Awana Awards Night

The kids completed their 2nd year in the AWANA - Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (taken from 2 Timothy 2:15) - through Life Church. This was Gabrielle's last year as a Sparkie and Dawson's last year as a Cubbie. Their awards program was held on Wednesday, May 1st. We are so proud of them for their dedication to scripture memorization and hiding God's word in their hearts.

Dawson had his second (ever) soccer practice the same night so we were a split family on the occasion. Travis took D to soccer and I took Gabi to the awards ceremony.

The event called for a few quick snapshots. 

She is beautiful! 

I'm a bit sad to think this little red vest will soon be packed away in a keepsake box. It represents lots of hard work, memorizing the books of the Bible and dozens & dozens of scripture verses. 

The two of us being silly in the parking lot before heading out into the crazy Kansas wind. 

Standing proud about to accept her awards. 

The highlight of the night was winning a full tuition for one child for the 2013 - 2014 year in the raffle drawing. Woot!!

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Embrace the Camera: May 16, 2013

Muffins with Mom with our #1

I'm more convinced than ever after seeing this photo that I am in desperate need of a nose job {that will never happen}. The terrible teasing and name calling in school was for good reason.

Embrace the Camera: May 9, 2013

Dawson embracing the camera with me and Ms. Andrea during his preschool Mother's Day Tea. 

Photos taken Tuesday, May 7th

Ernie Miller Nature Park Field Trip

Little Man had his preschool Spring field trip to Ernie Miller Nature Park on Monday, April 1st. I realize that was a month ago but life happens and the days slip by in the blink of an eye, so here I am logging our time together in early May. Better late, then never :)

This was Dawson's expression when he walked into the Nature Center and saw that I was joining him. I know he is mine, but I love this kid! I love his fierce independence, his often times boyish personality & play antics, his willingness to share lots hugs and kisses and the fact that he still remains my baby boy. My Boo. 

The teachers guided them on a walk throughout the center hitting each site and feature allowing the kids to ask questions and take it all in. They then took part in a meet and greet with this wonderful volunteer and several of the rescue animals - a turtle, a bird and the star of the day, Henrietta the beautiful rabbit. They sang songs and played a really cute game. It was very apparent that the kids enjoyed themselves.

This is D's 2nd year Heartland Early Childhood Center class (minus Gloria)

From left to right: Connor, Jonah, Keelan, Kai, Brandon, Molly, Celes, Macy, Dexter, Jeremiah & Dawson

This photo is the icing on the cake for this momma. Dawson has had a little crush on Macy since the beginning of the school year. Her mom has said many times that she is one spunky little girl FULL of sass. It seems she draws several of her boy classmate's attention :) It brings me full circle to when Gabrielle was the same age and had a larger than life crush on her preschool mate, Logan Meyers. Young love. Oye!

Embrace the Camera: April 18, 2013

McKenna Jane is embracing the camera with her two favorite peeps outside our immediate family. 

Mema and Papa. 

There is no one she would rather love on and receive love from. She squeals when they enter our house and {almost} always runs for hugs.

McKenna loves it when Mema is reading to her or best of all singing to/with her. 

I believe her favorites are "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus in the Morning" and "Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam."

{Correct me if I'm wrong Mom} 

Papa is known best for his silly antics, tickle attacks and crazy talk. 

It's safe to say they have a crazy love! 

Easter - Come and Gone

Easter Sunday.

We attended church services then stopped at Papa's & Mema's for pictures on the way home.

We feasted on Travis's "famous" pancakes at the kids request in lieu of brunch.

We spent much of the day outdoors.

It was a quiet, restful day. Nothing fancy or festive. 

We had a wonderful meal and time at Lake Lotawona the evening prior with Papa, Mema, Uncle Brett, Aunt Linda, Tyler & Paige. 

 

Gabrielle loves shopping and found this dress which she insisted on having on sale at Dillard's. 

There was an additional 40% savings on sale items so we couldn't pass up such a good buy. 

She asked nearly daily if she could wear it, not wanting to wait until Easter Sunday. 

Big D sported 2nd hand clothing which I bought at a girlfriends garage sale several years back and tucked away. 

This kid. 

He was in full on model mode during our 2 minute photo shoot. 

Case in point :)

Little Miss is gracing a gifted dress and a 2nd hand cardigan sweater & shoes. 

Looking through pictures - both old and new - is a reminder at just how blessed we are to have three healthy, beautiful children who we are raising in the church. My hope is they will know the true meaning of the celebration of Easter. We serve a living God!

This is my revelation

Christ Jesus crucified

Salvation through repentance

At the cross on which He died

Now hear my absolution

Forgiveness for my sin

And I sink beneath the waters

That Christ was buried in

I will rise, I will rise

As Christ was raised to life

Now in Him, now in Him

I live

Lyrics to Beneath the Waters by Hillsong United

They received Easter baskets from GG several weeks prior to Easter filled with candy, change and small gifts and dyed eggs during our trip to Iowa over Spring Break so not all secular forms of celebration were withheld. 

Stratton Oaks Annual Egg Hunt

Each year Ms. Kiersten organizes a neighborhood egg hunt. She purchases the candy and goods and stuffs what I'm sure ends up being hundreds of plastic eggs.

The kids all gather on the main hub (113th) and line the drive divided by age. Kiersten gives the instructions and the kids are off in the pursuit of some sugar loot.

Dawson was being a sweet big brother trying to keep McKenna in the correct line of kiddos.

Kiersten gave the go ahead and this was McKenna's response.

Complete deer in the headlights :)

I may have shouted for her to get her hunt on. 

There were enough plastic filled eggs for each child to seek out and collect 16.

McKenna landed on 5. 

I'm confident she will have her game face on at next years hunt now that she understands she is collecting sweet treats.

Dawson intent on investigating what treasure awaits him.

These are the boys who live directly next door to us.

Ben - age 6 and Noah - age 8

These four spends countless hours playing together! 

I wanted to include these last two pictures for memory sake. 

This is our super sweet neighbor girl, Madelyn, who I care for a couple hours every week. 

She LOVES her time at "baby Kenna's." 

PS. We don't refer to her as Kenna but I don't mind that some of her younger friends do.

This pint size ball of personality is Ellaina. Lainey {or Buggie as I often times call her} spends Thursdays with us. She is 3 months older than McKenna. They are such great play mates for one another. My hope is they will grow to develop a good friendship as the years pass.