SonRock Kids Camp

This week is VBS for us, and let me just say we are a little tired. But we have been having fun, making crafts, laughing at the skits, having snacks and listening to stories. This year's theme is SonRock Kids Camp so everything is camping related. Here are the boys modeling the latest in fisherman hats.


Todd and I are the leaders for the 2 year old class. Here Todd proves he knows the motions to the theme song, SONROCK KIDS CAMP. Yes, there is lots of yelling in this song.

In our classroom, Greg did much better than I expected! Granted, he had both of us for teachers. But he listened to the story and worked on his craft, and usually all he wants to do is play ball!
And here, I am providing you with a glimpse of the skit. I'm the nature loving Ruth. Yes, I'm wearing a Hello Kitty shirt. It's been a hit with the girls.

Great Job Todd!

Todd has played in 2 softball leagues this season.  He played left field, and has done a great job out there, even when the sun gets in his eyes.  And he also did a great job at bat.  Sunday was the first tournament game for the Sunday league (and they won!) so they announced the stats from the season, and Todd was in 4th place for most hits!

If there is just one thing he should work on for next year - Doug doesn't think he slides enough. :)

Popcorn Pops

Sorry it's been a while since I posted. It's been a busy month, but not how I would have expected.  It's been a cool July so we haven't been spending much time at the pool.  I'm ready for some sunny, 90 degree weather.  Anyway....

Friday night was Popcorn Pops - a kid's outside concert by the Orchestra.  It is so much fun.  But yesterday afternoon Doug said he wasn't feeling well, and had a low-grade fever, so he fell asleep on the couch and we decided Todd would stay home with Doug and I would take Greg. We were meeting Aunt Barbara, Uncle Andy and Charlie, so it made more sense for me to go.  Greg was being noisy so we left a little earlier than had planned, and enjoyed some of the fun kid activities before A, B & C got there.  Greg got his face painted - he wanted a ball.  

And he was really excited about the popcorn they gave him.  
Charlie was also really excited about the popcorn.  The boys danced, and played ball and seemed to really have fun.  
We sure missed Doug and Todd.  But they had fun together too.  They watched TV while we were gone.  I think they both enjoyed just laying on the couch. 

11 years on the 11th

Last week, I told Doug that Saturday was our Anniversary, and he asked me how old we were going to be.  We turned 11.  Gma Beth and Gpa Ray came down to play with the boys so we could do a little shopping (my idea) and go out to eat at PF Changs (Todd's idea).  We had a great time running around Easton even though it was pouring down rain and at one point we got soaked (even with umbrellas).  It was very fun to go shopping in any store we wanted without fear of little boys being bored to tears and thus starting to play pretend ball and run around the store.  And to eat at a restaurant that doesn't serve mac & cheese. And to actually finish a conversation....

We had a very happy anniversary!

More 4th Fun

It wouldn't be the 4th without a good carnival.  We let the boys ride a few rides, and Doug chose this helicopter ride.  Greg went for the carousel instead. Then we wasted some money on a few games, which was fun, and then bought some Lerch's donuts, which were awesome as usual.  Greg is a big fan of donuts!

Then here we are back at my parent's house before the fireworks.  The 3 boys were having so much fun playing together on the floor so we decided we needed a picture.  Charlie was not in the mood for a photo shoot or to be held by Doug.  Ha!
Then Sunday we went to see the Indians - they had the chance to sweep the A's if they won on Sunday, so I was on the hunt for some sweepers.  I found a foam one that we ended up getting for Greg, and Doug talked me into this foam finger:
Then after a nice dinner at Bob Evans, we were ready to head back home.  As we were leaving the restaurant, Doug asked for a picture on the bench.  No problem.  Plus it shows off Greg's new hat that he got at the game. 

Firecracker 5K

The whole family went to Gma Beth and Gpa Ray's for the 4th of July! We had a great time seeing everyone, and spent the weekend playing and watching lots of ball (baseball, tennis and paddleball), and talking about and then getting Mom and Dad their new TV. 

Also a highlight of the weekend was the Firecracker 5K, especially for those of us who prefer simply running to games that involve balls.  Turns out, I'm not really good at either. But, the run was fun and one of us brought home a trophy.  From the line up at the start, can you guess who?

Yes, that would be my sister Barbara at the front of the pack.  Oh, you can't see me...well, don't worry I'm back there somewhere...

The first mile was close to my parent's house, so the boys, Gma Beth and Gma Gloria walked up to cheer us on.  Uncle Andy ran up to give them high-5s. 
Barbara finished with a 19:06, which was good enough to win for the females. Andy finished with a 22-something. Here is Brent finishing with a 22-something as well. 
And me, with a personal best of 24:48, and good enough for last in the family.  To be fair, neither Todd, Susan nor Doug ran.  I bet I could have beaten Doug.  
It was a fun way to start the 4th of July!
Check back for more on our family 4th weekend!

An Update

I will admit.  I was a little skeptical that Doug had truly stopped sucking his thumb even when I bought the scooter.  But he had been doing so well, and since I don't stand over him the entire night, on some level I had to take his word for it.  Well, he is only 4 and he really wanted a scooter too.  I should have known.  So the other day I caught him with his thumb in his mouth.  So I told him he couldn't have his scooter until he was really all done sucking his thumb.  (It's hidden in the basement).  And, mostly because I was frustrated, I told him that from now on each day I catch him with his thumb in his mouth he will lose another toy.  McQueen was on the chopping block yesterday.  So he starts working on something, but won't tell me what - and this is what he shows me when he's done:

He made this sign and hung it in the garage. He explained to me that it says that I am not allowed to take away his bike.  I think that's what the Nooo means.  And then he signed it for good measure. Maybe it won't come to that.  He didn't suck his thumb yesterday or the day before.  We'll see....