County Fair

Earlier the year our school visited the County Fair. Clark's class with their teacher, Mrs. Pollock.

Bella Ruth milking a "cow".

These were the neatest paper sack hats. The children really loved this activity. I can't believe that I didn't get a picture of the finished product. Bella Ruth still has hers in her bedroom. Maybe I can get a picture today.

The big turtle was a hit too.

Clark finally would pose with this cool animal. He has gotten to a stage where he doesn't want to take the time for a picture. I can only imagine Christmas card pictures this year.

Bella Ruth and her buddies, Vincent, Connor and Hayes in the chicken barn.

Bella Ruth LOVES horses. She can't
wait to take riding lessons in the Spring.

A Godly Man

Tonight I took Clark and Bella Ruth to a birthday party about 30 minutes from home. Chris was home with Will Henry so we got to listen to loud music, eat at Panera Bread, shop at Barnes and Noble and have lots of good conversation. As we were driving home I couldn't help but think of something that had changed my view of motherhood about 5 years ago. At one of my first MOPS conventions we were listening to a speaker and she was talking about the true importance of raising a son. You see, your son will grow to be a father one day, he will be the head of a household and he will be the leader of the family. Your most important job as a mother of a son is to raise him to be a Godly man. Even your daughter will marry one day and her husband will be the head of the household. I remember almost feeling overwhelmed. How was I going to do this? I started praying right then for God to help me and show me the way. My sweet husband and I have talked about this often. Tonight, as I was driving home in the rain and my sweet seven year old first-born son was singing his heart out to Steven Curtis Chapman's "We are children of God" I couldn't help but shed a few tears and give my thanks to God for answering my prayers.

Farewell Summer

We are so sad to see you go!!

First Day of School

Clark and Bella Ruth ready to start the year!

This is outside the Church at their school. The front door was crazy with parents taking pictures so we opted for the Church where they attend Mass every Thursday morning.

It isn't easy to get Will Henry in a picture. He was wanting to play on the steps instead.

Clark and Kathleen in Mrs. Pollock's classroom.

Bella Ruth coloring. Pre-school is right up her alley. She LOVES art and writing.

How Will Henry Enjoyed the Baseball Season

Will Henry enjoyed his baseball/T-ball season in the stroller most of the time. Each time I would let him out he would try to run on the field, grab the bats and balls, and then cry for his "Dada". I learned pretty quickly that the stroller was going to be a necessity.
But after the game was the time for a stroller release and a yum-yum. (shaved ice dripping with yummy liquid sugar!)

And of course Clark was right there to hold him and meet his every need. He is the BEST big brother!

I just love this picture of the boy's. So, so sweet.

Some baseball and t-ball highlights

Our last game. Chris was the coach for Clark's team this year.

Some highlights of our season.

The kiddos enjoying a yum-yum. Bella Ruth was lucky enough to have one of her best friends, Connor, on her team.

Some highlights of Bella Ruth's first t-ball season. It was lots of fun to watch my girly-girl catch and throw those balls.

All of our children had a really fun t-ball and baseball season. Even Will Henry would get excited when he would see the Sports Complex. We were fortunate enough to have great teams to be able to share this time with.

Daddy's Birthday Weekend

We went to St. Louis to celebrate my sweet hubby's birthday August 1st. My Mom flew in from Oklahoma so she could help with Will Henry while we went to a Cardinals game on Saturday night. It was such a fun, relaxing weekend.
Our first stop was Ted Drew's on Friday night. My sweet hubby would rather have ice cream than cake, and Ted Drew's is his favorite.

Here we are with Jojo.

The next morning we went to The Magic House. The first stop was to make a casting of our faces and hands. It was so much fun!

They had a really neat art area that the children had a great time discovering.

Busy little bees.

Will Henry and Jojo played at the sand table for a very long time.

Will Henry's favorite area was the water play. He didn't want to leave this fun!

Bella Ruth enjoyed it also.

I think that Clark was OK waiting for his little brother and sister to finish up.

The only problem was a very slippery floor. I had to hold on to Will Henry so he wouldn't fall on the hard floor.

The next morning we went to the City Museum. It is such a neat place. The founder collects "junk" and recycles it to good use. If you are ever in St. Louis this is a MUST DO!!!

Riding the Sumo Wrestler.

This was the restroom sign.

Clark couldn't resist the fun!

Peeking through a cave tunnel.

Hanging out with Daddy.

Climbing to the higher tunnels.

They had the neatest art center on the second floor of the museum. They had a face painter even. Bella Ruth LOVES purple butterflies, so she was in heaven.

Will Henry had a blast on this slide. Clark and Bella Ruth had just as much fun watching him.

At the end of the day we watched a mini circus on the second floor of the museum.

This weekend was even more fun that we expected. We are all looking forward to a return visit to the City Museum this winter.