Combined Birthday Party

Tonight our playgroup all got together (it's been a while since we were ALL there) to celebrate the older kids FIFTH BIRTHDAY!  I say it time and again... but it's crazy that we still get together, that the kids are so close and that now our group is 13 kids strong... with one on the way in September (not from our family). 
This year we had the party at the Westlake Recreation center.  There is a tot water area and all the kids had a BLAST!  The laughter, friendship, and time together was priceless.  so much fun!

 

  silly silly kids!

 

 

wild busy week

Over the past week our family has been real busy.  Between redoing our front lawn, to spending time with family and friends, to finishing up the year, and starting new adventures... we have been enjoying every moment!

Last Friday the kids and I had a PACKED day.  we started with the previously posted trip to the park.  We then ventured to the Splash Pad with the Schilens gang.  The gang is always a riot and the kids had an awesome time!  Gabi is definitely a water baby, not minding the cold water at all.  Will went right in and really love the splash pad this time.  Isa was a little more cautious, but she finally warmed up and had tons of fun!

 

Thought this pic of Isa coming down the slide was HILARIOUS!

 Friday night we met up with The Vincents for a little picnic at the park by the lake!  It turned out to be a little chillier than we thought, but the kids all had some bubble and sand fun anyway!  We then headed over to check out the new colors in their pad.  fun times like always!

 

 

Saturday we participated with Luminary help for the Relay for Life.  Gramma is the Luminary Head Honcho, and all the kids and grandkiddos helped setting up and lighting luminaries.  One of the highlights for us was Will's performance.  Will's performance?  Yep... they were holding a talent contest, and Will decided he wanted to compete.  Who would have thought?  He actually went ON STAGE and sang!
                              

 

 

 

  Over the week, we have all had our share of Jona.  The kids love him and it sure has been so nice having his help with the yard.... we are SO close to finishing! 

 I LOVE this pic... Uncle Jona gave Isa pigtails and she was SOO proud of them!

 This past Saturday our day was busy, busy busy!  Tobin got called in for an unexpected day at work, so unfortunately he wasn't there for all the excitement.
Will and Isa had their 1st Tot-Ball game.  I LOVED IT!  There were about 5 staff members/coaches per team.  It was a laid back, fun atmosphere and none of the crazy competitiveness!   Both kids were a little scared at first, but eventually warmed up and played real nice!

 

 Right after tot-ball Will and Isa had their Little Gym final class show.  Bapa, Gramma, Paul, Kateri, and Chloe were all there to cheer them on (even through their audience jitters).  They ended up doing great, and we are so proud of how far they have come!

 

 

 

Sunday we shared in a great day celebrating Carly Schilens' 1st birthday! We feel blessed to have this friendship!  Happy Birthday Carly!

monkey Will

Monkey bar SUCCESS!!!!  Our lil gymnast Will went across the monkey bars for the 1st time today!  It was awesome watching him beam with pride. 

We have also been amazing at how great he has been doing on his bike.  We met the Avarello girls this morning at the park and Will once again rode the whole way there and back (a little over 3 miles round trip).  I think this park is going to quickly become a regular trip for us!

smiles

There are some little moments in your life that just make you smile and warm your heart.  This morning is one of them.  I was inside cleaning up around and heard Isa and her best friend Sofia outside giggling as they were swinging and playing on the swing set.  The next time I looked out they were playing hide-n-seek on their own.  Can I just say... I LOVE these moments of smiles and laughter.
Sofia is only a few weeks older than Isa, and they have been best buds since we moved in (she only lives a few doors down).  It seems already that they will be spending every waking moment of this gorgeous weather together! I am so glad Isa has found her version of a "buddy Sam" friendship =)

Trike-A-Thon

Will and Isa were so proud to bike for the "St Jude Children's Hospital" (as they kept saying) today!
As their parents, we were so proud of them for trying to understand what they were doing and how the money they raised is going to help sick children. They donned their helmets and set off around the tiny track. A special thanks goes to all the people that helped our little donation "thermometer" go up.  We were all so excited to exceed our initial goal (even though Will then changed our goal to "a gazillion dollars").  someday, I guess =). 

weekend

This past weekend we spent alot of time outside again.  Tobin worked out on the front landscaping on Saturday and part of Sunday (with help from family and friends too).  I managed to keep the kids entertained with Little Gym and another bike ride to the park.  This time Isa also rode the whole way there!
Sunday we were blessed to have a nice big family brunch with grandparents, Damian & Grayson, P,K,&c, Eddie, Evan, Jona and Jen!  We finally got some real hot weather up here and were able to go swimming later that afternoon!  Memorial day Monday we started off with the Avon parade, then headed to the Zoo, and finished off our family day with a little more pool time!  What a great family weekend!

 I was so proud of Will and Isa riding their bikes the whole way!  Don't they look so mature?!?

 a little fun before our ride back... and then Will led the way while I pulled Isa and Gabi.

visit with Chloe on Friday night!

 Will insisted we needed a BOY and GIRL picture taken by the elephants =)

  HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY, and thanks to all those still serving (Jeremy) and all those who have!

best $20 we have spent in a long time!