I cannot believe how much we have going on...and my kids aren't even in grade school yet! Today I started Kosama. It is a 10 week exercise course in which I will be waking up at 4:40 am to get to class by 5am 6 days a week....I am crazy - this I know.
Kenna is starting soccer Tuesday and will also be going to school tuesdays and thursdays at Cottontail Creek Montessori school and has dance on Mondays. Zachey and I will do Kindermusik on Thursdays and I have class Wednesday night...phew I am already tired and this is week one!
To make my schedule even more nuts - I inadvertenly deleted pictures from 6 months worth of posts last year....UGH. I have fixed some, but still have over 50 to correct...good thing I keep every picture! What a nightmare!
Oh well - Disneyworld in two weeks, we can hardly wait!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Swamp Monster and Activities
Where do the weeks go? I can't believe I have a week worth of activities to summarize in one post!
Last Saturday I headed to the farmers market on my bike. It felt GREAT to get out there, as I haven't done squat since RAGBRAI. I had gone about 10 miles when I saw a "trail closed" sign. They have those all the time, so I thought nothing of it, and went around. Well after having to climb around a few big trees that had fallen, I started second guessing myself. The flooding seems to have caused quite a lot of damage. About 4 miles from the farmers market I felt as though I had made it through the worst of it. The trail was clear and I was booking it. Well, I went under a bridge, and what I thought was a shadow was about 6 inches of standing water and THICK mud...I wiped out and was covered, head to toe, in river goo. My bike was a muddy mess and I looked like Swampthing! I had NO idea what I was going to do.
I called Josh and asked if he could come get me, but Zachey was down for a nap. Plan B was to ride home, humiliated! Luckily I was in an area I sort of knew, near a few major roads. I cleaned off my gears and breaks and attempted to coast to a car wash. I spent the only cash I had on 5 minutes of water. I sprayed myself down, and my bike and continued home...a soggy mess!
The looks I got as I was rolling into that carwash were priceless! I must have looked absolutely ridiculous!
This has been such a fun week. On Monday, Kenna and I spent a good majority of the evening trying to find size 9 soccer cleats. Apparently my child has dainty feet (how is that possible?) so it was a hard task! We finally found a place that sold size 10, and with soccer socks, they are close enough.
Tuesday Kenna was supposed to go to soccer practice with Daddy and Zachey while I went to her parent meeting for school. I was there for an hour and half learning all about drop off, pick up, parties, events, supplies, what food she could and couldn't bring...my goodness....she's only 4 sheesh! Daddy had less luck as soccer had been rescheduled and no one told us...so he wandered around the outdoor sports center for an hour and finally gave up...oh well, we now know we officially start next week! Sorry daddy!
Wednesday I started class and I am going to LOVE it! I get to do 20 taped counseling sessions between myself and clients of my choosing. I put some ads on craigslist and have quite a few interested people. I am anxious to get started, and my professor is so down to earth and cool about the whole thing. I know that I am going to learn a ton!
Each evening we have spent most of it outside; swimming, eating popsicles, goofing around, playing with Megan and Gannon, going for walks, riding bikes, anything to enjoy the amazing weather!
--eating the last of the popsicles--
--Zachey LOVES swimming!--
--and popsicles--
--mom, what color's my tounge?--
--Josh's poker table/office--
--new couch, the color is off on the wall?--
--entertainment center...tv to follow--
--girls playing princesses--
--LUNCH!--
--Zachey and Lucy--
--decorated cupcakes (snickerdoodle)--
--Zachey's pirate costume--
--with hat--
--kenna's costume--
--and zachey's with shoes--
Last Saturday I headed to the farmers market on my bike. It felt GREAT to get out there, as I haven't done squat since RAGBRAI. I had gone about 10 miles when I saw a "trail closed" sign. They have those all the time, so I thought nothing of it, and went around. Well after having to climb around a few big trees that had fallen, I started second guessing myself. The flooding seems to have caused quite a lot of damage. About 4 miles from the farmers market I felt as though I had made it through the worst of it. The trail was clear and I was booking it. Well, I went under a bridge, and what I thought was a shadow was about 6 inches of standing water and THICK mud...I wiped out and was covered, head to toe, in river goo. My bike was a muddy mess and I looked like Swampthing! I had NO idea what I was going to do.
