The Zobrist Family

I just found out my pictures that I upload to shutterfly can be moved over to here and facebook like in a matter of seconds! Silly me why did I not know this before! This will make my life so much easier! Now you can see more of us...you are all so lucky:)

October 2009-Family Photos

2009-10-28T15:05:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Firefighter Day at preschool

2009-10-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Cute

Playing doctor after dad left

All dressed up, trying to show the kids that even though they look scary they are not! He took the helmet on and off to show them that he was still just Kin's dad

McKinley and Dad
I have a picture of Justin and McKinley from fire day when Coleton was in preschool where she is only one month old and she looks so small! And here we are with her class! Time flies!

McKinley's class! Kin's "boyfriend" is on the right and Kin's best friend is the one holding hand with the girl in the pink! How dare she:) Just kidding! So sweet

Talking to the kids

Today was firefighter day at Kin's school. She said that she was so excited last night that she couldn't even sleep not even a wink! I hope that she is always so excited to have us at her school. Justin showed them all of his gear and talked fire safety with them. We talked about having a meeting place and even though McKinley knows where we are to meet she acted like she had no idea what we were talking about. Looks great coming from the firefighter daughter! She was full of comments and questions which were really only more comments! We were doing really well with not scaring the kids until it was time for the class to get a picture taken with Justin and then we had one kids start wimpering in the back and backing away very quickly so she was no in the picture! All in all a fun day!

Dress up

2009-10-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Joe and Coleton

Hummm, the camera is over here:)

Lori and Dad with the Nancy Grace book Lori bought him

Nice, brother love

Dad, really does not like pictures

Anna, Uncle Mike and McKinley

Aunt Lori and Anna

Anna

McKinley and Aunt Lori

McKinley in her outfit

Kin, Aunt Lori and Anna

Anna and McKinley

So, a few weeks ago we had everyone over for Pam and Joe's birthdays. They are a week apart so we often do them together. Anyhow Aunt Lori thought of the great idea to play dress up with some girls that love to be together but get a little fussy with each other some times just like all girls right...:) Anyhow she dressed them up is great style and had them do a little show! They looked so cute and by the way Lori you looked great too! They loved having everyone looks at them:) Then on to birthdays and it was extra special because Pam and Vince announced that they are going to have a baby in April so of course I was so happy because I love having babies around! We are so excited for them. Anna will be a wonderful big sister. McKinley is already picking out names for the baby or if you ask her babies (there is only one) but she is sure that Aunt Pam can handle two at a time so she is picking names two at a time as well! Trace and Kayleigh are the names this week we shall see what she comes up with next! Congrats Pam and Vince we are so happy for you guys:)

RIP Leafy

2009-09-12T10:57:00.001-07:00

McKinley's message to Leafy

I can't really read the name on the stone

An overview

Ok, so Grandma Ann and McKinley caught a walking stick and McKinley decided that it needed to come home...(a few weeks back the same thing happened and it died) So, I wasn't really all that thrilled to bring home another one but she wanted to so I let her. Anyhow today the thing died again or so we thought. McKinley decided that it needed a new home since it was dead. So, she decided to dig a grave. Jenna from across the street was over as well. I was mowing. Anyhow I saw shovels, and hammers and such going to the back and wondered what was happening. I looked over and saw them all working hard on this grave. After about a good half hour I was called back to look at leafy new home. McKinley was so excited about it. I went back there and this was what I saw a grave complete with head stones...eat your heart out Abel vault monument:) I asked them it they said a prayer before putting poor leafy in the ground and they said
"well he wasn't really dead"

"what...."I said

"he was missing his two legs and he is a walking stick so we killed him"

at this point I wasn't quite sure what to say to them! They went though all this hard work making a grave for a poor animal who wasn't really dead just disabled so I just said nothing!

"It's a great grave"

Wonderful, now we have a grave yard for walking stick just below our bedroom window! Next time Grandma is getting to keep the walking stick:)

McKinley's First Day of School

2009-09-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

All ready to go:)

Justin and McKinley on Friday, he missed the first day because he was at work

Inside before school

So grown up...I teared up a little

So sweet

Before we left

Outside at the sign

Getting our picture taken before meeting her teacher

McKinley with her teacher

Playing at the park after school

So, this Wed. was Kin's first day back at Eureka Community Preschool! She was so excited to get back and see her friends even though her bestest friend Anna was not in her class. We were happy to see some old faces when we got there and even Bri her other bestest friend was there! I knew that she would be but didn't tell Kin just in case something would happen and they weren't in the same class!

