Our Gold Medalist

I just have to say, I have the greatest mom in the whole world. She came to visit us for a month this summer, but didn't realize she'd be helping us through a huge move as well. She was so great to watch the kids while Brad and I made a house hunting trip, help me get the house ready to sell and move (which included all sorts of unglamorous jobs like washing out refrigerators, painting, fixing and cleaning blinds, cleaning carpet, spackling holes in the wall, etc.), take Lucy to the mall so I could get things done, help with meals, read with Charlie everyday, and drive 12 hours with Brad and the boys to Kansas while Lucy and I flew. So, amidst all the hype of the Olympics, we were having our own Olympic experience. As far as I'm concerned, my mom earned a giant gold medal.

And through it all, she had a great big smile on her face and cheerful attitude. Her only requirement in return was being able to exercise (she'd go to the fitness center every night for 3-4 hrs. Yeah, it gave me a whole new perspective on the whereabouts of my obsessive/compulsive tendencies- both my parents can get pretty focused on projects when they set their minds to it...) and visit her favorite clothing stores. Not to mention a personal shopping trip with our friend who's a podiatrist. (I wish I had a picture of my mom's black and blue big toe. She thought it was fingernail polish that wouldn't come off, but no, it was a serious bruise from hours of walking on the treadmill with shoes that were too small). Thanks so much mom, we couldn't have done it without you. You're the best. I'm already counting down the days til next summer...

Life in Kansas

Well, we're finally here and settling in. The past several weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. I'm exhausted, but happy. I'd sum up our experience in Kansas so far as very positive. People are super friendly. We've met lots of neighbors and church members, been to dinner/dessert invitations, and a fun block party. So, we've felt very welcomed. The kids started school last week and are doing well. They all have wonderful, warm teachers. So, it looks like it's going to be a great year.

The kids on the first day of school. Lucy starts preschool next week. She/I can't wait.

Some neighbors brought these flowers over to welcome us- these Gerbera Daisies happen to be one of my favorite flowers and favorite color.

We've taken the kids swimming nearly every evening after school to burn some energy and cool off. Having the neighborhood pool so close is great.

An almost 10 year old

Somebody is getting older. And his name is Spencer H. Last night, we had a pre-birthday celebration for Spencer. It’s been five years since his last “friends” party and this year he really wanted to play laser tag with some friends before we head to Kansas City. We were very last minute about it (like calling people 3 hours before the party), so only three friends could make it, but they had a ball.

It was an easy party to throw. Brad took all the boys to play laser tag and then picked up two pizzas on his way home. We had crème puffs leftover from our party last week, so that was dessert. Spencer’s friends gave him some nice presents, which they all played with for half an hour before Brad took everyone home. Now, that’s my kind of “friend” birthday party- a far cry from the scene around our place when he turned five. (Which over stimulated me for about five years). We’ve told Spencer in jest that we’ll throw him a friend party every five years. So, we’ve got two down and one to go… Now, Sawyer is starting to churn some big ideas.

I’ve been very pleased with Spencer’s choice of friends. They are all good kids -very polite and fun. We’ll miss them.

Kids School Pics

It's that time of year again where we gather our children for pictures in the back yard. We make it pretty easy for the boys. All they have to do is put a button down shirt (which they don't even button all the way) and vest on (that we use every year), brush their teeth, and walk outside (we do their hair for them. Even with this ease, you'd be amazed at how much grief some of them can give us about pictures. But, we got them, so mission accomplished!

Boating

We enjoyed a fun day at the lake last Saturday with friends. We all liked being pulled on the tube behind the boat, but Spencer took the cake for being on it the longest and at the highest speed. It was a riot watching Spencer and Sawyer out there together on separate tubes. Their thumbs were always in opposite directions. Spencer was thumb up (faster) and Sawyer thumb down (slower) the entire ride.

The lake temperature was nice. Part of the time, we went to a swimming hole where we swam, fed, and caught fish with a net. Definitely a big hit with the kiddos. It was great being out on the boat with our whole family. It brought back many great memories of boating with my family when I was young- some of my best memories of childhood. Thank you Groens for a great day!