The imaginarium:
Touch tank:
Hurricane Tunnel:
Being eaten by a T-Rex
Dad and the kids making an arch
Monday, June 07, 2010
What we've been up to....
Fun activities in Ft.Meyers when we were not watching basketball games!!
The imaginarium:
Touch tank:
Hurricane Tunnel:
Being eaten by a T-Rex
Dad and the kids making an arch
The imaginarium:
Touch tank:
Hurricane Tunnel:
Being eaten by a T-Rex
Dad and the kids making an arch
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Force of Nature
Only those who don't know Delainey laugh when I call her a force of nature. Take the swim coach. I approached him on Monday to see if he thought Delainey would be ready for swimming. He said that he had had five year olds swim laps around everyone (to which I pointed to Delainey) and had 7 year olds that wouldn't swim a lap.
Wednesday was her first try at swim team. We've been waiting for Chase to get a good head start before we unleashed the force of nature.
Warm ups-Delainey is chatting and doing her thing. After about 5 minutes the coach said "Wow-you are quite the person aren't you?" I laughed.
Then she gets in the water. Swims like a little fish. He's amazed. Then I said "you should see her backstroke!" I could feel the disbelief emminating from the coach. He humors me and has her flip over. She takes off and his jaw drops. You must know that Delainey has a MAD backstroke for one so young.
It was fun to watch the coach deal with my little "force of nature." Don't underestimate our Little Miss.
Wednesday was her first try at swim team. We've been waiting for Chase to get a good head start before we unleashed the force of nature.
Warm ups-Delainey is chatting and doing her thing. After about 5 minutes the coach said "Wow-you are quite the person aren't you?" I laughed.
Then she gets in the water. Swims like a little fish. He's amazed. Then I said "you should see her backstroke!" I could feel the disbelief emminating from the coach. He humors me and has her flip over. She takes off and his jaw drops. You must know that Delainey has a MAD backstroke for one so young.
It was fun to watch the coach deal with my little "force of nature." Don't underestimate our Little Miss.
Awards and Musings....
Tonight I attended an awards ceremony for the Area 1 schools in the school district. Braden was one that was chosen to win and award and I was told that it was a very big deal....we got there right on time, which is late, only to be met at the door by a nervous assistant principal. Ok, so it WAS a big deal.
About 5-7 students from each school received various recognitions-academic, citizenship, athletic, volunteer, etc. Braden was "up" for recoginition in Odyssey of the Mind, with recognition for his honor roll status and other activities. It was pretty neat.
As I sat through the ceremony I had quite a few musings. Understandibly this was a ceremony to (in our best Will Smith, Men in Black voice) recognize "the best of the best of the best, sir, with honors!" But it led me to think of my parenting style, the achievements, or lack thereof, of my children, and their futures and what they are achieving.
I am not a driving parent, meaning that I don't monitor the fine details of my children's piano practices, homework, athletics, etc...I don't think that my children would respond well to that anyway. I try to let them feel the natural consequences of their choices.
Sometimes I wonder if my children have enough of an internal desire to be "the best of the best of the best, sir, with honors!" Not that I need them to be first in their class or truly "the best of the best." I just want them to have the desire to achieve the things they are capable of.
Lots to ponder, lots to hope, lots to pray about, and lots to hope for.
About 5-7 students from each school received various recognitions-academic, citizenship, athletic, volunteer, etc. Braden was "up" for recoginition in Odyssey of the Mind, with recognition for his honor roll status and other activities. It was pretty neat.
As I sat through the ceremony I had quite a few musings. Understandibly this was a ceremony to (in our best Will Smith, Men in Black voice) recognize "the best of the best of the best, sir, with honors!" But it led me to think of my parenting style, the achievements, or lack thereof, of my children, and their futures and what they are achieving.
I am not a driving parent, meaning that I don't monitor the fine details of my children's piano practices, homework, athletics, etc...I don't think that my children would respond well to that anyway. I try to let them feel the natural consequences of their choices.
Sometimes I wonder if my children have enough of an internal desire to be "the best of the best of the best, sir, with honors!" Not that I need them to be first in their class or truly "the best of the best." I just want them to have the desire to achieve the things they are capable of.
Lots to ponder, lots to hope, lots to pray about, and lots to hope for.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Why do we have toys???
