Rodeo

Jacob LOVES cowboys and rodeos. I brought these two old books about cowboys and rodeos home from school that were in the get rid of pile and they are Jacobs favorite books. So when the rodeo came to a town close by we knew we had to take him. (Kaleb likes cowboys a little but he loves trains and tractors.) Both boys loved all the bucking broncs and cattle roping. But the really loved when a cowboy walked up to them and let them feed a horse and hold his reigns. Such a fun night!!

Back to School

Another school year has started! Isaiah is in 6th grade and Kaleb started his first year of Pre-school. They are both so excited!! Jacob is so sad that he can't go to school. There have been many tears. He keeps saying in the sweetest, saddest voice "I really want to go to school with Kaleb". We have told him he will go next year when he is 3. He replies "I will go to my own school now." He cried as Kaleb got on the bus and more tears as Kaleb got off the bus. It's hard being the youngest :( This is the first time Kaleb and Jacob haven't done the same thing. Kaleb has been so excited about getting to ride the school bus. After his first day we asked him all about school and his answer was "I ride the school bus. Played outside and then we lined up!" That seems to be his favorite parts because that's all he keeps saying about it. Lol! He also told us the bus driver says "sit down" I am so happy there haven't been any years, fears or frustrations with this new change in his routine. He seems to be handling it great!

Isaiah was so happy to get back to school and see all his friends on a daily basis. He has a few of the same teachers as last year and sever new ones. He gets to play soccer for his school this year. 

I have started something new this year too- I am back in the classroom. After 7 years of being a Reading Recovery teacher I am now teaching 2nd grade. I'm excited, but exhausted. It's a lot more work and prep and it feels like my first year of teaching all over again. Each day I begin praying for extra patience and grace as I try to teach my 22 students to love reading and learning. 

Brad continues his same job as Outreach Worker for the junior high and really enjoys his job. This will be his first year not coaching as our boys are getting busier. 

We are looking forward to a great 2013-2014 school year expect Jacob who is looking forward to 2014-2015, lol!

Jacob and Kaleb started chasing after Isaiah to walk to school with him. 

Tubing at Lake Warren

We took the boys tubing (slowly) for the first time. The pictures are kind of far away, but they had a blast!!

Splash Park Fun

We spent a week in Champaign at my moms and had lots of fun with cousins! This was the 1st time the boys had been to a splash park!

 Kaleb found a puddle and thought that would be fun to play in.

 Jacob thought he would join in the fun too!

Visiting Jill in Milwaukee

This summer has been filled with road trips to see family and friends!!! I'm loving it!!! The boys are GREAT in the car. Jacob, Kaleb and I took off for a 5 hour road trip to see my best friend since we were babies. Jill and I grew up together. Her daughter Taylor is 2 and the boys had so much fun playing with her. We had such a good time we didn't even take pictures, so bummed. The only picture we have of all 3 of them is when they were in the car while we were going yardsaling and running some errands, lol.. Can't wait to get together again soon!!

this bike kept Kaleb busy for most of the trip, he kept spinning the pedals

 There was room for the bike on the ground but Kaleb kept pulling it up on his lap to play with it

 So thankful for the DVD player while we drove around town (this picture was taken in a parking lot, Kaleb did have a seat belt on)

 so sweet, tired brothers

Taylor is 2!

My niece is 2!! We got to celebrate Taylor Grace's 2nd birthday yesterday. She is a busy, loving little girl. It was a great, hot day for the kids to swim and play together!! We love time with cousins and family!

 such a cute cake!

 Pinata fun!

 water balloon fun

Playing in the Rain at Drake's Birthday Party

Our good friends Gabe and Cori moved 5 hours away and we don't get to see them often enough. Their oldest son, Drake turned 3 in June and we got to go meet them in Gabe's hometown for his birthday. Gabe was the best man in our wedding and Brad was their best man. Cori and I lived together at the end of college next door to Brad and Gabe who were roommates most of college. We are so thankful for such a great friendship with this family even if we don't get together often enough. The weather was perfect for the first hour, then it started to pour down rain. Everyone ran under the shelter house except my two little boys. They thought it was so fun to run to the tunnel and back in the rain. They had a blast!

 After the party we went back to Gabe's parents house for some more fun!!

Happy Birthday Drake!! We love you guys!

Peoria Zoo with Nana

The zoo is one of the boys favorite spots! They love the lions, elephants and giraffes! We met my mom in Peoria at the zoo and this was the boys first outing in underwear!!!! (still not all the way potty trained yet, but getting close!!) Jacob and Kaleb like to "ride" on the statue animals.