Changes

Changes are in the air. Summer is official over in our house. The biggest change was Miss Gretchen started kindergarten today. I'll have to admit I was a little sad to see her leave and worried that all day would be a lot for her.

All dressed and ready for her first day.

I asked them to smile and Mr. T gave me his cheesiest smile ever. Notice Duckie had to come out and say goodbye to sister too.

Take 2

A few last moments by herself

Poor Mr. T didn't know what to do once we went back inside. About 30 minutes after she had left, he came up to me to inform me that Gretchen was at school and we needed to go pick her up. She was gone long enough for him. He didn't leave my side much that day. I wish I had taken a picture of her getting off the bus and how excited he was too see her.

Crossroads Playground

Crossroads Community Church has this beautiful playground they developed last year. Every time we drive by the kids ask if they can go there and play sometime. We had tried earlier this spring but it was closed. I had told the kids we would tried later this summer when it was warmer out. With Gretchen starting school tomorrow, I thought this would be a great way to end the summer. It was a nice warm not too hot day.

This tall spiral slide was very popular with Gretchen. Trevor wasn't too sure about it since it was dark inside.

This little boy would climb up the stairs to the top of the tower and then yell down at me to tell me which of the 3 slides he was going down. He wanted to make sure I was at the end to see him come down.

This seems to be a site we are seeing more and more lately - his tongue sticking out while playing. I think he gets it from his uncle Matt. :)

After a good morning of playing and chasing at the playground, we headed home to have a lunch picnic out in the backyard. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and gearing up for school the next day.

Peaches and Beach time

On Saturday we headed up to Michigan to pick some peaches. The kids love eating peaches and get a kick out of being able to pick them themselves. I didn't get many pictures as the day turned out to be a hot one and the picking went fairly quickly.

Gretchen showing off her peach.

We decided to head to the beach since it was such a gorgeous day out. Silver Beach was not far from the peach field. However, we had no idea there was a big car show going on. We settled on going to the beach on the other side of the pier which isn't so popular. It turned out to be a great decision.

Gretchen showing off her Baywatch moves.

Need to make sure we stay hydrated.

We then took a walk on the pier to see the boats coming in and out. The kids thoroughly enjoyed the different types of boats.

Monkeys.. and not just my 2

We try to take the kids to the Ft. Wayne zoo every summer. Last year my parents took them and this year we knew we wanted to head back with them. Ray took Friday off of work and off we were.

There are my 3 monkeys!! :)

These 2 were 2 peas in a pod all day long. The good news was that it was the first trip where we didn't have to drag the wagon along. It was so much easier!!

There was some serious concentration on brushing the goats.

He found out that banging on 2 drums was way better than just one.

The giraffes were more enjoyable for Trevor when they were no in his face. Not a fan at all.

The kids behaved so well and had a great time.

We always know the trip was great and worth it when this little boy falls asleep the moment we turn out of the parking lot. Too much walking for these little legs.

First time for Rides

The kids received some vouchers from a family at church to get wristbands to ride rides all day long. They were thrilled!! We were also blessed with Ray's dad's work giving him tickets which he then gave us. That made it especially nice on the bigger rides the kids couldn't ride by themselves.

The kids were great sports about waiting in line.

Riding on the fire truck with daddy.

On this particular spinning rides the kids did not ride together. Trevor was with 2 older kids who we thought might spin it a little too fast for him; however, he just sat there and laughed.

Watch out world here comes Trevor.

Safety first.

At first Trevor was upset that he wasn't tall enough to drive until he realized he had the bell and was in control of that.

The kids had a blast going on the rides. We ended the night and the fair with some great ice cream. Until next year fair.

Fair Parade

The end of July always brings the fair. The kids absolutely love going there! They know exactly what to expect and where to go. On Sunday we went to the parade. It turned out to be a very hot day! The kids were thankful for the popsicles they received from the people in the parade. Who needs candy when you can get popsicles.

Of course you have to have some fair food. The kids love the corndogs.

Mr. T is very skeptical of touching the animals. We could get him to pet the rabbits. Any time Gretchen went to pet something he will tell her to watch out it might bite you.

Happy Anniversary

5 years ago today I married my best friend.

Happy Anniversary Sweetie!!