Happy Father's Day!!

We were a little late celebrating Father's Day this year since daddy was gone in Nome. He got home yesterday and the kids and I couldn't have been happier. Daddy was greeted by being shot with water guns then lots of hugs and kisses. I had told Lance that the next person who walks in the door he should shoot. He didn't know it would be daddy though.

Lexie is all about surprising people: randomly through the day she will hide things behind her back and say "close your eyes" then hand you what's behind her back and yell "surprise!!" She's too funny. I gave her daddy's gift and she was super happy to surprise daddy with a shirt we made for him. 

Here is Andy with his awesome shirt and a few of his knives that his dad & stepmom got him for Father's Day

Mommy had a surprise waiting for him too;his favorite, apple pie. 

Yesterday was a hot day for Alaska. The temps outside got in the upper 80's. it was super nice outside, but inside are not air conditioned house the 80's was HOT. We spent the evening out at Eklutna Lake. It was soooo nice. The water was super cold. After all, it is a glacier fed lake. 

We had a wonderful Father's Day! Andrew is an amazing dad. I have always loved Andrew but the minute Lance was born he welcomed Fatherhood and became this awesome dad. It made me fall even deeper in love with him. Then we had a little girl and watching him with her made it grow even more. He is never too tired to play trucks, go for a hike, play dolls or even take a bath with the kids (we have a huge tub). Andrew reminds me of my dad so much. 

Speaking of my dad. I can't forget him. I have the best dad ever. My dad has so much ambition. When all 5 of us kids were younger he would drive 2 hours back and forth to St.Louis to work. He would get home every night pretty late. This was before cell phones so we never knew what time he would get in. I remember waiting for what seemed like hours on our front porch for him to get home. When he got home he was so wore out from working hard but he never said "I'm too tired." He always had time and energy for his kids. My dad hated being away from us so he started his own bricklaying business. I cant imagine the leap of faith that must have been, being a one income family with 5 kids at home. I have so many great memories of my dad. We would have family baseball games out in the field behind the house, fishing, camping, riding four wheelers and hunting are some of my favorites. The best thing my dad did though was teach us about God. I remember every night at bedtime him telling us Bible Stories. Dad not only just told us about God, he lived it. My dad is my hero. Every day when it's about 6 o'clock here I know I need to hurry and call before he goes to bed (that 9 o'clock in Missouri). That's the best time to reach him because he is always outside. I love how much my dad loves Andrew. He treats him just like he is one of his own. Andrew & dad talk regularly too and Andrew is always sure to ask dad for his advice on things.

God has given me two amazing men in my life. I thank Him every day for these two dads! 

Loads of fun

The kids and I have been super busy this week having fun. Daddy left for Nome on Tuesday so I made sure to do some fun things this week with the kids.  

Tuesday I watched a friend's kids for her since they are in the middle of move. The little girl, Riley, does dance. She loved giving Lexie some lessons and Lexie loved taking them. Lexie always wants to dance anytime she hears music. It kind of got me thinking about looking into dance lessons. I know there is a local studio here in Eagle River so it would be convenient. We will see. I know she will be starting gymnastics in the fall. I'm not sure of we want to both. 

Wednesday was Lance's first day with the bigger class. He did great!!! He kept up with the bigger kids just fine and really enjoyed the challenging courses. Moving up was definitely a good move. 

This week we joined a local mom group. We had a great time meeting new moms and playmates. The group is pretty big and does 2 to 3 activities a week. Of course, not everyone makes It to every single play date so the events stay fairly small which works out really well. I am looking forward to making new friends since my really good friend moved away. 

One of my favorite things to do with the kids is just go exploring. Thursday after our play date, We explored our yard in search of bugs. It was nice not having to be on the look out for snakes when flipping logs over or going through the tall grass. We caught a big ant, a centipede, a big fly, and a spider all in the same mason jar. Lexie kept wanting me to catch the bees we kept seeing land on the flowers (dandelions), but I didn't dare try that. I knew just how that would turn out. The kids loved catching the bugs, but I think their favorite part was shaking the jar and watching the bugs fight. I love how my kids aren't afraid of anything not even bugs. 

