July 4th 2014

4th of July at Grandpa's farm never gets old!

 

Softball and Baseball

 

Lauren and Jillian decided to take a summer off of traveling softball.  Instead they played on the same city rec team with Will as their coach.  They had a great season and ended up taking 2nd place in their league tournament. 

Owen started his first year of travel ball for the Yankton Twins.  He also played rec ball for the Snappers.

Jillian got picked up for 2 tournaments as well this summer.  She enjoyed being with her friends and getting a few extra games in.

Twins vs Cardinals

 We couldn't pass up watching our beloved Cardinals when they were only 5 hours away in Minneapolis.  In mid June we met Paul and Darlene and Jay and Natalie's family up there for 2 games.  It was a very quick trip but fun to see the new outdoor Twins ball park and spend time with family.

Colorado Trip

The kids and I decided to take a road trip to Colorado to see my college friend Tamra and her family and our old neighbors the Ahlers.  We already had a family vacation planned for the later in the summer so Will decided to sit this trip out and stay home here and work.

 

We made the drive in one day to Broomfield CO to see Tamra first.  We had an awesome time zip lining!  The guides were great, the scenery was beautiful and it was a very fun first time experience for all of us!

 The next day took us on a beautiful hike and then to a great pizza place on the way home. We also found time to swim at their neighborhood pool! It was fun to get to see the new house Tamra and her family were building as well.

 Then it was off to Monument CO. to see the Ahlers. We all met at the Denver Zoo before we went our separate ways.  It was so nice to see our old neighbors again.  The Ahlers kept us VERY busy.  We climbed rocks, went to an indoor rock climbing gym, played dart wars, rode rides at Elitch Gardens and the list goes on.  Its a good thing we had to get back to SD because we were getting tired :)  We had a great trip to Colorado!!  The kids and I handled the road trip with no problems and we made lots of good memories!!

Ruby has kitties!

 We took in a stray kitty in the Fall of 2014.  We named her Ruby.  She then had 7 kitties in June! 
We were beyond excited!  We have wanted a litter of kitties since we moved to the country.  They brought the kids (and me) so much fun and joy throughout the summer.  It was hard to give them away but they all went to nice homes and we hope Ruby will have another litter again someday.

 Penny, Pete, Parsely, Pippa, Peaknuckle, Polly and Peanut

Children's Choir Tour- KC

Madelyn and Jillian getting ready to board the charter bus for KC.  The Children's Choir takes a tour every other year.  This year they sang in Omaha and 2 different places in KC.  I think they had the most fun at the hotel with their friends.

 

 

 

The moms had fun as well!



Dance Recital

 

Madelyn after her dance recital.  She was in a ballet class and a lyrical class this year.  She is our favorite dancer! 

Last day of school

 Jillian received the President's Academic Excellence award.  She works very hard at her school work and it shows. 

 Jillian with her 5th grade teacher Mrs. Roth

 The last picture of all 3 at Lincoln School.

 Sniff sniff....

 Owen with his 1st grade teacher Mrs. Likness

 Madelyn with her 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Fitzsimmons

Lauren at the Middle School Awards assembly on her last day of 7th grade

Jillian's first Turkey

 

Jillian shot her first turkey.  Right near the house.  We see them everywhere all the time, but when it comes to trying to bag one they are very elusive!  She was excited and Will was VERY excited!

YHS Track 2015

 

 Lauren was given the opportunity to move up and run with the Varsity Track team in late February.  She had a good season.  She spent most of it trying to improve her mile time.  She really wanted to qualify for state in the 1 mile.  She needed 5:35 to qualify.  She was within 1 second of that time on 3 separate race days.  She was pretty frustrated to say the least.   However, all in all it was a great season where many great memories were made.  She got to run on the SDSU indoor track as well as the USD indoor track.  And she was selected as the first alternate for the State meet so was able to travel with the team to Rapid City. She is looking forward to many more track meets!

 

She gets pretty nervous before the races.  Can you tell?