Shoebox Swap

I recently participated in a Shoebox Swap with Carrie from with all that I've been given.  I had missed a previous swap and so I jumped at the chance to participate this time.  This idea particularly appeals to me because I like to see how much stuff I can fit in a shoe box.  It was a lot of fun and hope to participate in the future!

Here are the items that I received from my partner.

The movie has been great for the kiddos and I can't wait to figure out a way to wear the scarf.  The peach tea is also welcomed as I am a little limited in what I can drink.

Here is what I sent her.

I hope that she enjoyed everything!

Vacation

This could very well be the longest post I have ever done.  So set aside a chunk of time, grab a glass of your favorite beverage and enjoy!

Mom & Dad and Melinda & Brian in the other vehicle on our way down.

Here we are visiting the fish hatchery.  We were all pleasantly surprised when Becca got her face this close to the fish!  She did the same with the snakes and spiders. 

One of our many picnic lunches.

Table Rock Lake

The kids just had to throw rocks in the water.... :)

The fountain and fire show down in Branson Landing.  The wind was blowing when we were here and so the water was blowing on to the sidewalk - it felt good!

Snuggle Bugs.  When you are so tired it doesn't matter who you sleep with!

Silver Dollar City - The whole way down Becca was talking about riding the roller coaster and how much fun it would be.  She kept saying Yahooo!  anytime that we talked about them.  However after actually riding one she changed her story.   A little hard to see, but Aunt Melinda is riding with her in the 3rd car - you can hardly see her because she has her head buried.  Uncle Brian and Micah are in the 4th car - no fear there!

Silver Dollar City

 Silver Dollar City - finally a ride that was up her alley.  Nick just about didn't fit...

 Silver Dollar City - and her favorite - it just went in circles....

 Silver Dollar City - The Lost River - A favorite of almost everyone's including Becca's until she thought she spotted a monster in the cave at the end.

 Silver Dollar City - Micah's favorite The River Blast- everyone had water cannons and you got to shoot water at the people on land.  The people on land had cannon to shoot back though.

  Silver Dollar City - Micah's favorite The River Blast

 Vacation is such hard work!  Yes, my 5-year-old did fall asleep on my lap!

The only show that we saw was Noah which was playing at the Sight & Sound Theater.  It was incredible and I encourage anyone who has an opportunity to see any production by this company to do so.  We participated in the Behind the Scene tour prior to the show and had a marvelous time.  We were able to see some of the animals, stand on stage, see how the show works from behind the curtain and see the dressing room.  Nick was asked to participate in a demonstration of how they change costumes so quickly between scenes.  They had a little error, but that is okay because that happens during the show as well!  The only bummer was that you can't take any pictures, but I would encourage you to check out their website.  It is a show worth seeing again!

White Water - water park fun - waiting to see if the rain is going to pass over - it didn't, but we came back another afternoon to finish our fun!

 Go-Karting! (A vacation favorite of Micah's)  Becca was okay as long as you didn't go to fast down the hills.  I think her and grandpa probably got lapped a few times. :)

 What vacation is complete without a hot sweaty game of miniature golf?!?!?

 Silver Dollar City - the kids participating in a "show". 

White Water - see the smile on the little man's face?

White Water - racing slide - one of Micah's favorites!

You can see the smile from this far away already, but.....

Check out this smile! :)

A little shuffleboard to keep the kids busy while the suitcases were being pack. 

 It is a little dangerous to give this 3-yr-old a stick this long!  Watch out Uncle Brian! :)

Good times were had by all and the memories will last us a long time!

T-Ball

Tonight, Micah finally got to play his first T-Ball game.  He was soooo excited and had so much fun!  It is interesting because they don't track runs or outs and everyone gets to bat every inning.  However, Micah kept track of how many times he crossed the plate and how many outs he participated in. :)  Think that he is ready for the games next week!  Here are a few photos from tonight's game.

Pre-game pep-talk.

1st time at bat.

Waiting at 3rd base

Becca trying to entertain herself during the game.

Showing his speed to get to home plate.

During the 2nd inning Micah played the pitcher position.  No pitching, but a lot of fielding ground balls!

Fielding work in action.

His 3rd at bat.  I didn't get his 2nd at bat because he hit the first pitch!  No tee for this one - he hit the coach's pitches every time!

Summertime Smiles

So I know that it isn't quite summer yet, but it sure felt like it this afternoon. 

I have had it in the back of my head that we needed to get the sprinkler out for the kiddos to play in.  The weather turned warm/hot about a week and half ago and we have not had any space of time that was long enough to merit getting the sprinkler out.  (Yes, our kids are only 3 & 5 and we were really that busy over the last 10 days.  I can't imagine what it will be like as they get older.)

Well, tonight was the first night that we were all going to be home together so as soon as Micah got off the bus we turned the sprinkler on! 

Didn't take long and it looked and sounded like summer on our driveway.  Check out these smiles!

Hope our summer is filled with more of these happy faces!

Chicks!

Heavens, no, there are no baby chickens at our house!  But there are baby chickens in Micah's classroom.  Micah has been talking about the eggs and when they would hatch.  Well this was the week.  Monday morning we heard that they were starting to hatch and by yesterday afternoon the classroom was filled with the chirping of 27 baby chicks.  Since Micah had been talking about them so much Becca was all excited as well and HAD to see the chicks.

So I took her to school today.  It seems like everyone is enthralled with the baby chicks in the kindergarten room.  My kiddos just loooooove them and it was hard to peel them away so that the teachers could go to their meeting.  Here are few photos of the encounter.

I was so surprised that she reached right in and tried to hold them.  There was a few that got dropped and squeezed, but I think they will be alright. :)  She actually thanked God during prayer at both supper and bedtime for the little chicks!

A bunch of scared chicks!  At one point there were 5 kids (ages 18 mo to 6 yrs) all trying to touch and hold them along with several adults laughing and watching! :)

Much thanks to Micah's teachers for allowing us to come and see the baby chicks.  And even more thanks that we don't have to bring any home! LOL!