Church Camp

Matthew left this morning for church camp. Camp lasts two days and involves staying overnight. I have to admit the over-protective mother in me is a nervous wreck.

This is the first time Matt has stayed overnight somewhere other than Jackie's or with family. I'm sure he'll be fine, but I probably won't sleep a wink! Speaking of sleeping, Matthew didn't sleep last night because of his excitement of going to camp. They didn't have to arrive at camp till 9:30 but Matthew was so worried that he would oversleep and miss it!

Matthew's best buddy, Casen, is going to camp as well. They even got to ride out there together. Todd made sure that their bunks were in the same cabin and was sure to get them all settled before leaving.

"Swimming Soups"

We have been enjoying the new pool in Abilene. Every night, Hannah will go and get her "swimming soup" and ask if we can go to the pool. Last Wednesday, Hanna took the girls to the pool while Todd and I watched Matt play T-ball. The girls waited on the deck impatiently until it was time to go.

Ice Cream

Not a summer day goes by that Hannah does not want some ice cream. Fudgesicles seem to be her favorite!

Cole- 1 week old

Cousins- Dedric, Matthew, and Cole

We went to Council Grove last weekend to visit. Cole was 1 week old and I was amazed at how much he had changed. He is already developing a personality and I couldn't help but hold him every chance I got.

T-Ball Success!

Mallory attended her first t-ball game and it was a success! There were a lot of understanding parents that helped keep Mallory busy. One of the mom's let Mallory hand out snacks at the end of the game.

Matthew has really grown this year with his skills. He is REALLY enjoying t-ball! Todd and I have enjoyed seeing the competitiveness come out in our son.


When the game was over our friend and Matt's coach, Kyle, took Mallory out to bat! She was SO EXCITED!

Hannah spends most of the time socializing. Occasionally, she will go and cheer her brother on. But....most of the time she plays in the dirt.

Smoky Hill River Festival

Mallory, Hannah, and I spent Saturday at the Smoky Hill River Festival with my parents. It was a beautiful day. We had fun walking around Oakdale Park looking at the varety of arts and listening to music. Todd and Matthew took what Matthew calls a "boy vacation". They went to Hutchinson and visited the Cosmosphere, played at the park, and watched the movie "UP".

Hannah's was all set for the festival. Bottled water, money, and tiara with veil. She had a lot of fun hanging out with her grandparents. I don't think that she EVER quit talking. Every other word was Grandma.

Classic Hannah- goofy as can be!


Hannah with the flower that she picked and was going to surprise me with. The best part was that she covered HER eyes instead of me covering MINE.

Cole Matthew

My little nephew, Cole Matthew, was born June 14th at 12:57 a.m weighing 6 lbs 8 oz. Congratulations to Matt, Amber, and Dedric!

Such a wonderful day to be born!

His cousin, Kelsy's birthday.

Also the anniversary of the passing of our cousins sweet baby boy,

Matthew Allen.

Yes, I do believe this little boy will be VERY special.

Little Rock-Chalker. Too bad his auntie is a Wildcat fan!

Absolutely Adorable!

Getting tired of this crazy lady taking my picture.

Think I'll take another nap, that way I can be good and awake for my mom all night.

Todd and Mallory holding Cole.

Therapeutic Riding

Mallory just finished her first round of therapeutic riding for the summer. She really enjoys herself. If it wasn't for the drive I would love for her to ride year round.

Mallory loves to be the center of attention.

Riding our horse backwards.


Hannah enjoys watching Mallory ride.

Mallory's horse

First Night of T-Ball

Matthew's first t-ball game was last evening. He is very excited about ball this summer. It shows in his eagerness (most of the time) while playing. Todd had bought Matthew some shoes for ball season that came with color inserts so that his shoes could match his shirt.

Matthew running to home plate.

I had to laugh because a player on his team

stood on the plate and waited on Matthew.

Drawing.

Waiting. Anticipating. Is he going to hit the ball to me?

Hannah loved watching the game and eating the hot dogs from the concession stand.

D-Day Events in Abilene.

There was an excellent attendance at the D-Day festivities at the Eisenhower Center.

Matt took the time to sign his name on a banner to be sent to our troops over seas.

Mallory enjoyed the many exhibits.

Dedication.

Matt set a goal of learning to ride his bike without training wheels this summer. A few weeks ago they were discussing Determination at his wednesday evening church group. Matthew stood at the microphone and told those attending that "Determination was getting rid of the training wheels on your bike". Matthew has been working most evenings and gets closer everyday to riding his bike independently. Tonight, he rode along side his dad. What an accomplishment!

Tragedy

The kids and I had traveled out of town Sunday afternoon and had a wonderful time playing and eating ice cream. It was a beautiful day! On our way home, the kids were just settling in for a nap, when we came upon a horrific vehicle accident. We were one of the first vehicles to pull up on a head-on collision that had happened just moments before. Fortunately, a young lady that pulled up at the same time as we did sat with Mal, Matt, and Hannah and my medical training kicked in. It was such a tragic event with all three involved dying. In all my years of experience, this had to rank among one of the worst. Such an unfortunate turn of events......

65th Anniversary of D-Day

Today, there were a lot of festivities in Abilene for the 65th anniversary of D-Day. Todd spent the morning telling Matt and his friend, Casen, the history of D-Day.

Then we were off to dowtown Abilene for the parade. We had informed the kids that this was a "no-candy" parade. They were bummed at first but had a lot of fun clapping and cheering all of the veterans and military personnel that were there. It was truly a learning experience.

After the parade, we went to the Eisenhower Center and spent the rest of the morning looking at exhibits, listening to the Salina Symphony, and educating the kids. It was a great day!

Amber's Shower

My little sister (Brandy), cousin (Amy), and I hosted a baby shower for my middle sister (Amber) last weekend. It has been almost 9 years since Amber's had a baby in the house. Family and friends showered her with lots of cool baby stuff. Amber's due date is June 25th. This is the first pregnancy that Matt and Hannah are really understanding, so it's been fun anticipating this little ones arrival.

Dandelion Pickers and Carrot Eaters

We are loving the longer days, warmer weather, and the opportunity to be outside most of the evening. I bought a pool a few days ago and then the weather turned to 70 degrees, so swimming will have to wait. We've been enjoying long walks and bike rides and quick meals in anticipation of all the fun of summer.

Matthew loves to pick any flower he can find in our yard and give them to me. Sad to say, most of our yard is dandelions. It's the thought that counts.

Hannah loves to sit on our deck and watch the traffic go by, people walking, etc. She is usually eating or chewing on something (carrots, bubble gum, cookies, fruit snacks) and barefoot.

Projects

Summer is here and so are all the wonderful projects that come with it. Our major project this summer is to paint the trim on the house. Not all of our windows are as bad as the one shown below (from the garage). If you are like me, painting is not a fun task.

The kids have wanted a garden the last couple of summers. We have a very small yard and I was NOT thrilled at digging up the yard for a project that may not go so well. So, we started small. Todd and Matthew planted carrots in the planter showen below. Every night when the kids come home they run to check on their garden.

Lawn care is a never ending task. Fortunately, I have three kids that love to pick dandelions.

My roses bloomed about two weeks ago and they were BEAUTIFUL!

My peonies have started to come back after a few rough years.