Kali's Early Birthday Present

We were trying to decide what to Kali for her birthday and we really wanted to get the kids a trampoline for the backyard so we found a great deal on one. Andy has spent the past week digging getting it ready...we put it up yesterday and the kids love it!

Asleep

Every night before I go to bed I peep in and check on the kids sleeping. Whenever I look in on them, I feel this incredible feeling of gratefulness of how we have two beautiful, happy, and healthy kids.

I had to take this picture of Kali the other night because she always asks when I am going to check on her? I showed her the next morning that I do check on her.

(See the puppy Nana?...she does love it!)

Reading Books

Today when I was going to vacuum the house I put the kids' chairs on Kali's bed and came back to find them reading books in their chairs on the bed. Super cute!

A Wedding Shot

Andy and I attended a wedding of a friend last night. Here is shot of us...it was a fun night with friends as grandma babysat the kids.

Bath Time

One adorable boy in the bath..not much more to say...is there?

Albertville Friendly City Days Parade

Today was the parade and it was a great time. The kids had so much fun and loved waving and getting candy. Here are some of the best action shots of the day!

One of my favorites



Cody watching the action



Cody chilling with Dad and friends Doug and Ben. ( Covering his ears because the sirens were TOO LOUD!)



Marek, Kali, and Camdree checking out their candy.


Kali and Cousin Camdree waving! I think they waved the entire 2.5 hour parade!
See cute video too!








Our friend, Marek looking at all big trucks!

Fire Station

This week has been Albertville Friendly City Days around town and today they had a bunch of fun activities at the Fire Station. Kali and Cody got to sit in a fire truck and ambulance and they got to jump in a bounce house and see a clown. It was a fun morning, before the rain started!

First Visit to The Dentist

Kali had her first visit to the dentist yesterday! The dentist told us that they see how the first appointment goes because they don't want them to be nervous or scared. Well, Kali was a pro, she was great. She let them do X-Rays, clean, polish, floss, and even got fluoride. After she was done she got 2 tokens and got a necklace and a bracelet. She was super proud and so was I!

Happy Rainy Day!

Last Day of Daycare

A few months ago, Lisa, our incredible daycare provider told us she is closing after the school year is over to move onto a different adventure in her life. She has 4 children of her own, Becca will be a second grader, Luke will be a fourth grader, Hannah will be a sixth grader, and Zach will be a ninth grader. I completely understand why she is done with this phase of her life and will always support her no matter what, but it doesn't make it easier to say good-bye.

Three years ago, after Kali was born, I wasn't sure if I wanted to go back to work because I feared finding daycare, but I decided I would go back part-time and try it. I can honestly say I have loved every second of it, because I know Lisa has taken care of my children as she takes care of her own kids. She has gone above and beyond any provider ever could. She sends me pictures and emails throughout the day of the kids, hugs them, loves them, misses them when she doesn't see them, celebrates their milestones just as I do as their mother. She has been like a mentor mom to me, giving me advice as they hit their different stages. She also been a friend and when I found out she was closing I cried a lot of tears wondering how I could or would ever find another Lisa.

Next fall the kids will be going right next door to Lisa to a friend named Becky. Becky brought Kali to preschool for me this past fall when I worked full-time. Becky is just taking our kids part-time to play with her three boys Will, 5, Wyatt 4, and Ben 3. Kali and Cody love Becky and know her really well already and are excited to go there. I am not nearly as sad as I first was because the kids and I will both still see Lisa and her family and Becky will do a wonderful job.

As we close one chapter in our life another opens, but sometimes closing the ones you love are really hard. We love you Lisa!

Here are few of the last pictures she sent me this week

Last Day of School

Today was the last day of school. It was an incredible year..an awesome year. We had an amazing class this year. This is the third year Emily and I have job shared and I will continue to say it..It is the best of both worlds. I love being at work, but I also love being at home with my own kids. We both worked today and had a great last day. The kids made us a power point, played at the park, ate Dairy Queen, and gave out class awards. It was a perfect last day! Happy Summer!

More Bike Riding Pictures and Video

Tonight Kali couldn't wait to get home from Lisa's and practice riding her bike. She is really good, we even let her ride her bike to the park tonight.

Check out the video:




This is how proud she is!