Chase was upset that I wouldn't let him play the wii, so Delainey brought in the raft and they set up camp with their "computers" (made out of paper), a Far Side Gallery, and a few other miscellaneous things (which Delainey is FAMOUS, or infamous, for) and had a blast. I didn't get a picture of the other float they brough in a few minutes later...so they are sitting side by side with all their things..
Four years and finally a champion!!
Ya-hoo for Braden!! His Odyssey team (ok, our team, I am one of the coaches) took first place in the Regional Competition and is on to state!!
The whole team ready to go on:
The structures, a little crooked, but held 53.5 pounds which was 2nd in weight held, with 58.5 being the highest.
The pvc "pitchfork" and little "pegs" on the right are his device which they used to put their structures onto the tester plate.
They had a great time, did extremely well in spontaneous and was a great first time for 5 of the team members! On to state!!
The whole team ready to go on:
The structures, a little crooked, but held 53.5 pounds which was 2nd in weight held, with 58.5 being the highest.
The pvc "pitchfork" and little "pegs" on the right are his device which they used to put their structures onto the tester plate.
They had a great time, did extremely well in spontaneous and was a great first time for 5 of the team members! On to state!!
A new beginning!!
Here's Chase in his first Odyssey of the Mind competition!
Their problem was to create a surprise party for something that happens in everyday life. They celebrated a blizzard, although they had it be a "Ba-lizard". Chase was the "Ba-lizard" and was wrapped in white with plastic lizards taped all over.
They demonstrated true first year form with the "deer in the headlights" couldn't hear any of the four words uttered, but they had a great time and will be much better next year! Go Chase!
Their problem was to create a surprise party for something that happens in everyday life. They celebrated a blizzard, although they had it be a "Ba-lizard". Chase was the "Ba-lizard" and was wrapped in white with plastic lizards taped all over.
They demonstrated true first year form with the "deer in the headlights" couldn't hear any of the four words uttered, but they had a great time and will be much better next year! Go Chase!
Our week last week
I don't think they moved all day...Braden's fever got up to 104.3. We're greatful for zithromax!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Recital time
Here's a couple of cute pianists who had a recital on Saturday!
Both did really well-hopefully we'll get a youtube link so you can hear them if you want to!!
Both did really well-hopefully we'll get a youtube link so you can hear them if you want to!!
Birthday fun!
It was birthday time a week or so ago and we had one happy 5 year old!!
Cute little birthday girl!
C'mon dad, get off the computer so we can get going!
Nothing like a pile of presents to make someone happy!
We had a combined birthday party with another friend and had a great time. Here's a picture of the great cupcakes the other mom made!
Cute little birthday girl!
C'mon dad, get off the computer so we can get going!
Nothing like a pile of presents to make someone happy!
We had a combined birthday party with another friend and had a great time. Here's a picture of the great cupcakes the other mom made!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Gotta love
Sitting watching the Olympics in a quiet house when suddenly you hear a boom and the windows in your house rattle ....after having a momentary freak out you remember...oh yeah-shuttle landing!!
I'm really going to miss that....
I'm really going to miss that....
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Valentine's hair
Thanks to my friend Amy Alexander who posted a link to this incredible mom who does the most AMAZING things with her daughter's hair, Delainey had two fun hairstyles this Valentine's Day!
Sunday's Do:
Her Valentine's Day party at school is this morning and this is what we were able to do:
If only she had as much hair as the daughter in the blog....
Sunday's Do:
Her Valentine's Day party at school is this morning and this is what we were able to do:
If only she had as much hair as the daughter in the blog....
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
The lack of words....
Life is.....are there words? Busy just doesn't seem to cut it, exhausting sounds reasonable, and productive doesn't always make the cut. So, maybe some highlights...sans pictures because that just adds another element and complicates things!
Andrew just finished his first high school basketball season. Frustrating isn't nearly enough of a word to describe it. We learned that having good fundamentals doesn't fly too well with a football coach as a basketball coach. Not much playing time, but he truly made the most of it. He finally got good playing time the last two games, which were, naturally, away games we didn't go to. 12 pts, 10 rebounds the first game, 17 points 10 rebounds the second. He's really coming around as a pianist and is sounding so amazing-it's a bit unbelievable somtimes!
Braden is busy with his own basketball season, Odyssey of the Mind, swimming, scouts (he just became an 11 year old scout), and the beginnings of coming into his own as a pianist. Braden is soo creative and observant and even though he's hitting the beginning of his 11 year old adolescence, he's still fun to have around!