So, Kin put on her greatest show for everyone! We had some good laughs at her. She was so willing to do anything and for that I am so thankful! I have never had to peel her off on of my leg to get her to go with someone or had her cry when I have left her! She is such a colorful happy and easy going kid! We love her so much!

Anyhow, we got to stay in the classroom for a little while and listen to her teacher read them a story and hear everyone tell their names and while the story was being read she saw her favorite police officer Officer Lucky (yes, that's his real name) Just a little background on her past with him. He came to the school last year and she was really taken by him! She told him all about our guns (which we don't have, only nerf guns) me getting pulled over (which never happened, that she would remember) and lots of other stuff. Anyhow, she is just taken by him she LOVES him every officer she see's is officer Lucky, every car is officer Lucky etc! Anyhow his daughter is in Kin's class...oh the joy she had when he walked in, all dressed in his police outfit! As soon as I saw him I knew we were in trouble! She yelled out "oh Officer Lucky, I remember you, you let me wear you hat, oh I missed you....blah blah blah! And then since everyone was laughing she had to do her dolphin laugh which only gets more laughter!

Oh, my word my hards are going to be full with her:) When we were walking out I had another mom tell me that she hoped some of McKinley rubs off on her daughter because she is so shy! I hope she is still saying that by the end of the year!

After a while the parents went to fill out papers and Coleton's old preschool teacher was there to stay in the room with the kids! When I got back she said "ohhh my how different they are" isn't that the truth!

So, it was a great day overall! She has made friends with everyone already! I'll keep ya posted I am sure it will be an interesting year:)

2009-09-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

Finally done!
Anna

Before they startedMcKinley working with dots:) Again, yes you just saw this one Anna getting started

McKinley getting Started

Ok, so I am not getting any smarted about uploading pictures on here! Please forgive the crazy order!

So two weeks ago McKinley wanted to have her best friend Anna come over for a play date. The went to pre-school together and if you have ever talked to McKinley you know just who I am talking about because she is always telling everyone about her bestest friend.... So we had her over and decided that we should go to the Discovery Museum but on the way over I remembered that the area was all under construction so I had the great idea to take the girls to go paint pottery! It was a blast...I didn't really know if they would enjoy it but as soon as I suggested it they were all for it! We got there a bit early so we had to drive around for a while and wait for it to open. Finally it opened and the girls were so excited! We had a long talk about being good, no running, screaming etc...that we had to be ladies. They nodded over and over and finally asked it we could please go in. For a second I thought what in the world ever made me think to take them to do this and then that thought faded and we went in!

The first thing you need to do is pick out your pottery. They decided on the very first plate that they saw and I encouraged them to keep looking. After a while they decided on a princess bank and an elephant bank!

Then we needed paint. This was fun. There were tons of choices and they just couldn't decide. So we started with gray and purple. Anna was really careful when she was painting and picked the littlest paint brush and painted very gently making sure that every spot was covered! McKinley picked the biggest paint brush and painted the elephant many different colors. Kin was so cute when she asked the lady
"what if I get paint on the table?"
"no big deal we'll just wipe it off"
"really"
"really"
Then Kin and Anna just looked at each other with big eyes and they both said
"really, fun"

Then when they both thought they were done the lady asked them it they wanted to make poke-a-dots...and of course they did!

It was so cute watching them and listening to there conversations. There was a lots of "mine is going to look great" "oh this is so pretty" etc....and then some "i love you, I'm gonna miss you" "your my best friend" so cute. They have grown up so much since the last time Anna came over.
It was so much fun! Then from there we went to McDonald's where the girls decided to sit up on the tall bar stools. They both got happy meals and proudly sat up on the stools with there feet dangling and eat away. There was more "i love you talk" and so on. They were the only kids there so there we many older people listening in on the talking. Then when they were done I got up to clean the tray and the old lady that was sitting behind me said "thanks so much for letting me in on the conversation, I really made my day!" how sweet is that! Sometimes you forget about how sweet it is to hear a child's voice when you hear it every day!

Then we came back to our house and played for a little bit and then brought her home! It was such a fun day with "just the girls" as Kin would say! I would recommend doing this with your kids! It's just fun:)

And just a few more:)

2009-08-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Coleton and McKinley~August 2009

Justin and Coleton~August 2009

Me and Coleton~August 2009

Waiting for the bus~August 2009

First Week of School!

