US Pro Cycling Challenge

We had the US Pro Cycling Challenge come through our town. For those non bicycle people, this is a pretty big deal. We decided to head downtown and check it out. The kids loved all of the booths that we visited while we waited for the bikers. There was so many free samples the kids were in heaven. There was ice cream, yogurt, chips, jelly beans, chap stick, bags, stickers, dried fruit, etc. The irony is we originally showed up early to do the bounce house but ended up trying all of the samples and not doing the bounce house (at $10 a person for one turn....I think not)

Testing an ice cream sandwich. The kids said it was delicious.

They had one of those cutouts where you just pop your head through. The pictures turned out pretty good.

Jordan

Caden

Ava

Kailyn

Chase

Jordan loves samples. Showing off the chap stick she won.

The girls trying the hula hoop.

Chase showing off some of the things he got.

We got so excited when we heard the bikers were coming. We ran over, blew up the kids slap sticks (like two long balloons you blow up and then hit together to make noise) and watched and cheered as the bikers went whizzing by. We realized we should probably get a picture of the actual bikers so we pull out our camera just in time to hear that they were done for the day. No more bikers, and no picture for us. Even without proof we were actually at a bike race, we had a great day.

First Day of School Pics 2013

School started on August 20.

Caden
1st Grade

Jordan
3rd Grade

Kailyn
5th Grade

Jordan, Caden and Kailyn

Chase wanted a picture too, and he insisted it included owl (the red thing in his hand).

Ava such a poser. "My picture too Mom." Then she says, "I want to see Ava."

Only 2 at home this year...well, for a little bit at least.

Chase started preschool 2 days after the big kids started school.

Chase
Preschool

He has absolutely loved preschool and asks everyday if he has school and if he doesn't he wants to know when he gets to go again.

Did I mention Ava loves getting her picture taken.

She is a pretty cute photo subject.

First Day of School 2012

When we moved we spent the first couple of weeks in an extended stay hotel because our house wasn't ready yet but I didn't want the kids to miss the first few weeks of school. The first few shots are standing outside of our hotel.

Kailyn, Caden and Jordan the school kids.

Kailyn the 4th grader.

Jordan the 2nd grader.

Caden the Kindergartner.

Outside the school waiting for me while I park the car. Their mascot is a dinosaur.

Chase insisted that he get a backpack and lunch just like his big brother and sisters.

Jordan's teacher, Mrs. Moore.

Kailyn's teacher, Mrs. Davis.

 

Caden's assistant teacher Mrs. Peeka.

Caden's teacher Mrs. Rolwes

Random Kids Pics

Here are a few random picks from our day to day (about 3.5 months ago).

How to contain Ava so she doesn't take your toys.

Grandpa Bassett came for a visit.

Caden helping make scrabbled eggs.

Not bad Caden. Keep it up, every girl loves a guy that can cook.

Kailyn decided to help out by changing Ava's diaper.

Not bad Kailyn. You're hired!

Kailyn is learning multiplication this year and has a couple programs on the computer that she uses to study. The kids love to gather round anytime someone is on the computer.

The Boys

Caden has a great imagination! The other day he saw these gray tubs in the garage and decided to play with them. He immediately popped it on his back and said, "Hey Mom, I'm a snail." Then Chase and he crawled around with them on their backs. Jordan was quite miffed because there wasn't one for her. "No fair!  They get a tub and I don't. Why do they get one?" Jordan those tubs have been in the garage for weeks and no one has touched them, Caden is the one that got them out and started using his imagination to make them fun.

Caden as a snail.

The fun did not end with the snails. When bath time came, I told the boys to go and get their pajamas and get ready for a bath. I heard the water running and went to check it out. I found Caden and Chase with their tubs in the bathtub and each tub filled with water. They thought it was great and were laughing and having a great time.

Wait!  There's more (and you thought the fun with the tubs was over). After putting the boys to bed we went in to check on them and found them asleep in their tubs. Doesn't that look comfy?

Caden fast asleep.

Chase fast asleep.

One day I layed down for a much appreciated nap (Ava is the sweetest baby during the day but absolutely refuses to sleep through the night. Caden is not so great at sleeping either.) Ken took the boys out to the garage (Ava was napping, too) so he could do some organizing. When I woke up from my nap I was told that Caden had a surprise for me.  He made me cover my eyes and go out to the garage (I thought they were going to show me the clean and organized garage.) Caden told me to open my eyes and there was Caden riding across the driveway with no training wheels. Yes, I was so surprised! Chase then said, "Me too!" and got on the scooter and rode across the driveway and said, "Surprise Mom!" (He has been riding the scooter all summer, he just wanted to be like his big brother.)

Chase is really good at riding on a scooter. Here he is on his sister's scooter.

Caden on his bike training wheel free!

Caden had apparently asked Ken to help him ride this bike (a smaller bike we have that is great for learning to ride because they can easily touch the ground). Ken started helping him, and he was doing it with no problem, so they decided to take the training wheels off his bike.

Caden was so proud of himself. He surprised me by getting dressed for church all by himself.