June Happenings

Matthew and I had an amazing time on an Adult's Only Cabin weekend with some really great friends of ours at Roberd's Lake right outside of Fariboult, Minnesota.  It was relaxing and lots of fun.  We spent most of Saturday on the pontoon and ski boat.  It took me a couple tries to remember how to stay up on water skis, but once I did, it was wonderful.  I even got outside the wake and it felt like glass.   I also got to double tube with two different friends:)  Each couple planned a meal and we ate like royalty.  A cabin may be moving into our future in 10 - 20 years:)

While we were in Minnesota, the kids stayed with Jocelyn and Kyle in Huxley.  They were kept busy and happy with swimming at Big Creek and playing at parks.  We are so thankful we have that great couple to help us out:)

Almost tall enough to go down slides at Nevada pool!

 Lanie has had a great t-ball season this year, all thanks to her hard working, patient coaches, Heidi and Dan.  Dan gets her attention before pitching and works really hard to keep her eyes on the ball, and she's hit the ball twice now off the pitch!  Matthew and I have enjoyed helping a couple times at practices and games too!

Lanie went to History Day Camp put on by our local Historical Society.  She got to dress up in clothes, take a spelling test, play games and have lots more fun, late 1800 experiences in the school house.  

 Father's Day 2013

Although I know Matthew was disappointed he had to work a 10 hour shift on Father's Day, the kids and I tried to spoil him when he got home that day.  Both kids made cards for him and we bought him a new drill, like he requested. Carter and Matthew have recently taken up the hobby of playing Diablo on the computer together, so this card is personal between them.  I took the kids swimming for a few hours so he could get in a nap and then when we got home I cooked a yummy new main dish called Jalapeno Popper Chicken with Salsa Rice.  Then we took him out for his favorite ice cream treat at Dairy Queen.

Lanie made her card at school so I've kept it hidden for a few weeks.  I love her ideas and especially number 7!!:)

Thanks for being such an amazing father to our children, Matthew!!

 10.  He gives good hugs.
9.  He helps me when I am scared.
8.  He plays games with me.
7.  He loves my mom.
6.  He takes me to Childserve.
5.  He is nice to my friends.
4.  He lets me play on the computer.
3.  He is a good cook.
2.  He reads with me.
1.  He does the ABC's with me.

Carter, the gardener:)

Lanie's class had their first Gathering in the Garden, this Wednesday.  They harvested radishes, weeded, hooked up the rest of the beds' hoses, and watered.  I think Lanie enjoyed seeing classmates outside of school:)  The class beds look great, but the community garden will need to be replanted from flooding.

 Lanie still loves playing in the sand at the pool.  When she plays, I get to read:)  Lanie took level 2 swimming lessons and did really well.  She still needs to work on her back float, but I think because of the size of classes and lack of practice time, next year we will do private lessons.  Her teachers called her a "fish", which I love, because again Lanie is surpassing all of my expectations for what she would be able to do in the water.  During Friday fun day the teachers let the kids go off the diving board, but what Lanie really wanted was to go down the slide:(  She is still about 2 inches too short to do the slide at our pool, so on our bucket list this summer is to visit the Ames pool which has a slide into the kid pool that all kids can go down.  We'll even try dragging Matthew to the pool!:)

 Carter took a Fundamentals of Diving class this year, but we felt it mostly just worked on stamina and strength because very little time was spent diving, mostly just swimming laps.  He did great and loved it.  Here is a video of him lap swimming for class, much smoother and quicker than ever before:)

Carter lapswim 2013

My friend, Sue, told me about this new project a week ago when I was at her house.  They are called Little Free Libraries and are all over the nation, built by volunteers.  This one is only a block away from our house.  You put old books in, and take new ones out.  We have ALOT of books to donate and I know the kids will love getting new ones out!

 Posing for the camera:)
















 Lanie had her 3rd dance recital the first weekend in June.  Grandma Barb came to watch and a last minute surprise at our house, Matthew got to come too!  This year the recital was at the new Tope Auditorium in town.  I do believe there were NO bad seats in the house because we sat the second row from the back and could see wonderfully.  The theme this year was Broadway and Lanie danced in two songs, one tap and one ballet.  I really wish I had practiced more with her, because I saw how she would pick up the dance with just a little extra time with Mommy.  We were so proud of our baby girl and once again, the tap dance below brought me to tears.  Every year, I am amazed by Lanie's hard work, energy, perserverence, and positive attitude.  Nothing is easy for her and we do so many hours of "extra" work every week to try to get her as far as she can go.  And still, she is my sunshine, always beaming with a beautiful light that helps to give my life purpose. 

Broadway Baby