A few days with Grandma and Grandpa

The kids and I spent some time with my parents a couple weeks ago. We went camping and to deer park. I don't know what it is about camping but kids love it. I used to go more often but I dont remember it being so much work!

We took the to the beach at the lake. They had a blast but it was nothing like the beaches of Dominica Republic!

Isaiah started a sea weed collection?!?

My mom cracks me up! She just walked in the water...in her clothes?!?

Oh, what a mess!

Tyler in his beach attire?!?

Hmmm? To go in or not to go in?

Wow! it's been a while...

So, I have no idea where to start.

Let's start with school...the kids are off to another year of getting smarter! Tyler went off to tenth grade, talk about time flying. A friend of mine made a comment on facebook when she saw his picture about coming to the hospital when I had him. I remember, not to sound cliche but,

DON'T BLINK! I remember it all so well and to think that same little baby is now bigger than me.

Jacob, oh Jacob, is in second grade. I have a feeling he is going to soar. He is so smart it amazes me. For open house, last night, he had to write about his first day of school and in the journal entry it said how he was feeling shy about second grade and how he was so nervous he almost passed out and fell over! He even said he wished his mom or dad could have stayed with him. I guess somewhere deep down he really likes us!

Joshua is in first grade. His teacher said he is doing good so far. He is not used to not being able to eat ALL day long. So, when he comes home he is tired and extra hungry. This morning after breakfast he asked me if I like it when he tells me about his day, I don't like it, I LOVE IT! It is ironic that he asked me that because just this morning I read this poem Jacob's teacher sent home...

Take A Moment To Listen Today

Take A Moment To Listen Today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
Or they won't be there to listen to you.

Listen to their problems, listen to their needs
Praise their smallest triumphs, praise their smallest deeds.
Tolerate their chatter, amplify their laughter,
Find out what's the matter, find out what they're after

But tell them that you love them, every single night,
And though you scold them, be sure you hold them tight
Tell them, 'Everything's all right --
Tomorrow's looking bright!

Take a moment to listen today
To what your children are trying to say.
Listen today, whatever you do,
And they will come back to listen to you.

And really, don't blink!

That was an experience...

in more ways than one!

Experience #1
We took the kids roller skating for the first time last week...

Isaiah took is skates off faster than we could put them on! He was not as crazy as the rest of us!

Joshua on the other hand, wants a pair of skates! He really had fun and didn't want to leave!

Tyler...wouldn't even try.
Jacob...eventually did try but I wasn't able to get pictures because I was out there making a fool out of myself!

Experience #2

The skating rink was not in the best of neighborhoods and right before we got there we witnessed road rage! I didn't really think people carried guns but they do. The next time you have the urge to cut someone off...think twice!

Graeter's Ice Cream

While in Columbus, we stopped to have ice cream at Graeter's. We wanted to try something different and it was pretty good. It is a good thing we decided to sit outside, though. And thank goodness we had wipes in the car!

Tyler didn't make that big of a mess.

Jacob also did okay.
Joshua...a little messier.
Then, there is Isaiah...need I say more!

I couldn't help but take a picture of his flip flop. He, obviously, thought it would enjoy some ice cream!