Two Boys and a Little Lady

Let's see...the last time our blog was updated, it was February. Right in the heart of our mild winter. As I look back on the pictures in that update, I see lots and lots of long sleeved shirts, pants, and footy pjs! Well...as we brace for a major heat wave...it's definitely time to see t-shirts, shorts, and swim gear!!!

Cub Scouts

As a 1st grader, Noah was able to join Cub Scouts this year. Both he and Josh (and sometimes Brady too) enjoyed participating in various scout activities and meetings. Although we don't have pictures of every event (oops!), we do have a few from some of the more memorable ones. With a little help from Dad, Noah did very well in his first Pine Wood Derby.

See for yourself...

Noah, Brady and Josh also participated in Camp Eisenhower - an end of the school year celebration in which the scouts and their families sleep in the elementary school's gym. Quite a neat event with homemade rockets, movies on the big screen, and tent sleeping. (Yep - you guessed it...Olivia and Mom opted to sleep in a bed at home!)

The boys also participated in Night at the Ballpark to kick off the summer. Once again, Noah, Brady, and Josh did some tent sleeping. This time instead of the gym floor, they slept on the baseball field for our hometown Quad Cities River Bandits. (Yep - the girls stayed home!)

Niabi Zoo

We have the luxury of a small zoo being located just across the Mississippi River in Coal Valley, Illinois. It's definitely a must-see each year! We took advantage of a nice spring day and drove the mere 20 minutes to check out the train, carousel, and of course, the animals. As you can see from our attire, it was a bit chilly. BUT, the crowd was small and the animals were active. We will certainly have to go back during the warmer summer months!

Preschool Graduation

We celebrated Brady's preschool graduation at the end of May. It was a night of singing and dancing, receiving diplomas, celebrating with friends, and enjoying Steak -n- Shake with grandmas and grandpas. Can it be - our little Braders - headed to Kindergarten?!?!?

Thank you Pinterest - sometimes I just gotta toot my own horn for "making it work"!

Family Vacation 2012

After our wonderful and memorable trip to Walt Disney World last summer, we decided to take a shorter, less hectic, summer vacation this year. The whole clan piled into the van on Sunday June 3rd and headed to the Waterpark Capital of the World - Wisconsin Dells! We spent 7 days and 6 nights at the Wilderness Resort (I highly, highly recommend it!). We had a very nice room with lots of space, a huge whirlpool tub, a TV in the bathroom (totally on my "dream home" list), and a beautiful view of one outdoor waterpark (there are four in case you're wondering. Oh...and four indoor waterparks too!) Needless to say, we did lots and lots and lots of swimming. But, we also relaxed and enjoyed the scenic sights of the Dells too. A completely different vacation from last year - but both were very very memorable and so much fun!!!

Oh - did I mention that Josh decided to try zip-lining??? He came home in one piece...a little sore...but in one piece (thank goodness!)!

Two hands on the wire dear!!!

Ride the River 2012

The 5th annual Father's Day tradition for Josh and his boys. Since Noah ditched the training wheels and Brady is *ah-hem* a tish slow with his trainer bike, Josh decided that only he and Noah would take the ride this year. 10 miles later, the boys arrived home safe and sound. No crashes on the train tracks and no missing the boat - all in all, a successful ride. Maybe next year, the whole family can take the ride. (Hmmm...probably should get to practicing!)