Field trip to the Children's Museum and Myrick Park

Jessica's Pre-K class went on a field trip last Thursday, May 16th. Thanks to a little help from Grandma Chris (watching daycare), I was able to chaperone the first half of the trip...the Children's Museum:

Jessica, Ruby, Allison enjoying the bus ride to the museum:


Anxiously waiting to enter the Museum:


Gus! He's a pet therapy dog, and easily, one of the sweetest dogs I've ever met!...
aside from Goldie, Bella, Tank, and Yoda, of course ;)


Pizza Parlor:


Pretending to be news anchors in the news room:


Treehouse!


Jason took a 1/2 day so he could chaperone the second half of Jessica's field trip -- Myrick Park, where they ate a picinic lunch, and played at Kids' Coulee play park.
Weather was nice.

Jessica, your Dad and I are so happy we were able to share this special day with you! It was fun to see you play and interact with your friends from school.

Happy (Grand)Mother's Day, 2013

Happy Mother's Day to the five beautiful, inspiring, and amazing women we are fortunate enough to be able to call: our grandmothers.

We love you, Grandma Barb!





We love you, Grandma Chris and Grandma Gundy!



We love you, Grandma Clare (GG)!

We love you, Grandma Bonnie!

Our family is so blessed to have all of you in our lives. We're treasuring all the moments. Thanks for the memories.

Let's golf!

Here we come Pine Creek golf course!... Watch out for this crew on most Friday nights.



Golfing 9 holes with Grandma Chris and Grandpa Bob, then ice cream treats in the club house! Pretty fine way to spend a Friday afternoon, if you ask me. ;)


Lia's just happy to ride along...



And, a special tribute to the most 'experienced' golfers in the family... Grandma & Grandpa Gundy. We hope to get out on the course a few times this summer with the both of you.


This is a recent picture taken during a visit with G & G Gundy. It's too good not to share:

Jessie rides a two-wheel bike!

"Hey everybody, check me out!...no more training wheels!"



So, one afternoon (late April), Jess decided she'd like to ride a two-wheel bike.!?

Hmmm, okay..."Are you sure?" we asked her.
"Yep!" she replied. :)



We got out Jackson's old bike, the one that is small enough for her to touch her feet on the ground. She put on her helmet, and with a little push off from Ali (neighbor friend), she began riding all by herself!

A little assistance was needed to get her started in a forward direction, but once she was going, she didn't have any trouble staying up.

And, until she got used to the pedal brakes, she just put her feet down on the ground to stop herself.



We have to hand it to you, Jess --you really shocked us with how quickly you picked up this skill!

Way to go, big girl!!

Jackson's soccer, Spring 2013

Onalaska Park & Rec soccer for 1st graders went from mid-April to mid-May (about 5 weeks). Due to the rainy weather, they were only able to have three practices...followed by 10 games.

Highlights of this season:
- Jason was the coach for Jackson's team!
- Jackson was aggressive and confident out on the field; he played very well!
- A few of the boys on Jackson's team were his friends from school, including his best friend, Brennan.
- Blue Moon bar & grill sponsored Jackson's team, so naturally, we had to treat all the players to blue moon ice cream at the end of the last game. :)

"Go Jackson, GO!"





Jackson and Brennan



It was pretty fun having Dad coach!





Few of Jackson's fans...




We're all proud of you, Jackson! Glad you had so much fun this soccer season.

Lia turns 3!

Dear Lia:

Your birthday was on a Monday this year. We celebrated with our daycare friends Monday afternoon, eating cupcakes and singing Happy Birthday to you!...





Later that evening, we celebrated your birthday as a family. You chose pizza for your birthday dinner, then we enjoyed cake and ice cream together.





New DORA stickers and toys!...just what you like!





On your third birthday, we find you to be an independent young lady, with a tendency to "hoard" toys and objects that are important to you. Stacking books and stuffed animals onto your table in your room, and creating piles of books and toys in the corner of your room, are a few pasttimes you find enjoyment in doing right now.

Sweet & Sour...about 90% sweet, 10% sour!
Although it is your naturally easy-going, quiet disposition we all see, every now and then, you give us a glimpse of the more difficult side of Lia. A few days without a nap, not having your words understood, and having objects of importance taken away from you tend to set off your not-so-happy mood.

During daycare, you play nicely with your friends, Cooper and Rylan. The three of you like to stuff toys and animals into your backpacks and pretend you are going to school. Dressing up in costumes for our dance parties and riding big wheel bikes are other activities you enjoy doing with your daycare friends.

'Under-dogs' at the park, playing hide and seek, DORA, sucking your two fingers while playing with earlobes (yours or ours)...all things you enjoy right now.
You are a witty and funny little girl! Your sweet laughter and warm smile melt the hearts of everyone around you...



We love you Lia. Happy birthday!
Love, Mom & Dad