Summertime Fun

It’s been awhile, so I thought I’d post a few pictures of some of the things we’ve been doing, however upon looking back, I did not take very many pictures the last couple of weeks, but here are a few.

T-ball wrapped up the end of June.

 

It’s always fun with Daddy gets to swim. 

  

We had the chance to soak up a few hours with the Koehl’s, but since they were here for Derek’s visitation and funeral it was certainly bittersweet.

For anyone who may not know, my (2nd) cousin and our friend, Derek, went on ahead to heaven last week.  It was a difficult week in a lot of ways as Derek was an amazing guy, he will be greatly missed by many.  But my heart simply hurts for Leann and her 4 special kiddos.  I will miss a lot of things about Derek.  I will miss his easy laugh, I will miss watching him interact with Leann and his kids, there was no mistaking they meant everything to him.  I will miss the way he made me laugh, whether it was talking about printing comics on toilet paper or the way he could make any story funny.  I will miss him, simple as that.  But I will not forget the absolute picture of courage and grace he (and Leann) were during this 3 year journey with cancer.  (If you want to read about it, you can find the story at www(dot)lrsauder(dot)blogspot(dot)com).  I will not forget so many little moments from last week.  My heart was touched as I watched my dear friend, Leann, walk the path she has been given these past 3 years, but specifically last week.  Leann is the type of person that after you’ve spent time with her, you know that your life has been blessed and quietly challenged.  Leann, I don’t know if you’ll read this, but if you do, please know that your friendship has meant more to me than you will ever know and I am so proud of you. 

One last picture, this is one my favorite memories with Derek from last year.

Anya

Don’t let this cute face fool you, this girl is as ornery, naughty, and spunky as they come.  =)

It’s Summer??

I can’t believe it’s summer break already, although today it really doesn’t feel like a summer vacation day.  Hopefully that will change soon.

Dee-Mack Primary does a Young Author’s program where the students write and illustrate their own books.  Kate did a great job on hers and was a finalist in her classroom for best illustrated book.

 

I was also able to eat lunch with Kate and Lincoln and help with Field Day.  I didn’t get any pictures this year, but have a few from lunch.  Every year we have spent at the Primary school I have felt that Kate had an exceptional teacher. This year was no exception and Lincoln also started his time at the Primary with an exceptional teacher.  Mrs. W and Mrs. H, we are beyond grateful for the time you invested in Kate and Lincoln!

Anya, Creighton, and I went to the park with Lincoln’s class, and when it was time to go home, these two both thought the stroller was for them.

 

Last Day of School!

 

Come to find out, Kate’s been having trouble seeing far away.  We probably still wouldn’t know if it hadn’t randomly come up in conversation.  A trip to the eye doctor and a few hundred dollars later….

Kate has decided her summer goal is to teach Creighton to read….he’s only 3.  =)

You just never know where you may find Anya or Creighton OR what they might be doing….

      

Playing with Joce

  

Lastly, the Turkey Festival Parade.  Creighton would sit and people would just walk up and drop him a handful of candy.

The older kids got so much candy.  The people across the street were collecting candy and then coming over and dumping it out for the kids.

The candy pile….this was even minus some that we “forgot” at Grandma’s. 

Enjoy the rest of this rainy day!  =)

A Blur

The last few weeks have passed in a bit of a blur.  It’s been a busy time of field trips, awards programs, end of the year programs, t-ball, and other activities.  It’s been fun, but my google calendar has gotten a reminder workout, as I was certain I would forget to go to something.  With one week of school left, it is still possible that I will forget something yet. =)

A couple of weekends ago, we went to Indiana to visit our friends, Rob & Kim.  I lived with Kim in college and Rob was one of my closest friends in college, so it worked out well for me that they ended up married.  =)  These two meant the world to me way back when and they still do. We had a wonderful time hanging out with them.  We picked up right where we left off last time we were together and we enjoyed our time with them so much.  The kids all got along great, which was such a blessing as well.  Thank you, Rob and Kim, we appreciate you and your hospitality so much!!  (Many of these pictures Rob took, thanks for sharing them with me!)

Their rock exhibit

I forget what they were doing, but this was part of the circus they put on….

The whole gang.

Some of Lincoln’s recent writings.

Anya has figured out that sometimes her siblings have more sympathy than her Mom….

Some snapshots

    

At the Rassi family Memorial Day breakfast, some of the kids found this fawn.  I let Kate take my phone to get a picture, she came back with 96. =)

Greg does such a great job of singling out different nieces and nephews at family gatherings and playing/running/talking with them and making them feel special.  It’s no surprise that he’s one of the favorites! 

We’re so excited to feel the warmer temperatures and the kids wake up asking to go outside.  With the kids almost done with another school year, I’ve been thinking about ways to help the summer go smoothly and praying we can all enjoy our time together.  I have a few ideas, but if you have any good ones, feel free to send them my way.  =)