With Spring comes a whole bunch of fun stuff!
Both kids learned how to ride a bike. Veronika didn't have access to a bike in Russia so I taught a 10 year old and a 5 year old at the same time. I researched online for bike riding techniques. I came across this video, it worked like a charm. Ryan was riding within 15 minutes of using this technique. It didn't click as fast for Veronika but we figured out her bike was too big for her to control. We bought her a smaller bike and off she went. I am glad that the smaller bike worked because she hated the fact that her 5 year old brother could ride a bike and she couldn't.
They even performed in front of an audience (Great Aunt Elcina and Bob)
So it is time to start mowing the yard. I walk outside to see RYAN MOWING the yard. Why is it the dad's allow kids to do stuff that mom's wouldn't even dream of? I wanted to pull him off right away but decided not to make Ben mad and give it a chance. Ryan did amazingly well with some instruction from dad.
Veronika and Ryan have been taking horseback riding lessons for about 2 months. They really enjoyed the lessons and were very comfortable being on a horse. This was the last lesson though. With the nice weather comes more activities to take the place of riding lessons. Maybe they will take lessons again someday or maybe grandpa (who has many horses already) will work with the kids this summer then we won't need lessons.
VEISHEA 2010
The Veishea Parade is one of my favorite parades. I first started going to the Veishea celebration when I transferred to Iowa State in 2000. I have gone almost every year. I must say, I like taking my kids more then when I went just to socialize and party. We had great weather this year. Couldn't have been more perfect.
Our Veishea gang - Walton's, Thompson's and Travis'
The kids favorite part of the parade was the Lawnchair Brigade (a coregraphed rountine using lawnchairs) and the AWESOME Drum Corp.
We saw Ilona at the parade!
Spring Music Concerts
Veronika's concert was first. She was nervous. She has only been in the US for 5 months and was very worried about singing in English in front of lots of people. I told her, "if you don't know the words just move your lips and pretend." She did great. Didn't smile at all though which is not like her.
A couple days later, Ryan had his concert. He loves singing. He belted every word. Didn't miss a beat. But he didn't smile either.
First bonfire of the year. SMORES, Yummy! Our little Russian buddy, Ilona joined us for the evening. Neither one of the girls have ever roasted marshmallows or had smores. They enjoyed every last bite. They got to the point where they couldn't eat any more marshmallows so they just kept on roasting them and giving them to the rest of us to eat.
Our little rag muffin is getting bigger or maybe more hairy. Still cute as a button. She has been a really good puppy. Still working on house training but getting much better.