2009-08-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

Though the school years!

September 2004

Three year old preschool

September 2005

Four year old pre-school
August 2006

Kindergarden

Coleton-August 2007

First Grade
Coleton- August 2008

Second Grade
Coleton-August 2009
Third Grade

Well, this week we started back to school! Coleton went back on Tuesday for his first half day. He was really excited to go back and has been talking about it FOREVER but as we were waiting for the bus he told me "mom I am kinda getting butterflies, I think I am gonna miss you..." oh how sweet is that! Much better than two years ago when he was in tears getting on the bus begging me not to send him! That was terrible! So, we made it though with no tears this year. The bus driver who might I add is always on time always looks so happy when I sit there with my camera trying to get a picture. I have learned that I have to be quick, like so quick you would never ever know I took it quick! Coleton always thinks it's a bit much as well but what do you do! So, he is in third grade this year, where did the time go! Third grade is suppose to be the rough year at Congerville so we shall see what happens. I am sure he will do fine! The only big mess up so far was today when he came walking into the living room at 2:15 (an hour early) hmmm....did someone forget to send out that note that they got out early for Eureka's 150 year celebration or did I miss it? Since I always check all read notes all the way though it couldn't of been me:) Oh well at least we were home:)

Kin doesn't start pre-school until the 8th of September so we have a few weeks yet. She is also so excited to go back and can't quite understand why Coleton gets to go back before her! She is going to have Mrs. Fergerson this year who was out most of last year with some health issues. We are hoping and praying that this year will be better for her and that she will be able to teach all year long! Kin is super excited that she is going to be a BIG kid this year, in the fours class:) It has been fun hanging out with just her this week. She is such a sweet little girl who is full of energy and personality! You just never know what a day will be like when she is around! She spends the days telling me how much she loves me and saying "just the girls" its so sweet!

And for the first time in four years Justin is not starting school with the kids:) He is working in the ER at OSF on day shift which is really taking some getting use to. I am use to getting phone calls from him thoughout the day checking in and such but there is not more of that...to busy! And I am use to going to bed by myself and now that isn't happening which I am glad but as soon as I get use to having him around at night his shift will change to nights which will be in a few weeks! He really likes it down there. It is just something that is going to take a lot of getting use to and feeling comfortable with what he's doing! It's not like you do the same thing every day or even every hour like on the floors. He see's something new and different every day, every hour! I know that it wouldn't be a good place for me! I would always be wondering what happened to the patient when they left the er! Too personal I guess for me...but for him it is great! We are so enjoying this new phase of live and all that goes with it...day shift, night shift and every mood in between:) Just kidding!

Well, here are some pictures from the first day of school! I thought it would be fun to see all of Coleton's first day photos so here they are! I can figure out how to type first and pictures second so you have already seen them when you are reading this! Enjoy:)

Car Wash

2009-08-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

Today Anna came over while Pam went to school to get her classroom set up! Anna is such a sweet busy two year old. She remembers everything and talks a mile and second! Anyhow, we tried to run though the sprinkler but she was having no part of that so we decided to wash the van instead. The kids had so much fun! They all did a great job scrubbing and getting all the bugs off and dirt off! They even did the tires! It was really cute. When we got done Coleton piled the towels up as well as some paper towels and I put them in the wash! I didn't quite find the paper towels until they we all over the wash machine! Oh, well:)

My sweet baby girl!

Coleton using the socks to get the tires really clean

The girls doing all the work:)

McKinley washing the windows

Anna thinking something was really funny

Working hard

Such a handsome boy

Coleton and AnnaAnna washing her spot of the van

freeze Pops for everyone

Swimming

2009-08-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

KinleyJustin and Coleton! They look so much alike!Coleton and his castJustin and Kin! So sweet

Coleton jumping in

Kin being her funny self

Going down the slide on her belly

Our next door neighbor is so nice and lets us use his pool and since there hasn't been that many warm days we haven't gotten to use it that much! But yesterday we took a dip! Well, Justin and the kids did! The water was still a bit to cold for me

Grandma Roth

2009-08-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

Do you ever stop to think just how fast things can change! Less than a week ago Grandma was out and about eating pizza and ice cream at the Merk and Friday was in bed and didn't get up since. She has been fighting cancer since November, I believe and she gave up doing chemo a few weeks back. She moved into the home in Eureka for what was suppose to be a short stay after a while we all knew that she was not going to be able to go back to her house her in town! I had many sad walks past her house knowing that she was not going to be there anymore.

