Riley County Fair

The boys finally got to hit the carnival rides they had been eyeing all week (as they were assembled). I planned to take Graham and Miles for an hour while Owen was at football camp nearby. An hour turned into two and then four. We finally called it a night at 10:00 when the wristbands were no longer valid. They rode more than 30 times!  Owen came over after camp and walked around/rode a few rides with his friends. 

Miles also made "Cowboy Cookies" with Kelsie and entered them into the open class. He and Brecken earned purple ribbons. This counts as our 4-H right?

Miles was a good sport and rode some little kid rides with Graham. 

Motorcycles, tenth time. 

Miles riding solo on the Octopus. 

He loved the horses. 

$5 funnel cake for dinner. 

Cousins

The kids had fun with the Butler cousins over the July 4th weekend. Lots of water play (in the yard and two different pools), fireworks, and Mine Craft. 

Driving Mike's rhino to the Linder's for a swim. 

Slip-N-Slide fun. 

I think they exceeded capacity!

July 4th Fun

We stayed in Manhattan for the 4th of July and enjoyed the three day weekend.  Although neither Adam or I are into fireworks, we let the kids pick out a few.  They lit smoke bombs and firecrackers while we grilled out for lunch (on the 4th).  That evening we went to the Foltz's where a whole herd of kids played baseball and lit off fireworks.  Only two minor injuries--Miles had a spark hit him on the cheek and Graham grabbed the hot end of a used sparkler and burned his thumb.  We had round 2 celebrations on the 5th at the Butler's house where Uncle Rhett put on his usual impressive show.  

Graham having fun with snappers.

Smoke bomb fun.  I think they were pretending to come out of the K-State tunnel at football games.

Graham "lighting" a firework.  He enjoyed the light and run approach.

The bigs getting their firework safety demonstration.

 Owen lighting something that is supposed to fly.

The last firework on the 5th fired the wrong direction.  We didn't realize it until later, but Miles must have had a spark land in his lap.  

Graham loved the glow bracelets and necklaces that Aunt Michelle brought.  A week later they are still in his room.

Owen Baseball Wrap Up

Owen recently finished his fourth season with the Braves.  I don't know their overall record, but it seemed like they won more than they lost.  As usual, he had a lot of fun with his teammates, and we continued to enjoy the families we have become friends with through baseball.  He continued to play short stop and pitcher, although he caught quite a bit this year as well.  I doubt there's a position he dislikes!  He hit the ball really well, and did a good job in the field although he sometimes struggled mentally when he had to pitch in tough situations.  Some highlights of the season included winning tournaments in Salina and Clay Center, winning their first two games in state tournament play, spending time in KC (for games and visiting family/friends), and the man weekend with Adam and teammate Brett in McPherson.

 Hoping for a strike out while playing catcher.

Leading off, hoping to steal third base.  Personally, I hope he dives or slides in the dirt--to make washing white baseball pants worthwhile :)

Pitching at a couple of different KC tournaments.   Looks to me like it will be a strike!

Some of them don't look very happy, but this was taken after they won the Clay Center tournament.  Maybe they were just tired since we started play at 8:00 AM and finished at 10:00 PM.

Miles Baseball Wrap Up

Miles recently completed his first "real" season of baseball.  This year he played machine pitch with the Manhattan Titans.  He only knew a couple of the boys when the team was formed, but he enjoyed the new guys and made some friends from different schools.  He played short stop the entire season, minus a couple of experimental innings.   His hitting was strong, and he spent most of the season as the first batter in the line up.  Overall, the team did pretty well in their first year. They got their butts kicked by some experienced KC teams, but won (or played close) most of the other games.  

Although having two kids playing traveling baseball kept us busy (and sometimes divided), we loved watching Miles and his team play.  He's already looking forward to kid pitch next year and asking if he can play fall ball.  For now, we will continue to play catch, hit the batting cages, and attempt to strike out fake batters while pitching to his catcher, Owen.

 Playing short stop (photos from Hays tournament).

 Miles with his good friend and teammate, Logan.

 Hustling to first base in Topeka tournament.  Notice he is #9, just like Owen.

Posing with a few teammates after the last league game in Manhattan.

Summer

I can already tell this summer is going to be over in a flash. We've been out close to two weeks already!  So far our days have been full of Vacation Bible School (Miles), pool time, lots of baseball games and practices, and this week golf started up as well. When they aren't busy with organized activities, they attempt to spend every free moment with the neighborhood boys. 

Owen and teammates at KC tournament. 

When Miles isn't up to bat or on base, he stakes out this key spot in the dugout. 

The lifeguards allow Graham to go down the slide with Owen (so that it don't have to get in ;).

Beautiful Girls

As soon as school released for summer, I hit the road for a wedding in Omaha and Adam hit the road for his 20 year class reunion in Atwood. I was fortunate to attend Jessamie's wedding (former student/cheerleader/babysitter) and see her and many other favorites. As an added bonus I got to spend a kid-free day with my wonderful Papio friend, Lori. As much as I try to stay in touch with the Omaha people, eight years and many kids later makes it hard for all of us!  

These girls deemed themselves the "Fab Five."  I think they have turned out to be pretty fabulous ADULTS... I must be really old!

Miles' First Communion

In late April Miles celebrated his First Communion.  Grandpa Mike and Grandma Rosie were able to join us for the weekend.  He looked pretty handsome in these "itchy, uncomfortable" clothes (which have hung in the closet since Owen wore them briefly three years ago).  

'

 Grandma Rosie and Miles match pretty well.

 Miles' communion class.  He is right in the middle of the pack.

 Miles and Reese.  They look so sweet.

 Decent attempt at a family pic.

He's probably smiling since he knows he gets to ditch the fancy clothes soon.

More Easter 2014

Some more Easter pictures from my phone. 

Dressed up (kind of). 

Lots of loot. 

Even more. 

And more 

Easter 2014

I've been terrible about updating this blog--trying to go back and catch up (in order).  We spent Easter Sunday in Lebo, and fortunately everyone was able to make it.  The big boys still look forward to the egg hunt, and Aunt Nancy didn't disappoint.  We are still eating the candy a month later!

Quint with Colleen and Meredith--looking very cute in their little Easter dresses.  My kids did look nice for church, but they ripped their church clothes off faster than I could get the camera out.

 Graham after getting hit with silly string.

All of the cousins pre-Egg Hunt.  They each dumped and refilled several times.

Batter Up!

We are officially two weeks into baseball season. This year we have two kids on traveling teams, so we should definitely take in plenty of games. Owen's team opened last weekend in Salina (80's and beautiful on Saturday and 40's with tons of wind on Sunday).  The boys played really well and won all four games to take first place. Unfortunately, they weren't able to repeat that performance this weekend--a strong start turned into a LOT of errors and a loss. Hopefully they bounce back and play well in their first league games this week. Miles makes his debut on Tuesday night :)

I don't have too many pics to share, but thought I should include this one of our little dirtball.