Sidewalk chalk Contest

 Last year Emma, Elly and Max participated in a chalk drawing contest on Bluff Street in Dubuque, Ia. So when it came up again, the kids were excited about participating in it. Besides area kids, teens, adults, they have a professional draw and scene. It is always amazing to see what artist can do with chalk! This year Emma was brainstorming ideas all week long before deciding what to draw.

Emma getting ready to get started.

Starting her drawing.

Pressing hard to make it the colors shine through!

Using her fingers to shade and spread the chalk accordingly.

Finished product: Fairy Snoozy sleeping on a mushroom!

Max's drawing of a tree! 

Elly's drawing of a fairy!


Though no one won prizes this year, it was fun to see how they have each grown as an artist and to see what they learn from watching other artists!

Bunk Beds

The girls got some new bunk beds, full over full. Josie and Karley moved to the top and Emma to the bottom. Tessa will eventually sleep with Emma but for time being she is still in Connor's room in the bottom bunk if the girls old bunk beds. One night I went in to check on the girls and this is what I saw. Karley hanging her limbs over the sides. I didn't get to worried. After I put the camera away and went back in the room . She had already rolled back over. Prior to going to bed, she was talking with Emma so I think she just fell asleep in this position!

\

Ice Skating

What is there better to do on an day that you get out of school early because it is so hot?? We headed down to the Mystique to trying some ice- skating out and also putting out free passes to use from the Library from the summer reading program! This was Josie and Karley's first time. Emma and Connor had a chance to learn this summer at Loras Sports Camp. John and Brielle joined us also. Overall, everyone did a pretty good job! Tessa and I enjoyed watching them from the sidelines.

The Birthday Girl!!

On Sunday, August 26, we had family over for a fish fry (our freezer finally got cleaned out) and cake and ice cream for Tessa's birthday! 

Chalk drawing made by her sister!

Cake time!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Tessa woke up on her 2nd birthday to phone calls from her grandparents, aunts and uncles! (The phone has become her favorite toy lately!) She was very chatty! Her siblings were very excited about her special day!

Connor making pancakes for his little sister!

Tessa getting ready to eat her number 2 pancake!

Just another Tessa face!

It was a beautiful day so the we went as a family to Bailey's Ford in Manchester. There was something for everyone: fishing, hiking, walking through the creek, playing on the play ground, etc... Connor was especially excited about going because he is always wanting his sisters to come fishing with him. This is a great place to go because the creek is so clear that you can see the fish swimming! The kids switched from one activity to another!

Terry and Connor trying their luck!

Karley, Tessa, Josie, Emma and myself going for a nature walk. They  filled their bags with lots of goodies!

The two fish we came home with!

It was a great family day!!

First Day of School 2012-13

 We had a great summer and didn't want to see it end, but then the excitement of another school year was fast approaching.

 Connor is now a middle schooler (6th grade) and he gets to go to school with me each day! I have to say it was a little different at first, but I am really enjoying it. He is ready to right away and is usually telling me, "Let's go!" He seems to really enjoy this new change!

Connor and I on our first day!

Emma and Josie were excited for another year now as 4th and 2nd graders! They were excited to get to school and see if their friends noticed their newly pierced ears (reason why both of their hair is pulled back) and Emma her new braces!

Karley was excited to be going to Pre-K. It doesn't seem possible that she is in school already. She was very excited to pack her bag with her supplies and wear a backpack like her sisters! So far she has really enjoyed it. Emma and Josie take turns walking her to her classroom which Karley really enjoys. She is also getting use to having Dad drive her to school everyday!

Goodnight Note

It's that the kids are able to watch themselves at night when Terry and I are able to go out, but it is really nice when you come home to notes like this. Josie is very good at showing her love to me!

Artist at Work

Well, the days back to school were counting down and it was a nice beautiful day outside so the girls decided to do some art work outside. Emma was busy drawing and then painting a cowgirl, Josie was doing some finger painting, Karley was painting her own picture, while Tessa was taking a nap in her room.

Good times at the Farm

Here are Pierce, Emma, Truman, Karley, Josie, Wilson, Tessa and Lincoln enjoying a gator ride with Grandpa. They just got done picking up some bales of straw and as they drove around all we could here was singing!! "Zippity do da...Zippity day.. my oh my... What  a wonderful day..." You could tell Grandpa was enjoying himself along with the kids. While the kids were riding, Connor was trying to get some birds with his BB gun in the free-style barn. 

"My Son Pinocchio"

Below are the cousins who participated in The Rising Star Theater production of "My Son Pinoccohio Geppetto's Musical Tale" (besides cousins, Maddeline Montag is in the picture also)

This was Connor and Sam's first year in a play. I told Connor he needed to at least try it and it turns out he really enjoyed it! They all did a great job!

Back: Maddeline, Elly, Connor, Grant,
Front: Sam, Wilson, Carter, Emma, Max and Dorothy