She finally won the battle this afternoon and now is in Heaven! I can't help but smile when I think of her reunion with Grandpa! Their smiles were huge I am sure but beyond that getting to see Jesus face to face. What a sight. We can only imagine what she is seeing now! She was ready to go! She was ready to see what heaven was like and we are all so happy for her but it still does not take away the pain and losing her!

Death is such a weird thing. In the last six months we have lost three people that were really close to us. My mom, Grandma Schick and now Grandma Roth. I can believe that my kids went from have four grandma's to now only having one! My heart just breaks for them. Each grandma meant so much to their little hearts. And now another one is gone. I know that they will be rejoicing because grandma is now is heaven reading newspapers on the davenport with grandpa. And, they were happy because mom was no longer sick. Their hearts are just so pure and sweet. They can see the truth in the situation and not be sad.

Our family is defiantly going to be different. No more Thursday night ice cream at the merk, or stopping by to see if grandma is home for a visit. We are going to miss her so much!

Justin and Grandma at his pinning in May! She was so proud of him

Grandma and Coleton at his birthday in July

Grandma and the kids at Justin's pinning

What a proud grandma she was

This is my favorite picture of Kin and Grandma

Anyhow, this was just my rambling! I have been feeling so sad knowing this was coming, having Grandma Schick pass away and mom! Oh, how I miss her! Lately it has hit me that she is not coming back, she really is gone! Anyhow, please pray for our family! It's going to be tough!

We love you Grandma!

Mud pies

2009-08-07T17:45:00.001-07:00

The kids decided that it would be fun to run though a mud puddle in the yard in their good clothes. They started on the slide which wasn't that bad but they the ended up using a mud puddle as a slip and slide! They had a wonderful time getting dirty...not even a little dirty but head to toe dirty. They had grass everywhere! We are still trying to get the stains out but they had fun so its worth it! Making memories!

Trying it out with goggles

Kin looking cute

Playing together

Trying to get the water off

Just a cool picture so you could see just how muddy it was:)

Kinley

Mud puddles are so much fun

Wipe out

Aren't we cute!

Well, what a summer we have had. It's either

Anna comes to visit

2009-08-07T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here is a group picture of the kids from the other day! Pam had to work on her classroom so we got to enjoy Anna for a while! She is too cute and is growing up so fast...

Coleton, Anna and McKinley

Kids Helping Kids St. Jude Bake Sale

2009-08-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

Lee Hall and McKinley! Last year see danced with him and this year she was wiping off his kisses! It was so cute

Sheriff Mike McCoy with Coleton and McKinley Memphis to Peoria runners starting off on the way to Peoria, in the rain:(

Running into the church from Congerville

Sheriff Mike McCoy telling everyone what we did

Coleton and McKinley holding the sign about dax

Our signs for the kids

Our family

Today was our Kids helping Kids Bake sale for St. Jude! It was a really busy last few days getting ready for the sale but it was so worth it! This year we did the sale in honor of some kids from the area that are fighting cancer right now! We picked five kids and made it a point to tell the kids who we were raising money for! It really helped them to put a face with the cause! Anyhow, we got up bright and early this morning and heading to the Merc to set up. When we first got there it looked like we had so much stuff and we did but as people started coming we were moving a lot of stuff! We went though 25 pies in no time at all! Pretty amazing! People were giving from their hearts and we are so thankful to all who gave, mailed donations or baked for the sale. We are so blessed to have your love and support!

We packed up shop with less the fifty things left and had a quick lunch and then heading to meet up with the runners to give them our money! They always do such a nice job at making the kids feel good about raising the money and it always brings tears to my eyes when I watch those runners! Running Memphis to Peoria-over 400 miles! It's amazing!

If you didn't have time to get your donation to us and would still like to donate feel free to mail us a check we will still be taking donations :)

"Camping"

2009-08-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

Gracie

Coleton with his walking stick

The pack getting ready to go out in the woods! Justin was so excited to go:)

Hanging out in the tent before bedtime

Kinley eating her first ever smore! She loved it! Who doesn't love them:)

Coleton and Me hanging out by the campfire

Lori, Pam and I getting ready to go to the campfire

Grace and Baby Jack

Jack

Just because I love to take pictures of babies

Last weekend we went to a family reunion. We told the kids that we were going camping. I mean just because the cabin has everything that your house has and more doesn't mean that it's not camping right:) The cabin was build in memory of my uncle Bill who passed away a few years ago. He was the best uncle you could every have. He let you do anything say anything and never thought any less of you. He was love to tell ghost stories and aways talked about having a cabin in the woods with no running water etc. Well when my Aunt Maureen build this cabin it doesn't really fit that mold but it is so amazing! It's out in the wood past a clearing and is just amazing! Anyhow, the kids were looking for a log cabin but were so happy to see that they didn't have to use the woods as their bathrooM:)

Anyway, it was a great time to be with our family who all lives in Chicago! We got to meet my cousin Jenny son Jack for the first time and he is so cute!

