Brookes first triathlon!

Brooke did it!!! She competed in her first triathlon. Infact, she is the first for our family.
Here she is putting her bike in her designated spot.
Brooke preparing for her race!
Now this was a highlight for all the girls. Shawn Johnson was there to handout medals to the winners and to give high fives to all the finishers.
Two of our neighbors came to watch Brooke. That was super special and ment the whole world to Brooke.

Fred Kreykes has always been there to give my kids "grandfather" support.

Lining up to race!
Coming out of the swim!
Finishing!

All finishers received nice medals.

Mark and I had so much fun. I am super proud of Brooke. This was 100% her idea and she followed through. We are her biggest fans! (Yes, I am about to have this baby, 2 more weeks)
We were definaltely rookies, because we were told to park in the wrong spot and it was far from were we needed to be and we couldn't get Brookes bike to the designated spot. So Mark rode her bike 2 miles to the race and then 2 miles back to the car. It was funny to watch Big Mark on little brookes bike.

Family Night- South Africa

This was a blast! We studied South Africa today as a family. For anyone wanting to add some craziness to their lives, this has been so much fun to study countries. The kids all look forward to it, and they really enjoy learning. I try to change it up and keep it interesting.
In these pictures the kids are doing their version of African dancing. Africa has lots of different ritual dancing. About 2 weeks ago Chelsea and Brooke started to work on making these masks for the dancing. I bought the instruments at a store we have here in town. It is a fun store because it carries items from third world countries, that the people actually made. The kids were excited to have items made in Africa for their dancing.
The four masks are a hunter, bird, antelope, and rabbit!

We read a book about a little boy from Africa who made a golomito. I bought Luke one that was made by a child in Africa. He has named him Jackson! Not exactly an african name, but right now his favorite name.

We also learned about the lives of children in Africa, which is actully rather depressing. I tried to modify it, so Brooke would be able to sleep. Chelsea said the closing prayer and she prayed for about 20 min. most of it about helping the African children.

I made food from Africa, which was not anyones favorite, and yet it took me the longest to make.

We studied the animals of Africa, since they have all the cool animals.

And then the kids recorded what they learned in their passport journals.

Father's Day 2009

We had so much fun celebrating the best Father ever! Infact, the kids, Brooke and Chelsea planned all week and worked on activities for him. They got up early and made Breakfast in bed for Dad! Church is early so we just did a light Breakfast! They made Parfaits, Yogurt, fresh picked strawberry's and granola, with orange juice and a banana.
After church the kids wanted to do the typical pictures with dad.
Which always ends with a little craziness!
Then we had our weekly family "Primary" or " Sunday School". We did prayer, and our singing time and then we did a scripture treasure hunt. There was 15 clues and the kids had bought, made or found 15 gifts for dad. He had no idea that the hunt was all for him. so it turned out super fun. Annika decided that she would rather strip and dress up.

This was the last clue and it was a box that the girls made for dad to hold all his running gear. Ipod, watch, garmin (which is his main father's day gift).
Then thanks to our most fabulous neighbors who share their pool unconditionally all the time. We got to go for a family night swim. I couldn't resist taking this picture of all the kids walking up the street, on a perfect night, with the most beautiful clouds! We have so much to be thankful for!
Shhhh, don't tell Mark I took a picture of him. But hey, he's still got it after 13 years of marriage, almost 5 kids, and tons of workload.
I can't figure our why we are wearing our snow boots with our swim suit, but she could make it a fashion statement. Chelsea can pull anything off.
Luke and Dad our only boys...for now!
Can you believe Brooke is growning up so fast. Make sure you all check back and see how she does in her triathlon this next weekend.
It's the kid attack on Dad! Everyone want his full attention. And somehow he gives it to them all.
Luke !! What can I say, he is one special kid!
This is our swimming finale!

I know it is dark and hard to see, but this is the cutest thing ever! Mark took me on a quick golf cart ride to enjoy the beautiful night together, peacefully without any kids. The kids could have gone inside, they are standing on the driveway but instead they all just stood their and waited. As we pulled up we felt loved! this is priceless!

Oh I did not mention Dad got to take a 4hour nap! Yes, I did say 4 hours!!!! That is a unheard of gift for a father of almost 5!

Chelsea makes a boat!

Chelsea made a boat out of styrofoam and other things. So while Dad took Brooke on a Father and Daughter special, Luke, Annika, and I went to the canal and watched her Float her Boat.

My favorite part of summer is the chance for us as a family to really bond. It gives the kids time to build strong relationships. I just love it. We are only 3 weeks in and I can already feel the LOVE flowing. I will be very sad to have summer end.

