Soccer Smiles

We only have 3 weeks left of soccer and Dylan is already asking, "what's next?" He really enjoys playing soccer every week with his best buddy Kendrick but it's obvious he's just not that into it. Last week I asked him how well he was liking soccer. His response was, "it's ok mom. I just wish I could throw the ball instead of having to kick it all the time." HA! No surprise since his favorite outdoor activities (other than his scooter) are hitting the baseball and throwing the football with dad. He can whack the ball pretty far and he's got a great throwing arm for a little fella. He absolutely loves throwing (and catching) things! (at least it's not his sisters.....yet). Let's just hope he never takes an interest in all-star wrestling like my brother did. "Into the turnbuckle" and "the claw" are just not all that much fun when you are the victim :)

Camp Clark Conversations

These days, LTD are SO verbal!!! There isn't a moment that goes by that one of them is not chattering, singing, reading aloud to themselves or talking to their "children". It is constant from the moment their eyes open until the moment they fall asleep. I wish I could capture ALL their hilarious chatter since most everything that comes out of their mouths brings laughter or smiles. In fact, Taylor's speech teacher commented that she is "a very talkative young lady". I am not surprised since they are always eager for their chance to chat at the dinner table and a common phrase is, "I'm tryin' to talk here!"

And now a "much-overdue" episode of Camp Clark Conversations:

Lindsey

I feel like a bloated pig! (after she ate too much for dinner)

Dylan, if you can't say something nice....don't say nothin' at all! (as he calls Taylor a 'peepie')

My eyes are sweating (they were watering from onions)

Can you believe we only saw 2 workmen on the highway on the way to the cabin? (thanks to our economic recovery stimulus money) Dylan responds, "Yah! There should have been 42 of them!" (his favorite number)

Taylor, you better give me your lollipop since you obviously can't finish it

Mom, you look fantastic today!

Dylan, you can be SO annoying!

(as we are all eating cheese curds at the State Fair) Mom asks LTD, "are you even going to be hungry for chocolate chip cookies?......I don't think so." Lindsey quickly spits out her curds on the table and yells, "I AM!!!)

Taylor

These veggies are fresh from the farm!

I'm staaarving! I need some protein!

Mom asks, "are you ok, Taylor?" (as she is coughing after swallowing BBQ ribs) She answers, "I choked on a pig!"

Aimee's my best friend EVER! She is SO beautiful!

(she is laying on our bed with a baby doll next to her swaddled in a blanket) I just had a baby. Mom asks, "what is her name". She smiles, "her name is Baby Sarah."

Lindsey, you don't know what you're doing! (with a disgusted look on her face as Lindsey drives the Barbie Jeep straight into our minivan)

I want to wear my famous dress (meaning "favorite" dress)

(the condo next to Grandma Good's is up for sale) "You can tell them to take that sign down! I'm buying that house and goin' to MN to get packed up!" Mom asks, "oh really, how much are you buying it for?" Taylor answers, "$69!"

I can't find Cinderella! She's very important to me! (about her Polly Pocket doll)

Dylan

Mom, we want to go to the liquor store! (as I am talking with a friend at the post office; they give away free lollipops at the liquor store)

Ah, MAN!

Nate's got alot of toys! More than God! (after a playdate at a friend's house down the street)

Am I going to get a "rash-hole"? (after I tell him you can get a rash if you don't wipe your butthole properly after pooping)

(I gave them each a quarter after they helped clean out the minivan) Dylan asks, "Mom, do you get a quarter too?" (since I helped)

Dad, if the liberals come to our house, will you karate chop them?

I'm FASTER than a pistol! (he always overhears me say when I am warm, 'I am hotter than a pistol')

(Eating outside at a restaurant which has a fancy stamped patio) Dave asks, "Tina, how do you like that stamping"? Dylan responds, "how do you like MY stamping" (starts stomping around)

Mom, I have ALOT of love in my heart. I even shared it with a friend today at school!

Ella is my girl. I love her!

Rally Week!

Summer is over and school and all the busy activities have officially begun! Our "Rally Week" began with our first day of Sunday School which is something LTD have been looking forward to. We love our church, especially since they do such an exceptional job with the children's ministries.

On Monday, Taylor started speech class 1x weekly and gets to ride the "baby bus" to school and back (see previous post).

On Tuesday, LTD began Pre-K at our church preschool. One word explains how they feel about it: HEAVEN!!! They adore their teachers and it's really nice that they only have 14 students in their class and 3 teachers (lead, assistant and student teacher). Can't beat a 1:5 ratio especially with such wonderful teachers. We will also continue to homeschool one day/week to keep up on our handwriting, letters/numbers, phonics/early reading and math.

