It has been so long since I have posted anything, so I decided to give a little update on the beginning of our summer. The kids have been playing baseball (the boys) and softball (Amelia), and I have been enjoying watching them play. Landin and Amelia love to play catcher, and they are both pretty good at it. Riley usually plays 2nd base or short stop, but he did pitch last week. I love to watch them have fun!

The other activity that has kept us busy is the Lifetime Sports Academy at McMillen Park. They offer free swimming, tennis and golf lessons to kids ages 8-18.
They love going out there. They can earn a free tennis racket after 7 tennis lessons (they have had 3), and can test to receive a free set of golf clubs. Riley has passed 2 of the 4 golf tests, and he really wants to earn clubs before the end of the program. On Fridays the kids get to do open swimming for 2 hours, and they love to go down the slides and use the diving board. They have all learned to dive! There are many families that we know who take their kids there, and I enjoy visiting with them. The kids are keeping busy and learning some new sports. What a great start to the summer vacation!

Proud

I am so proud of my kids. I know, I know, most moms are proud of their kids, but I am really proud of them! Ever since my kids have started playing sports, I have had a rule that they are not allowed to miss church for sports. I will take them to the games and let them play as much as they can, but they are not allowed to cause any problems when it is time to leave early from a game. They have never caused much trouble when I tell them it is time to leave, but they have never really made the comments that they have been making this year.

Let me explain. Landin had a game Wednesday night at 6 PM. Bible study starts at 7 PM. I told Landin that he would have to leave at 6:40 at the latest. When I went over at 6:35 to warn him that we would have to leave soon, even though he was next up to bat, he said, " I don't have to bat tonight, Mom. Church is always more important than baseball. I can bat at my next game." Wow! My 8 year old actually gets it! He has his priorities straight. Even though the rest of the team kept asking him where he was going, he didn't mind! Amelia and Riley said, "That's right, Landin. There will always be other games."

My heart just swelled as I drove to church. I wondered if they would resent the fact that they had to leave early or arrive late at games, but instead, they told me that it was fine! I just had to take a minute and say how proud I am of them!

Fun, fun, fun

We have had a couple of really fun days. Yesterday we went to Stillwater Retreat and had so much fun with our gym class. It was our field day, and the kids got to swing on a rope swing into the water, canoe, swim, play angleball and volleyball. We cooked our lunch over the fire and just enjoyed a beautiful, warm day. The kids had baseball/softball practice after that, so they (and we)were exhausted!

Then, we got up this morning and went to the Toledo Zoo with Mom & Tim and the Ross clan. We had nice, cool weather for the day. It was a little crowded at first, but but we had so much fun! We ended the day with a stop at Culver's for my favorite - chocolate covered strawberry - yummy! I will try to include a few pictures!

A great date!

I just got back from a great date with Riley. He really enjoys going to sporting events, and he wanted to go to the Komets playoff game tonight. Todd is on duty, so I was thrilled that Mom and Tim could keep Amelia and Landin so I could take him (did I mention how awesome they are?). I took him to soccer practice, we grabbed some dinner at the mall, then we went to the game. We had "nosebleed" seats (did I tell you that I am afraid of heights), but we were at center ice. We could see everything (especially the big orange wig in front of me). During the breaks, we went walking around so Riley could find his friends. He surprised me when he leaned over and hugged me and told me that I was an awesome mom and he was having fun. Then, I told him I would wait for him while he went to talk to his friends, and he told me to come with him. I am so thankful that I have such a good, sweet 12 year old son. He wasn't worried about what anyone thought. He made me so proud!

Spring Concert

Amelia takes ballet classes at the New American Youth Ballet. They had the spring concert last night and it was beautiful. All of the conservatory dancers and children's division dancers did a fabulous job. I volunteered to be backstage with Amelia's class during the dress rehearsal and show. I was able to get a few cute pictures with Amelia's camera.

Happy 8th Birthday, Landin!

It is very difficult for me to believe that Landin is 8 years old today. Most of you know that he came 11 weeks early and started out at 2lbs. 3 oz. Now he stands about a head taller than most kids his age. I remember how scared I was the day he was born and how unsure I was about his health. I sat in the NICU wondering if he would ever be able to walk and talk. Well, he can definitely do those things! He is such an active kid. He is loving and snuggly, and he loves to help you with almost anything. I have to laugh about the times he has shown me how to work the leaf blower or start the grill when Todd is at work! I am very proud of the little man he has become. I am going to try to post a couple pictures of him. I hope to get the one of him the day he came home from the hospital (weighing only 3 lbs.).

Laser X Fun!

We had a fun Sunday afternoon. To celebrate the boys birthday, we took some of their friends to Laser X. The first game they played was against a church group made up of teens and adults. They were older than everyone on our team (except Todd), but Riley had the highest score. He was thrilled. The second game, Riley's friends played against Landin's friends. They thought that was a blast. We finished up with some cookie cake before going back to church. I will post about Landin's birthday next week closer to his actual day.

Yesterday we went to my Dad's house for Riley's birthday and Easter. The kids had a good time there, too, and they received lots of candy. It has been a very busy weekend.

As I sit here typing this, Amelia keeps coming in crying because she can't get to sleep. It is difficult to end such a great weekend with my daughter having such a rough night. I am struggling to remain patient because it has been about a month of her not sleeping. I have tried to be nice, and I have tried to be mean. Neither one has been very effective. I will need to continue to pray about it so I can keep from yelling at her when she gets so upset. I know that doesn't help her stay calm and go to sleep.