Fun and Busy June

We have been having too much fun (and been running around like crazy) to blog lately, SORRY! These are the shirts we have made up for Easton's yard sale. The kids love to "accidentally" all wear them at the same time.

We went to "trampoline land" with our Pass of all Passes. The kids loved it!

Surprisingly, Ashlynn was super brave and would swing off the platform. Not at all in her normal character. I love to see my kids branch out and do something that is hard for them. Reminds me to do the same thing.

We made coupon books and answered questions about dad for Father's Day. The kids loved it and Eric thought it was okay. (Poor guy always kind of gets jipped on Father's Day and his birthday, which is right at the same time, but he is a good sport.)

Grasshopper Business

Tade was given the idea by his Uncle Josh that he could collect grasshoppers and have his Uncle Tommy pay two cents a piece for them. Tommy would be able to feed them to his snakes and we wouldn't have as many grasshoppers around so it was a win win situation.

Each grasshopper got its own private holding cell.

Ash was in charge of watching over the caught hoppers.

He probably caught about 40 grasshoppers total. Gross! But he had fun!

This is the best picture I could get of him. I told him to give me his biggest smile. He was a pretty good grasshopper assistant for Tade.

Easton loved being outside with the other kids.

Love these kiddos! So excited for summer!!!

Little Lambs

Last week we went to my cousins house/farm and visited their baby sheep. These little lambs were adorable and almost made me think having an animal would be fun.

Tade got taken out from behind by their really energetic dog so he wasn't as impressed with the lambs because I think he was worried the dog would tackle him again.

Ashlynn loved the experience. She thought the lambs were great, especially feeding them.

Carter carried a lamb or two around the whole time we were there. He would not put them down, the poor little things. He was pretty kind and gentle (as kind and gentle as he can get) and loved the baby sheep.

Easton was less than impressed. The lambs like to suck on anything that they think they can get milk out of so Easton's toes became a popular attempt. He hated it! I just had to laugh.

Here is a picture overload of all the fun we had. Thanks Bobbi for having an iPhone!

Teachers vs 6th Graders

For the past couple years Eric has been involved in the teachers vs 6th graders basketball game at one of the schools he counsels at. I have never been able to attend, as it always seems to be on the day I work (I think cause Eric doesn't want me to come embarrass him). This year, however, it was scheduled on a Monday so I packed up the three kids that weren't in school at the time and headed over to watch.

All I can say is that it was so sad!!! The poor little 6th graders got killed by the teachers. They didn't even stand a chance. These weren't just any 6th graders. The last month or so the students picked teams and then had a tournament to see who got to play the teachers. So they were technically "the best" 6th grade team. I kind of thought that they might have a chance cause they weren't little boys (They were all taller than me.), but I should know that I can't even get a shot over Eric so what makes me think that these boys will be able to either.

Even though it was sad to watch, it was pretty fun also. The boys, who had been talkin' smack for the last few weeks, got put into their place. The teachers looked like amazing athletes and the other 6th graders had fun watching!

Not the best picture, but you get the idea! :)

Is School Over Yet?...Nope, Still Three More Weeks!!!

You may think that it is the kids asking if school is over yet, but nope; not in this house. In this house, it is the mommy and daddy! We have had so many projects and programs ALREADY that I can't imagine packing many more in, but there are still several to go so we will just smile and snap some pictures along the way cause really when it comes down to it, we are mostly having FUN!

On Monday, Ashlynn's kindergarten class had their Zoo Program. It was so cute! Ashlynn was a ballerina bear and did her part magnificently. All of this was in preparation for the zoo field trip later in the week.

 Grandpa Clement was able to come watch the program, which made Ash soooo happy!

 Grandma Gappmayer also came too, which made her equally happy.

 Daddy even got to go into work late so that he could come too! What a great day for Ash!

 We LOVE Mrs. Menlove! She is so kind and caring. Couldn't have asked for a better teacher for Ashlynn.

On Tuesday, Tade participated in the Hershey Track meet. 3rd graders from all over SF joined together at the high school to compete in different races and the softball throw or long jump. I missed Tade's first race by just a few minutes, but I did get to see his softball throw before I had to leave to put the littles to bed.

 Look at that form!

 Tade has been excited for this track meet ALL year!!! I don't think it quite lived up to all the hype he had built up for it, but he still had fun. One good thing about moving around in the same city is you get to see lots of old friends at things like these and both Tade and I got that opportunity.

On Wednesday, Ashlynn, Easton and I got to go on the much anticipated zoo field trip! Ashlynn was sooooo excited to get to ride the bus for the first time. The weather predicted the coldest day for the week (of course) which dampered my already non-excitement (I am not a zoo fan.), but even though it was a bit chilly it ended up being AWESOME because all of the animals wanted to be out and about in the cold weather. My best zoo experience by a long shot. It was such a fun day!

 Ashlynn and her BFF Lizzie.

 Having fun with the giraffes. (Notice Easton's eyes are mostly closed. I tell ya, they are closed in almost EVERY picture. It take ten tries to get them open!)

Wednesday night was the much anticipated Pinewood Derby. This was our first one and we had no idea what we were doing, but we still had fun. Apparently you can add a certain amount of weight to your car so it will go faster. We had no idea so after weigh in we frantically ran home trying to add weights to Tade's car. It worked out and Tade had so much fun watching all the cars race. He didn't care what place he took. In fact, he was really hoping for the slow turtle award, but too bad for him the weights made his car not that slow! :)

 Best seat in the house!

They LOVED watching and helping count down the race starts!

 Everybody is a winner in Cub Scouts.

Busy Friday

The Friday before Easter was SUPER BUSY, but just from about 8:30-10 am. All three older kids had something at that same time. Carter had preschool (which my dear friend and neighbor took him to for me.) Tade had RAD Kids graduation and Ashlynn had the Kindergarten Egg Drop. It was too busy for my liking, but with the help of my wonderful neighbor and Eric's somewhat relaxed schedule, we were able to get it all done and have someone present at each thing for the important parts (at least!)

 Eric is the guy-in-charge when it comes to Egg Drop time. His big idea is to put the egg in jello. He did the same thing when Tade was in Kindergarten and it worked well, so why change it, right? Ashlynn was thrilled to have dad help her with her egg and it too was a success. So far, no broken eggs in this family!

I don't know how we are so lucky in our school, but in 3rd grade the kids get to participate in a program called RAD Kids. It teaches kids about safety, stranger awareness, and empowers them with some self defense moves. I love it and think every kid should get to learn to be a RAD Kid. They did a weekly lesson for at least 10 weeks and then all the parents got to come see what they had learned at a little graduation ceremony. It was great! I love to see Tade getting older and being able to make good decisions without me or Eric telling him what to do. 

General Conference Traditions

Thanks to a great idea from our home teacher a couple of General Conferences ago, we started this tradition to keep the kids quite and hopefully help them listen to the speakers. Each session we pick 3-4 words that get assigned a treat bowl. When one of the speakers says one of these words, the kids get to pick a treat from the respective bowl. It works pretty well and the kids LOVE it.

 

Another tradition we have is the "musical run". Anytime there is a musical number the kids get up and do as many laps around the island and dining room table as they can. They also earn treats for this and it is a great way to burn some energy.

 

I tried to get a decent picture of us all watching Conference together. It took a few tries and some threats of no more treats, but finally I got a decent enough one! Loved the Spirit I felt this weekend as I was reminded of Gospel truths and heard testimonies from Prophets. Thankful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

 

Ashlynn's President Monson drawing. She, Tade, and Carter are in the picture also.

 

Tade's President Monson drawing. I had to beg him to do it. I am glad I got this much from him! :)