Park Visit

This was our first week without Kiley and Rory doing something with us so when I asked him on Friday what he wanted to do he chose to go story time at their library. I told him they wouldn't be there but he still wanted to go and I'm glad we did because they are such awesome librarians. Now that all the "big" kids have gone back to school Jonas pretty much took over the group being the show off and choosing the music they played. It was such a nice day we packed our lunches and stopped at the park on the way home to eat and get some energy out. We used to go to the Basehor park quite often with Amy but this was our first time this summer and it was nice as always.

 Spreading out the gravel.

 Showing off his FANCY moves...yes Norma, he's a chip off the ole block.

 Trying to stretch himself out so he'll be tall enough to go down the slides at the pool next year.

 I have a whale picture of him every year since he was born so I made him strike a pose even if he didn't want to.

 Learning to pump his legs.

 We had a major blowout so Stella decided to embrace her natural roots.

Then she tried to eat the leaf but Jonas saved the day.

The Faces Of Stella

My little baby is growing up way to fast for me. She has such the personality these days and it shows in her expressions. She was very expressive the other day and a caught a few.

 She loves me yeah yeah yeah!

 DUH!

 I'm such a silly girl.

I won't show you my crying face today so I'm going to hold it in.

First Day of Preschool

The first day of preschool...how is this day already here. I can't believe my little baby is already ready for school. He is only going two days a week but it still seems way to early. I know he is going to thrive in this environment and I can't wait to see him grow. I do love the fact that this is the same school Kiley and Rory attended so they have proven themselves to be great.

 Stella, I start school today so I won't be with you for a little bit.

 NO! Mommy tell him he can't leave me.

 It's a good thing we combed his hair before he left for school...it's never good to be labeled the nerd on the first day.

 My little big boy.

 All smiles and ready to go.

See you later moms.

Don't worry about me.

There was only one tear shed and I hate to point fingers but...



 He was wore out and didn't make it home before crashing.

 Have you forgotten about me...don't even think about it!

 10 cute little piggies. 

 You know, now that I've been to school I feel smarter.

 Jonas wasn't the only one who's first day of school was this week.

 We had a little funny business before momma left for her class.

 This is the starting school break dance that they created.

Kansas City Zoo

Since it was the last week before school started we decided to treat ourselves to something new and it ended up being the KC Zoo. I hadn't been in years but I think Amy took Jonas and the girls last year. We had an amazing time even though we were challenged in the beginning with an event that could have ruined our day. I have to say that this is another reason why I love Kiley and Rory so much, they adapt well. One of the first things we wanted to do was ride the sky tram that they built this year over the exhibits. Since Stella isn't old enough yet Jonas and I waited while Amy and the girls went. One of the only rules of the ride is that if you are wearing flip flops you have to take them off and hold them. I should preface this with a quick story about my high school days and Shawnee lake. I don't remember a lot about the whole day but I do remember when we went to turn in our paddle boat Amy had lost one of her K Swiss shoes somewhere during our adventures and no one knew where. I know that you can see where my original story was going...Kiley lost one of her shoes during the ride...I'm pretty sure it was destiny! Luckily I had brought the double stroller that Tracy's cousin Jennifer had given us so Rory lets Kiley wear her shoes and Rory rode with Stella for the rest of the day. I do feel sorry for Jonas now that school is here because he loves playing with those girls so much and he is really going to miss them.

 I had to put a polar bear picture on here, I was really looking forward to seeing him.

 My safari man.

 Waiting for the adventure to begin.

 Can you believe that I wasn't scarred to go on this ride? I really wanted to go again but Jonas didn't want to.

 Amy and the girls.

 I would wave but I can't let go of this bar.

 My GQ and the rest of the gang.

 I told him I was going to ride a hippo and he beat me to it.

 Hey, I want to go on that ride.

 Catching a ride from a "little" toad.

 Enjoying the breeze of the train.

 Great show.

 Amy is definately a bird magnet, they were all over her and she didn't even have food.

 Way to go Rory.

 Kiley balancing her new friend.

 Jonas was ready to take his new buddy home.

 Once again...bird magnet!

Stella didn't like the birds so much, especially when they made noise, they were loud.

Backyard Fun

I'm so thankful that our backyard is big enough for us to have our garden and still have plenty of room to play in. We go outside every day unless we are on one of our adventures so to pass the time I of course take pictures for my enjoyment. It's hard to believe that the gator is 6 years old and still chugging along. Thanks again Michelle and Shawn for passing it on to us, Jonas absolutely loves it and we have put it to use hauling downed tree limbs this year.

 And the green gator is rounding turn number 1.

 Getting ready to dump some transplanted dirt in the garden.

 Checking the crops.

 Oh yeah, I got speed!

 It wouldn't be summer without water balloons.

 Please observe, take a water balloon such as this one...

 Place on ground...

 Spring load the knees...

 JUMP...

 Smash!

 It takes me about a half hour to fill 2 dozen and they are gone in a matter of minutes.

Not me, put that balloon DOWN!!!