I didn't think it would happen this soon...

I take Cody to karate lessons four days a week.  Each day, I insist that I walk him to the door.  I like to make sure his teacher is there.  Harmless, right?!  Cody thinks NOT.  He asked me to let him walk in by himself.  I agreed under one condition...He needs to go to the door, look inside and if he sees his teacher he should give me a thumbs up and then I know I can leave.  If he doesn't see his teacher, he is supposed to come back to the vehicle.  Simple.  Harmless.  A win-win...so I thought.  A few days into this new routine Cody tells me that he is not going to do the thumbs up anymore.  He says, "Mom, if I go inside it means that my teacher is there.  I am not going to give you a thumbs up anymore." 

So, this is what it has come to.  My son is no longer the little boy I see.  He is growing up.  Sniff, Sniff.

I think this should have been in the fine print of the karate manual.  *This class may create your child to be independent and have self-confidence, which would make them able to walk themselves into class.* 

Secretly, I am so proud of him I can hardly stand it.  In just a few months he has changed from a child that wouldn't stand up for himself to a little man that is willing and able to assert himself regardless of the situation.  

What a gift Karate has been to him.  Way to go, Code-Man!! 

St. Louis Pictures

A Weekend in St. Louis

A very fun, busy and HOT weekend in St. Louis!!  We visited the Science Center, St. Louis Zoo and attended a Cardinals game.  We had a wonderful time.  It was just nice to get away from the hum-drum of "normal", everyday to-do's.

What did you get, Chloe?

Chloe received birthday presents in the mail today from Grandma and Grandpa Sillman.  She was so excited to open them and I wasn't about to try to convince her to "save" them until her actual birthday (which is only 4 days away).   So, she went crazy and ripped them open.  Clothes!  I think most children would quickly toss them to the side and look for the toys.  Not Chloe!  She couldn't get her clothes off fast enough to try the new ones on.  So, Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Miss Chloe!!

Baseball Pictures

Cody's team.

Cody, June 2010

Samantha's team.

Samantha, June 2010

Cody Michael

Cody in his karate uniform.

Miss Samantha Grace

Samantha going to Tap/Ballet/Jazz

Chloe had to join in the picture.

Happy Anniversary!

Chad and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary today.  In many ways it seems like just yesterday, yet we have been through so much together.  The past nine years have been full of so many blessings, new adventures, sadness, and trials.  But, through it all we have been there - together.  There is no one I would rather have by my side to experience life.
I thank God everyday for Chad.  He has taught me what it means to truly love and be loved.  I can't wait to see what life has in store for us.  The good, the bad, and the crazy.  All I know is that I will gladly walk through it with my best friend.
I love you, honey!  To the moon and back!

Samantha Goes to Dance

Samantha started dance classes today.  She loves, loves, loves to dance.   When we lived in Nebraska she loved her dance classes, but since we moved to Missouri we had yet to get her started.  We found out they were offering summer classes at a studio here called By Grace.  Samantha chose to take two classes, Cheer & a Tap/Ballet/Jazz combo class.  She was so excited and had a great time at her first class!

Family Fun Day

We have found another place that is all about Families, Fun & Adventure!!  It's Paradise Park in Lee's Summit.  We are always looking for places to visit and new things to try.  Paradise Park is wonderful.  Lots to do for all ages and interests.  There is miniature golf, go-carts, batting cages, bumper cars, foam factory, rock climbing, play garden, and educational centers and toys and arcade games.  Cody and Samantha's favorites were the bumper cars and foam factory.  Chloe loved the pretend play centers.  We'll definitely be going back.  It was a great, fun-filled day!!

Plus One

Following our Memorial Day weekend, we added someone to our family....
My nephew, Dylan.  He was here visiting with his parents for the weekend and we had the pleasure to have him stay with us for the following week.  We had a great time.  Lots of activities and summer fun!!
We bowled, swam, went to the movies, swam, played games, and swam.  Did I mention we swam?  We basically lived in the pool all week.  I do believe we are a few shades darker thanks to our friend, the Sun!!  The kids loved having someone else to play with.  His parents came to pick him up at the end of the week, and I must say it was sad to see them go.  Weirdly enough, the house seems quiet.  Like we are missing someone...and we are!!  Thank you for staying with us, Dragon!! (his nickname)  We love you & hope you had as much fun as we did.