Kings Island

After church on Sunday we came back to the house, had an early lunch and headed towards Kings Island. The kids have been wanting to go all summer and we have been so busy that we haven't had a chance to go. The weather was beautiful, very nice and cool..... the kids and I actually wore long sleeves and stayed comfortable!

I was a little concerned because I wasn't too sure how Casey would do....(he wants to walk everywhere now!) but he did great and he loved the rides. Even though he just turned 2 he still met the 36 inch height requirement for most of the rides in the Nickelodeon zone. After spending a lot of time on the 'little kid' rides Carlie was ready for something more adventurous so she and I headed out to the bigger rides. The first one I put her on was the racers and I don't think she was expecting it to be so much BIGGER than the little coasters she was used to! It's been a long time since I've been on a roller coaster and it scared me too!! We met back up with Josh and the boys and rode some more 'little' rides and she started talking about getting on a big roller coaster again. I suggested the Vortex (I know, I know..) and she said that as long as I was beside her she would ride it.... so we did! She did awesome.... I could tell that she was scared during the ride but as soon as it stopped she said 'Can we go again?'. I was so proud of her.... she was a real trooper..... walked everywhere with me the whole day and didn't complain once.

We ended up walking out of the park sometime after 8 with our bellies full of blueberry ice cream, our feet sore from walking, our clothes wet from the water ride, the kids clutching their stuffed animals they won, and a fun day had by all!

Carlie's first day of Kindergarten

Our precious little girl started Kindergarten today, and she took it a lot better than her mother did! I have been waiting for this day, not because I'm in a hurry for her to go, but because I'm so sad to see her go. (I don't even know if I'm going to make it through this post!) She goes to the afternoon kindergarten class, so thankfully I get to ease my way into this whole process..... she's only there for 3 hours, and there is no crazy morning rush because she doesn't have to be there until noon.

She woke up very quiet today, and anyone who knows Carlie knows she's not a quiet girl! I figured that she was feeling anxious about starting school and when I asked her about it she said that she was feeling kind-of 'shy'. I told her how 'shy' I felt when I began kindergarten (we've been through that story a lot lately!). She got a bunch of encouraging phone calls this morning..... Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Kay Kay, Uncle Joel, and Gam all called to wish her well, and our neighbor Sarah also was over to see her off! Daddy gave her a pep talk before he left for work and met us at the school to walk her inside. I really had to pull myself together once we got there!!! It was hard to leave her, and once the boys and I got home they seemed lost without their 'leader' to play with. I felt such relief when it was time to pick her up and she came running out saying "It was awesome Mom!".

I'm feeling very thankful right now! I'm thankful that God has given me 3 healthy kids to love and raise, and thankful that we have the privilege of sending them to a school that will surround them with and teach them His word.

Splish, Splash Birthday Bash!

Carlie and Casey both have birthdays in August, so on Saturday we celebrated them both with friends and family. We used our own waterslide and a borrowed one for the kids to play on ...... the weather couldn't have been better! It was very warm! We had a big lunch.... hot dogs with all the trimmings, baked beans, potato casserole, a veggie tray, cole slaw, pasta salad, fruit salad, chips with buffalo chicken dip and Carlie's favorite skyline dip! For dessert I made cakes for both of them and Mom made homemade peach and vanilla ice cream. We also rented a snow cone machine, BIG hit with the kids (I think the adults liked them too!).

I am very thankful for our family and friends. My Mom and sister are such great helpers. They always do whatever I need them to do to help me get ready for parties and after the party begins they are constantly keeping their eyes on things for me. I couldn't do it without their help! Josh and Dad are also wonderful helpers..... Josh scrubbed the waterslides for me, picked up the snow cone machine, ran to the grocery..... he always does what I need him to without complaining!

Thanks everyone for helping us celebrate Carlie and Casey. We love our kids so much and it really means a lot to us to have our family and friends with us on these special days!

Carlie turns 6!

Carlie turned 6 last week and to keep up with tradition Aunt Kay Kay and Joel came to help celebrate before the weekend party. We ordered pizza and Kay Kay brought over the party supplies, dessert, and a present for her to open. I love my sister so much and am so thankful for her. She always makes them feel so special and they love her so much!