Sounds fun right?? Sounded so fun that I decided to volunteer. I was the logistic coodinator. I made all the signs and maps for the carnival. It was a BIG job. I stayed up until 1am-2am every night for about 3 nights leading up to the carnival. I love being creative but that was that was lots of work. It is was worth it though. The carnival was a success! The kids had so much fun and we were able to make some money for the PTO who helps the school in many ways.
The theme was Wild Wild West so that is why the kids were in western clothing.
Ryan playing carnival games
Didn't get a photo of Veronika playing games. She was hanging out with her friends instead of hanging out with mom and dad. She is in this photo but you can barely see her. They were waiting for balloon animals.
Little Norse Relays
What a fun day for the kids. Beautiful weather for some track and field events. I took a half day off of work to go watch the kids. So glad I did.
This is Veronika winning long jump. She got 1st place.
Kindergartners didn't get to do as much as the older kids. Ryan is giving the football throw a try.
Veronika's relay race. They did really good. She is in the 3rd lane from the left. The only girl in the photo. Pretty good job keeping up with those boys.
What a great day. Wonderful weather made it even better.
Ben got donuts and coffee for breakfast then the kids gave me their gifts - a weather radio, alarm clock and a campfire tales book with handmade cards.
Next we headed out for a drive. We went to look at a couple campground in the area. Everyone is looking forward to the first camping trip of the year. We looked at Hickory Grove and Rock Creek. My grandparents and uncle/aunt met us at Rock Creek for a little visit. The wildlife even joined us for the afternoon.
I have to say Ryan's class cookbook was the best gift. The kids came up with their version of favorite recipes. We were laughing out loud while reading the recipes. I love this type of gift. I will cherish it forever.
I have been blessed with a wonderful family. I am so proud.
I am very behind in blogging. Sorry. I do plan on going back and adding some the great moments that have happened in the last two months. Free time was been hard to come by since adding Veronika to our family. Wouldn't change it for the world though.
The kids and I made a quick weekend trip to Colorado. Couldn't resist celebrating one of our favorite little guys 2nd birthday.
Colt with his mom and dad
Up, Up and Away
Colt had a party with a bunch of his little friends. I think it is safe to say HE WAS TIRED. Resorted to playing with all the new toys while laying on the couch.
My kids really do love their little cousin
Ryan hadn't been on an airplane for a few years so he thrilled to fly. These short flights are a piece of cake to Veronika and I. Much better than the 11+ hour flights to and from Russia.
We didn't have time to do much else other than hang out at Lynn and Michael's house. It is was nice and relaxing. We will be back to Colorado in July so we can go and explore in a couple months.
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.
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.
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.
This is Veronika winning long jump. She got 1st place.
Kindergartners didn't get to do as much as the older kids. Ryan is giving the football throw a try.
Veronika's relay race. They did really good. She is in the 3rd lane from the left. The only girl in the photo. Pretty good job keeping up with those boys.
V and her good friend, Claire
