4th of July + Rain = Fun!

The 4th was a little wet here (OK..maybe a lot wet), but that didn't stop us from having fun.  The kids LOVED getting to play in the rain, and stomping in the puddles with Mom and Dad.  It was the perfect excuse to act like a kid!

Everyone showing off their frogs after the Frog Races.  Mylee wanted NOTHING to do with those frogs!  A very loud "NO!" came out of her mouth every time one would get close. 

Jentree was not pleased to be having a photo op in the rain, so we decided to capture the moment with her in her glory.  One day she will thank us, I am sure!  ha!
 

Since it was raining, we spent the afternoon at the new movie theater in town watching "Toy Story 3."  I may have even had a tear or two at the end.  Sniff...

We came home, had an All American meal of grilled hot dogs, brats, grilled corn on the cob, watermelon and strawberries and bananas.  Mmmmm!

The best part of the day?  The rain stopped, and the fireworks show went on!!

Happy Birthday America!

Going on a Frog Hunt!

After our Great Frog Hunt of 2009 did not go so well, the kids (and Dad!) were determined to have a better showing this year.  We went with experienced Frog Hunters (aka: our neighbors!) this year to maximize our efforts.

Walking down the lane to the pond.

  

Scouting out the hiding places and perfecting the game plan.

Locating the sneaky subjects.

 

Mitzi and I sat on the dock watching with amusement as the flashlights were beaming all over the place in search of the elusive frogs.  There may have even been some Australian accents used to narrate the situation.  :-)  Crikey!!

Our clan:  :-)

 

We ended the night with 10 frogs of various sizes.   Of course, now the talk is "that one is best!" but we can sort that all out on the game field!  We finished the night by shooting off some fireworks and enjoying the beautiful night.  The Great Frog Hunt 2010 = SUCCESS!!

State-Bound!

Makenna's softball team played in their state qualifier this past Saturday.  They won all of their games, although one got a little too close for comfort!  They are the 8U Division 4 Champions!  Now we will be off to the State Tournament in mid-July. 

Wedding Weekend!!!

We had an awesome weekend at Derek and Gina's wedding.  It is hard to believe it is all over with, but my body sure knows it--I was exhausted!!  :-)  It was so much fun to spend time with them for their special day, and to get to be with family we only see once or twice a year.   **Something that was also very special was that they were the very first wedding ever in a brand new church!!!  Soo cool!!!   We took LOTS of pictures, so be warned, this is pretty picture heavy!!

Gina explaining something to me at the rehearsal.  No, we did not plan on matching outfits!! hahaha!

 

 The kids before the wedding all dressed up.  Aren't they cute?  (Spoken like a true mom!)

Stub and Jentree.  

                                                

 Tearney walking down the aisle.  She was SOOO excited to get to do this!  She was also very serious about doing her job just right!

 

Mylee and Wyatt (our cousin) walking down the aisle.  They did such a good job!

 

Derek & Gina saying their vows.   So pretty!

 

Brent with Derek and Gina.  The first three bridesmaids are Gina's sisters.

 

Whew!!  All done with the ceremony!  Don't they look happy? :-) Now it is time to party!

 

Our cousins:  Wyatt, Randi and Ryan.  

  

Makenna and Tearney learning the finer art of Beer Can Pyramid making from the "experts"--Karl and Chase.   So glad my daughters are learning great life skills?!

                                

  

Stub & Mylee smiling for the camera.

 

The kids LOVED the dance!

 

Grandpa Jim

                               

Mom and Dad dancing away.

 

Me with my girlies.  The boys were no where to be found!  (Actually I think they were on the dance floor!)

 

Tanner and Makenna doing the worm.

 

Hahahaha!  Stub and I shaking our groove thing!!

  

Our cousin Shelby and her fiance' Adam.  They got engaged a couple of weeks ago.  Can't wait for theit wedding!!  I know the kids are pumped!  :-)  Mylee loved them!

 

Finally, after all these years, I get a Berns sister!!!  :-)  Now I have back-up against the boys!  Hope you are ready Gina!  :-)

                                 

Mylee finally passed out at around 11:30 pm or so.  She had been going strong all day long.  She was OUT!

                                                

Our cousin Brianne and Jentree.

                                

More of our family:  Aunt Mary Jo, Shelby, Aunt Renee, Uncle Steve and Adam.   

Congratulations Dirky and Gina!!!  :-)   The only one missing is Stub--he was being the photographer!!!  :-)

 Welcome to our family Gina!!!  We couldn't be happier to have you!

A Royal Day

We were able to go to a Royals game a couple of weeks ago with Tanner's class.  His 5th grade teacher organized the trip including tailgating prior to the game, and a shot of the class on the jumbo tron.  This was the kids' first Royals game, and they had a blast!

Tailgating before the game.

 

The jumbo tron and fountains.  It is BIG!!  I think Stub may want one of those for our living room!

Before the game, there was an exhibition softball game called the "85 Classic."  The 1985 Cardinals and Royals played a game to commemorate the 1985 World Series that the Royals won.  

 

Having fun!

We have Hardware!!!

 We had our second weekend of softball on Sunday.  This time we were in Salina.  It was cloudy, wet and cool, but no rain--which was amazing!  I sure thought we were going to get soaked when we were on our way this morning!  Of course, we had the early game, so we were on the road bright and early again.  It sure stinks when you have to get up earlier on the weekends than you do to go to school!! ha!

Tearney ready for the ball to come her way.

 

Tearney and I having a 1st base coaching session (hahaha!) 

 

Stub pitching
 

Makenna at the ready.
 

Makenna's batting style: 

Hit ball.
 

Run.

Ball goes foul.

Come to a screeching halt.

Repeat....MANY times.

I swear, the girl has about 9 lives on her last ball.  She hits on average at least 5 fouls on the last ball every time she is at bat!  :-)
 

7u Abilene Attack Team
 

MEDALS!!!  WOOO-HOOOO!  

Let me tell you, there were some pretty excited little girls!
 

8u Medal Ceremony
 

8U Abilene Attack--2nd place!!

Let the Games Begin!

We spent the weekend at the girl's first softball tournament of the year.  We were lucky that it happened to be at home.  We were not so lucky with the weather.  Cold and windy in the morning, and sunburns to go along!  

The girls play on different teams.  Makenna is on the 8u team, and Tearney is on the 7u team that Stub & I coach.   It made for an interesting weekend--especially when we played each other!   I thought there might be some sibling fights going on when Makenna threw Tearney out, but it all ended well. :-)

My Softball Players

 

Tearney going for the ball.   

Whew!  Made it to 1st base!

The 8u team took 1st place.  Way to go!