Happy Father's Day (late)

Since Owen's birthday (and then Miles' birthday right afterwards) was on Father's Day, we neglected to tell Adam, "Happy Father's Day." He treated himself to an iPad in May so we considered that his gift. The boys picked out iTunes gift cards for him so he could buy "more games." While I thought the iPad was not exactly "essential" we have used it a lot. The kids love the driving games on it. Happy Father's Day to a great dad!

Miles chillin' before swimming lessons this week.

Happy 4th Birthday Miles!

Miles turns four today! At this age he: is a fearless bike rider (has been off the training wheels for a few months now), can spell and sign his first and last name, knows his essential information and some Spanish, still figuring out whether he's left or right handed, likes to jump in the pool OVER and OVER, drives us crazy with his clothing changes (something is wet, has a spot, doesn't match, feels funny, etc...), entertains us with his serious, crinkled nose, head-cocked expressions, and in general tries to be like Owen in every way...Love You Miles!

One year old--even then Uncle Quint was guilty of giving Starbursts!
Two years old--More junk food from the same source...
Three years old--yep, more Starbursts!
Four years old--taken a couple weeks ago, he wasn't much for posing this year on this birthday.

Happy 7th Birthday Owen!

Owen turned 7 today--hard to believe!! At this age he: loves sports and can throw, run, catch, shoot, and hit with the best of them, has become a great reader, loves to draw team logos and mascots, has lost 5 teeth, asks tons of questions particularly about "who's older", "when was such and such born", etc., enjoys movies, cartoons, and all sporting events that are televised, follows KSU, eats a TON (of pretty much anything), is becoming a great swimmer, loves play dates and time with friends, is a fabulous big brother, is very anxious to learn how to dive. . . love him!!

Three years old--had just moved to Manhattan about a week before.
Four years old--loved super heroes!
Five years old--with matching two-year-old brother.
Six years old--celebrating in Kansas City.
Seven years old--celebrating with Uncle Quint, Aunt Susan, Grandma Jean and Grandpa Harlan.

Swimmers

We've spent a lot of time at the pool so far this summer--I wish I could show pictures of them swimming and playing, but haven't been good about bringing my camera. They decided to start collecting their "pool bracelets." Better than collecting rocks I guess :)

Cousin Time

The boys have enjoyed having their cousins in Manhattan. We've made numerous trips to Mike and Connie's to play, to the Linder's to swim, as well as eating out and playing miniature golf. I'm so glad they each have a cousin their age that they get along so well with. The baby will be even luckier and have TWO playmates!

Adam fulfilling the role of "good dad/uncle" by providing pool supervision so no other adult had to get in :)
The cousins in the hot tub.
The Linder's have a great pool and poolside! If I wasn't so pregnant, I'd be on that floating chair for sure.
Miles in the middle of a meltdown....fortunately it was a short one, and golf resumed with four happy kids. Needless to say, it was probably a little dangerous with these guys: Owen was fine and actually wanted to play, Raly wanted to move through as fast as possible, Reese swung his club like he was really teeing off each time, and Miles cheated most of the time.

Nebraska Furniture Mart

On Saturday we made a quick trip to Nebraska Furniture Mart (have not been in one of these since living in Omaha) to pick out some new furniture. Now I'm (impatiently) waiting delivery.

The boys were on best behavior, but the check out took forever due to some wrong numbers and colors, so they lounged on the nearest sectional--minus shoes, of course :) They love this motorcycle game that we have on our phones (as I write this Adam is playing the same game at 9:08 PM; I'm pretty sure Owen could beat him).
We hit the Legends briefly and then had dinner (and games) at Dave and Buster's. I'm pretty sure this was our last 4-person adventure outside of Manhattan.

Summer Activities

We've spent as much time as we can at the pool, Miles has been "cooking" and Owen finished basketball camp last week (go here for some pictures, I never had my camera). They've had a lot of time with friends through camps, pool, parties and playdates--and we've only had a few days of summer!!!

Catcher

Owen's baseball team had their first game last Wednesday. The Mariners played really well and had a lot of fun. Owen enjoyed being the catcher and did a great job, getting most of the pitches that were missed by the hitters. Adam is helping coach the team, along with a few other dads we know. I think they are enjoying themselves as well.

