Smile!

I’ve been gone for awhile.  Maybe you didn’t notice.  Keep reading and pretend you did though.  It will give me the “feel goods”.

This has been a crazy month for my family.  Of course the 4th of July always brings fun and happiness.  Then on the 6th was my 9 year anniversary.

On the 7th was when our world was totally turned upside down.  I got the worst phone call anyone could ever get.

My 16 year old niece was killed in a car accident.  It was a very tragic situation and one that I hope no mother or father has to endure.  Being my niece it was very hard on my immediate family but my heart just aches for my brother and sister-in-law.

Kylee Nicole was a very sweet, old soul and it was evidenced by the beautiful service that was given for her.  Looking back at her life, many of us have seen that maybe somehow Kylee somehow inherently knew that her time here was limited.  I know that no one ever knows for sure, but looking back at some circumstances, we wonder.  She has a license plate on her bedroom door that reads “4-Ever 16”  It’s strange how things work out sometimes.

“Smiley Kylee” was her nickname because she always wore a smile wherever she went.  No matter her mood, she smiled.  She was a follower of Christ who made it known to anyone that she met.

Life won’t be the same without Kylee around to boost everyone’s spirits.  There are so many trivial “words” that can be said but none of them really seem to matter anymore.  It’s simply too young for a girl to end her journey in this place we call home.  She is forever home waiting for us now.  While we struggle to understand why, she will be looking down on us and reminding us to “SMILE”.

So tonight before you go to bed, give your babies an extra hug and “smile” from Kylee.  She is smiling down on us in joy that we are spreading the love that she was put her to give.

Our 4th of July in Pics

We had a good 4th with the exception of Dad having to be at work on the actual holiday and Alysia being in Texas visiting her dad.  We did hang out with some friends on Saturday while Dad was in town and then again on Monday.  Unfortunately Dad didn’t get in town on Monday until about 10 pm.  After all the hooplah pretty much over.

             

James learning how to shoot a gun!  He was in heaven….me…not so much!

         

And what’s the 4th without a fire started by the boys…  :/

This was the one and only sparkler that Parker tried.  He didn’t like them so much.

      

There you have it!  Better late then never, right?

Get Your Groove Back..

Tie dye is making a comeback and what better way to end summer and kick off a new school year than with an awesome Tie Dye Creation!

AND…who doesn’t LOVE sidewalk chalk?  How about creating your own?!

If you’re local, then mark your calendars for August 6! It's going to be a Tie Dye/Chalk End Of Summer Party!!!

 

Bring the kids and come tie dye a shirt and make some chalk!!

Saturday, August 6

3:00-5:00 pm

Chieftain Park – Tonganoxie

$8 pre-registration/provides tie dye and chalk materials

You bring your own shirt/hat/socks/bag/scarf to dye.

I’m also trying to line up having some shaved ice there!

More details to come!! Hope to see everyone there!

How are you staying “COOL” this summer?

We finally broke down and got a pool pass this year.  Therefore you’re going to be getting a lot of pics of the kiddos in the water.

Parker – he isn’t scared of the water, AT ALL!!  He will walk into the big pool and keep walking no matter if it’s deeper than him at all.

James was never that brave.  He loves the water but has always been a little more apprehensive.  James is in swimming lessons this year and is LOVING IT!!  He can now go under water without holding his nose!  That’s a HUGE accomplishment for him :)

Summer fun at the pool!  I love it!!

It reminds me of when I was a little girl and we would spend ALL day, EVERY day there. 

So if you’re looking for us and can’t find us, that’s probably where we’ll be :)

How are you staying “cool” this summer?

Poppa’s Boy

This little boy LOVES his Poppa.

If anyone knows anything about Parker, they know how shy he is and how it takes him forever to warm up to people.  Including family.  No matter how many times you see him!

My brother-in-law calls him “Fifty First Dates”.  If you know anything about the movie, you know that on every date, the guy has to start all over in wooing the girl to fall in love with him again.  She does by the end of the date but the next time she sees him, it starts all over again.

That’s Parker.  EXCEPT when it comes to his Poppa!  There is something about my dad that this little boy loves and is so attracted to.  He can spot him from a mile away!

I just know it makes him feel so special inside…and that is so special to me!

Our First Pick of the Season!

We have radishes!!  And according to Parker, “They are Peppy”…meaning spicy!

Mmmmm…..oh so yummy in the salads I have had them in!

   

I can’t wait to start getting all the other goodies in our garden!  It’s the best part of summer to me!

First of the Season!

There is not much else that speaks “summer” to me than SMORES!

Okay, okay….so it was to hot to have a campfire in 95 degree weather so we made them indoors.

BUT…I redeemed myself and we ate them outside :)

 

I must admit, the microwave SMORES are pretty good for those of you that have been wondering!  And they’re WAY less messy than the campfire ones.

Want to entertain your kids one night?  Make them in the microwave.  20 seconds MAX!

The marshmallows get REALLY BIG!

Your kiddos will love it :)

Kids + Summer + Heat + Water = FUN

If you like pics, then you’re going to love this post!  I’ve got lots of them for ya!

It was a hot day at home so we pulled out the sprinkler and let the boys have fun…

I’d say by the looks on their faces, they had a BLAST!

        

What has the start of your summer looked like?