Riding on 2 Wheels!

We had a gorgeous weekend a few back- (April 28, 2011- to be exact!)... and we decided to try and accomplish a goal we set for Spring- Get Jenna riding without training wheels!!

Day one- take off training wheels and ride along with Dad or Mom holding and running along side.

Taking off the training wheels! Excited to give it a go!!

Boy- this wasn't an easy day! She wasn't quite sure how to stay steady - and she kept leaning back and not using her upper body and arms at all. It was pretty funny! But exhausting running along side- and hard on our backs!!!


1st time taking off with out them!!

She was really sweet and made some drawings during break time. She showed me the picture and asked me if that was the way she was supposed to be?- I told her yes. Then she drew another one and asked again- so I said No. So one got the check of ok- the other the X. It was the cutest thing! She was so into it!

Her cute diagrams of proper bike riding. :)

That night she told me that the next day she didn't want me or Scott to help her. She wanted to do it all on her own.

Day 2: A couple of helps from Dad- and then off she went!!


Day 2- getting going and doing it!! Go Jenna!

She did it! Here determination rang true! And she did it! We are so proud!! And since- she is doing it with ease!

Phew! It's hard work!! But loving it!!

That's our girl!! XOXO



Our first time riding on the Prairie Path- she's a pro now!!

Jenna turns 6!!

April 12, 2005. That is the day that Scott and I became parents. And to those of you who are... what was it ever like before? Good and all- but getting to share in life- that is just the best! And boy are we proud of our big 6 year old!! Jenna Ann!



We did it up right- I'd say! It was a really nice day! So we headed to one of our favorite parks and enjoyed it! There was even a little girl about Jenna's age for her to play with! But she is really good at just playing with her brother and sister too. She really is the best big sister!





We then headed home to get ready for school. She had a pb&j crown sandwich for lunch- which she got to enjoy outside. :)



I am so lucky and got to visit Jenna's school and read her class a book for her birthday too! It was really nice! And the little ones were very good. Jenna's class got to enjoy a special outside recess for her birthday too! Jenna has such a nice teacher! It just really made my day too!

After school Jenna did a first! She did the monkey bars all the way across!!! She has been working on it for a while- and she finally did it! On her b-day! Yay!!



She needed a nap after such a busy day! And it wasn't over! We had T-ball practice, McDonald's to eat for dinner, and then cake and presents! What a day! What a perfect day for our girl!!





We love you so much Peanut Butter!!!! Happy 6th Birthday!!

Spring Break 2011

What a week! I really can't believe that it has only been a week... cuz we crammed a ton in! And I have loved every minute! (I can't say that Scott has enjoyed it so much... working and a neglected home... but hey- it's Spring Break!)

The weather didn't cooperate to my liking. But Spring is coming!! And I love it!! We did get to enjoy the out doors. And the indoors too.

We started out this wonderful week by getting to spend some time with my Grandpa Risley. He turned 87 this past Monday March 28th. He has had some health complications for some time. But he is doing well and seeming strong! Which we are all grateful. We went to their home (my Grandma too) in Indiana on Sunday. Zachary and Scott didn't join us- Zach was having a stomach sicky day (that luckily seemed to only last that day). It was so great though. My Grandpa really seemed to enjoy his party. And it really meant the word to me to get to be with him and my Grandma.


Happy Birthday Grandpa! We love you and are so thankful for all that you have done for our family!

Monday we layed low- our plans originally were to go to the DuPage Children's museum with some friends. But they were sick and Zach the day before- it was a nice day to lay low.

Tuesday... we enjoyed a great day with our dear friends Kelly and her kids Greyson and Mia over visiting. It was one of those natural friendship visits. I loved every second of it. And it had been way too long!

Wednesday- I dared it- and did it. Went and got the kids pictures taken! I'm nuts!! But it payed off! JCPenny in Yorktown. They were so helpful and I can't thank them enough for squeezing us in (since we were of course late) and the kids did such an amazing job. My heart was so filled from the kindness, understanding, and my gorgeous well behaved kids! And then we had some fun wondering the mall. It was good.

Attic treasures! It's fun shopping in the Attic for new clothes for Ashley! (Jenna's old clothes)

And then that night I got to spend some quality time with my Bubba! We had a Mother/Son night at one of our local park districts. It was great! We played and danced and had ice cream. He is my young wild boy- but I'd say we did it right!- Just had fun!



Me and my guy


So cute playing games!


Have fun always with his best buddy Mason!

Thursday- The ZOO! It was a perfectly chilly day for the zoo. We went with our besties. And survived and had fun!! It ain't easy with 6 little ones! But the weather cooperated and the kids and I had a wonderful time.

I really feel like this was Ashley's first real time at the zoo. She LOVED it! It was so fun watching her just enjoy herself and the animals so much!!


The Boynton's at the zoo! 2011~ Looking forward to many more fun visits!


Friday- Jenna got to spend the day with her Grandma and Auntie having fun and a moon jump place, went to a movie, and was just doted on! And Zach and Ash and I did some Target shopping and enjoyed our afternoon at home.