After a long day of exploring and playing we took a trip to Avalanche for frozen yogurt. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. The kids were out by 8:15 and I was able to enjoy a long chat on the phone with daddy and just sit with my feet propped up. 

Today was LOTS of fun. We met my friend Mistie and her two children, Dale (almost 4) and Sierra (1.5), at the Musk Ox farm. Andrew had been telling me about the wild musk Ox that he had been seeing around Nome so it got me wanting to see some too. The Musk Ox farm is located in Palmer just a touch North of us, so it didn't take long at all to get there. Dale does gymnastics with Lance and they have become best buddies so Lance was super excited to hang out with him.

The musk Ox are pretty neat animals.

We enjoyed a guided tour and learned some interesting facts. Did you know musk Ox are actually related to goats not cows??? I sure didn't. I love learning about animals! Especially Alaskan animals.

We all enjoyed a picnic in the shade before heading back home. 

Today when I heard about the rodeo being in town I just knew I had to take the kids. The kids took a long nap before heading to the rodeo.

 I LOVE rodeos!! It brings back so many memories of when Andrew and I were dating and our early married years. When I got told Lance that I was taking him to the rodeo he got all excited then asked "what's a rodeo?" 

Every rodeo starts off with the Star Spangled Banner and an awesome cowboy prayer. This was the most patriotic moment I have ever witnessed. It couldn't have been more perfect. Let me set the stage: a young girl dressed in sparkling red white and blue clothing riding her beautiful chestnut horse around the arena while holding the American Flag that is waving in the wind, a lady singing our national anthem so beautifully, some of our troops all standing at attention, and get this, a bald Eagle flying high above the arena soaring so majestically. It was an amazing moment! It was almost as if the Eagle knew what he was doing. 

Bull riding was up first. The kids were absolutely amazed. For the first couple of riders they just sat so still and quiet. It didn't take them long to get caught up with the crowd (and mommy) and start cheering and clapping. The kids loved it!! 

Next was Lexie's favorite, the barrel racing!! She really liked all the pretty cowgirls but she was in love with their horses. Lexie really got into cheering the cowgirls on. 

This paint was my favorite horse. It reminds me of one my dad got for me for my 16th birthday named Dolly.

It was the cutest thing. When we got home from the rodeo Lexie sat on Happy and was saying "giddy up" and "yeehaw!". She was ready to run some barrels too. 

We have enjoyed our week. I just really wish Andy was here to enjoy everything with us. Hopefully him being out of town becomes a thing of the past. Some things are in the works, but we will know more about that later.

The kids are always saying funny things. I try to write them down so I don't forget. Here are a couple of our little funny moments this week

The day Andrew headed to Nome Lance said "I miss my daddy!" I just sighed and said "I know" he says "don't you miss your husband?"

Lance was trying to get Lexie to eat her spinach in her noodles. He says "don't you want to grow big and strong like bubby"

Lexie wanted to get the fish out of the fish tank and I told her "no" she argued with me for a second and then points towards the bedroom and says "GO TO YOUR ROOM! Go to your room now!"

How does your garden grow

Our garden is doing great!! We should have a great crop of beans and carrots lol. Watering the plants is one the kids favorite things to do every day. I made some water jugs for the kids by putting wholes in the lids of some empty milk jugs. It works perfect! 

Our garden is getting pretty crowded so I think I am going to have to thin it out some. I'll do that when the kids aren't watching. They mite get a little carried away with thinning out plants. 

Weekend fun!

Daddy got home from being gone all week on Saturday morning. It was a nice surprise! The weather was perfect so we got to enjoy lots of time outside. Saturday was a birthday party for a little girl,Kinley, that does gymnastics with Lance. Everyone had a blast at the party. There was a bouncy house, sprinklers, a trampoline, and other fun stuff. After the party we thought we would try our luck at fishing. Well the only thing we got to bite was the mosquitoes! We left the lake and went straight home. The kids didn't get bit since I had sprayed them down at the party, but poor Andy sure did. 

Sunday was church. We have started going to a very new church. Each week there are more and more people so its great to see the church grow. I love how personable it is and how we are becoming such great friends with everyone there. The other church was so big that we always felt like the new people and never saw the same people twice. We have lots of chances to get involved with our church instead of just being a seat warmer. 