Can't wait to go back again!

Fishing

2009-07-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Last night we went fishing with our good friend Shawnda! She is a blast to hang out with no matter what you are doing but she loves to fish and so do I so it was really fun! We didn't really get to many bites and we were determined not to leave until someone got a fish so we sat and waited. Two kids who aren't very patient and Justin :) He hasn't ever really gotten in to the whole sit and wait to catch something and then throw it back point on fishing but he was a real good sport about it even with a near broken toe ( I'll save that story for another day:) Anyhow, finally while reeling in to recast Coleton got a fish! Here are the pictures from the night! Thanks for inviting us Shawnda and we hope you didn't get to wet when the storms hit:)

McKinley being the net girl for Shawnda!

Coleton patiently waiting for a fish!

McKinley getting tried on waiting for the fish so she started making her own fun! She wasn't to happy when we told her about the fish guts that were on the net!

Coleton with his fish! Thank goodness for Shawnda being there to get the hook out! Every time I go fishing I have to have someone with me to get the hooks out! Not really something that I like doing!

Splashdown

2009-07-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we went with the summer reading program to splashdown. After a total yucky day it turned out to be pretty nice out when it was time to go! Every Friday night in July is Family night and it costs 10.00 per family to get it so it was all families there and not really that busy! Really nice except for the really rude teenager that felt the need to continue to spray me (fully dressed with camera in hand)! Rude...here are some pictures of the night!This is Justin's cousin baby Kenzie! Isn't she so sweet! Coleton and Kinley taking a break from swimming!Coleton getting done going down the slide!

Sweet McKinley!

The cast!

2009-07-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures from the casting! Coleton did great...sorry no pictures of the prisoner! (see post below:) He is already tired of having this on! He is trying everything to itch it! I remember the days, casts are no fun at all!

Five boys, one van and one mom:)

2009-07-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

So, we thought this year we would take Coleton and his friends to a movie for his friends party! We decided to see Ice Age. So, around 2:30 I started out on my way to pick everyone up. By the time I got a few kids I found out why Mrs. Fisher said that they were by far the smallest class by they were also by far the loudest! It was really fun to listen in on what they were catching up on and what they thought they all needed to share! I really learned alot by the drive over! We made it to the movies with plenty of time to spare and we got settled in the top row, got out glasses on and I started passing out drinks. I has a smart idea by bringing drinks and bowls and getting the refillable popcorn (always trying to save a buck) which worked out really well until in the first few second of having their bowl it got knock over and I had to start all over:) It must not just be the boys because when I went to refill it I knocked half the bucket all over the counter and the floor ( I am blaming the butter) anyhow the lady who was helping me was less than helpful and was ready to let me clean the whole mess up when the manager came up and cleaned it up for me! The movie was good but some of the jokes that were throwen in just for the adults where chought by the kids...maybe a little more suttle next time:) I was sure I was going to get questioned on some of them but the boys seemed have their handle on it! I was glad that their was only a few other people in there with us:)

We made it though the movie then went back to our house for dinner, gifts, cake and playing! I think that we could have just done the playing and they would have all been happy! They had a great time and after it was done I was glad that I didn't have five boys to take care of all day every day! They are all great kids and it was really fun to see just how different they all are! All in all is went really well! A great day:)

Coleton is eight!

