Papa's here!!!

Papa rolled into town on his motorcycle from Alaska last Thursday afternoon after about 8 days and 5,000 miles. We went to Preston's baseball game that evening, then out for pizza. He had to head to Attica the next day to get started getting the combines, wheat trucks, and tractors ready for my grandparents' harvest, but we went down there yesterday and spent time at the pond fishing and having a BBQ after the men were done working. We all caught quite a few fish and had a great time, but I forgot the camera! Hopefully we'll be able to get back down there in the next couple of weeks to fish some more and "wade" in the wheat trucks. They hope to start cutting on Tuesday if the rain stays away and it dries out enough!

Preston prepares to catch a ball


The kids pose with Papa and his bike

Campaign Rally

Last Sunday afternoon, we went to a campaign rally for our brother-in-law (Paul's sister's husband) Bruce Brown, who is running for District Court Judge for Sedgwick County. There were snow cones, cookies, carnival games, moonwalks, and all kinds of fun things that we enjoyed. The primary is in August, and we're really pulling for Bruce - he's definitely the best and most qualified candidate for the job! If you can - BE SURE TO VOTE!!!

Bruce gives his rally speech

OUCH!!!

Paul and I joined a few of our neighbors on a co-ed softball league this summer. A week and a half ago, we were in the backyard having a little batting practice. Paul was pitching to our neighbor, Chris, who hit a line drive right at Paul, hitting him hard in the thigh. That night, it was obvious that he was going to have a pretty good (bad?) bruise, but as the days have passed, it has been amazing to see the bruise spread well beyond where the ball actually hit his leg. The pics below start from that first night and go every day or two, ending with one I took this evening. And just for the record, we won our game this afternoon by 1 point, thanks in part to Paul's 3-run homer!

A sure sign of Summer . . .

. . . our first juicy watermelon!!

Kellyn's Preschool Graduation

Kellyn graduated from preschool last Wednesday and Paul, Breckyn, and I were there to witness the adorable ceremony. The kids sang several songs before being awarded their diplomas by 2 very emotional teachers. It was a wonderful afternoon which we capped-off with ice cream at DQ! Now, on to Kindergarten - in a few months, of course!!

Performing a song with words and sign language


Waiting for her name to be called to receive her
diploma (top row, third from right)


the proud graduate!


Kellyn and Breckyn enjoy their ice cream

Field Day

Yesterday was Preston's Field Day at school. It was much different than the group races I remember from elementary school. For this, the teachers split the kids into pairs and they went around and did each of the activities in the order they wanted, competing against their partner in events such as the Ball Kick, Scooter Race, and Football Throw. Preston and his buddy Matthew had a great time, especially at the "Cotton Candy" station!

Preston and Matthew get ready to
hit a golf ball with a gigantic club


the football throw


tug of war


the joust

Mothers Day Weekend

We had a fabulous weekend! Friday night, Paul and Preston went to the Boys' Club camp-out while the girls and I stayed home and enjoyed the lovely evening outside. Saturday morning, the boys returned and we went to Preston's first baseball scrimmage. He did an awesome job, getting a hit at each turn at bat, including an RBI, and scooping up a grounder to throw a kid out at first base! After that, we had a late lunch at Pizza Hut and then came home for a much-needed nap. That evening, we took the kids to Barnes and Noble to spend some of Memaw and Papa's Christmas giftcard. Next up was a trip to Cold Stone for some yummy ice cream! Sunday, I got to sleep in a bit before we went to church and heard a great sermon on Motherhood, then on to Gram and Grandad's for a delicious dinner and lots of fun playing in the yard. On the way home, we stopped at Lowe's and got some tomato plants, which we promptly planted in the back yard. I hope they grow and produce - I can't wait for some juicy summer maters! It was just such a perfect weekend; we didn't get much done, but it was so nice and relaxing, which we all needed!!

playing with the trains at Barnes and Noble


mmmmm, ice cream!!!


Gram treated the kids to pudding with whipped
cream and a cherry!

Catching up: April in review

Whew!! April flew by in a flash and I never had time to sit down and do a blog! Spring definitely sprung and we've spent a lot of time outside enjoying it. I got to see my cousin, Jerrod Niemann, sing in Hutchinson and Wichita (check out his site - he's gonna be a star!!) My sister, Holly, and her family visited from Alaska for a couple weeks and we had so much fun with them here! Also during the month, Preston started baseball practice, and Paul and I signed up to play softball. Somewhere along the way, we missed getting pictures of roller skating, a Boys' Club hiking trip, and Preston's school art show, but here's a quick pictorial review of the month:

Jerrod and his band


my cousins Misty, Jerrod, and Heidi, Heidi's
husband Jamie, and me after the concert


Gram and Grandad with all but 1 of their great-
grandkids during a family BBQ


Paul got a new toy: Rockband for our PS2

a family trip to the Zoo

our little penguins!

Breckyn started gymnastics just like sissy!

the fruits of my labor: Spring tulips!!

Preston's Spring school program (he's 2nd row

up, 5th from left)

we had a blast at Chuck E. Cheese's

we took some updated pics of our families

Julie and Holly (it's just not the same without Shelly!)

Paul planted 20 trees across the back of our lot

Daddy, Breckyn, and I joined Kellyn for her

field trip to the Zoo.

I finally got my old yucky tattoo changed

from this:

to this: (what an improvement!)

Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with the blog now, but with summer busyness quickly approaching, I make no promises!! :)

Pinewood Derby

Today was the anxiously anticipated Pinewood Derby for the Boys' and Girls' Clubs at church. Paul and Preston have spent quite a bit of time getting the car ready for the event and Pres was pretty excited about it! The girls got to go along and enjoy some yummy treats before the races started. Preston placed 3rd in all of his heats, which he was very satisfied with, especially since he came home with a medal!

enjoying some cookies and juice before the action


the competition


the kids gather to watch the races


Preston displays his car and medal!

Boys' camping trip

Yesterday evening, Paul, Preston, Trey and Bryce camped-out and fished at Todd and Sarah's pond. The weather wasn't the greatest at about 52 degrees when they left, but luckily there was no wind or rain. They had a great time, catching several 2-pound bass. The boys really enjoyed roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, listening to their dads tell scary stories, and sleeping in the tents. The girls and I got to visit Gram and Grandad and sleep in our nice, warm beds, so we had a great night as well!! (Paul forgot the camera, but he got some decent pics with his camera phone - enjoy!)

a nice big bass!


Preston and his catch


Trey and Bryce hooked a big one


the "campground"

Our "baby" is 3 years old!!!

Breckyn had her 3rd birthday on March 22nd. We held her party at home that evening with lots of friends and family to help us celebrate! We started the Easter-themed party with fried chicken and baked beans, then (of course!) broke a pinata, opened presents, and finished with cake and ice cream. Breck had a great time and was thrilled with all her awesome gifts! I just can't believe my little baby girl is a walking, (back)talking, dramatic little preschooler!! Okay, I'm gonna go cry now. . .

where did the time go. . .

taking her cuts

a beautiful princess dress!

ready, set, blow!

say cheeeeeeeeese!!