Green

The boys tested for their green belts over the weekend. They now know 3 blocking and kicking sequences, 3 blocking stances, 6 forms and 16 ways to defend themselves and take down an attacker as well as a ton of Korean terms.

We couldn't be more proud.

The Fest

We went to The Fest over the weekend.  Its an annual outdoor Christian concert.  Along with the concert they had some games and fun booths set up for the kids.

They had a hair spray station that was definitely the favorite of the kids.

We liked 3 of the 4 bands that played.  Ben got to see one of his favorite bands so he was very happy to be there.

The kids got high fives and Ellie got a pat on the head from one of the singers from For King and Country.  She is now in love with that band!

Wordless Wed: Mama, take a cute picture of me!

White belt

Back when Ben and Sam started Taekwondo, Ellie tried the class with them.  She wasn't a fan and quit half way though. Last week, she said she wanted to try it again.  We took her to a class and she loved it this time.  We signed her up and shes already learned her first blocking pattern.  She's so little, the smallest uniform was too big for her, but she looks adorable!

Mohawk Madness!

Sam has been loving his mohawk so much, Zach wanted one too.

Jon was more than happy to take care of that!

End of season

Swimming is over for the year and I couldn't be happier!  I know the kids love it, but 8am practices every day along with one or two meets every week takes its tole by the end of the season.  

The kids had the championship meet over the weekend, in the rain.  

The boys were freezing!

Zach had a blast playing in the puddles.

Ellie was absolutely miserable!  Apparently playing in the rain at home is much different than playing in the rain at a pool.

Sunday was the awards picnic.  The boys each got a medal and the coaches hand out personalized awards.  Ben was most likely to forget his suit.  He only forgot it once, but apparently he was the only one, all season long, to forget their swim suit when they are going to swim practice!

Sam got the survival guide award.  Basically the coaches were completely impressed with his willingness to do anything that was asked of him and he always did it well. They told him to write a book with all his tricks and secrets.

Ben was one of six to receive a trophy.  He got the spirit award.  Ben loves swimming and his enthusiasm is obvious and never ending.

Tacos

Show me your silly face

Swimmers

Sam and his friend were named swimmers of the week this week for swim team.

Thankfully, its almost over.  Getting up early every day is taking its tole on the kids.

A new car!

We finally gave up on our old van and bought a new (to us) Toyota Sienna.  The kids love it.  I got to keep my sun roof and the kids kept the dvd player.  It has a lot more room inside, can seat 8 people, has heated leather seats, dual climate control, blue tooth, back up camera, navigation and lots of other fun stuff.  Having a car payment again really stinks, but its nice to know we wont get stranded on the side of the road.

Mohawk

I can't stand mohawks, but I have to admit, this kid rocks it!

Park and a party

We headed up to Lakewood Park yesterday for a picnic and some play time.  They remodeled the playground and we've been wanting to check it out.  They made huge improvements and the kids were thrilled.

After the playground we headed to a birthday party.  The theme was getting wet.  They had a slip and slide, water balloons and squirt guns.

They ended the party with ice cream cake and candy to take home.  Saturdays don't get much better than that!

5th

We started celebrating "Ellie day" on the 4th.  She wanted to make a cake for her day, but since we had some neighbors over for dinner she wanted to share the cake with them.  I think she knew if we finished the cake on the 4th, we'd be forced to get ice cream on the 5th.  She's one smart cookie!

She requested Bob Evans for breakfast.  We haven't been there in ages and piggy pancakes were calling her name. We spent several hours at the pool then they had plenty of play time with friends. We had dinner at Olive Garden. She can't get enough pasta.  We finished the night with ice cream and boys being silly.

It was a great way to spend the day celebrating our jelly bean!

4th

We spread our 4th of July out a little bit.  We started celebrating on Sunday.  After a day at the pool and having dinner with neighbors, we hung out at Corries house to watch fireworks.

For the real 4th of July, we headed to a neighbors driveway for some fireworks, sparklers, glow sticks and lots of running around for the kids.

Zach loved the sparklers and probably did 50 by himself!

I love that the kids can wander around our street with their friends and we feel secure enough (because of the neighborhood and awesome neighbors) to not to have to have an eye on them at all times.  On days when I really miss Lakewood, that makes it all worth it.

Wordless Wednesday: Always smiling

Swimming

We had a break in the heat for a few days that resulted in upper 60's for a high.  It was great for us.  Not so much fun if you have a swim meet though.

The boys have been tough though and have been working hard at practice.

Sam now has a few 1st place ribbons to add to his growing collection.  Ben has been holding steady with several 2nd place ribbons.  He has some amazing technique, he just needs to work on his speed!

Indians

We went to an Indians game with some old Church friends last week.

It was Zach and Ellies first game and the first game that Ben and Sam remember being at.

Zach kicked over several drinks, but they loaded up on cotton candy and had several friends to keep them occupied.

We ended up losing, but had a great night.