Skyler's Canoe Trip, Silver Dollar City, and the Olympics

We recently went to Silver Dollar City with the girls. Jaylie was really excited because she is now 36 inches and can ride a lot of rides. In fact, there were a couple that I wouldn't let her ride because I don't think they are safe for a 2 year old. Seriously, if you have been to SDC do you really think a two year old needs to ride those little pirate ships that go close to a 100mph? I think not!

Skyler, Jason, and I usually take a canoe trip every year. However, since Jaylie has been home I have stayed home with her. I really don't know if she would like it or not, but it is not one of those things that I'm willing to go and find out about either. I'm sure other moms can relate. Jason and Skyler went this year and had a great time. We might try with Jaylie next year.

We love watching the Olympics. Skyler is a huge Nastia fan. Can you tell? I like Shawn Johnson. How can you not? She is so adorable!!

First Day of School

Can you believe Skyler is in the fourth grade? It is so crazy because I can remember being in the 4th grade. I've always heard that 4th grade is a huge change from previous years, but the girl has homework every night. The kids switch classes, so she can have homework from different teachers every night. A normal night of homework is an hour to an hour and a half. Oh, and for those of you that don't have kids in school yet, just wait. They have changed all the rules in math, etc. Not only is she learning, but so are Jason and I. I will say that I do like some of the new rules they are using to teach multiplication and division. Math was never my favorite subject, but I think had I learned things the way they are teaching them now that it would have been helpful.

So...not only do we have school and homework, but lets not forget the extracurricular activities. Skyler does girl scouts on Tuesdays, basketball practice on Wednesdays, and this great program called "Girls on the Run" on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Girls on the Run is for girls age 3rd-4th grade and the girls train twice a week for an hour and a half. In twelve weeks they will run a 5k. I'm so excited because when she gets done she can run with me!! Skyler is doing great, last week she ran a mile. I remember trying to run a mile in grade school for gym and I about died. I think it took me an hour. I remember thinking that a mile might of well as been forever. Another great thing about this program is that they teach the girls about healthy body images and healthy eating habits. I should probably take some notes for myself on the healthy eating habits.:)

I don't want to forget Jaylie. She started preschool this year. I know she is a little young, but she wanted to go so bad. I am so glad that I sent her. She LOVES it!! Her teachers are wonderful. I got her a preschool teaching book and now when Skyler does her homework Jaylie will run and get her book and do hers as well. It is so adorable.

End of Summer Pictures

We have spent a lot of time at the lake this summer(thanks to the Farias). The girls both absolutely love the water and Jaylie was almost swimming on her own by the end of it. On this day the girls enjoyed tubing and Skyler tried skiing. Notice Jaylie's goggles that she is wearing on her head. She thinks they make her look cool.

More Vacation Pics(read post below first)

I love this picture of Jaylie
I love this one of Skyler
Jaylie is such a drama queen

Here is a picture of my friend Stacey and our girls
Skyler and Kennedy before the Superman

Oh, did I mention that Jaylie taught herself how to swim underwater. She LOVES the water.

Unplanned Vacation

As the summer was coming to an end Jason and I decided that we needed to get out of Springfield. We decided to take the girls to Destin, Florida. We literally decided this one week before we left.

We have never taken a road trip with Jaylie so we thought we would give it a shot. Jaylie did great on the 14 hour ride home. It was getting there that wasn't so great. About three hours into the trip she asked us when we were going to get on the plan. I was thinking the same thing. Jason will only drive when we travel, so that means I get to handle the girls the entire time. Does anyone else have a husband that does this?

Our vacation also overlapped with one of Skyler's friends(Kennedy). So, in case you are wondering that is the other family in all the pics.



This was the car that Jason and Skyler rented. Skyler thought it was so much fun.

This was Jaylie's
"prison" that Skyler sent her too.




Isn't our view from our balcony great?
I could wake up every morning to it.













Notice that Jaylie's Minnie and Mickey followed us to the beach.

Our Fourth of July Weekend

We had a great 4th of July. We spent Thursday night at our friends the Heeren's that live in our neighborhood. Skyler and Kennedy are great friends. We claim her as our third child. We spent Friday and Saturday at our friends the Faria's lake house on Table Rock. We spent the day swimming in their pool, tubing on the lake, and grilling out for dinner. We watched the fireworks from their boat. The girls loved it.

This is Jaylie's friend Bella. They were so exhausted. Can't you tell they look like rug rats from swimming all day?
Jaylie on the boat on the way to watch fireworks. Did I mention that the fireworks didn't start until 9:30? Jaylie and Bella again!
My friend Stacey(Kennedy's mom).
Kennedy and Jaylie.
Jaylie and Kennedy's brother, Tanner. She really likes him. He is wearing her glasses(which I believe are Skyler's) and she traded them for his hat.
Kaelyn, Skyler, and Janelle on their way to see the fireworks.


Kaelyn and Skyler feeding the geese.

Skyler shooting of the fireworks(with dad close by).
Skyler and mommy!
Daddy and Jaylie!

Jaylie and Skyler. Jaylie was getting a little sick of the noise by the end of the night.

Our Branson Trip

We have season passes to all the parks in Branson so we have spent a lot of time at White Water and Celebration City. We just went to Branson with my family for the weekend. Here's some pics.

Skyer at the Hard Luck Diner in Branson. The waiters and waitresses sing as you eat. This guy made it to the top 44 on American Idol, he said it was the year Carrie Underwood won. Also, for those of you American Idol fans Jason Yeager works there.
Only in Branson can you get a picture of your kids in front of a Christmas tree in July! Jaylie was very confused with seeing a Christmas tree, I guess she is old enough to realize at two that it's a little out of place.
Jaylie hiding in the fort that daddy made for her.

Jaylie riding the swings at Celebration City.

Skyler and Jaylie with their cousin Quinn.