All Stars comes to an end...

Keagan was voted onto the Sutter Area Minor All Star Team for his outstanding skills as a first string catcher...a big honor for any 10 year old boy. Since June, Keagan has enjoyed gelling with his new team mates and improving his baseball skills from his new coaches. There was a total of 6 games and our team made it all the way through the 4th game. The top team will play for the State Championship title. It was a great experience for Keagan. Thank you Grandpa & Grandma Warta, Grandpa & Grandma Penterman, Aunt Amber & Uncle Randy, and Aunt Kate & Andrew, and the Ahlers for coming and cheering on Keagan. Great job Keagan!

Happy 4th

Brian was off this year, so the kids requested that we hunker down at home for our own celebration...something we have never done before. It was 104 degrees and the kids were not up for doing much until about 6:00 p.m. which made for a really late night. These were the activities that kept us up until 11:15, but there was no way that Brian or I was willing to cut out a single thing that the kids had requested to do because this was their night: a swim at the Ahlers, a 4th of July photo in the sunflower field (mom's 1 request), a trip to Janyo yogurt, a redbox rental, a chase of illegal fireworks, a purchase of fireworks at RVCF youths firework stand, an order of Wendy's french fries, a first ever firework display at home, and the grand finale...30 min. of Gnomeo & Juliet. The night was simple, but very memorable.

Highlights included-

*searching for something to ignite the fireworks only to discover a handful of paper matches...how does that happen in a firefighters home?

*Kelden 1st enjoyment of a glow stick, but what made it even more exciting was when he decided to spin in circles with the glow stick in hand on the slatted cement apron. It took two people to keep him from crashing.

*Bedtime being extended an additional 10 min. because dad did not join us for the first 10 min. of the "family movie" so we had to start it over again.

*Kelden running away from the fireworks he loved so much at the beginning of the night when we lit the piccolo pete.

Honoring 'Our Father'

Brian had to work on Father's Day and the day after. It's just not the same when we have to celebrate Father's Day on a different day, but we did the best we could to let Brian know just how much he is loved and appreciated. He is an amazing dad, who devotes his heart and soul into these 4 kiddoes. We love you SO VERY MUCH, Brian!

The kids have been working on his gift for the past 2 months. They came up with it all on their own. Not many people know just how hard being a firefighter is on the feet. After a 48 hr. shift Brian's feet need a little T.L.C. from being in wet station boots. So, the kids put together a little basket full of 'As Seen On T.V.' products for the feet. I was attempting to give a mini pedicure until Kelden discovered that I had a pretty cool tool that made some noise. Needless to say, he took over my job.

"Tickle, tickle"

Brian was excited to own his very first custom fit pair of slip on shoes.

As temperatures have been in the 100's a swim next door was a must. Kelden's love for the water was no surprise to us. He loves it as much as his big sister.

Bethany decided to try the slide for the first time...

let's just say, for someone who does not like water in the face it did not go over well.

Let Summer Begin!!!

REALLY...I have not given up on blogging. Four kids and 3 1/2 acres has kept Brian and I busy this year. Not to mention field trips, homework, softball, baseball, housework and the 28 family birthdays; yes, I counted! My summer goal is to squeeze in the time (a little each day) to get my blog current. I hope you all enjoy the look into our lives as much as we have enjoyed living it. Stay tuned....

Three weeks into our summer vacation and it finally feels like summer. The weather has turned from the 60's to the 90's in a matter of a week. Nothing like trading in the sweaters for a swimsuit. Go California! School ended on May 26th. Since then, we went on a 15th anniversary trip, a 3 day camping trip and ended the Minors Mudhen baseball season. Baseball is not quite over for the Wartas...Keagan & 2 players from his team were voted onto the All Star Team. Keagan couldn't be more excited and we couldn't be prouder! He played the whole season as the first string catcher, developed some leadership skills and boosted his self confidence.

Here's a look into the other things that have filled our days...

Kelden has Hailey's love for the water...just can't get enough no matter how cold it is.

This photo explains the smile and laughter on his face...WATCH OUT BETHANY!

"My daddy is going to be so happy that I am watering his tree!"

Oh yes, and there is always time in Kelden's world for a snuggle or two...

and a little hard work never hurt anyone.

Keagan is learning to mow the yard and is excited to earn a little money this summer.

Keagan has been eager to do this for years but his legs were just not long enough to reach the brakes without lifting his bum off the seat, which disengages the engine. He was so determined on this day. He shared his idea with me and I said, "Try it and if it works, the job is all yours." If you look real close, you can see my 12 lb. weights...one on the seat and one bungee corded to the platform of the seat. It worked...so, away he went.

Kelden is about as eager as his brother.

He reminds us so much of Uncle Tim, intrigued by how everything works.

I have the coolest dad ever!

If it has a motor... it is all mine.

"Do I have to wear these, Daddy?"

Hailey and Brian have been diligently working to make improvements on her animal pens...increasing the size and strength of the chicken coop AND raising the goats house up off the ground to provide more shade.

Yeah...it works. Hailey has 3 goats now, Sophie, Scarlett(pictured) and Shelby.

Brother gives me lots of wheelbarrow and quad rides.

With Keagan's hands busy Bethany enjoys riding the quad alone.

Two peas and a pod. There similarities are striking. Their love for each other just melts my heart.

And then, there is LOTS of summer reading going on!