Preschool Open House

This year Campbell is enrolled in everyday morning Preschool class. We are lucky enough for Campbell to have the same great teachers at Preschool that Cooper had. We know how much fun she is going to have this year. The school, class, and teachers are wonderful and we look forward to what the year brings.


Mrs. Bahner and Campbell


Campbell and Mrs. Queen


Campbell on her first day of everday/morning Preschool.

Turning 36

Birthdays are a day to celebrate. Turning 36 this year was cause for celebration. The girls love to bring me breakfast in bed. So after a shower, the girls surprised me with gifts too. It was a good birthday. Another year, another celebration, more memories.


A beautiful bracelet with pics of Colgin on it from my sister.


Go K-State!


So excited for my Keuring machine.


And a Kindle from Michelle. Thanks everyone!

Third Grade

Tomorrow is Cooper's first day of Third Grade! I really take my hat off to my girl, who despite unhappy news and big changes, she is walking into this school year with an open mind and a happy heart. It just took a few hours of crying and some dinner at her favorite restaurant to persuade her it would be alright. She is strong and will persevere. It has been a long and exhausting summer. I think we are all ready for routine and order. Good Luck Cooper - we know you can do it!!


Cooper with her Third Grade teacher - Mrs. K.


Cooper with her new Gifted Ed teacher - Mrs. M.

Cooper starts 3rd Grade

Almost in a blink of an eye, Cooper is starting Third Grade. We can't believe how quickly the years of Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade went by. Cooper loves school. She works hard and enjoys the challenge. Today is the day she begins a new year.


Cooper after to Third Grade.


Campbell and Cooper.

Ryland turns 3

My nephew Ryland turned 3 years old today. He is such an adorable boy full of energy and certainly with a mind of his own. He was excited to celebrate, but after gifts he did not want any more attention on him. It was a nice party, with some time in the pool, and a visit from Nanny & Papa. Everyone enjoyed themselves through the weekend.


Cooper and Bailey watching the show.


Campbell helping with gifts.


Look at that motorcycle!


Happy Birthday Ryland.


The water was freezing, but that didn't stop the kids.


Nanny & Papa with the girls.

Worlds of Fun

To wrap up the summer we took the girls to Worlds of Fun in Kansas City. Cooper hadn't rode very many big rides before and was excited to share some rollercoaster rides with Chad. They rode the Mamba (too many times, even sitting in the very first seat) and the Prowler. Cooper loved every minute of it. The girls rode all kinds of rides. While Cooper and Chad were on the roller coasters, Campbell and I went to enjoy Planet Snoopy. Campbell rode all the rides and had a tremendous amount of fun. Complete with yummy food and drinks. It was a great adventure!


Campbell driving the bumper cars.


Cooper driving the bumper cars.


Meet Snoopy!


Hanging out with Snoopy.


Campbell on the swings. (She rode these atleast 5 times)


Campbell driving the cars.


Bug ride.


Mom and Campbell on the whirly birds nest.


Having fun.


Cruisin.


Hands up!


Dad and Campbell on the tug boat.


Flying an airplane.


Last, but not least, the carousel ride.

A Golf Tournament for Granny

Last night Chad was driving home with both girls and the conversation went to talking about Granny. Granny would be my dad's mom that passed away in February. Campbell said "Papa Mike doesn't have a mom anymore." Cooper explained "that Papa still has a mom, but she is in Heaven." Campbell asked if Granny died. Chad said yes. Campbell then asked "when is Papa Mike going to have a golf tournament for Granny." :o) The innocence in a child's mind is just so refreshing.

Lemonade Stand

The weather is dictating our activities and today looked to be a great day. So first the girls and I hit the pool for some swim time and lunch. The girls were excited to get home though, because they wanted to open their Lemonade Stand. Armed with 2 pitchers of lemonade, ice, cups, napkins, and homemade friendship bracelets they were ready for customers. I placed the picture on Facebook and put a sign on the corner of the street. Before long they were in business. At one point there were so many customers they came inside to get me to help. They completely sold out and were totally excited to count their profits. Each girl made $6.35! Not bad for 2 hours of "work."

Papa Mike turns 57

The girls and I were lucky enough to be able to go to Iowa and spend a week with my dad. In doing so we celebrated his 57th birthday with him. Complete with dinner, cake/ice cream, and gifts. It was a great visit, full of good memories.


Opening gifts.


Yes, that is a Kindle. He was so surprised!


Nothing better than a cake made with love.


The kids enjoyed time in the Hot Tub with grandma ReRe.

We ventured off to the Omaha Zoo. The girls loved feeding the birds. It was a hot day, but the crowds were minimal. The kids enjoyed the animals and the day was great for making memories together.

Campbell and Papa feeding the birds.


Cooper feeding the birds.


Papa & Grandma with the grandkids.