A morning hunt

Last night Keagan and Bethany decided to plan a morning hunting trip. They spent the evening laying out their hunting clothes, securing their equipment and packing a breakfast. After a sleepover in Keagan's room, Bethany woke Keagan up at 6:00 a.m. She was so excited! After sneaking around our property and the neighbors for a couple of hours Bethany came back to the house to announce that she had shot a rabbit. "Mom! Mom! My first hunting trip AND my first jack rabbit!" Keagan was beaming from ear to ear after coaching her through the process and teaching her everything he knew about gun safety. I remember so many moments like this with my own brother. We shared a lot of good times together shooting soda cans and army men in our backyard.

Mastering the 410

Dad shot pheasants...
I shoot Jack Rabbits!

Skinning my first Jack Rabbit.

Keagan and Brian spent the whole day together on Monday shooting Grandpa Jim's 410, burning the burn pile, shooting all the critters that fled the burn pile and fishing at the bypass. Keagan was on cloud ten!

I'm 4 months old!

I turned 4 months old on May 31st. This has been a rather busy month for me. I have gone to 2 weddings and a funeral. The BIG kids are home for the summer. I'm not sure if that's a good thing for me or not. I have discovered these furry creatures that live inside and outside of my house. They are rather soft. but sometimes they can bite. My baby hair is gone and my new peach fuzz is coming in. People say I drool like a St. Bernard puppy and that this is necessary for my teeth to come in. I have started eating cereal and still love my baths very much. My fastest way to get where I am going is to dig my heels into the floor, arch my back and jump backwards like "a jumping inchworm". If I get going to fast I've been known to ram my head into the wall or the furniture. I am growing so very fast! Until next time...

Yours Truly,
Kelden

"Okay, here's my smile."
"Not again."

"Seriously?"Mom, if you could only see yourself now."

"You're taking my breath away."

"Hey Guys. What's this stuff on my face?"

"I think I like it..I think I like it...I KNOW I like it!"

"Where's this stuff been my whole life?"

"I've learned to catch a little 'Zzz' whenever and wherever I can."

"Sometimes these school things can be SO boring."

Birthday Bash!

Although Bethany & Keagan's Birthdays are only two days apart, it has taken me a month to post both their parties and Keagan's special day. Time just gets away from me. This year our family has learned the true meaning of the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child". More recently, our family learned, "It takes a family to throw a party".

Thank you so much Hailey for your many creative ideas and for jumping in to make the day so special for Keagan and Bethany. Mom and Dad could not have done it without your help.

Happy Birthday, Cowboy!

A birthday is just not a birthday without...

school birthday treats...
a man's breakfast at Lumberjack's...
(Keagan's favorite meal of the day at his favorite breakfast resturant)
presents...

spending the day with your two favorite guy friends...

eating pizza on a trampoline...

BB guns...

an air soft game...

and a little baseball.

Keagan,

You are one blessed boy. You have so many opportunities right at your door step to be every bit of the boy that God designed you to be. You have room to rome, to be adventurous and to be creative. God has given you the skill and the strength to be a GREAT athlete. I know that you love life to the fullest. I pray that you will continue to rise to the challenges that this world hands you. Remember that your strength comes from God. I am one lucky mom to have you as my son and Kelden is lucky to have you as his big brother. I know that the bond you share with him will grow into a lasting friendship of love and devotion. You are a joy and a source of love for me. I cherish your tenderheart and your constant affection. You are an exceptional son. I love to pieces!

Happy 9th Birthday Cowboy!

xoxo,

mom

A whole hand!

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY, SWEETIE!

"When I look at the pony tails it makes me think that I am not 5 now."

Bethany-Birthday morning
Bethany wanted to take Nana Warta's Funfetti' sugar cookies to school for her birthday treats.

Bethany's good friend, Taylor came home with us after school to spend the afternoon celebrating her birthday. When asked this is what Bethany wanted to do for her birthday. She was not the least interested in a birthday party of any kind.

As you can see, these two girls adore each other as much as they adore Landon, their partner in crime.

You can't come over to the Warta's without jumping on the trampoline. It was incredibly windy. I was afraid that the girls were going to blow right off the trampoline, but they did not seem to mind a bit. Kids are so resilient.

Lunch time.

Making pinwheel cookies. You got to love those sprinkles!

Present time. Bethany was filled with excitement .

Craft time. Taylor was so sweet in helping Bethany.

The finished projects-"little lady" ladybug hats & ladybug boxes filled with black & red gumdrops.

These two girls had such a fun day together.

Bethany,

I will forever remember this afternoon and the fun we had. You are the sparkle in my eye and the joy that fills my everyday. I have had so much fun spending time with you while the big kids are in school. Whether we are folding laundry, making beds, tiding up the house, watering the plants, dining at McDonald's, running errands, playing at the park or simply taking an afternoon nap I can always count on having fun. You are such a BIG helper! You work and you play with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. I am going to miss these days as you will soon be heading off to Kindergarten. I love you so very much, Bethany Bee. You are an amazing daughter!

Happy Birthday!

xoxo,

Mom