Derek starts Kindergarten!

 After lots of prayer and discussion over the past several years, we decided on a school for the boys to attend. We are so excited to be a part of the St. Stephen's Academy family.

Derek has not been excited to start kindergarten. He was not anxious or worried, he was simply not going (in his head). Hmmm...  Well we went to meet his teacher (Mrs. Briley) and meet his new classmates and everything switched.  D was excited to go to school and be with his buddy Cole (from church who is in 1st grade).  

D started kindergarten on September 3.  Mrs. Briley is amazing and D really likes her.  He was looking forward to using the playground.  He looks like such a big kid.

D as you start kindergarden, please remember,

WE LOVE YOU

We think you are fantastic and enjoy playing legos with you and watching you grow.

Staycation

 We did a mini-staycation.  We went to the beach and got rained out grr... The next day we went to Evergreen.  The boys loved the museum.  They enjoyed the spruce goose, SR-71 Blackbird, and the space building.  We had a picnic by the awesome playground.  Then.. we went to the new indoor water park.  It was a blast.  The boys had loved the water park in WI and were eager to try another one.  D loved the slides that started in the 747 on the roof. Will and Nate enjoyed jumping into Daddy's arms and showing off their swimming skills.  It was a full and fun day.

For fun and after hearing our stories, Gammy and Gumpy sent the boys space helmets. The helmets even were sent in a rock ship (the box). There have been many space adventures with the helmets.

As usual Nate is in a Packer jersey and athletic shorts.  This has been his summer outfit.  WIll loves these plaid shorts.  Silly kids :)

Cookies and more...

The boys wanted to make cookies.  D made most of the batter.  Will and Nate did an expert job of adding the m&m's.  They were yummy.

We celebrated my birthday.. my 40th birthday. GULP.  Who would have thought 10 years ago I would be living in Portland, married to the most fantastic guy, and have 3 fantastic kids?  Oh God you are so kind to me!  We had fruit tart (for me) and cupcakes (for the boys to enjoy).

 The bunk bed saga... so we bought bunk beds a while ago but have not been using the top bunk- the littles share the bottom bunk and D is in a twin.  Well... we found the littles on the top bunk during quiet time.  Mike asked them how they got up there and Nate showed Daddy how he climbed up (without the ladder).  We decided that they needed to climb safely and added the ladder. We also gave D the opportunity to sleep up there. He loves it.  They have all been safe with the ladder (usually) and it seems to have been a good decision.

Swim lessons

After our trip to WI, the boys were very motivated to work on swimming so for the month of August we had swim lessons twice per week.  Teach Esther was delightful and the boys adored her.  D is floating on his back and working on his strokes.  Will and Nate are both more comfortable and putting their faces in the water.

As a reward, we promised the boys a to a local water park for listening and behaving. Plus Daddy was able to watch a lesson on his vacation day which was a huge hit.

WI part 3

 We went the day in Chicago at LEGOland.  We met my college roomie Jill and her family. What a great day.  Alli went with us and was a huge help.  The boys loved the 3D movie and the laser ride.  It was great to catch up with Jill and watch the boys enjoy the legos.

WI part 2

 While by my parents' house we did lots of fun things.  The boys loved tractor ride, water bocce. water fights, and lots of laughs.  They even got fun bunk beds to enjoy!

We were also blessed to go the Richter family picnic (my mom's side). We celebrated my Grandma's 92nd birthday and enjoyed catching crayfish in the creek and swimming.   It was fun to see extended family.

Green Bay

 WI Summer 2013!

During part of our trip, we all went to Green Bay for a few very hot days.

The boys loved the railroad museum.  There were lots of big trains and a fun kids area.

The giant bust was Bay Beach.  I loved this little amusement part as a kid. They have quarter rides.. yup still 25 cents for a ride.  The boys all choose the airplanes that go up and down.  Before the ride starts, Will screams and we take him off.           

Then Nate screams.  D loved it and the littles did not.  The little train was at least a success.

The boys loved Lambeau field.  Nate and Will walked though the pro shop yelling Lambeau field.  There were lots of giggles.

We also enjoyed the wildlife refuge that was free.


The hotel we stayed had an indoor water park.  The boys LOVED it.  D loved all the slides as did  WIll and Nate. They all enjoyed the lazy river.

D really enjoyed "scaring" Geema who was "napping" in the lazy river.

We had lots of fun and lots of great memories!