Finally, here are pics from Lucas's party!

So, I know it is way after the fact-but I was busy the last week and a half w/the bookfair at the boys' school. So, here are pics from Lucas's party- he had 2 friends come over after school and then we had a family dinner/party.
Both of his friends were sweet enough to bring presents.

One was an outside game- that the boys were excited to get started playing.

And you can never go wrong w/star wars.

The boys had fun playing the new game!

After his friends left-the family arrived for dinner. Unfortunately, Uncle Fred and Aunt Jules, Trevor and Ty couldn't make it and they were missed! Lucas wanted the family favorite- Chalupa! And EVERYONE was thrilled w/his choice. Esp me since it is super EASY!

And a second round of presents!

A nintendo DS. Lucas was so excited to get his new toy! However, the pic that showed all his excitment was blurry and he blinked-so you get the serious face one-where he is reading about his new toy!

Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jennifer are always getting the funniest cards!

And what is in the big bag?!?!

A new nerf gun!

Which goes great w/his other new nerf gun on his cake.

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Lucas! Sorry you missed the singing Trevor! :(

And make a wish . . . . I think one of the things Lucas was most excited for w/this birthday was the fact that he no longer has to sit in his booster seat in the car! He had a great birthday!

Happy 8th Birthday Lucas!

Happy Birthday Lucas! Eight years ago,you were another miracle that added to my life. I am so proud of you. You are smart, funny, helpful, kind hearted, a leader, and a good cook. I learn so much from you and I enjoy watching you grow every day! I hope you have a great day and I love you!

Welcome Home Nana and Papa and Happy Birthday to Ty!

Last week, my parents came back from Hawaii and we celebrated Ty's 2nd birthday. First we got presents from Nana and Papa and then we gave presents to Ty.

My Dad had to work while in Hawaii. But I think my mom made the most of her time while he was. From their pics, they had a good time.

Dinner's over- time for presents!

Ty wanted a Cars themed party but he also loves Toy Story. So, he got lots of gifts from both themes.

Ty loves to play w/cars. And now, he has a new racing toy. It's great since he and Trevor can both play at the same time. Great pic Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jen!

I have done a Cars cake before but Jules wanted a different cake for Ty. So, the boys and I found stunt Mator and so our theme began. Stunt Mator is getting ready to climb the diving board and jump into the pool.

I think Trevor was more excited than Ty but Ty did love the cake. He LOVES Mator!

Trevor got upset when I said we needed to sing "Jesus Loves Me". He said " No, Hapy Burthday!" He did a great job singing to his brother.

And let them eat cake! I love watching them interacting together. Notice Ali looking for some crumbs. It was great family time! Have a great week!

Noah's Nana and Papa adventure . . .

Unfortunately, Noah had a bad case of swimmer's ear during his adventure. Luckily, the medicine his doctor gave him helped keep the pain at bay so he was able to enjoy his adventure. Jordan had a baseball game so that started their adventure.

Noah enjoyed some time w/cousin Victoria while he watched the game.

The boys spent their time going to museums but the biggest hit was the dairy farm.

Even the president likes the milk! Noah's favorite milk was the orange dream. Lucas and Eli are hoping that they get to do some of the things Noah and Jordan did- on their adventure next year! Great job planning the adventures Nana and Papa! Thx!

Eli's Nana and Papa adventure!

I realized that I never shared Eli's and Noah's Nana/Papa adventure. So, better late than never! The took the boys to a Wizard's game and then off to the marble place. The boys added to their marble collection. They also got books to keep pictures of all their signature marbles.

Unfortunately, the wizards lost. But the boys enjoyed the game.

Making a marble.

Have a good day!

Back to school . . .

I can't believe how fast this summer went. The boys and I had so much fun but summer fun is over and its BACK to SCHOOL! The boys have been looking forward to going back to school for weeks! I was surprised at when they started counted down the days till school starts. The boys got the teachers they wanted. Well, Noah and Eli just had 1 teacher they didn't want- and they didn't get that teacher. Which in Eli's cause-there were only 2 teachers so it was a 50-50 chance. Here are the boys showing off their new school clothes.
Noah the 6th grader. I know, I can't believe it either! *sniff*sniff*

The 5th grader.

And the 2nd grader rocking his mohawk! Now what to do while the boys are at school?!?!

Fantastic Caverns

To extend our vacation a bit, I thought it would be fun to go to Fantastic Caverns on the way home. It was nice to be able to compare the 2 caves that we visited.
Our tour . . .

The entrance . . .

Behind the boys is a steam engine that they used for electricity. . .

Lucas is ready to get into the cave and cool off . . .

The formations in the cave were beautiful.

Here are some "soda straws" from the ceiling.

A sink hole . . .

Here are the names of the first to discover the caves.

The original entrance. These are the last of my vacation pics. I need to still post pics from Eli's and Noah's Nana/Papa adventures. The boys and I are really enjoying our summer. Hope you are too!

Branson Scenary . . .

On thursday, we wanted to get a closer look at Lake Taneycomo and we had some time to kill before our boat ride.
Here is a pic from one of the trails by the lake.

Here is a closer look at the dam. We were a little disappointed that it wasn't all foggy like when we first saw it. But we can say- the water is COLD! Nice to dip your feet in on a HOT HOT day!

Here are some pics from the scenic overlook.

We think that these are the condos that we are staying at.

The gardens by the showboat.

The boys enjoying the pool.