2009-07-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

This was such a hard day for me! I can't quite put my finger on it what it was about this birthday that was different that any other but it was a tough day! We woke up bright and early to head off to the ortho doctor to get the low down on his wrist. Coleton sat oh so quietly in the back seat, not reading or playing with anything! I was worried at this point that we were in for one of those days but after thinking about it for a bit I finally asked him what the trouble was and he started talking all about how he was afraid that he was going to need and cast and how his friends we going to make fun of him when we picked them up later! That thought had never crossed my mind that he would be worried about that. I did something that I would tell everyone not to do and told him that he mostly likely would not need a cast and that they would most likely just put it back in the wrap....ok ok ok I know should have never said that but come on he could move it all around! So, on with the drive with a slightly happier little boy! Then we got to the office and the doctor spent less that 5 minutes with us pulled up the x-ray and quickly said you need a short arm cast! No bike riding, no tree climbing and no roller blading all of which are his favorite things to do....you should have seen the look he gave me! Ok, now that I was feeling oh so bad we proceed to the casting room! Oh, did I forget to mention that there was a prisoner waiting to be seen as well. When we were called back to the room they called the prisoner as well. He was cuffed hands and feet in the whole prisoner get up so we were walking back with our backs turned and you could just hear the cuffs rubbing together! Poor Coleton just grabs my hand and looks pretty scared and I just was praying that we didn't get attacked on his birthday! I mean really can't they treat them in the jail! So after that we went to the casting room and got our red cast! He did great and was really happy to tell people about his first present of the day....haha!

After that whole drama we headed out to get some stuff for the party! He had a good time doing that and getting a milky way for a morning snack! Then we headed to wal-mart and he saw his second grade teacher and was so excited that she was the first on who got to sign his cast....I was starting to see hope that the day was turning around! Then, off to Culvers for lunch! I am sure we looked really cute shoved into the tiny one person booth! He thought he needed to sit by me! I was so nice just the two of us hanging out! This was the point in the day when I looked at him, grown up teeth, his first cast and really about started to cry! I am happy that he was growing up to be such a great kid but also it is really hard to let go! I have always been there for him though every little thing and now I am starting to see that he is doing more and more on his own!

Aunt Lori came over for a little bit and brought the gift that mom and dad wouldn't buy for him, the prefect aunt present! A storm trooper helmet! He was so happy...he told everyone about this thing and he was so happy to finally open it that I think we could have said the day was over and he wouldn't of cared...well maybe not but close!

Then we were off to pick up his friends for the party! I will save that post for next time because I need to put up those pictures and for some reason blogger always does my pictures not quite right, it's blogger right couldn't be me! Anyhow, I will leave you with this thought five boys one van and one mom...sounds fun right:)

2009-07-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of dress up at our house! Coleton and McKinley were playing super well together this day and had a ball running all around the house!

We've been married for nine year....

2009-07-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's here another anniversary! Justin and I have been married for nine years today! Seems like it was just yesterday...Just kidding I won't go down that road:) It does amaze me how fast our time together goes. I just wanted to say that every anniversary that we have something seems to go wrong. Our first anniversary was spent in labor at OSF having Coleton a month early, our second anniversary was spent at my uncle (who we loved very much) visitation or funeral and so on. This year Coleton's broken wrist. For some reason the day comes and I wonder what is going to happen! So, when I woke up this morning to see that it was a totally gross day outside I had to smile because it just seems to fit the pattern! Anyhow, we are suppose to go out to eat tonight and finish out shopping for Coleton's birthday, which is tomorrow! Justin is in Chicago today fixing chairs at a hospital, a second job for him so we will see what time he makes it home to see if it is even possible to go!

Some days it seems like forever since we have been married but others it is just another day. We have been together for 13 years now so being together is just something that is suppose to happen each day! I often wonder what I would be without him. I would have to do everything myself, who would fold the clothes or empty the dishwasher, paint the room that I change every few months or fix the things that I broke. Then I wonder what my kids would do without their daddy and that just about breaks my heart. He is such a wonderful husband and daddy I don't think we could manage without him! So, we just pray that he is around forever and ever doing everything that he does and making us smiling:)

Tomorrow Coleton will be eight! That is a sad posting, I will save that for tomorrow!

Hope your day is a wonderful one!

Never buy from Oak express

2009-06-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Plan and simple never ever buy from them!

Pool Time

2009-06-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Most of our nights were spent in one of the resorts pools. The kids has a great time cooling off after a long day at the parks and playing with Grandma and Grandpa as well!