Productive

Miles has been busy while Owen has been at basketball camp. The bad part is he took them all off in random locations (none of them being the trash).

Puddle Jumping

The boys ran through the puddles Sunday night after the rain. I'm surprised Miles didn't ask to ride his bike in the puddles.

Lots of Kids

On Saturday we BBQ'd at the Zeka's. We took Quint and Susan with us (married, without children) and they swore somebody must have 6 kids!! The kids all got along great; I think the only argument was Wesley telling Grayson she owed her $100 for dropping a baby food jar full of sand :) The weather was PERFECT for playing outside in the bounce house and on the slip and slide. Thanks Shannon!

Safety First

Just in case he drowns while eating lunch...

Caught!

I went outside for two minutes to put trash out and Newman successfully nabbed the open peanut butter jar off the counter. Earlier this week he was "suspected" of taking down a pan of chocolate cookies, and a bag of dry noodles (yuck). I think this is the proof we needed (and no we didn't reuse the PB, even though that is about all we had in the house :)

Field Day

Today my mom and I were able to attend Owen's school field day. He had a great time (liked the races best) and we enjoyed watching all the different types of kids--some very serious, some in their own world, some needing a drink every 30 seconds, etc.

Final Soccer Game

After postponing soccer for a week due to rain, Miles finally had his last game. I'm not sure how he feels about soccer--this season his favorite part was getting dressed in soccer gear.

He is proud of the medal he "earned." As you can see, he's also into tucking his shirt in. He does this when he wears sport type clothing. . .

More Wedding Fun

Sharla and I hosted Amy's shower (at Sharla's parent's house in Lebo) on Saturday. We had a great time making fun decorations. Despite the rain, everyone had a good time and Amy got a lot of really nice things. Two more months until the big day!

Banner and flowers.
Some of the food, more flowers and our fun napkins!
Party favors.
Bachelorette party invitations--fun to make--idea stolen from a blog I can't remember.

Let the Fun Begin

This past weekend Sharla and I trekked to St. Louis for Amy's bachelorette party. We had a great time the whole weekend--lots of laughs, manicures/pedicures, food/drinks, shopping. . . Now it's onto the shower this weekend.

Pink anyone?
Waiting for more friends at the sushi bar--no, I didn't eat sushi :)
Amy and Barb working hard not to mess up their fresh nails. Thanks for a great weekend girls!

1st Birthday

Two weekends back we attended McKinley's 1st birthday party in Kansas City. Of course, she ended up with lots of new stuff, but this car was the best. Her dad bought a typical pink car and with a little "Pimp My Ride" action ended up with this cool K-State car.

Strong Men

Both boys have been enjoying working out with Adam on the weekends. They actually like lifting weights--me, not so much! I'm just dying to get back to running--not too much longer!

K-State B-ball Players

We attended the KSU Auction Friday night and managed to get a picture with some of the players. I'm sure they posed for plenty of pictures. . .

Seniors

Sunday was our end of year cheer banquet. Good-bye to a great group of seniors!

Soccer Dude

Miles is enjoying soccer much more this season (well, I guess he enjoyed last season, he just didn't pay that close of attention). He LOVES what he calls "soccer clothes" which are any plain, dry-fit type clothes and changes into something like this EVERY night upon getting home. I happened across these small soccer shoes at Payless--best $17.99 I've spent in a long time. The kid loves his "shoes with bumps."

Bugs

Even though the baby is not here yet, their "picture clothes" are ready. Bug shirts in three different sizes and styles! I like themes, as long as it's not taken too far (click HERE for some hilarious family photo shoots).

Happy Easter!

We spent a beautiful day in Council Grove. The kids should be tired (and full of sugar) tonight. And to make it even better, I didn't have to cook a single thing! Hopefully I can stick to "dishes duty" for life!

Owen and Miles with their nearly-one-year-old cousin, McKinley.
The kids found a bunch of eggs in Aunt Nancy's basement. Here, Miles is more worried that he might have poop on his finger (it wasn't).
After egg hunting, the boys checked out Wyatt's basketball "museum." Owen came home with a bunch of basketball cards from the 90's. He thinks these are pretty great. Happy Easter everyone!