I called Josh and asked if he could come get me, but Zachey was down for a nap. Plan B was to ride home, humiliated! Luckily I was in an area I sort of knew, near a few major roads. I cleaned off my gears and breaks and attempted to coast to a car wash. I spent the only cash I had on 5 minutes of water. I sprayed myself down, and my bike and continued home...a soggy mess!
The looks I got as I was rolling into that carwash were priceless! I must have looked absolutely ridiculous!
This has been such a fun week. On Monday, Kenna and I spent a good majority of the evening trying to find size 9 soccer cleats. Apparently my child has dainty feet (how is that possible?) so it was a hard task! We finally found a place that sold size 10, and with soccer socks, they are close enough.
Tuesday Kenna was supposed to go to soccer practice with Daddy and Zachey while I went to her parent meeting for school. I was there for an hour and half learning all about drop off, pick up, parties, events, supplies, what food she could and couldn't bring...my goodness....she's only 4 sheesh! Daddy had less luck as soccer had been rescheduled and no one told us...so he wandered around the outdoor sports center for an hour and finally gave up...oh well, we now know we officially start next week! Sorry daddy!
Wednesday I started class and I am going to LOVE it! I get to do 20 taped counseling sessions between myself and clients of my choosing. I put some ads on craigslist and have quite a few interested people. I am anxious to get started, and my professor is so down to earth and cool about the whole thing. I know that I am going to learn a ton!
Each evening we have spent most of it outside; swimming, eating popsicles, goofing around, playing with Megan and Gannon, going for walks, riding bikes, anything to enjoy the amazing weather!
--eating the last of the popsicles--
--Zachey LOVES swimming!--
--and popsicles--
--mom, what color's my tounge?--Wednesday was also fun because we got our new furniture delivered! Josh and I spent all weekend painting a few weeks ago, and the furniture looks sooooo good! Still unfinished, but a step in the right direction!
--Josh's poker table/office--
--new couch, the color is off on the wall?--
--entertainment center...tv to follow--Thursday I thought it would be nice to give Chad a "day off" from being stay at home dad. I think he enjoyed the day and went golfing! I had fun being a single mom of 4 :) We went for a bike ride (babies rode in the wagon); played princesses; drew pictures and painted; made cupcakes while the babies napped; played more princesses; went swimming; and blew bubbles...what a day!
--girls playing princesses--
--LUNCH!--
--Zachey and Lucy--
--decorated cupcakes (snickerdoodle)--After the Andersen's went home, I took Zachey to his first day at Kindermusik! I was a little worried because he usually listens, but doesn't always follow directions...he isn't even 18 months yet, so you can hardly blame him! He did SO GOOD! At first he didn't understand going to miss Tina to get the bells and bringing them back to mommy, but after the other kids did it, he did. Then he took them back when we were done. He loved dancing and bouncing on my lap. He has about 8 kids in his class, so not too overwhelming. He really got into the clapping to the beat and hammering! So fun!!!
Also - I got a great internet coupon for costumes. So I bought them a little early this year! Had to try Zachey's on cause its a 12-18 month and worried it wouldn't fit...the only other option was 3T so I opted down....going to be soooo cute, my little pirate children! We just love Halloween and the pictures that come of it! I think this one will fit okay, even in two months...lets hope!
Also - I got a great internet coupon for costumes. So I bought them a little early this year! Had to try Zachey's on cause its a 12-18 month and worried it wouldn't fit...the only other option was 3T so I opted down....going to be soooo cute, my little pirate children! We just love Halloween and the pictures that come of it! I think this one will fit okay, even in two months...lets hope!