Sea World

2009-06-11T19:33:00.001-07:00

Parasailing

2009-06-11T19:28:00.001-07:00

We need a vacation to recover from our vacation

2009-06-11T19:09:00.001-07:00

Well our week here in Florida is over, we fly home in the early morning hour. It has been a blast here doing the Disney thing but today it hit me that if I hear one more language that I couldn't understand I was going to scream. It seemed that everyone that ran into me or I ran into could not understand what I was saying and vice versa. It was time to be done! The kids had a great time each taking away some really special memories! Tuesday we were at the beach and it was hot. We tried to take some family pictures but none really turned out because the sun was very bright. The kids had a great time playing with Justin and his dad. Dave was a huge hit when he come up with the boogey board. Then Justin decided that he wanted to try para sailing and convinced Coleton and McKinley to go with him. Even though Coleton was a bit unsure he went though with it and had a good time! Then Wed. we headed to Sea World and it was so hot. I think that see all the water made it even worse. It was everywhere and we couldn't get to it. Most of the rides that were made for the kids were broke and the water station was broke as well. It was kinda a bummer since we spent so much for it but we still had a good time watching all the shows and spending time with Justin's parents!

2009-06-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

So we were just getting into Magic Kingdom when we a disney staff member came up and started talking to Kin. As you know she loves new people so it was great. She asked Kin is she would like to see a special friend and be a special guest so of course said yes. We were then taken into a building that was very quite and taken back to a room with a velvet curtain. The lady told Kin that if she wanted to see her special friend she needed some magic, so we all said bip-a-bop-ba-de-boo and the curtain opened and they was Cinderella! She got to see her and take pictures and talk to her all by herself without being rushed out because others we waiting! It was so wonderful! McKinley was so excited and I think Coleton even was too:) She was pretty cute. So, anyhow that was our disney magic for the day! Wonderful memories for her! Then at the parade when she came by she was yelling "hey Cinderella it's me your friend McKinley" so cute!

Very magical day....:)

2009-06-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Magic Kingdom and goodbye Epcot

2009-06-08T20:52:00.001-07:00

We made our way back to Epcot this morning to meet the animals and ride some of the great rides that require a fast pass to get into without a huge wait! The kids had a good time meet them and riding on the rides as well. They loved test track and would have rode it again if the wait would not of been so long. We left after lunch and got to ride on the monarail in the the very front which freaked me out but of course everyone else loved it. A very cool tip that we learned from our disney book ask and you shall receive!

Hollywood Studios/Epcot

2009-06-07T19:07:00.001-07:00

We started the day off at Hollywood studios and then we went to Epcot. We saw a playhouse disney show, little mermaid show, finding nemo
show, chat with flick, and many other really cool things. The day started out really hot and by the time we were in the gates McKinley was already crying for a swimming pool! Oh, what a long day this was going to be:) Anyhow, we found lots of water fountains to splash in and that seemed to make the day go better! Then by lunch in Florida fashion the looks of a storm came though and many people started to leave. It never really did rain but sure clouded up and the breeze was very welcoming! We got some people to take some nice pictures of the four of us which was nice. The pictures of Justin and I Coleton took. I am always amazed at what a good job he does! We made it home around 5 and fed them supper and then Dave and Ann took them to the pool while Justin and I ate. We have been coming back early and letting them get their last bit of energy out in the pool before bed. Tomorrow we are going back to Epcot and then to Magic Kingdom! Should be fun....

He is a padawhan.....!

2009-06-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, we got up bright and early to make it on the first bus out of the resort so that we could be up in the front of the line for Jedi training academy. This is a show that picks kids from the crowd and put them though the training to fight darth vader. Coleton loves Star Wars and so when we went yesterday and he didn't get picked he was sure that today would be his day so we got out early and it paid off. There were many people in the crowd that were there for the fifth time still trying to get picked. Anyhow, he was picked and was so excited! Here are the photos from that....

More pictures

2009-06-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from Hollywood Studios!

Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios

2009-06-06T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today we went to animal kingdom in the morning! McKinley has a love for animals so this was a must do for the trip. The Kilimanjaro safaris was the best. It takes you though the trail and you see all sort of animals. And the best part is that they are not caged or glassed in so they can walk right out to the jeep! It was wonderful. McKinley loved every part of it. Coleton on the other hand had made up his mind that he wasn't going to have a good time and therefore for most of the morning he didn't! The weather is ok. It's about 80 but cloudy so it doesn't feel hot at all. It started to thunder and lighting around noon so we headed for cover under a tree (isn't that what they tell you not to do:) anyhow Coleton was sure that he was going to get struck by the two beams of lighting that came!

After lunch we headed to a 3D show "It's a Bugs life" McKinley was sure to ask to the lady at the gate if it was scary and the lady assured her that it was not. Now if you know Kin she is pretty open to anything but this terrified her. The show was in 3D and was dark with lots of effects. At one point there were even stingers that stung you in the back! We left the show after a bit because she was so upset. They need to rethink that show, not good for little kids!

