oops

Here is the video of the boys from Vacation Bible School. It didn't come through as a video on the other post, so here you go...

bye bye binky

That's right folks, no more binky!!! Today marks 1 full week that Benny has been binky-free.


Last week Ben's bink 'broke'. Uh oh! And we 'couldn't find' all the other ones. While he wasn't looking I hid all of the extras and cut the tip on the one on the counter. The look on his face was priceless when he put it in his mouth.


The first couple of nights he asked for it and stayed up until 10 but it has gotten easier each night and he hasn't even asked for it for the last few days. Winning!

vbs

The boys went to Vacation Bible School this week and tonight was their program. I recorded it for Chad (and to have) because he had to sleep so he couldn't go. Alex did awesome! He was super excited to go tonight where Jack was not. We had to bribe him in the first place to go. He said he wasn't standing in front and singing but ended up going up there. He didn't sing, but he did the actions and I am so proud of him that he was there.

Here's one of the songs...

When it was all over, one of the helpers came up to me and said all the teachers had voted Alex best prayer (apparently he would be loud and crazy and then when it came time to pray he closed his eyes and folded his hands and got down to some serious praying) and biggest flirt! I told her there was no surprise there. She said he would sit in a pew with all girls and no boys. Oh dear lord we are going to have to watch that one!!!

summer

I cannot believe it is mid-August already! Time has both flown and crawled this summer. I can't WAIT 'til school starts!!!! We are so sick of hearing "I'm bored". And the thing is, they have plenty to do. That is why it bothers us so bad. Our school starts Sept. 1st here so a few more weeks to go. I've had all their supplys bought for over a month now so we are sooooooo ready!

I was really super horrable at taking pictures this summer. I managed to get a few of Jack at his Park and Rec Golf...

I blurred out their shirts since it says what city we live in. I'm almost 99% sure you all know where we live anyway, but you never know!

I forgot my camera each and every time Alex had Tot-Ball =( I really wanted to get some shots of him since he loved it so much and was actually pretty good for a 4 year old. Also, forgot the camera for swimming lessons, our family reunion (on Chad's side), and for our little day trip to Dyersville to the Farm Toy Museum. Chad said, "Maybe we should get you a big, expensive camera you can bring with you so you can take some pictures. Oh wait, we did." Uhhhhhh!!! What a bummer. At least I have the memories in my head.

One of the four pictures I did manage to take was of Ben sitting nude on the front porch. No idea why he was out there without clothes, but at least he has his hat on!

Hope everyones summer is good for what little is left anyway. I really need to take more pictures. We are building our grain bin this weekend so I am planning on getting some shots of that for sure.

my beautiful boys

I thought about posting a different picture of Alex but seriously, this is him. Dirty face, bike helmet, and weird smile. So Alex.

The boys decided to set up a lemonade stand on Friday and Saturday. It was very tough to make sure their hands were clean at all times but they did a good job and ended up making $20!

fun on the fourth

We spent the weekend of the Fourth at 'old' Grama's and Grandpas and had a blast! Fun with family and great food (thanks Gram and Mom). Auntie Pam and cousin Mick and Corey were there. It was so great to see them again. Of course the tried and trues--Mom, Dave, Lisa, Michael, and Jake--were there too and it's always nice to see them as well =)

Some relaxation time before lunch

A little bean bag football toss game action

One of the biggest helpers of the day taking a break

My lovely family

A few 'Holstein Ducks' Corey spotted on our walk to the bridge

Jack picked up this can and said, "How can someone drink this much soda in one day?" Then preceded to wave the beer can at every car that went by.

Ben walked the whole way back from the bridge hand in hand with Mick and Corey. It was so cute. Both of them were so so so good with all the boys. I miss not having family close but it makes the times we do get together that much more special.

asthma

I know I have tons of pictures and loads of 4th of July stuff to blog but I guess I'll do this one first.

Jack may have asthma.

I took him to the Dr. after two weeks of a cough that hasn't gotten any better. The last straw was yesterday after riding his bike he had a pretty bad coughing fit. So we went in.

We saw a nurse praticinor and she said it wasn't an official asthma diagnosis but she prescribed Singular for everyday and an albuterol inhaler for before physical exertion and flare ups. We go see a Doc in a month for a follow-up and see what he says.

This kind of sucks! She did say it might be mild and he may outgrow it but still, he could have an attack and scare the sh*t out of me! He has never had a full-blown attack, just the coughing fits and a lot of coughing at night.

I know it's not the end of the world and he will be fine and he may get over it and he can still do everything he has done before, but still. I don't like to see any of my kids have something potentially wrong with them. I guess we will see in a month if the meds are helping and we all can breathe a little easier.