--Zachey's pirate costume--
--with hat--
--kenna's costume--
--and zachey's with shoes--Sunday, August 22, 2010
Block Party
On Thursday the kids and I were planning on going to the pool with Stones. We discovered that since school started on Wednesday, they closed one of our pools for the season and the other one didn't open until 4 :( Luckily, Andrea told us that the Clive pool was open at 11:30! The kids had a blast! It as 3 seperate pools, a floating river, waterslide and kiddy pool. Of course they spent all their time in the zero depth - 3 foot pool, but by the end even Zachey was into it! They were pretty tired by 1:30 and we headed home for lunch and nap. That night we had Gentrys over for dinner (roast and potatoes in the crockpot.) They were getting ready to leave and Nolan pulls out a shirt that said something like - I'm not supposed to tell anyone, but I'm going to be a big brother! We are SOOO excited for them! She is due on March 1st!
Yesterday we had our annual block party. The family that throws it really does a great job. Free bouncy house for kids; catered BBQ; beer keg; and water baloon fight. So many people came, and everyone's kids are getting so big! We showed up around 5, and so did most everyone else! We heard all about Colon's trip to Germany and him driving 150 mph on the autoban, and about what everyone's kids are doing in school this year.
--this is a princess picture Kenna drew last week....pretty impressive!--
--Zachey has discovered hats..just loves putting them on, taking them off, putting them on, etc --
--water balloon fight--
--bouncy house--
--kenna narrowly missing water balloon splash--
Yesterday we had our annual block party. The family that throws it really does a great job. Free bouncy house for kids; catered BBQ; beer keg; and water baloon fight. So many people came, and everyone's kids are getting so big! We showed up around 5, and so did most everyone else! We heard all about Colon's trip to Germany and him driving 150 mph on the autoban, and about what everyone's kids are doing in school this year.
--this is a princess picture Kenna drew last week....pretty impressive!-- 
--Zachey has discovered hats..just loves putting them on, taking them off, putting them on, etc --
--water balloon fight--
--bouncy house--
--kenna narrowly missing water balloon splash--Sunday, August 15, 2010
Cute Zachey Moments
I have forgotten how much fun the 18 month-ish stage is! Zachey seems to be learning things by the second. Some of his favorites are:
Daw-he (doggie - been saying this since 12 months)
Ma (me)
Ite! (light)
mo (more)
Ne-na (kenna - this I have only heard once)
Ba (ball)
He also loves to play with Kenna's stuff. Most recently he has enjoyed playing tea party either with people or on his own. (He wants to do EVERYTHING big sis does!) Josh said we need to get him some army men ASAP, but I think he was relieved when we caught Zachey playing tea party with Josh's old skeletor from He-man.
Daw-he (doggie - been saying this since 12 months)
Ma (me)
Ite! (light)
mo (more)
Ne-na (kenna - this I have only heard once)
Ba (ball)
He also loves to play with Kenna's stuff. Most recently he has enjoyed playing tea party either with people or on his own. (He wants to do EVERYTHING big sis does!) Josh said we need to get him some army men ASAP, but I think he was relieved when we caught Zachey playing tea party with Josh's old skeletor from He-man.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
OUCH!
Last night Josh and I had a date night at the first annual Jest Fest in Des Moines. Had some great comedians, and we took advantage of having Gona and Baca babysit and painted some of the basement. Unfortunatly they are both sick and Kenna was up most the night...sorry Gona! We called the doctor and he perscribed an antibiotic without us having to go in (yay!) and we will go in to get it checked out first thing next week.
We met Denny with kids at Em's garage sale. In between talking Zachey fell and scraped his face...poor little dude! Hasn't dampened his spirit! Happy guy!
We met Denny with kids at Em's garage sale. In between talking Zachey fell and scraped his face...poor little dude! Hasn't dampened his spirit! Happy guy!
The Rest of April's Visit
We had such a fun (and HOT) time with Auntie April! She is having a baby and moving to Germany soon, so before she left she came to visit us in Iowa!
After the BBQ over the weekend we spent all day Sunday shopping (looking for cute baby stuff was the primary goal ;) Then Monday, I had to work, but April enjoyed the crazy thunderstorms, losing power, and I think she gave up and took a nap :) Tuesday we took the kids to Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. I had never been there but was pleasantly surprised! The zoo is perfect for their ages as it only takes about 3 hours to get through the whole thing. And it has a good sampling of animals, shade and well maintained grounds!