After that drama we headed to Hollywood studios. It was Star wars weekend which is Coleton's new love so he was so happy there! He got to see R2D2, princess, Luke, and some others I can't remember! It was fun to watch him get so excited. We are going back there in the morning.

We are hoping for another great day! Til tomorrow here are some great shots from the day!

I am so excited that I have high speed here so I can post pictures of our trip otherwise this would never happen! So, enjoy

2009-06-05T18:17:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from the flight!

We made it to Flordia!

2009-06-05T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we are finally in Flordia! We have been planning this vacation forever now so it about seem impossible that we are here. We flew out this morning from Peoria, that 20 min. plane ride was fine then we had a long layover in Chicago. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be but I am not a great one for waiting! Anyhow, Justin's dad drove down with all of our stuff so all we had to deal with was our carry on's really nice! We took off no problem but then met with some storms and with this being the first flight for three out of five of us it was not really a great first flight! Kinley was in front of us with Justin's mom and Coleton, Justin and I were in the seats behind. I thought that I was about to dive to my untimly death, Kinley was screaming how fun it was and Coleton just read his book with a few words about feeling like he was going to throw up! But, after a little bit we were though the storms and had a great landing! Kin also feel asleep right before we landed, always good:)

So, now it is 9:00 and they are soundly sleeping in there beds with only one threat of losing the parks in the morning if they came out! Oh, yeah did I mention that Kin has croup or bronchitis! Oh the fun!

Justin is done with school

2009-06-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a long while I know! We are so happy to finally have Justin done with school. It's going to take some getting use to having him around the house during the day (he works nights) it's nice to have him home! Here are some pictures from the weekend!

Play Day at the Park!

2009-06-02T11:10:00.001-07:00

My friend Jen was home from Hawaii for a few weeks so we thought we needed to have a girls night which quickly turned into a kids night because we all had trouble finding a time that we could get out with out our kids. We went to the park for a picnic and playtime and had a great time! Four kids two and under, a friendly four year old and a very old 7 year old was an interesting mix! We had a great time seeing Jen again and miss her so much! It's funny how times have changed. It seems like just yesterday I was the one running after my kids when they were two and running wild but now they were the ones running after Summer, Emma, Noah and Anna. I do have to say it was nice to not have to run after them and I could enjoy them! It was a great day!

2009-04-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

Coleton at his May Pole Dance!

Here is Kinley at her preschool spring program! She did a great job and was sure to tell everyone while walking up on stage how much we were going to love her singing and how funny the songs were! That girl she is really one of a kind!

Happy spring everyone! Yes, that's right I am back in the blogging world, well at least for today! It's been a crazy couple of months since mom has pasted away and I am really just getting use to the idea that she really isn't here anymore! I have yet to visit her grave and I know that I really should do it but it just seems so odd and no right, maybe it's just my way of not really getting use to the idea!

Anyhow, other than that Justin has four weeks, that's right four weeks until he is forever done with school! Well, ok maybe not forever but hopefully for a while! I am so excited but also a bit uneasy about having him home again! He has been gone for so long that I am really not to sure what to do when he is home! I guess we will figure it out! Mark your calenders May 16 is his party and we want everyone there OK!

Coleton is growing right up on us! He now has four big boy teeth which look so funny because all of his baby teeth are ground down to the nubs! He now has the cutest front teeth that are so going to need braces...but for now we are enjoying them just the way they are!

Kin is also growing up and making me laugh every day! A few weeks ago I was teasing her and asked her if she wanted a bite of my nuckle sandwich and she so smartly replied depends what's on it! She is always coming us with something that is so totally random! I have p/t conference next week and just can not wait to see what her teacher has to say about her! I'll keep you posted!

Hope you all are doing well! I will try and keep up better on this! No promises though:)

I am going to try and post a few photos if I can figure it out! Stay posted!~

2009-02-23T00:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am going to try and make this the coolest blog ever...hahaha! Mostly I am starting this blog because everyone else I know has one so I need to be cool and hip like them:) I am looking forward to sharing photos and news with you whenever I get somewhere that has high speed internet because in Congerville we are still way behind the ages with dial up which takes forever to load anything let along photos! So check back and hopefully I get some new ones up of the cuties!

I'm blogging

2009-01-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

Well, it's happened I am now in the blogging world! I have been blog snooping for a while now and reading friends blogs and now I feel that I am finally ready to have one of my own! Hope that you will visit often to enjoy pictures, stories and lots of other random thoughts:)