On Wednesday, I joined a dear friend and registered for a faith-based program known as BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) which consists of appx 300 women. We will be studying the Gospel of John this year which I am thrilled about! BSF also features an amazing children's program in which they too learn the book of John in a classroom setting along with other children their age during the time the mother's meet. PLUS, Dave registered with BSF except he will be partaking in the men's group (over 350 men) which is held on a different day and at a different location and time. We are both excited about diving into the book of John and sharing our experiences with each other and as a family.

Of course there are the sporting activities too: outdoor soccer for Dylan through October, gymnastics for all 3 (Ms. Ann is their favorite coach), and the girls start dance (tap, ballet, jazz) on Monday for the entire school year with a recital in May.

If we can keep it all together this year, we are well on our way to being able to stay sane when LTD start Kindergarten (sanity comes and goes right now, at least for me)!! I honestly wish we could just shut off the "growing" switch and enjoy these moments in time. Time flies by WAY too fast and I am wholeheartedly grateful that God has given me the opportunity to share all this time with them 24/7/365. What a gift!

Taylor ready for Sunday School (does she really have to wear that scarf?)

The bus is here!
Off she goes while Dylan and Lindsey watch with envy

First Day of Pre-K
They made it through the week...... ......and are still smiling!

First Day of Speech

Monday was Taylor's first day of Speech class. It's only an hour-long class 1x week but what's most important in Taylor's mind......riding the bus, to school and back! No seperation anxiety or fears whatsover. The only dilemma was which "child" should she take with her to class? Dylan and Lindsey were wishing they could take the bus too but Taylor made sure to let them know they will "just have to wait one more year". Such a BIG girl!

Twins Day at the Dome

"We're gonna win, Twins
We're gonna score!
We're gonna win, Twins
Watch that baseball soar!"

We love our Minnesota Twins and yesterday we got a chance to take in a baseball game at the Metrodome along with the Erickson family. It was "Twins Day", which is a special promotion for families with multiples (twins, triplets, quads, +) where we get discounted tickets and food. They feature a pre-game parade in which we get to walk out on the field and march around the perimeter of the bases. It's a major league highlight for the little ones, especially when TC Bear shows up! (check out photos below)

The kids brought their gloves but we had no such luck in catching a foul ball, even though we were right off 3rd baseline. Taking the monorail to the Dome and back was exciting, the treats were tasty, but the biggest hit of the day..........the Twins won!!! Go Twins!!!

Next up, first week of school!!!!

Dylan and his girl, Ella, hold hands
"WOW, this is AWESOME!"

Sixtuplets? - Nope, just best friends holding hands

Taylor & Aimee are inseparableThe boys are in heaven
Lindsey & Ella sharing a pretzel

Snow Cone treats were devoured by all

Out with a "Blast"

Last evening we got the opportunity to enjoy yet another fun outdoor festival with our wonderful friends, The Erickson 5. It was a warm summer night with lots of activities including fire truck demonstrations, carnival rides, tasty treats, live music & dancing, fireworks and hiking through the dark woods back to the ranch. We all had a blast, shared lots of laughter and ended the night with a bonfire in the backyard. Our little ones fell fast asleep in the car on the way home (good thing we brought their PJ's) and they told us this morning that they "love AEK SO much"! We feel the same about their mom and dad. Thanks for the memories, Erickson's!!

"Free" amusement: rolling down the hill

The Dragon ride was a big hit
Ice cream treats on a warm night

Dancing the night away - with a newfound little friend

Fireworks admirers

Goofy guys at the bonfire

Mama Bears enjoy some "down" time

Camping with Friends

We just returned from a 4-night camping trip on Gull Lake near Brainerd, MN, with the Brigham family and had a great time!! The campground was so nice & clean with lots to do for the kiddos (3 boys & 3 girls) and adults alike. The weather was perfect and the lake was beautiful which made it even more enjoyable. Activities included: swimming, boating, tubing, playing on the beach, fishing, scooting around the campground (children on scooters), playing at the campground park, bonfires, eating at Ernie's on the lake, flashlight adventures, and adult conversations & cocktails by the campfire each night when the kiddos hit the sack. We always appreciate time in the great outdoors, especially when shared with such great friends!

Taylor cruising around the lake

The two "little ones" out for a tube adventure

Big boys' turn
Big girls show 'em how it's done

Mommy Lynn swimming off the boat with the troops

Daddy Derek enjoying an ice cold beer

Dylan all puffed up from multiple mosquito bites

Lindsey & Mom cozying up by the fire

S'mores anyone?