Saturday- We had our bestie friend Gabby's 6th Birthday party. Which ended with a slumber party for Jenna (2 nights in a row! And boy did we notice it today! Yikes!) But so fun for her!! It was a really nice party that ended late with some Just Dancing! Love it!

And then today, Sunday- Spent at Scott's parents for his Dad's and Grandpa's birthday.

Whew! Seriously! This week was filled!! I can't believe it is back to it tomorrow. But it was so great! Filled with family and friends- just the way I'd want it to be!

Dance Recital 2011

I just couldn't be prouder! I get tears just thinking of how wonderfully Jenna danced at her 3rd dance recital. This year she performed 3 dances. And handled it like a pro! She did sweetly say she was nervous a few days before. But those nerves turned to steal on recital day!

Her first dance was her tap routine. It was to the song "Sunglasses at night". She cutely had fun lined sunglasses to work with too. And she did so good! And looked like it was fun!





Her second performance was her jazz routine. It was too the song "Old time Rock-n-roll". And it was adorable!! Complete with air guitar!





And lastly and our favorite- was the closing number that she performed with the team dancers and older girls. It was so fun! It was to the song "Evacuate the Dance Floor". She got to be nearer to the front and did it well! It was beyond adorable! At one point her claps were a bit off- but she figured it out and got right into it! What a pro!! I just loved it!!



We are so proud of you Jenna Ann!!!

Loving him for him

I just had a great day with my Bubba today. I am still in just an "ahhhh" mood from it. My little boy....

Now I hear from a lot of people that raising boys is a challenge. And boy am I living that challenge! He tests my patience to it's end- pretty much every moment we are together. My boy. Between potty training failures to his new non-eating any dinner to the pestering, whining, fussing, tantrums... Ugg! I could go on and on...

But today me and my sweet boy had a good one. While Jenna was off at school and Ashley was sleeping. Him and I just played- we played transformers, we knocked down blocks, we just played.

I know I play with him- I read to him. I feed him- try to feed him that is. But today...

And actually yesterday too. Instead of getting frustrated with him. I gave him a second, one more shot of the basketball- and then he listened. Today I even got him to take a nap. And he let me brush his teeth.

He is going to be 3 in 3 days. Feb. 26th. Maybe he is maturing? Or maybe I'm learning.

Whatever it was- I loved my day with my Bubba today. And I can't wait to stay away from the computer and play with him tomorrow!

The Blizzard of 2011

Our morning view...


I wish I was talking Dairy Queen! But I'm talkin' snow! I admit I was doubtful- but I guess it was pretty obvious...and it hit. Really mostly over night. Thank goodness we were bundled up warm inside and got to watch it out our front window. It was really the blowing! I could still see our driveway when we went to bed- the snow was just blowing around, very hard, kind of scary really- even some lightning! But it landed eventually and boy did it!

I think we got around 22 inches. I didn't measure though- but it sure looks deep! And it has since been sunny and gorgeous!

Here are some pictures of the dig out. Thankfully I have a strong husband! And my parents had some helpers come by and help them- a huge thank you to them! I shudder to think of my poor parents digging out their 2 lane drive...

But anyway- I haven't had to be out on the roads and Jenna had 2 snow days- gotta love that!

We have since had a few fun days enjoying it. Unfortunately Scott and his dad had to work in it- rodding our sewer- yuck! But the kids had fun outside while they worked! We have taken the kids for a walk down the block pulling them on the sleds too. That was fun! It made me think of the days when horse drawn sleds were means of transport... I am an oldie at heart.

But this one will go down in the books!


While waiting and wondering if it was going to hit- I had to send Jenna off to school... I was uneasy about it!

Our shoveling Machine! What would we have done without him? We love our Daddy!!

Views of the house:

Front and side

Back- really it is beautiful!


The kids enjoying it!


Mt. Carole- the pile from our neighbor Carole's drive way- the kids favorite place to climb- and slide down.


We tried a fort- but it didn't really work...


Ash during the sewer work- and the porch toys- no protecting them with this weather!

Snow?

So the talk of the town/Illinois- is that a blizzard is headed our way. Am I prepared? What do you do to prepare? We have milk...we have bread... we have shovels. Even 3 child size shovels... so I guess we are set!

I am curious if Jenna will have school... if Scott will have work... Is this kind of fun?

I am hopeful that my Mom's school in Kankakee area will be canceled- for her sake- bus driving and all. So prayers for that. And prayers for anyone who is not able to be sheltered or prepared for this anticipated snow.

We have sure been enjoying the current melting snow. I just Friday brought the kids to Jenna's bus stop on the sleds. And then picked Jenna up with a sled ride home. It was fun and the kids loved it! Me too.

Here are some pictures of the kids enjoying the snow and outdoors this winter. (A sweet reminder to me of the fun we are able to have while I am able to be home with them! Ahhh...)


My sweet Ash- where is the snow in this one though? Must have been a rare melted day... and rare that she actually has her mittens ON too... Ugg!


All they want to do is eat it!


This day will go down in the books as a perfect! Sledding in Kankakee with my best girlfriends and their gorgeous girls...just perfect!


My pretty big girl!


Just having fun!