Approximately 137 Pictures

Okay maybe not 137 pictures, but there are quite a few in this post. I am really mad at myself for not blogging more. The primary reason I'm upset is because we've had the blog made into a book each year and it's a wonderful annual album for our family. When I do get around to blogging, there is so much I need to catch up on, I end up skipping a lot. But, it is what it is. So here are 137 pictures from the past month or so.

The lake. We have spent every weekend at the lake since the middle of June. And that makes me happy.

One weekend the Whitakers joined us on the boat. We had such a lovely time. The kids loved having their cousins to swim and play with.  

Maren is not interested in skiing. She claims she's too scared but I find that hard to believe. She rides the tube forever, all the while asking us to speed up or go over waves. She also jumps off 6+ ft. cliffs at our favorite cove. I guess she'll do it when she's ready. In the meantime, she loves everything else about boating.

Warner is our ski hog. This kid will ski for 20 minutes straight. The minute the boat stops he's asking for a turn to do something.

He tried barefooting off the boom last week and I am amazed at how well he did. The poor kid took two faceplants but kept trying. 

Warner also enjoys kneeboarding, so he's well rounded. :)

My parents made it to the lake the weekend before July 4th. The lake isn't really the lake until they arrive. We enjoyed wonderful time together just the six of us a few days last week. Lots of boating, golf cart rides, and fun.

Warner attended Woodson Bend's junior golf camp for three days last week too. Seriously the cutest thing ever. 

Dad and I double barefooted on his birthday of course. 

Mom and the kids making monkey bread.

 Lightning bugs!

The Courtneys (and a few friends) joined us for July 4th. Here's our group shot minus me. We had a blast but were seriously rained out all but one day. And that day was still cloudy with a few stray showers.

Despite the weather, we figured out how to have fun indoors. One afternoon we had a euchre tournament that lasted nearly three hours. It was so much fun even though I didn't win and lost a dollar.

A few pictures from our one day on the lake with our guests ...

 Warner and Aunt Kathy.

 Warner and Katie.

 Warner and Timothy. Noticing a trend?

Maren and Timothy ... but not behind the boat. Maren will be our social boater I suppose. I'm looking forward to more time on the lake this summer and (hopefully) more blog posts.

Opening Weekend

We went to the lake for about 24 hours this past weekend. Funny how plans can blow up in an instant. Kevin took Friday off so we could go down Thursday night and have a nice long weekend. Unfortunately Warner started feeling sick Thursday morning, so we decided to wait and see how he felt the next day. And then the next. By Saturday morning we were still in town but did make it to the pediatrician, who diagnosed Warner with pneumonia. Being the exemplary parents that we are, after getting one dose of amoxicillan in his system, we packed up and headed South.

This was our first trip down, so we had some "opening weekend" items to cross off our list. Some of this included finishing up the redecorating project my mom started this winter. She had the condo painted, which then required new wall art, pillows, a rug ... You see where this is going. I must say however the place has never looked better.

Our golf cart had a flat tire as well, so we had it fixed and it seems to be in tip top shape. The kids were happy to enjoy golf cart rides again.

We got our new trail stickers for the carts, cleaned the golf carts (just before it started raining of course), cleaned out the storage closet, and bought half of the items in stock at Walmart so everything is ready to go for a delightful summer.

On our way out of town Sunday we enjoyed lunch at Kevin's parents' house, followed by a trip to Orange Leaf. This is perhaps the best news of all time: Somerset now has an Orange Leaf. Actually, this is most certainly bad news for me and my waistline.

On the way home yesterday, Warner told me he didn't have much fun at the lake. Well of course not. We didn't visit the pool, park, or lake. It was a working trip, but I assured him the next time we visit we will have loads of fun.

I can't wait.

Soccer

Warner just completed his third season of soccer with the YMCA. He has always liked playing, but this season he really enjoyed it. He’d ask multiple times a week how many days were left until his next practice or game. Of course he still says basketball is his favorite sport, so who knows.

We had the best coaching experience this season. Coach Dave took the time to teach the kids more details of the game, including some basic defense and offense. I also appreciated his sarcasm and humor, as he’d remind the kids of little things like “don’t take the ball away from your teammates!”. If you don’t have a good sense of humor, you probably shouldn’t coach 4 and 5 year old soccer.

 

Did I mention I got a new camera? Oh I did. And it’s amazing. Now, I’m no expert and have a long way to go before I’m taking super awesome pictures … but take a look at these action shots. You don’t get that with an iPhone.

 

Of course, being on the same team as Warner’s buddy Drew was great for Warner too. And I enjoyed it because I got to spend 2 hours a week chatting with Drew’s mom, Jen, during practice and games.

 

Maren tolerates soccer practice and games very well. She is surprisingly good at keeping herself entertained, whether it’s by pulling grass and arranging it into piles, running around next to the soccer field, or playing with a Barbie she’s brought (please excuse the My Little Pony underwear in the picture). Next season we plan to have Maren play, although she insists on wearing a pink jersey, so I’m not sure how all of this will work out.

 

Last weekend Kevin’s parents came to watch Warner’s last game. Unfortunately he was super tired and complained that he didn’t play his best. I’m pretty sure Joe and Linda didn’t mind. :)

 

Of course the snack at the end of the game is quite often the best part of youth sports. Here’s to another great season!

Goodbye, Lakeside

It's hard to believe we are saying goodbye to Lakeside Presbyterian Preschool. It has been a wonderful school where both kids received excellent instruction and care. Warner had his preschool graduation ceremony last week. I am proud to report I only teared up once during the entire morning! 

The kids sang a few songs, and then each of their names were read and they walked up to receive their "diploma". 

Our big kindergartener. Where has the time gone?

Joe, Linda, and my Mom were there with us to celebrate with us.

Yesterday was the last day of preschool. I definitely got teary eyed as I walked the kids into school for the last time. Lakeside has truly been a wonderful place for our kids, and I'm never good at marking the end of seasons of life. Obviously Maren will still be in preschool next year, but since we are moving her to Kids Academy at our church, we won't be visiting Lakeside anymore.

Picture from the last day of preschool ... and our little 2 year old on his first day at Lakeside back in September 2010.

A few more blasts from the past: first day of preschool, September 2011 (Maren's first year of preschool with Mrs. Krebs in the 2 year-old class):

 And the first day of school this year: September 2012:

 Last day of preschool 2013:

 

 I do think they get cuter with time though.

 Sad to bid this season farewell, but happy to embrace what lies ahead. I sure am one blessed lady.

Zoo

I love springtime at the Zoo. We joined Blakely, Braeden, and Ainsley last week for an afternoon trip to see the animals. 

Unfortunately I missed pictures with the Zoo Blooms tulips during our last visit. Thankfully there were a few flowers still out that were perfect for pictures.

We ate lunch at home before leaving, and opted for snacks and ice cream at the Zoo. Perfection.

This was our first trip to the Zoo without the wagon. And let me tell you: it was bliss. While I appreciate having the wagon to hold all of our stuff, pulling a wagon weighed down with stuff plus two kids is not fun. Especially at the (very hilly) Cincinnati Zoo.

This is not to say we didn't suffer through rounds of "Mommy, my legs are tired" and "Can you carry me?". Funny how the mention of ice cream at the end of the day kept those little legs moving right along.

Trying to get a picture of four kids all looking at the camera is pretty much impossible.

Blakely with her sweet kiddos.

The boys.

And, the girls. They chose this pose themselves. How do little girls know to do this instinctively? I'm thankful for wonderful friends and a wonderful Zoo nearby to visit.