Sunday was such a great day! We had a wonderful message at church about prayer, then a quick trip to Walmart, then home to enjoy being outside washing both cars. The kids loved helping daddy wash the cars. They did a pretty good job too! 

After working so hard the kids were beat! The both took a 3 hour nap at the same time! It was great! Daddy & mommy got some much needed alone time! Plus, we got some fun things planned for when grandpa & grandma Conway come in less than two weeks!

Sunday evening was spent around the fire pit. We roasted some marshmallows and made s'mores. It was so much fun and sticky! 

We love having daddy time! We had the perfect weekend with amazing weather. 

Growing and changing

Yesterday Lance & Lexie had their very first dentist appointments. Lance went first. The hygienist gave him some cool froggy shades to wear. Lance was a champ and did everything she ask him to do with no fuss. She was super impressed with his behavior. He has great spacing between his teeth so that means his mouth won't be crowded when adult teeth come. The only concern is that Lance has an under bite, but it could correct itself when adult teeth come in or may need helped out when he is older. For now, he is looking good!

I love how relaxed he looks in this picture!

Next up was Lexie. Lexie started off by covering her mouth and saying, "No touch my teeth!" The hygienist bribed her with the cool heart shaped shades and after that she was a champ. Lexie's teeth are looking great! Great spacing and a great bite! I couldn't have been more proud of my big kiddos!! 

My kids are growing up so fast!! Lexie has went through a major growth spurt. She is a super fast runner, but lately I have noticed my little girl is pretty clumsy. She is constantly banging her poor knees  from falling. Lexie is also sleeping allot. She sleeps 11 to 12 hours a night plus about a 2 hour nap in the middle of the day. I guess playing outside in the sun and growing are really wearing her out. Lexie has also developed a huge personality lately. She kind of has an attitude toward others. At home we don't have a problem, but she definitely doesn't like others touching her or telling her what to do. Lexie is all about being a pretty princess. The other day I had braided my hair and she said "mommy, you're a pretty princess!" She even commented on my mom's long nightgown. She said it was a pretty princess dress. 

Lance is growing super fast too! He has made the transition to a booster seat and he is loving it! Lance is so caring and loving. When daddy is away he becomes the man of the house. He loves hugging and kissing on me. He always ask me how I am doing and if I need help. Daddy is such a great example of how to be a gentleman. Next week Lance will move from the 3 & 4 year old class to the 4 & 5 year class in gymnastics. We are looking forward to the change and learning new moves! 

Life is happening so fast. Kids grow up so dang quick. Some days it seems like there aren't enough hours in a day. I am so blessed to be able to enjoy these fun moments everyday. 

One of the kids favorite things to do is going to open gym. Open gym is a time that parents can come with their preschool kids and play together with them. Lance doesn't really need much help on the gym equipment. He is becoming quite the pro. Lexie loves mommy helping her reach the rings and hold her hand on the balance beams. 

I know I say this all the time, but I truly am blessed by God to be these awesome kids' mom!! 

Birthday pictures!

Lance's birthday pictures are done! I am so happy. Here a few of my favorites 

O happy day!

Today Lance started out the day by asking "Mom, can we go to the zoo today?" I started to say "no" but then realized I had no reason to say no. I got some chores done while the kids did some painting then we made our way into Anchorage. 

This time I brought along the monkey leash for Lexie. When it comes to animals this girl is out of control! I was definitely glad I brought it too. 

The Alaska zoo is perfect for little kids. It isn't super big, but has lots of cold weather animals that most other zoos don't have. The paths are covered in wood chips and they have lots of board walks. Another thing I love about the zoo is that the animals have large pens. 

Lance was adorable! At the entrance they gave us a map and he decided he was going to navigate the zoo for us. He did a pretty good job too. 

Lexie's favorite part was the petting zoo. She loved the goats and the rabbit. When some other kids came in and wanted to pet the goat she yelled "no, that's my goat!" 

This silly old bear had an itch. He was quite funny to watch.

The best part of the day was while we were eating our snack I got a phone call. Someone had found Happy!!! I was so excited I was crying tears of joy. We left rite away and drove to pick her up. Happy had missed us too! She had been very well taken care of though. 

Thank you, God for bringing our doggie back home to us! We have missed her so much!!