--Kenna checking out the otters--
--the Austrailia exhibit had Wallabies just wandering in a grassy area that you walked through--
--Swans--
--kenna liked the big cats, here is are the lions--
--stopping for a snack, and trying to avoid the 85+ degree temps with 80% humidity...bleck!--
--growling like a tiger--
--giraffes were cute!--
--stopped for a snack in a shady area--
--as usual Zachey was starving--
--poor monkey looked bored--
--Zachey liked to watch all the animals but especially liked the monkies--
--bald eagles--
--sweaty mommie and zachey waiting for the train--
--train ride!--
--the train was like 9 minutes, but pretty fun :), complete with tunnel! --
We got the kids home just in time for nap. That night Josh watched the kids while April and I volunteered at the ICubs. That is Iowa's minor league baseball team. Best Buy runs one of the concession stands. We supply the labor (all volunteer) and the proceeds go to the Animal Rescue League. I felt bad dragging April there, as I had signed up months prior. It was SOOO hot and humid that sweat was running down my back while I was steaming the hot dogs and sorting the buns. THe back room had to be 1oo degrees....but up front serving beer and snacks wasn't awful. We got a free hot dog and couldn't wait to get home to shower!!!
Wednesday I had to work again, but I think April passed the day watching movies and enjoying the air conditioning :) That night we went to Sam's birthday party. They had a young explorers theme in a neat parkground in south des moines. It was called Raccoon River. The kids ate pizza then played with various animals and fed them. They ignited a volcano and learned about dinosaurs. They painted fossils and ate cake then opened presents. Kenna had a great time!
--learning about volcanoes--
--Zachey got rather bored waiting in the lobby for two hours. We entertained ourselves with balloons and food :) --
Thursday we did a crazy thing...braved the Iowa State Fair with a heat index of 103...UGH it was hot. We just alternated between something outside and something inside. Then it wasn't so bad. We hit all the booths, vendors, and many of the food stands :) We probably saw about 75% of what there was to see that day, but it took almost 5 hours! Man, yet again we took a shower when we got home...oh well, was worth it!
--tattoos were the thing this year. April sporting her free egg tattoo and free egg on a stick--
--twinkie log--
--princess kenna, in full gear with makeup!--
--prince Zachary from China....the best I could do ;) --
After the BBQ over the weekend we spent all day Sunday shopping (looking for cute baby stuff was the primary goal ;) Then Monday, I had to work, but April enjoyed the crazy thunderstorms, losing power, and I think she gave up and took a nap :) Tuesday we took the kids to Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. I had never been there but was pleasantly surprised! The zoo is perfect for their ages as it only takes about 3 hours to get through the whole thing. And it has a good sampling of animals, shade and well maintained grounds!
--Kenna checking out the otters--
--the Austrailia exhibit had Wallabies just wandering in a grassy area that you walked through--
--Swans--
--kenna liked the big cats, here is are the lions--
--stopping for a snack, and trying to avoid the 85+ degree temps with 80% humidity...bleck!--
--growling like a tiger--
--giraffes were cute!--
--stopped for a snack in a shady area--
--as usual Zachey was starving--
--poor monkey looked bored--
--Zachey liked to watch all the animals but especially liked the monkies--
--bald eagles--
--sweaty mommie and zachey waiting for the train--
--train ride!--
--the train was like 9 minutes, but pretty fun :), complete with tunnel! --
We got the kids home just in time for nap. That night Josh watched the kids while April and I volunteered at the ICubs. That is Iowa's minor league baseball team. Best Buy runs one of the concession stands. We supply the labor (all volunteer) and the proceeds go to the Animal Rescue League. I felt bad dragging April there, as I had signed up months prior. It was SOOO hot and humid that sweat was running down my back while I was steaming the hot dogs and sorting the buns. THe back room had to be 1oo degrees....but up front serving beer and snacks wasn't awful. We got a free hot dog and couldn't wait to get home to shower!!!Wednesday I had to work again, but I think April passed the day watching movies and enjoying the air conditioning :) That night we went to Sam's birthday party. They had a young explorers theme in a neat parkground in south des moines. It was called Raccoon River. The kids ate pizza then played with various animals and fed them. They ignited a volcano and learned about dinosaurs. They painted fossils and ate cake then opened presents. Kenna had a great time!
