Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Summer Reading Goal

The girls have a goal this summer......reading the entire My Book of Bible Stories.  There are 116 stories, so divided over 13 weeks they are off for summer break, it is just under 9 stories a week.  They both have really taken on the challenge and remind each other.  After they read, I'll have them tell me something they learned.  We are really proud of their setting a goal and sticking to it!!    

They set up a little house in the front yard

I snuck up on them and found them reading

A variety of books

Aren't they cute??!!

Each with their own book - Grandma Terry
ordered them when they were born and had their
name engraved in it......so special!

Reading in the sunporch too!!


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

First Tooth to Lose

Abby pulled out her first loose tooth tonight!  We were at my parent's for dinner and right before eating she decided to tug on it and BAM, it came right out.  We were all excited, especially Abby.  She wasn't scared and said it didn't hurt at all.  It was totally ready.

No longer our baby......




Thursday, June 13, 2013

First Carowinds Trip This Year

A couple Friday's ago, we met some friends at Carowinds.  First time this year.  It was HOT so we did a few dry rides and then hit the water park and did a few more rides in the evening.

Both the girls want to try new rides this year.  Abby picked the Scrambler.  I was a bit nervous (as I don't like rides at all!), but didn't want her to feel that way.  So, we talked excitedly about it.  Isabella came with us and all three girls fit in one car.  I went so far as to tell the ride operator "this is my little girl's first time riding - please don't run it at full speed".  He told me he wouldn't (and there were 2 other little ones riding for their first time too).  Next thing I knew, the ride began and Abby was beaming!  She LOVED it!  I was so happy for her.  So glad they are loving rides like their Daddy!  Sophia didn't get to ride the one she wanted to try this time.  Hard to coordinate a large group, all wanting to go in different directions.  Next time!!!  

Isabella, Abigail & Sophia




SUCCESS!!!

Chloe & Isabella waiting for the next ride
Sophia & others (can't tell from picture now)
Me & Ab chillin after the water park fun

Bella, Sophia, Ab & Isabella

Ab, solo on the balloon ride
I felt bad that she was solo, but I just couldn't ride it
again.....the spinning and dip.....once was enough
Erin & Ab on little roller coaster (which she hates)

Isn't she cute!!!

Love the grounds at the park!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Veggies!!

OUR GARDEN IS PRODUCING VEGGIES!!

So this is our first year of planting a veggie garden without Keekie's help.  We are keeping it simple - tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, green bell peppers, basil, cilantro & zucchini.  It has been exciting for the girls to watch it grow (rapidly) and I'm hoping they will want to try some (they love zucchini already).





Friday, June 7, 2013

Camping Adventure

A couple weekends ago we camped with 3 other families at Lake Norman State Park (about 30 minutes from our house).  It has turned into our annual event (2nd year so far).  We had a great time, lots of laughs, tons of food, wonderful weather (warm days and cool evenings).  There were 8 kids in total and all got along wonderfully.  Pops & Grandma came for a day to enjoy the association w/o the hassle of "camping".  Days were filled with hikes, bike rides, beach fun; evenings were smores, charades & "say another number" game around the fire.  Other than the Chuck Wills Widow bird calling ALL NIGHT LONG for the first 2 nights, we slept pretty good.   



Unloading the bikes

Our new, larger tent

Abby letting all know this was our campsite

Sophia w/Lulu (our friends puppy)

Soon all the kids wanted to add to Abby's writings

Preparing dinner

Chloe & Abby playing cards

Ready for our hike

Ab & Daddy

Fishing with friends

Sophia, Calvin, Claudia & Ab on our hike

Check out that large hole - nest or house
to some animal


Calvin pretending to hold the tree up

Beach time

Our group
Mermaid Abigail
Sophia chilling in the shade for a bit

Check out Gilbert behind my mom.....hilarious!

Boys playing some ball
Gil the show-off
Coloring time for the girls

Getting the fire ready for dinner
Gil's Mom grilling pork tenderloin for us all
Chowing
Sweet corn, salad, pork, fruit.....yum!
Gil Sr & Pops
Guys washing the dishes.....had to document this
Breakfast cooking
Corn hole game
All the kids (Miles was there too) ready to "find their
breakfast"
Mary creates little bagged breakfasts for the kids
and hides them around our 4 campsite and then
the hunt begins
Miles found his too!
Sophia wasn't happy with me taking this.....
All ready for us adults to eat now
Game time for Miles & Bella
Joel discussing baseball with Miles....precious!
Our girls
The men doing their thing - they could totally live
in the wild
Enjoying coloring time