Bowling for Real

We're so used to bowling on the Wii Sports or Wii Sports Resort; but we rarely do the real thing. Sometimes, though, it's nice to get the whole family out of the house.

Being Ben's first time and Hannah's second, We had to teach them the basics. After strapping on those stylin' shoes, you have to find the right ball. Unfortunately, Ben tried to grab Stacey's heavier ball for the last frame and pinched is finger between the ball and the rail.


Then you have to get your fingers into the holes and hold it with both hands keeping the holes underneath.


Then you run up and roll it (or throw it) forward (not up).


So much for rolling it underhand...


The next step is watching and concentrating, willing the ball to go where you want it to. Talking, hand gestures, and moving your own body left or right helps, too.


Finally, the celebration!


Everyone had fun, although we're definitely better at the Wii version... much better.

Firsts for Ben

This is Ben's week. Tuesday was his first official day of preschool, and after all the prep talk, he was comfortably ready. Jefferson got to go to, but preschool is not for babies as I learned!

In front of the doors with his "Heart from Home"


Purple sand is a huge hit with three year olds.


Ben's other first for the day: swim class. I had to keep reminding him to keep his body on the ledge, mommy wouldn't be there if he decided to take a dunk. But he listened very well to his teacher and had a good time.


Some other things Ben has been busy with: Rainbow class at church Wed night, Mini-Me in Motion at the YMCA, gym class with mommy, and playing with our friends of course!

First Day of School 2009

The big day finally came. Hannah was out the door more excited than nervous this morning. For the past month she has gone back and forth every other five minutes.


Ben wasn't as excited. He starts pre-school next week.


She waited patiently at the end of the driveway. The school district warned us that the bus would be late the first couple of weeks due to pictures and extended good-bye hugs.


We decided to start our good-byes early.


Finally, after stopping five houses up the street and at the corner before that, the bus arrived.


The bus driver asked her name and told her where to sit and then she was off.


Let's hope the rest of the day goes as smoothly.

End of Summer Wrap Up!

Oh, the end of summer, trying to squeeze the last little bit out of every sunny warm day. After lots of rain the kids are back out on the jungle gym, Hannah's new trick is dangling from the Monkey bars then dropping to the ground, so far no bruises!


The last soccer game. This year we celebrated after the game with the team and ate pizza and the kids got their medals. We're proud of her for doing her best and actually trying to kick the ball. Go Team Avalanche!

Jefferson has widened his palette and now eats baby cereal, pears, bananas, squash, sweet potatos, and today, green beans. Usually though, he's just interested in eating the spoon.

Well, I think you all know that Jefferson is quite mobile now, and he actually did real crawling this morning. His new trick is "crawl into somewhere I can't get out of and cry for mommy to come save me". Next up, pull myself up onto anything, he can almost do it.

Hope you're all enjoying the rest of your summer, it's already coolin down here. School starts in 11 days, we're countin down now!