School Supplies

We weren't looking for a backpack, but she knew the one she wanted when we passed by it in a store one morning.  I'm afraid she's going to wear it out before preschool starts.  I think she may just be the MOST excited 4-year-old that will be attending preschool this fall!  She uses that backpack to pretend to go to school several times a day.  Micah of course thinks he's going, too.  I've tried to explain it to him, but he gets super bummed and sometimes cries when Mara tells him he has to stay home while she's at preschool.  She got a letter from Mrs. R, her teacher, the other day that included a few school supplies she'll need.  She of course demanded to go the very next day to get them.  So we did.  I LOVE school supply shopping even though I know most parents dread doing this with their kids.  The beginning of the school year was definitely a favorite of mine when I was teaching.  There's just something refreshing about new crayons and putting up bulletin boards.  I am actually excited for her to go to preschool.  I think she'll love it.  Maybe I'd be a little more emotional about it (and maybe I still will be when the time arrives) if we didn't have a new baby arriving at just about the same time.  I'm guessing I'm not going to have much time to miss her, at least right away anyway!  Micah will probably be the one to miss her the most, but he'll be napping most of the time she's gone anyway. 

Sidewalk Paint

Cornstarch, water and food coloring = sidewalk paint=another thing checked off our Summer Bucket List!

Adventureland

It's amazing how much kids change in a year.  Mara definitely wasn't brave enough to go on all the rides she was tall enough for last year at Adventureland, and this year she could have ridden some roller coasters!  Her Daddy was not about to let her take on the Tornado, and I obviously wasn't able to take her.  So, we didn't let her go, even though she REALLY wanted to.  Maybe she would have surprised me, but I think she would have been scared.  The Tornado scares me!  So, I'll feel a lot better next summer taking her on it with me, so I won't be letting her get into something she may not have liked without me with her.  Plus, I really would like to experience her first roller coaster with her:)  Micah was also much braver than I imagined he would be, too.  He rode EVERYTHING he was tall enough for.  Even rides I tried to convince him were going to be scary and fast.  He marched right in line with Grandma and Aunt A and proved me wrong.  Every ride.  Maybe I'm too protective.  Maybe my kids are growing up way too fast right beneath my eyes.  Ah.....

 I may never forget what happened right after this picture.  Mara decided she wanted to ride again, so she didn't exit and went to the very back of the ride.  For probably less than 10 seconds, I thought she was gone.  Kidnapped, lost, whatever.  It seemed like 10 minutes.  As I was about ready to run screaming her name, I saw her at the end of the ride.  I think that's the first time I have ever had that feeling in my stomach, and I never want it again. 

 Cousin G and Grandpa on the train

He made it about 7 hours, but he finally just had to take a little snooze.

We celebrated Grandma J's birthday a day early at Adventureland with a picnic lunch and a cookie cake, and then we took her out for supper.  We hope you had a fun day, Grandma!

At the Library

These two love the library.  One morning they were pretending to be Ms. P and Ms. L from our library.  They loaded up books and checked them out for almost an hour! 

 

4th of July

The 4th of July always sneaks up on us!  We squeezed in a few crafts to decorate our windows and send to grandparents. 

 Micah was sick earlier in the week with a 12 hour fever, and Mara ended up getting it on the 4th.  Bummer.  She was really looking forward to watching the parade and fireworks with her cousins.  I got her temperature down that morning, so Micah and I left her and Lance at home and headed to the festivities.  We told a small lie and said we had to run the food to the picnic and we'd be right back.  That was partially true.  She was on the couch most of the day, so I don't think she really missed us.  Her fever spiked to 105 while I was gone, but Dr. Daddy came to the rescue with a bath and applied oil just like I instructed him.  He's an amazing man.  I know not all dads would have been cool with that whole situation! 

 waiting for the parade with his cousins

 The parade was full of farm equipment.  He loved it.

 tearing around with the boys

Mara was pretty bummed we didn't get to see fireworks, but they got their fireworks fix by watching some on Youtube videos.  Love technology!

Bull Rides

Another thing checked off our summer bucket list.....a rodeo!

 having some popcorn

 Lance gives the kids bull rides quite often at our house.  They even use a riggin (scarf).  They put their hand in the air and nod their head when they're ready.  So, when the bull riding started, Mara put her hand in the air and nodded!  It was pretty funny.

 Can you spot Mara?  She was one brave little girl!  They let the kids out in the arena to chase 2 calves.  The calves had stickers on them, and the kids were supposed to try and pull them off.  This was a bit dangerous because there were so many kids and pretty large calves, but she was given strict orders to hold her friend's hand (the older girl in the blue).  Of course she didn't come close to a calf, but she sure had fun!

Micah wanted nothing to do with the bull, and Mara walked right up to it and grabbed the ring in its nose!  Oh my.  Sometimes she's too brave for this momma.  Of course the clown quickly explained that she shouldn't grab his ring.  She didn't even think twice about hopping up on this big guy!  The night was cut a bit short with a storm, but we dashed to the car and made it before the downpour started.  The kids were disappointed we missed the fireworks, but we got to watch a few out the window. 

He's Got Wheels!

Micah has been trying to pedal Mara's old bike for quite a few weeks.  He hasn't been able to quite reach the pedals on the bike or trike.  He always wants to take his bike to the bike trail when Mara rides, and I have to remind him he can't bring his bike until he can pedal.  However, Grandpa and Grandma have a pedal tractor that he mastered a couple weeks ago at their house, so I think he's been determined to ride the bike sooner than later.

I was outside reading in a chair, and I heard him say, "Mommy, look!"  I looked up, and there he was pedaling away!  I don't think I'll ever forget that proud smile on his face.  It made my night!

So then we were off to get a new bike helmet for him.  He cried when I wouldn't let him get the princess one, but he finally settled for the Mickey one.  However, the 3+ helmet was too small for his little noggin, so we headed back to the store to get a smaller one.  When went to put the new one on today, it was missing a buckle!  Totally missed that when I bought it.  We headed to the bike trail anyway  this morning, and he sure was excited to ride his bike!

My little man is growing up, and I'm enjoying watching every moment of it!