Dillon Nature Center

This is our down week.  Our focus has been laundry.  Lots and lots of laundry in preparation for Florida.  With a couple birthday parties and soccer practices thrown in the mix.

Yesterday, the only thing on our agenda was hair cuts for the girls; I was kind of relieved to have the day at home....and then I got a text asking if the kids wanted to have a play date.  I was thinking park, she was thinking Dillon Nature Center in Hutch.  I thought about saying no, but I definitely don't love laundry enough to stay home from a fun, FREE playdate to a new place!

Yes, I said free!  (fyi - the Hutch zoo is free as well) I was in somewhat of a rush when we left, so I forgot my camera, but take my word for it, it's beautiful there!  Plus, yesterday's weather was amazing!  The kids spent quite a bit of time playing in the HUGE sandpit.  Sandpit sounds gross and ugly; this was not, but I don't know what else to call it.  I was kind of worried if any of my kids would actually take their shoes off and get their toes dirty, especially Cru.  He is like me...doesn't like to get his bare feet wet, then add sand to the mix.  But they LOVED it!  It was great beach prep!






A little story about the picture above....the kids had been playing in the sand for quite some time.  There had been issues, no fighting, and then this girl (pictured above with Cru) showed up and started throwing sand and water everywhere.  After the third time, Reese said, "I'm outta here!"  She continued.  Then with her spoon full of water, she walked up to Cru and said, "Can I throw this on you?"

His reply, "No way!  And if you do, I'll throw this on you!"

She ran away :)

And not realizing it, but I captured the conversation in this picture above when I was photographing Everlee.

We decided it was a good time to move on, so we headed towards the trails.  There were two to choose from.  It was like you were in the woods, then you walked through a field of wild flowers.  Each trail was nearly a mile, but the kids never complained once.  I complained....because I was carrying multiple caterpillars!  And flowers!  Next time, we will bring our bug house!  My kids girls love bugs!






There was also a huge pond where you can feed ducks, but sadly, there were no ducks yesterday :(

We didn't take time to explore the indoors....too beautiful outside.

I'm happy we went - kids loved it, and now we have a new place to visit when we go to Hutch!


Kenna (born two days before Everlee), her brother Grayson peeking his head under the bear (born two days before Cru), Cru, Everlee, and Reese



 Until next time.....

3v3

Back in May, our neighbor/friend asked if Cru would be interested in playing in a couple 3v3 tournaments.

My initial reaction...what the hell is 3v3?

3 on 3 soccer for the not so soccer savvy.

We aren't soccer people; we don't know the lingo, we don't know the rules.  But we know our son loves to play!

Nothing was set in stone; Jon had to put together a team and find out if any tournaments had U6 divisions.

6 and under age division, again for the not so soccer savvy ;)

One thing we did learn this spring during Y rec league soccer is that McPherson does not offer a competitive soccer team under the age of 8.  So, this would be an opportunity for our soccer-loving boy.

A couple weeks passed, Jon asked if we were still interested because he had found a couple tournaments and put a team together.

So, practices started, and Chet and I quickly realized how lucky Cru is to be given this opportunity.  Jon is awesome!  I really don't know how else to describe him.  He's taught their inexperienced team of five and six year olds SO much!!!  They have plays and positions.  They have learned new skills, new vocabulary.  And Cru is loving ever single minute of it. 

Their first tournament was a few weeks ago.  I was nervous!  Unfortunately, the kids seemed to be even more nervous!  I'd be the same way if I were five and playing against boys and girls a foot taller!  They played only one other U6 team, the rest were U7, which was expected.

I was so proud of our team though!  They played hard all four games, stayed tough, and never gave up!

And also throw in a severe storm and several hour rain delay!

Here are the highlights....





We loved seeing all of Cru's crazy facial expressions throughout the day!








































































































































































































































































































































































Back row: Beckett, Marah, Brady
Front row: Dmitry, Cole, Cru

It was a long day, but man, it was fun!  And we didn't even win one single game!  Definitely not for lack of effort, talent, or coaching!  We are just young and inexperienced at the competitive level.  I was so proud of our team!
 

I am begging and pleading with my sanity to make it through this week.  I am struggling.

Today....left the house at 10:00am.  Arrived back home 4:42pm.

Swim lessons 10:30am



The kids LOVED lessons with Kenna!  Everlee struggled a bit during her last couple lessons with not wanting to go under, but today, she put her big girl panties on (and maybe shed a few tears)!  

A very quick lunch with Daddy, which included four trips to the bathroom so two kids could poop.  We seriously spend more time in public bathrooms when we go places than the actual place we went to!  Not fun for someone who has a fear of public bathrooms.  I'm talking about me.  Also, not fun for a person with Crohns.  Wow, getting off track!



Cru had a birthday party 1:00pm, we were only a tad late ;)

Reese and Everlee had well child checks 1:30pm. 



Both healthy and doing great!

Volleyball camp 2:15pm, late again, but with valid excuse this time.



After camp, we grabbed smoothies....Reese said, "Wow, we have been so busy today, Mom!  Are you getting us a treat because we've been so good?"  Yes...and because Mommy has been good too!

When we got home 4:42pm, I finished up a special sash I had been working on for a friend.



Then, I got a text that just sent me over the edge.  Nothing bad, just pressure, and I couldn't handle it.  I wanted to crawl in a hole...and drink margaritas.

We went outside instead.

Plus, I had no clue what we were doing for supper, so I was avoiding the kitchen....and messy house.  And laundry...Cru has told me for two days now, "This is my last pair of underwear in my drawer."  Yes, the same pair.

Once outside, my mind was definitely taken elsewhere.



Red lipstick is pretty much in every picture these days.

Thank you, loves!



I need to finish the week strong!  My motivation....after this week, softball, tball, swimming lessons, and volleyball camp ALL DONE!  I'm ready to swim all day and grill every night!

I had every intention of getting back into a regular blogging routine this week buuuut I'm tired. 

I'm tired of being tired. And busy. 

And you're probably tired of hearing about it.

I'd like to think this is just a phase...running here, running there. But I think it's just the beginning. 

This is our lives now.

If it makes our loves happy, then that's all the matters.

But I'm tired.....

Although it seems as if these kids are running me ragged this summer, it's the best job in the world.

I am so thankful to be their mom. I am so thankful they love me and forgive me. 

And I am so thankful they have each other. 

I pray they always lean on one another. And they always stay close. And they never forget that family is forever.

Proud to be an American

Bring on the holiday weekend!

#IBelieveThatWeWillWin

Please tell me that my son and I are not the only ones who jumped on the World Cup bandwagon???

Today....USA vs. Belgian.

Holy smokes!  We were hoopin' and hollerin'!  High fivin'!  Chanting....I Believe That We Will Win!  I Believe That We Will Win! 

It was intense!  And I don't know a dang thang about the sport! 

Unfortunately we lost, but what a game!

Very proud!!!

 
































USA USA USA