NO TRAINING WHEELS!

On Wednesday, July 23 Kara simply asked Jamin "Can you take my training wheels off my bike? I want to ride my bike with no training wheels." It was a matter-of-fact question that we had been planning on doing all summer, but hey life happens. Needless to say this video is one of the first few attempts on Wednesday. By the end of the night she was riding a little bit without any assistance from Jamin....

by the next night (July 24) she got it! We were so proud of her. It was amazing how fast she got it. Now she is riding around like nobody's business. She likes to count how many times she rides between our house and the neighbors. It is so great to watch her.

Then there is Jace...he wants to be big just like his sister. He cruises around on his tricycle asking us to take his training wheels off. It's so cute.

Memories...

I got this game from my Jamin's cousin Delee's blog:
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Kara's 5th Birthday

I can't believe that Kara is 5 years old. It has been emotional enough having a baby and then to throw at me a 5 year old who will be starting kindergarten in the Fall...its all such an amazing feeling - I just truly can not believe it!

So, on July 3rd - Kara's birthday - she gets to wake up like Christmas morning and open all her presents from her family. This year I then treated her to a fun day at the nail salon - we got our toes and fingernails painted. We then headed off to the Red Robin at night where we enjoyed a night with both grandparents. As some of you know my mom's birthday is July 2nd and Kara missed sharing the day by 2 hours and 15 minutes. So I like to share in the fun with my mom.

Then on Sunday, July 6 we had the big birthday BBQ. It was a blast. All her friends and family played, ate and watched her open presents. It was such a great time. Birthdays are sure wonderful.

Kara is such an amazing little 5 year old. We are so proud of everything she is and what she continues to become each day. Parenthood is the most amazing gift. I am thankful everyday for my children and family. Ok, enough of the emotional stuff. Enjoy my first attempt at a slide show:-)

Camping: The Potholes

So we made our first official camping trip with all three children and I must say it was a lot of fun. I was pleasantly surprised with how well Bryce did. Now, we took Kara camping for the first time when she was 2 months old and we took Jace camping when he was 4 months old. I figured it would be no problem taking a 3 month old, but I must admit it is a little more challenging when it totals 3 kids. All in all we had a blast.

We were joined by the Earle family and my mom & dad. Tempertures hit 98, but luckily we all have air conditioning in our camping rigs, so we all survived just fine. Just to give you a final count of kids and dogs on this trip: 7 kids, 5 dogs and 6 adults. It was a fun adventure.

Hangin' out at the campfire

Roastin' marshmellows - Jace's Favorite

Kara even rode in the intertube! She had a blast.
Kara and Bryson enjoying the water!
Even Jamin got to have fun!
My adorable family walking to the park - I had Bryce in the baby carrier:-)
Of course, Bryce hung out in the swing most of the time (at least to sleep).