--learning about volcanoes--
--Zachey got rather bored waiting in the lobby for two hours. We entertained ourselves with balloons and food :) --Thursday we did a crazy thing...braved the Iowa State Fair with a heat index of 103...UGH it was hot. We just alternated between something outside and something inside. Then it wasn't so bad. We hit all the booths, vendors, and many of the food stands :) We probably saw about 75% of what there was to see that day, but it took almost 5 hours! Man, yet again we took a shower when we got home...oh well, was worth it!
--tattoos were the thing this year. April sporting her free egg tattoo and free egg on a stick--We scored some free bags at the breast cancer awareness booth. Pretty pink ones perfect for the pool or gym! Also tried many "things on a stick." We had an elephant ear, caramel apple, deep fried pineapple on a stick, and finally a twinkie log. The twinkie log sounded right up April's alley, but ended up being pretty gross and she threw it out :(
--twinkie log--Overall a fun, sweltering day! It was the only day we could go, and we still had a great time! Friday we got the kids ready for the prince/princess party at Eski's that day. Then we spent the day garage saleing! I got quite a few treasures, but April was a little reluctant as she would have to pack it all home! After we finished it was time for lunch then I had to take her to the airport! It went by too quickly, but I get to go visit her in October, which isn't that far off, so something to look forward to!
--princess kenna, in full gear with makeup!--
--prince Zachary from China....the best I could do ;) --
Sunday, August 08, 2010
April's Visiting and BBQ
We are having a great time with Auntie April! She got here Friday night after a little delay at the airport. We didn't do much but put the kids to bed on Friday. She brought some cute clothes and books for the kids, so of course that was the bedtime story that night!
Saturday we got up early and went to the Farmers Market downtown! We just love going there. Lots of booths and people watching. We got some veggies and Kenna got a balloon animal! I would like to preface this post by thanking april for letting me steal her pictures as I didn't have my camera :)
--Kenna got an elephant--
--and the highlight of the day was snowcones!--
--Zachey checking out the craziness--
--Vandana and Abi (10 months)--
--Kenna enjoying the water (had to be about 90 degrees....so felt great I'm sure!) --
--all the party goers (Gentrys, Andersens, Gantis, Dietzs, April, Gona and Baca and Auntie Em and Kade stopped by with Faaborgs for a bit)--
--nolan manning the water cannon!--
--Zachey spent the WHOLE day in this little pool, he loved it!--
--view of the giant slide thing--
--kenna eating her open faced burger--
--At one point both kids were chomping down the watermelon!--
--zachey ate more than I have ever seen him eat....his belly was FULL--
--Lucy, so cute!--
--Rylee after stealing half a hamburger from Kenna...happy dog--
--this is the face of someone who had a great day!--
Saturday we got up early and went to the Farmers Market downtown! We just love going there. Lots of booths and people watching. We got some veggies and Kenna got a balloon animal! I would like to preface this post by thanking april for letting me steal her pictures as I didn't have my camera :)
--Kenna got an elephant--
--and the highlight of the day was snowcones!--later that day we had the 3rd annual Skinner BBQ and pool party. We borrowed a HUGE waterslide from my friend, made burgers, corn, watermelon, lemonade, hot dogs and brats. The kids had a BLAST!
--Zachey checking out the craziness--
--Vandana and Abi (10 months)--
--Kenna enjoying the water (had to be about 90 degrees....so felt great I'm sure!) --
--all the party goers (Gentrys, Andersens, Gantis, Dietzs, April, Gona and Baca and Auntie Em and Kade stopped by with Faaborgs for a bit)--
--nolan manning the water cannon!--
--Zachey spent the WHOLE day in this little pool, he loved it!--
--view of the giant slide thing--
--kenna eating her open faced burger--
--At one point both kids were chomping down the watermelon!--
--zachey ate more than I have ever seen him eat....his belly was FULL--
--Lucy, so cute!--
--Rylee after stealing half a hamburger from Kenna...happy dog--
--this is the face of someone who had a great day!--What a perfect day, we had such a good time! The kids loved that water slide thing, I think they would still be out there doing it now if we had let them!
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