Impromptu

We had an unexpected visit to the farm this weekend. Evan's uncle Dick passed away, so we ventured up north. We left the kids at Mom and Dad's and headed to Silver Bay this morning for the funeral services. This gave the kids time to enjoy the great weather outside on the farm. They had such a blast. They come home covered head to toe in dirt, and happy as a clam!!!

Carter and his shadow, Ella:

Ryan jumping on the trampoline:

Doing his running and jumping move - I had to click fast to catch him!

Carter and I heading out on a four wheeler ride:

Stopping to pick up Ryan:

All 3 of us heading out - "through the ditch, Mom, through the ditch!"

Carter and I jumping on the trampoline:

We had so much fun - I wonder how long we jumped?

One of my favorite pictures Evan took last night:

Grandpa teaching Ryan the ropes of playing horseshoes:

Just like this...

Ringer! But you might be standing a touch close to the pin, buddy!

Moving him back a few steps:

Carter giving it a whirl - ringer!!!!

Ready, set, go - taking off on a race!

Sunset in Mom and Dad's pasture:

Leftovers

We had leftover cupcakes after lunch. Can you tell?

Carter's Swimming Lessons

Carter started swimming lessons at Foss today, after being on the sidelines watching Ryan for nearly 3 years now! Finally it was his turn! He loved them...until the starfish float. That wasn't a hit with Carter, in fact, the other swimmers stopped to look at him, just to see what was going on. But, by the end, there was less crying and he was settling down. For the most part, he did great. We couldn't ask for better instructors at Foss - Carter has Omar and Ryan has Danny - one of his very favorites! In Ryan's words "Danny is crazy - I love him!" :)


Getting acclimated to the water:

Kicking:

Proud of himself for winning the kicking race:

Not quite sure about this floating thing...

Practicing "monkey cheeks":

Clearly enjoying himself:

Brrrr....almost time to get out!

Heading down to the other side of the pool to catch Ryan and Danny cannonballing:

Airborn:

Splash landing:

Ryan and Danny:

Pillow

Dear Spiderman:
Thank you for being my pillow tonight...

Love,

Carter

Happy 11th Birthday, Kyle!

Kyle celebrated his 11th birthday with friends last night at Brunswick Zone. What a great place to celebrate! We started off with dinner in the restaurant - complete with television sets in every booth. If only every restaurant had those - dining out wouldn't be such a hassle with small kids!!!! After dinner we had cupcakes, Kyle opened his gifts, and then we headed down to the bowling alley. After bowling, Kyle and his friends played a couple of games of Laser tag. What a fun night!!!


Yummm......

What cupcake on my face?

Oh, that cupcake!

Kyle, Riley, Isaac, and Tanner

Tanner giving Carter a piggy-back ride - he was so good to him!!!

New nerf gun from Tanner!

Checking it out...

Laughing at Riley's card:

"I wasn't expecting this!" A new DSi for Kyle:

Very excited! (notice Ryan eyeing it up in the background!) What the boys don't know is that Ryan will get Kyle's old DS now - win/win for both boys!!!

Kyle bowling:

Kyle and his friends:

Little horseplay here and there:

Carter mad after he didn't get a strike (I'm glad the boys aren't competitive):

Ryan telling Carter it's okay:

Carter recovered quickly after he stole Grandpa's hat and thought it was hilarious to throw it down the bowling alley lane:

Next up...Laser Tag!

Heading in for a game of laser tag:

Kyle, Riley, Isaac, and Tanner:

Happy Birthday, Kyle!!!!