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. 

Double Digits

How did my little curly-cued blonde, with the pretty blue eyes and sassy mouth become 10?  Every mom says "It just doesn't seem possible", or "It feels like just yesterday she was a baby".  It seems to me that it has been 10 years...a very full and busy 10 years!  Not only has this girl moved between KS and AR twice, she's made lasting friendships in both states.  She's also become a beautiful dancer, stayed a straight A student, and mastered the art of animal lover.  All in her short 10 years.  She still enjoys playing with her American Girl dolls, and can craft even her Momma under the table!  Her kind and empathic heart has faired her well, although she's learning that sometimes those traits can break her heart.  It's been a pleasure to watch her grow and mature into the young lady that she has become.  And although this Momma gets small glimpses into the future of what the teenage years may look like, I don't dwell there.  Because living in the present and soaking up the memories right now with my 10 year old are what is most important.  And my 10 year old will be the first to remind me of that!

Spring Break Part One

Our little family drove to KS for a week of spring break fun.  Our first few days were spent in Wichita with Nana, Papa and the Hoopers.  Playing with cousins, building shelves and eating, as well as chatting and playing ball made the time fly by quickly.  Here are a few pics of mine.  We are missing a few that are on Geoff's phone...

 Claire celebrated her birthday while in KS...two different times!  She was excited about all her gifts.

 Landon and Laney having a little screen time.

 Claire and Lucy having a little screen time too.

 Geoff and Landon having a little screen time...see a pattern?  Actually everyone played a lot without screens.  I could only get pics of them while they were being still!  Imaginations and games take over when these children are together.  I just liked this pic because they are both wearing green Under Armor shirts.  Like father, like son...

 Feeding the ducks...aren't they cute?

 More feeding the ducks...the ducks were all named by the end of this buffet!

Landon FINALLY lost his front top tooth just as we were getting ready to head to Pilsen.  YAY!

Spring Variety Show

The Fourth Grade presented a Spring Variety Show this week for staff and parents.  They children sang patriotic songs, played "boomwhackers" and recorders.  It was fun to listen to their success after all the hard work!