still reminisces this moment.

Eating pizza after enjoying the hotel swimming pool. Ian was more in love with the breadsticks, and as pictured the top half with the seasoning was the hit.

The next day we enjoyed Adventureland. It was so fun to see my kids loving rides at the theme park. The train was probably one of the most beloved attractions but we ended with 4 consecutive rides on the swinging ship. Tate and I are excited for him to grow a couple more inches so he can experience the roller coasters. Patty took Tate and Ian on some twirling adventures my stomach can't handle.

What happened after our 3 hour trip home and I opened the car door. They were busy busy busy back there.

After so much fun, Ian needed a little break.

My little water monkey. He loves swimming!!! Saturday we went swimming with Daddy at the Y. Patty finally had her luggage so she could enjoy the water with us. The slide will forever be the main attraction.

Post sliding smiles. Tate is just showing off his proper sliding technique.

We are so grateful for the memories we made during our wonderful weekend with "Pad"!