Friday, April 30, 2010

The rest of April

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.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Photo Opp.

While at the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad for the Easter train ride, I decided to take the opportunity to snap some shots of the kids. They were cooperating so well. I probably took 100 photos. Here are a few, no editting.

It was a very bright day so the squinting eyes are in every shot. Oh well, I still have beautiful kids.




Saturday, April 24, 2010

Easter

Aaawww, EASTER. What a wonderful holiday. I always feel such peace on this holiday. Who wouldn't enjoy the fancy Easter clothing, dying eggs, candy, the pastel colors and most importantly celebrating the resurrection of Christ.

A week before Easter we went with some friends (Jenn Lansink and Theresa Walton plus the kiddos) on the Easter Train in Boone. We always enjoy this ride. Beautiful scenery and of course the highlight was the Easter Bunny!

Ryan, Maddy and Veronika


Veronika's first time seeing the Easter Bunny


The Gang - Veronika, Maddy, Ryan, Jack, Mason and Cy is in the back hanging out


Dying the Eggs



Easter Baskets 2010

The baskets are filled with a couple outside activities, a little candy, a movie, a book and behind the baskets are KITES. The kids were so excited to fly kites.



Hunting eggs that the Easter Bunny hid on Easter morning



All Dressed Up



Hunting Eggs at Grandma and Grandpa's


THE LOOT



Finally time to fly kites. We didn't have much wind but we did the best we could. The kids loved their new kites. It is a tradition in Ben's family to fly kites on Easter so it was fun to continue the tradition with our kids.