Laid back summer fun

Lunch with neighbor friends before bowling. 

Launching the bowling ball!

Biking in the neighborhood and found a weed as big as the little man. 

Swimming at neighborhood pool. 

Sno-come stand at a friend's house. They actually made some money!

Late evening golf cart rides with the neighbors. Realize my kids aren't visible in this picture. But they're in there!

More bowling!

Dancing Fun

Claire's dance company competed in nationals this year in Texas. The original plan was for the whole family to attend and have some vacation time. But after Landon making the All Star baseball team, our family had to divide and conquer. On a side note, although this made us sad, we are so proud and happy to have children dedicated to activities that they love enough to warrant this type of division.  Claire's dances did well at nationals, and our girl trip was lots of fun, including shopping, swimming and dinners with friends. 

Outlet mall shopping was very successful.

Summer Ball

Landon's baseball season was extended this year as he was chosen to participate on the All Star team. He enjoyed getting to play in a tournament and hone his skills for a little longer. Since mommy was with Claire in Texas for dance, pictures of the All Star games are scarce. But we are so proud of him for his hard work and dedication!  The pictures below are from the end of his regular season with the A's. 

Daddy and the ball player. The medal was a great ending for a fun season!

And the ball player with his sister...who learned her brother has lots of patience sitting through hours of dance after she had to sit through his ball games. 

Last Day of School

As we finished up another school year, bittersweet memories were numerous. After a quick move during the summer, the kids had to adjust to a new school at the beginning of this year. And now Claire will be moving into Middle School next year! New school, new friends...crazy!

The kids auditioned for and performed a piano duet in the talent show at school on the last day. Then it was home to celebrate the start of summer!

Visits from the Family

Two weekends in May were filled with family fun for us. First, Nana, Papa, Lindsey, Lucy and Laney came to hang out with us. We watched Landon play baseball, shopped, played and then got to watch the Wingnuts play baseball in Joplin.  It was lots of fun and the kids really enjoyed playing with their cousins. 

At the ballpark in Joplin. 

Lucy and Landon. 

Claire and Laney. 

Gram and Poppy came to visit the next weekend. While the kids were in school, we went to Crystal Bridges, an art museum. The rest of the weekend was spent watching baseball and a dance recital. The kids also went on a hike and out to dinner with grandparents. Another fun weekend!

After the game. 

After recital. 

Lets Play Ball!

Landon is playing machine-pitch baseball this season. He is really enjoying learning to hit without a tee. His team is the A's.  Although several games have been rained out, he's had a solid season and improved consistently. He generally plays 1st base, but has played at pitcher and right field. His coach asked him to tryout for the All Star team this year, which is quite an honor!   Tryouts are this weekend and then we will know if our season will be extended. 

Ready to play!

Up to bat. 

Claire's birthday party...Parisian Glam!

Claire celebrated her 10th birthday party with some close girlfriends and a Parisian themed party at our house.  The girls painted canvases, built the Eiffel Tower from wafer cookies, danced and played and ate cake and snacks. Instead of presents this year, Claire asked her friends to bring supplies for the local animal shelter. We had a huge amount of stuff to take over, and Claire enjoyed helping out the puppies. A great party!

Claire in front of the cake display. 

All the party girls.