Notice how Luke is holding Annika's hand. He is very protective of her, and knows that she does not always understand the end result of her actions. Last time we were at the canal as a family, Brookes knee accidently pushed Luke into the water. He is bound and determined not to let Annika fall in.

Making Reversible Aprons!

For all of you who know me all to well, you already know that I am NOT talented in the crafty area at all. My sewing techniques are absolutely zero! I wish I sewed and maybe someday when life is a little less busy I will find a teacher. But for now my girls are going to be the family seamstress. Brooke and Chelsea both made reversible aprons. They are super cute and I am one proud mommy!

The first day after making them, they decided to be our waitresses and take our food orders. So they wrote down the food we were serving and what everyone wanted and then they served us. It was fun! Next time they plan to cook it as well.

Brookes first swim meet!

Brooke decided to go ahead and do swim team this summer, even though she was really busy with tennis, basketball, and gymnastics. I am so glad she did. She loves it! This was her first swim meet and she did a fabulous job! She ended up with 2 3rd's, 4th, and a 5th! I really enjoyed it as well. I must admit that it gave some insight to the great support of my parents as they came to all 12 kids events, even the ALL day track meets. Thanks mom and dad for all your support!
She just won her heat for the 5o backstroke!

Luke loves Landen VanderLeests, and what a great example to have Luke look up to. He is a neighbor boy whose sisters and friends with Brooke and Chelsea, and he has taken Luke under his arm and has been a great "big brother" to him!

Luke and Chelsea take swim lessons!

I will be honest, I did not think Luke would like lessons much. I was surprisingly mistaken. He loved it! I am super excited for him to learn to swim.

Chelsea is working hard to be able to swim across the pool so she can be on swim team next year.

My silent mess maker!

Oh my sweet Annika! She seems to always be in trouble! It is extra difficult to prevent her schemes, because she is quiet as a mouse. I would love to post all my fun treats that she creates, but I thought I need to document a few. I really wish I would have taken pictures of the honey that she spread ALL over my kitchen and All over her, twice. My honey is always in the highest cupboard in the kitchen, but now it is in the laundry room. (Until she figures it out!)
But here she found Brookes Sunday IN THE TRASH, took it in the bathroom, climbed into the sink and sat there and drank and ate anything she could possibly get out. She must have sat there for an hour. I don't know how, but she seemed to be eating that already gone sunday the whole time.

This is just a typical mess, she pulled a mug of milk off the counter and it spilled all over her, and the floor. This was right after one of the honey experiences, so I had to have a picture! Oh speaking of spills. Sunday everyone was ready for church and ready to leave and Annika kept saying she wanted "water". (she never asks for water, juice or milk, but not water) So dad gave her a full glass of water and she walked over and dumped it on Lukes head. It absolutely soaked him from head to toe. She did not even take one drink. I still have no idea what made her think of that one. But it goes to show she is constantly thinking of how to cause a little trouble. I am just thankful she is pleasant. She NEVER cries, even if she falls off a swing or gets knocked off the merry go round and 5 kids kick her in the face as they go around. (accidently of cours) So Annika when you are older I want you to know, you have always been a JOY!

Grandma Carol came to visit!

It is so fun that Grandma Carol was able to come out and see the kids. They are all growing up so fast that it gives them a chance to really bond. And they did. I posted this in reverse order on accident. We went to the zoo and then took Grandma to the airport. So this is the last of the visit. All the kids were sad to have to say "goodbye".


Chelsea brought paper and pens, and they drew the animals that they saw. That is what I love about having a year pass, it takes all the pressure off. We just went for one hour and we did not have to see everything. We knew we would be back soon. And since all my kids love to draw, it is a great activity to draw the animals and scenery.


The toothbrush picture is from Thursday Nights. Our town has a family night every Thursday and each time there is a new theme. It really is remarkable how many people support it and how fun it is for the family. Of course Annika got a toothbrush at one of the booths and started to brush her teeth right there. She brushed them the whole night.
Luke is suppose to be on the outside of the parachute not inside it!

Brooke and Chlesea sang in the childrens choir. You can see Chelsea in the blue, folding her arms.
Brooke is towards the top folding in the red shirt. They were so excited that Grandma was going to be here to hear them sing. When we live so far away, they don't get to have her come to very many performances.
Luke and Annika rode the little train.
Of course every time Grandma comes the kids have to have a park day. So we went to the park, then went down town and had a picnic. It was alot of fun.

The kids are just getting into climbing trees. I love it because that was a daily activity for me and my siblings when we were growing up.