2.23.2023

Thankful Thursday

I'm just so, so, SO thankful Kase has been having an easier time at school lately. He's been working so hard and I'm so happy things are going well for him.


I'm thankful for a fun parent vs. kids scrimmage at the last practice of Kase's basketball season this year!



I'm thankful to be leaving for vacation tomorrow! Bring on the sunshine and family time!!!!!

2.20.2023

Weekend Wrap-Up

 Our weekend got off to a fun start as Kase and I headed to Clear Lake after school on Friday! We got to my parent's condo where these cute cousins got to have a sleepover. 



Picked up some Taco John's for supper- happy Kase.  In his Comfy, hanging with fam- great night!


Berkley was cuddy to him all night and Kase loved it! She kept melting into him and he would put his arm around her- it was really sweet.





The boys room! Can't say they got a lot of sleep but they sure did have fun.



Up bright and early the next morning!



Grandpa Terry took us on a drive- what a beautiful sunrise. 



He even drove us out on the frozen lake! Kase and Huston weren't sure what to think but after the initial shock they thought it was pretty cool.



Vogel kids joined! We couldn't believe how early they got up to make it to Clear Lake- everyone was so happy to see each other.



Breakfast gang!



Then, off to play! These kids got the biggest kick out of slipping and sliding around on the ice and I think Grandpa Terry had just as much fun out there watching them do it.



First cousin picture by the bell.  Missing Kael (at work) and Kylee (at volleyball) for sure!



While the kids came in to warm up and dry off, Dad, Mandy and I took a drive uptown to check things out.  Mandy and I even tried out the cookie vending machine we had heard about in town!



Then when Rob and Tam made it to town, we loaded the gang all up and went to the Color The Wind Kite Festival. 






It was so neat! The kites were really impressive.



My buddy. 



Aww! Caught this sweet moment of Dad and Mom just enjoying watching everyone together and seeing all the pretty kites too.



So cool!! The kites were great but the biggest highlight was just spending time together making memories.



Kids wanted to hit the park on the way out, of course! It was sweet seeing them all help each other get a spot on the crowded spinny thing.



These snow piles just have beckoned the boys for weeks.  They've been dying to run and jump and climb all over them!



We went back to the condo for lunch and to celebrate Rob's birthday. 



Later that night Kase went with a friend to play Knocker Ball.  If this game isn't just made for Kase, I don't know what is!


He and his buddy enjoyed some ice cream after!




Meanwhile, Kent and Kylee were having fun in Omaha.  Kylee's team went 2-1 the first day with a bummer 3rd set loss 17-15 but then had fun out with the team for pizza and to an Escape Room!



Kylee and her best friends. 







Dad Squad.




Sunday morning Kase and I were up early to go to Marshalltown for a basketball tournament.  His team went 3-0 and won the whole thing! He played so hard. Fun way to end his season!







Kylee's team went 3-0 on Sunday too! Fun day for them then they went to Top Golf after.  Kael went to church, had a Walk meeting, then had a choir concert.  My parents were able to make it to his concerts then take him out for a late lunch since I was still out of town at Kase's tournament. Later that afternoon I took the boys to a movie- we had such a nice time! Then Kael went to the gym and Kase went to bed early.

Monday Kylee's team went 2-1 and made it to the championship!! 2nd place out of 104 teams- WOW!!! She was happy and tired when they got home.  Kael had track pictures then his first track practice.  Kase and I joined my family at Pizza Ranch then Huston and Tyson came back here to play.  They had fun spending their tickets together at the arcade and also had a blast running around at the park with Nerf Guns.  That evening Kase had basketball practice, Kylee's boyfriend came over and Kael went to the gym.  It was a full, happy weekend!











2.16.2023

Thankful Thursday

 I'm thankful for sweet Valentine gifts from Keith and Cindy for the kids.


I'm thankful that vacation is right around the corner.  My people are ready for the beach and time off school.


I'm thankful for a really fun day at BizTown with Kase and his class on Monday! Kent and I both got to volunteer and we loved seeing Kase give his speech as CFO of construction and watch him do his thing all day long!








I'm thankful that Kylee and Garrett had time for a nice Valentine's Eve dinner (he had baseball on actual Valentine's).  They went out to Filet and he brought her roses and chocolates.  What a guy.





I'm thankful the kids still love and appreciate the photo books I give them every year on Valentine's.  I also get them each a couple more gifts and Kase was especially excited about his Comfy sweatshirt this year.



Have a great weekend! 

2.15.2023

Valentine Photo Tradition

 Love taking this photo every year.


2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018


2019


2020


2021



2022




2023