First Day of School

Today was Brady's first day of school. He is a big 1st grader now! We were able to meet his teacher last Thursday. She seems very nice. Her name is Mrs. Peterson. There aren't as many kids from his kindergarten class in this class this year so he was a little bummed about that but like we told him making new friends is a lot of fun and he will get to see his other friends on the playground.
I was able to take him to his class this morning although he was ready for me to go right when he walked in. I guess I'd rather have him that way then clingy and constantly afraid. It was easier this year letting him stay behind, maybe I'm getting used to this school thing. :) Bethany did not have an easy time letting Brady go. She started crying the minute we left his classroom and continued all the way to the car and in the car. "I want Brady!" :)(we had a mother/daughter donut stop, it helped some)
He rode the bus home from school today. When Brady came home we talked about his day. He was able to play with his kindergarten friends at recess so he was very happy about that. Lunch is a bit later this year and he wasn't happy about that, they do get a snack mid morning so I think that helps a bit. He liked his teacher and thinks she's very nice. He will have homework this year and really not playtime. He's growing up!
He said he liked school and he wants to go back tomorrow. All is well!

Trip to the State Fair

We were able to go to the State Fair this week, thanks to my dad for the tickets! It was a nice little family outing. The weather was great and it wasn't too crowded. We picked Kirk up from work and then headed over. The kids had a great time and so did we. :) They were able to milk a cow(fake one), say hello to Smokey the Bear, plant some flowers and other stuff too. We were all pretty tuckered out by the end of the day but it was so nice to be able to have little day trip with our family.

Wall-E

Today my friend Jenny and I took our kids to see the movie Wall-E. Everytime my kids see the commercial they run around the house say Wall-E in a robot voice. It's pretty funny, especially Bethany. They all seemed to really enjoy the movie. Bethany lasted about halfway through and then fell asleep, but then woke up and was so upset because she realized she didn't get to finish it. :( I recommend it, it's sweet. A little robot love story.

Amanda's in the paper

As many of you know I am very active in our MOPS group that we formed at church. To help with publicity and to get the word out to the area moms we were able to have a newspaper article written about our group. We were very excited! Other than my phone number being wrong, it's was great!

Here it is: http://www.marionstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008808020314

Anniversary

Ah another year of wedded bliss has passed by. We can't believe we have been married 9 years today, it crazy. It doesn't seem that long, and to think we dated 3 years before we got married.

It's been a happy 9 years, can't wait to see what the next 9 hold!

Amanda's 31st Birthday

Well, I'm now 31. July 20th was my 31st Birthday. Last year, was awful turning 30, I was dreading it up to the last second, and I think even after I turned 30. It did turn out to be a good year though. I had a rough start, but my life switched around for the better as the year went on. I have some really great friends that have come into my life, my family situations are better, the new house actually feels like a home, there's a new baby on the way just to state a few. I didn't know what to expect with this upcoming birthday, I usually don't expect much but I was surprised a several different times with the thoughtfulness of the people I care about. It's nice to know that they care about me too! :)

My birthday morning started out with a little sleep in time and then having Kirk get me some Honey Crullers and a BK Mocha Joe! Yummy! In the afternoon, we had gift time, which is always FUN! Then for dinner, Kirk called some of our friends and we met at Mi Jalepenos for a birthday dinner. I have been craving some Mexican. The servers sang to me and brought a cake and as a big surprise to me and everyone else one of the servers smooshed whipped cream on my nose!! It was pretty funny, BUT we forgot the camera so I don't have actual proof that it happened. Kirk did decide to reenact it on Monday night(pic below).
Monday, Kirk brought home a Reese's PB Cup Blizzard Ice Cream cake, double yum! I had been wanting one ever since I talked to Cait last week. So my birthday got extended to Monday. It's Thursday and the kids still think it's my birthday, haha I haven't corrected them, might as well take it while I can! ;)
I appreciate all of you who made my birthday special, it means so much to me! Thank you!






Whipped Cream in the Face Reenactment

First Barbie!

Brad & Abbey also bought Bethany her very first Barbie Doll! She was extremely happy!!

A wedding...

Last weekend the kids were in their babysitters wedding. Abbey started watching Brady for us when she was in HS and has continued watching both of them off and on when we need her and her schedule allows. Once Brad came in her life the kids quickly bonded with him too. Going over to Brad and Abbey's is one of thier favorite things to do! We appreciate them so much, knowing they are safe and sound when we need to be away is such a peaceful feeling!

So onto the wedding, the kids were the ring bearer and flower girl. They looked so cute! We had such a great weekend. The kids were so excited and ready to go from the beginning. Brady quickly bonded with all the guys and Bethany the same with the girls. Bethany got her hair professionally done for the very first time! She looked so pretty. All curly and sparkly. She loved it! They both did so well during the cermony, it was a Catholic ceremony and last a good hour plus. They walked up and down very good, and sat pretty still(for the most part). I think everyone was very surprised at how well they did. We got several compliments afterwards at how well behaved they were. Made us feel like we are doing something right with this parent thing! :)

They both had a great time at the reception. They both danced their hearts out. Brady can get down with the best of them, and of course Bethany is all about twirling! Kirk says they definately get it from my side! I would have to agree, I have a boogyin' family! :) Brady met a girl, they danced the whole night. They were too cute! It was so much fun watching them!
Congrats to Brad and Abbey!!
I posted some pics below:

Swim Time

The kids have been enjoying there swimming pool in the backyard. My mom recently bought them some goggles which they think are pretty cool. Bethany is really not afraid of just getting in the water(even if it's a bit cold) and sticking her head in. Brady is a little more leary and hops in and out more than stays in. :)

Here are a few pics of our summer swim time:

4th of July

This 4th of July the Birches came over for a cookout at our house. My grandparents came in from IL and Eric, Christy and Abigail came in from PA. It was so nice to see everyone. We had a really nice day, had some good food and played some games. Brady showed everyone up on the Wii, it was pretty funny watching them play. We played some Hillbilly horsehoes and some cornhole. The girls enjoyed playing in the wagon and playing with the new babies and grocery carts Grandma Great and Pappy brought them.

I was happy we all got to spend some time together, especially with the family that we don't get to see that much.

We miss you all very much!

Vaction Bible School

We had VBS the week of June 16th. Brady really enjoyed his time there. I think he learned a lot, he was always excited to go. Bethany was too, although she was too young to go to actual VBS she got to stay in the nursery and play since I was in charge of crafts this year. It was a challenge for me, just because I didn't know exactly what to expect. I had some great helpers and it really went well. The kids seemed to really enjoy them and I got some good compliments from the parents. I think I might do it again next year, we'll see. :)

Here are a couple of pics from the closing night, the kids sang all the songs they learned and because they raisied so much money for missions, Pastor Tim had to eat 3 crickets!