Chase could be an amazing swimmer if he would just use both arms to swim! He's so full of energy and spunk and is quite the ham. I think he needs some acting lessons!
Delainey-again there are NO words for this one. Force of nature, pain in the neck, diva, "give it to me NOW!!"....she does have her great moments and just tonight she had the giggle going to end all giggles-the whole family was laughing!
Andrew just finished his first high school basketball season. Frustrating isn't nearly enough of a word to describe it. We learned that having good fundamentals doesn't fly too well with a football coach as a basketball coach. Not much playing time, but he truly made the most of it. He finally got good playing time the last two games, which were, naturally, away games we didn't go to. 12 pts, 10 rebounds the first game, 17 points 10 rebounds the second. He's really coming around as a pianist and is sounding so amazing-it's a bit unbelievable somtimes!
Braden is busy with his own basketball season, Odyssey of the Mind, swimming, scouts (he just became an 11 year old scout), and the beginnings of coming into his own as a pianist. Braden is soo creative and observant and even though he's hitting the beginning of his 11 year old adolescence, he's still fun to have around!
Chase could be an amazing swimmer if he would just use both arms to swim! He's so full of energy and spunk and is quite the ham. I think he needs some acting lessons!
Delainey-again there are NO words for this one. Force of nature, pain in the neck, diva, "give it to me NOW!!"....she does have her great moments and just tonight she had the giggle going to end all giggles-the whole family was laughing!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Home again, home again
After about 3000 miles, two weeks, one bout of stomach flu (which unfortunately we shared-sorry...) we made it back home! Our first 2 week family vacation was a hit! The kids were suprised by our trip to the Dells, jumped right back in with old friends, and cried when we left!
We got home about noon and by 5:00 (after a two hour mandatory down time) we were about 95% unpacked with the car cleaned out, vacuummed and washed. Not too bad..
We had a GREAT trip and it was so wonderful to see our friends in Michigan, enjoy a little snow, and all around have some relaxing family time. Maybe I'll post pictures later....(c'mon, I can't be a TOTAL overachiever...!)
We got home about noon and by 5:00 (after a two hour mandatory down time) we were about 95% unpacked with the car cleaned out, vacuummed and washed. Not too bad..
We had a GREAT trip and it was so wonderful to see our friends in Michigan, enjoy a little snow, and all around have some relaxing family time. Maybe I'll post pictures later....(c'mon, I can't be a TOTAL overachiever...!)
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Chase's new passion
I think almost everyone has heard of the story "If you give a mouse a cookie" and all it's various reincarnations. (which we love) Our family's current version could be "If you teach a Chase how to make snowflakes.." In various parts of our house, no matter how well he cleans up, we have a dusting of paper snow-remnants of Chase's new passion:
This in only a small sampling. The "kids office" cabinet doors have quite a few as well.
A little closer up-my wall didn't make for a great picture!
This in only a small sampling. The "kids office" cabinet doors have quite a few as well.
A little closer up-my wall didn't make for a great picture!
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Great moments...
brought to you by Chase...
While choosing stories for bedtime a few days ago, Chase chose "The Magic Dreidles" and said-this is my favorite Hannukah story of ALL time!
How many Hannukah stories does he know????
While choosing stories for bedtime a few days ago, Chase chose "The Magic Dreidles" and said-this is my favorite Hannukah story of ALL time!
How many Hannukah stories does he know????
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thanks and waiting
I just wanted to give a shout out of thanks for answered prayers. As many know, Braden has dealt with a host of health and other problems for some time. Over the last few months I have seen how the Lord has placed the right people in our path.
First, the piano teacher. Just someone Matt found online. She's been great and on a day of breakdown, she let me know about her masters in music therapy. So she changed the approach to Braden's piano lessons to one of therapy. Many tears of grattitude shed on that difficult day.
Second, the herbalist. Lady in the stake that is a master herbalist who also does wholesale organic food orders on the side. She came to our ward to present her food options for emergency preparation. Two consultations and many supplements and months later, a Braden with no further symptoms.
And today, the new member of our ward with an amazing voice (you can tell she's TOTALLY holding back in sacrament meeting, and yes, she apparently sung on Broadway)who's career is as a doctor in counseling and alternative medicine who can maybe help Braden with some of his what I call autistic tendencies.
