a walk in the country

This morning we took a walk from Grandmas to Aunt Mattie's house. I decided to take my camera along. Not sure why but I rarely take pictures here. It's a beautiful sunny day but it's not quite spring so the colors are blah...

the Amish buggy- a regular site.

the quonset (and the wash bay)- the building Grandpa spent many years working in, fixing big rigs...

cousin Jeryl's house...

the grain bin that Dale climbed to the TOP of when he was a kid!

My kids LOVE the country!

the learning process

Reagan is not a lover of sports like Carsyn and Luke. She has always preferred to read books over playing outside. Every once in awhile she is eager to learn how to throw, catch or dribble. It is fun to watch!

madness in march

This month has been crazy here weather wise. For example: Monday is snowed ALL day but today it was 80. It is maddening!!! Hopefully the snow is gone til next winter.

We did enjoy this afternoon with a flag football game. It was a great way to start our Spring Break!

polar museum

For the past 2 months Luke's 1st grade class has been studying the Arctic region. Today they hosted a Polar Museum. Luke's speech was on circumpolar distribution. Basically it's a land bridge.... Ask Luke for more details. :)

Luke watching his classmates give their speeches...





Grandma and Grandpa Swank were there for the big event...
Carsyn got to come too. She was familiar with the Arctic region...

Here are the two silly classes...

carsyn

Today our baby girl is 9. The time has flown by- truly. As a first time mom you hear that multiple times a week- and you don't believe them. But nothing could be further from the truth.....



My Dear Carsyn,

I am so glad that God gave us you. He knows every inch of you and loves you more than anything. He wanted daddy and I to be your parents- a task we take very seriously. We are so proud of the young lady you are becoming. You are sweet, a loyal friend, smart, and helpful. You love legos, playing outside, riding bike, big trucks, and your family. You have just learned to really enjoy reading. You read every chance you get (just like your momma and dad). We love you so very much and are looking forward to watching you grow this year.

Love,
momma


BTW- it snowed today. First time on your birthday...

sports party

Today we celebrated Carsyn's 9th birthday. She organized the entire event: a sports party in our backyard, all the kids in her class, rainbow cake, popcorn, cotton candy, the whole 9 yards. It was quite wonderful.

our sports cakes...



we played lots of basketball...





Uncle Adam had a wii party going on in the garage...

cotton candy in the carriage house...
more basketball...


cake time...

Carsyn l.o.v.e.s rainbow cake!



Ms. Baker, her 3rd grade teacher, came too...
It was a great party!