monday was the first day of school

I am sad to see them go back to school, but very proud of them at the same time. They are really good kids and I miss them already. Ethan and Levi don't know what to do with themselves...they miss their older brother and sister. We will eventually get into a new routine, but it doesn't feel the same at home anymore. Good luck, Abigail and Isaac!

our colorado vacation

In July, we drove 13 hours to Colorado to see Brice's parents. Just a reminder of what a beautiful state it is! Here are some pictures from a couple of the popular sites we visited: Garden of the Gods and the Sand Dunes National Park. Huge rocks to climb and the biggest "sand box" we have ever seen - what more could the kids ask for?!?

(important mom note: I was able to get Levi's white onesie completely clean...you will see what I am talking about!)

Flags for Freedom

Happy Fourth of July!

Catching up...

Happy Summer! Here is a glimpse of what has been happening the last month or so.

Isaac started coach pitch baseball

Brice turned 34

Abigail finished soccer

Levi went to TableRock Lake for the first time

Ethan drove a boat and caught a fish...Abigail & Isaac started learning how to water ski

Isaac turned 6


The kids had a lemonade stand to raise money for the AHA Heart Walk. All in all, our family raised $350! We were part of a "big" team that has raised $44,000 for CHD research!

Ethan doesn't like the carnival ride "dizzy dragon" & a parade with lots of friends!

and last, but not least, Abigail turns EIGHT!

American Heart Association Heart Walk

This is the first year that we will participate in the AHA Heart Walk (May 30th) and we will be walking in honor of Ethan. All the money that our team raises will be used to fund LOCAL research for Congenital Heart Defects. This means that Ethan and so many other children will be directly impacted! If you would like to donate in honor of Ethan, you may do so at his heart walk website. Thanks so much.

Just a swingin'

Am I losing my mind?!?

Yesterday, I went to Old Navy with Ethan and Levi. I went through the checkout, walked out the store and realized that I had bought two swim suits for Levi by mistake - I had forgotten to put one back after I had decided which one I wanted. So, I walked back in and returned it. We left for a second time when I realized that I hadn't bought the jeans that Ethan had JUST TRIED ON! So, went back in and got the jeans off the rack and went through the check out again! I went through the check out THREE times! I know they thought I had lost it!