It's an amazing confirmation that the Lord is watchful of us and will place those people we need to meet if we are patient and wait on Him. I think it's often that "waiting" part that's the hardest to do. I need to learn how to "wait" better.
First, the piano teacher. Just someone Matt found online. She's been great and on a day of breakdown, she let me know about her masters in music therapy. So she changed the approach to Braden's piano lessons to one of therapy. Many tears of grattitude shed on that difficult day.
Second, the herbalist. Lady in the stake that is a master herbalist who also does wholesale organic food orders on the side. She came to our ward to present her food options for emergency preparation. Two consultations and many supplements and months later, a Braden with no further symptoms.
And today, the new member of our ward with an amazing voice (you can tell she's TOTALLY holding back in sacrament meeting, and yes, she apparently sung on Broadway)who's career is as a doctor in counseling and alternative medicine who can maybe help Braden with some of his what I call autistic tendencies.
It's an amazing confirmation that the Lord is watchful of us and will place those people we need to meet if we are patient and wait on Him. I think it's often that "waiting" part that's the hardest to do. I need to learn how to "wait" better.
The relativity of cold
So, I must begin this post with a disclaimer...I have lived in Indiana, I have lived in Michigan, I have visited Minnesota many times in the winter, and I know what true cold is. Having said that, it has been relatively cold in Florida lately. I very much enjoy that as it makes it feel like, oh I don't know, November. However, I noticed an oddity last night while I was out with Matt. When going into a store on a cold day in the aforementioned states, the building is warm. In Florida, the air conditioning is still on....not quite the refreshing blast of warm air one would expect on a chilly (I won't actually use the word "cold") evening. Weird.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
October 1st
Back in August, I had to make a royal "proclamation". We would not be discussing halloween costumes or decorations until October 1st. Now, before that sounds too ridiculous to you, you must understand that my third child is a Halloween junkie!! I'm mean, a SERIOUS junkie. When he was four, he talked about what he was going to be for the NEXT Halloween every day for NINE MONTHS. He also spent all of his time in the car for a good month poring over the Halloween edition of Oriental Trading-almost hours at a time. So the mandate was for my own sanity. Little did I know that we would have a countdown to October 1st, athough I'm not surprised one bit.
Now, I must mention that my dear mother is the great facilitator! She is on the lookout months in advance for Halloween things. She also has a serious addiction to Oriental Trading, but that's a story for another day. She has been dubbed the "Halloween Fairy" because she will sweep in from time to time and leave halloween things behind.
So, with all that being said, here is our first installment of Halloween decorations. I say first installment since the Halloween Fairy will be bringing craft projects by for the young ones as the month progresses.
So from our house to yours, Happy Halloween Season!!! (Delainey's name for it since she sobbed for about 20 minutes yesterday as she tried to process that Ocotber 1st, was in fact, NOT Halloween!)
The family room. The Halloween fairy delivered the things hanging from the ceiling, and to be honest, it looks really cool. Much to Matt's chagrin. (he's not completely sold on the "early decorating")
Books and sound making stuffables
The duckie line up-they are mummies, vampires, devils, and pumpkins, with a guest appearance of Spookely the square pumpin
Now, I must mention that my dear mother is the great facilitator! She is on the lookout months in advance for Halloween things. She also has a serious addiction to Oriental Trading, but that's a story for another day. She has been dubbed the "Halloween Fairy" because she will sweep in from time to time and leave halloween things behind.
So, with all that being said, here is our first installment of Halloween decorations. I say first installment since the Halloween Fairy will be bringing craft projects by for the young ones as the month progresses.
So from our house to yours, Happy Halloween Season!!! (Delainey's name for it since she sobbed for about 20 minutes yesterday as she tried to process that Ocotber 1st, was in fact, NOT Halloween!)
The family room. The Halloween fairy delivered the things hanging from the ceiling, and to be honest, it looks really cool. Much to Matt's chagrin. (he's not completely sold on the "early decorating")
Books and sound making stuffables
The duckie line up-they are mummies, vampires, devils, and pumpkins, with a guest appearance of Spookely the square pumpin
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Delainey's first day...
of preschool!! She had to wait and wait and wait, but it finally came and she's loving it. I will admit to a small tug on the heartstrings as I drove away Tuesday, but I've enjoyed my "free" time-already been on two bike rides!!
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