Madelyn turns 9!

 

Madelyn on her 9th birthday!  She is as sweet as she is cute.  She is always smiling and in a cheerful mood.  She enjoys ballet, reading, painting her nails, wearing dresses, and baby anything.  She loves helping in the church nursery.

 

Getting ready to blow out the candles on the birthday cake made by Grandma Darlene.  Her cousin Jake turned 7 a month earlier so we were celebrating his big day as well :)

Cross Country

 

Lauren competed on the Yankton Cross Country team this past Fall.  It ended up being quite a ride!  She had a great season and even earned a spot on the team to run in the state meet in Huron SD.  This picture shows the teams praying at the start line before the race.  This is a tradition that the Yankton runners initiate at most races.  They invite the other teams to join them in the prayer circle and then Coach Dannenbring usually leads the prayer.  Its SO awesome!

 

Here is the team with their 4th place plaque

 

Lauren and her favorite running partner Emerson being interviewed for the radio.

 

The start line.  Yikes! Talk about nerves!

Here is Lauren with Coach Haar.  He mainly works with the middle school Cross Country runners and until the last 3 weeks of the season this is who she trained under.  He was an amazing example to her and gave her tons of encouragement and confidence.  This picture was taken the night  Lauren received her Varsity letter.  It was a well deserved letter.  Lauren put in many miles, blisters you cant even imagine, bruised toenails, sore muscles, and so much more. I think she would admit it was all worth it!  Cross Country has won her heart I think.

First day of School 2014

Our annual back to school supper! 

 

Our guiding verse for this school year is Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for man.

                                 

 

Here are the kids heading out for the 2014/15 school year.  Lauren 7th grade, Jillian 5th grade, Madelyn 3rd grade and Owen 1st grade.

 

Summer fun

 

Madelyn played for the Fury White softball team this summer. 

                                                       Jillian played for the Fury Red

Lauren played for the Yankton Shamrocks

 

  4th of July at Grandpa Cliff's Farm with all the cousins

Making a few final memories with our neighbors the Ahlers :(  They moved at the end of July to Colorado.  We were so sad!!  They will always be like family to us and we miss them tons!

St Louis Cardinals Trip

We took a family vacation to St Louis in Late May.  Jay, Natalie and family also caravanned with us.  Here we all are at the City Museum.  It was an AMAZING museum!  Hours of fun and exploration.

 



 
Here is everyone getting ready to ascend the St Louis Arch.  The view was spectacular from the top.


 

The main reason for the trip..... To watch the CARDINALS!  We went to 3 games against the Diamondbacks. We swept them! We had a great time.  The kids got tons of balls thrown to them, we had great seats and perfect weather.  It was a great way to start off our summer.

Last day of school

Looking good for the last day of school!  Lauren had an awards assembly on the last day which is why she is dressed up.  She was recognized for her Student Council efforts, reading and math achievements, and was voted "best attitude" by her peers.  

 

 Jillian receiving an award from her 4th grade teacher Mrs. Rehurek.  Jillian loved Mrs. Rehurek's gentle spirit and awesome treats!

 This picture is just too sweet not to post.  This is Owen with his beloved Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Moon.  He loved every single day of class and had a special bond with Mrs. Moon. All 4 of our kids had her as their teacher. She will be one of those teachers our family never forgets.   It broke my heart (in a good way) to see him cry on the last day.  We have been so blessed by the teachers at Lincoln school!

 

Madelyn with her 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Hoesing.  Her teacher is also a family friend of ours so she got lots of extra love and attention this year while at school :) 



Spring events 2014

 Spring Children's Choir Concert

 

 Awana Awards night.  Lauren, Jillian and Madelyn all received the highest awards in their division.

 Annual Lincoln school Book Parade.  Madelyn chose a Fancy Nancy book.

 

 Madelyn's Dance Recital.  "Alloutte" was the name of her performance.

 

Mother's Day!