Jadon's 1st Big Field Trip

Jadon's preschool class took a trip to the Niabi Zoo on Friday. Each child needed an adult chaperone so I went with Jadon. We rode the school bus and spent the day walking around the zoo. Cindy donated 84 train tickets, so all of the kids and their parents got to ride the train. Jadon sat with his friend Jace on the ride home and they had so much fun. It was a beautiful day to spend with my son and it makes me so happy to see him have fun and develop friendships.

I think the highlight of the whole trip was riding the bus!

Jadon had fun pacing back and forth with the black bear.

Here's me and Jadon taking our train ride.

Leah's Last Day

Kyla and Leah

Leah's 2 yr.old class went to Sinnissippi Park for their last day. They played and had a snack. It was a good year and a great introduction to school for Leah.

Dress Run

On Friday night, our running club did a fun fundraiser, the Dress Run, to raise money for scholarships. Guys and girls dress up and do a 30 minute run and there are snacks and funny awards given out at the end.

Leah relished the opportunity to dress up, but Jadon would've preferred movie night at home. They both were a little confused seeing men in dresses, but then started to catch on and think it was funny.

Heather's boys were good sports and donned matching sparkly black velvet dresses with their mom.

Brenda, Don, and Emma

Mark and Anita

...and they're off!

Awana Awards Night

This past Wednesday we had our last night of Awanas for the year. It was an awards ceremony to recognize and celebrate participation in the program and completion of the books, which include memorizing lots of Bible verses.

Leah and her Puggles group receive Participation Certificates.

Jadon and his fellow 2nd year Cubbies will move up to Sparks next year.

Jadon and Eli received the Cubbies Clubber of the Year awards for their attendance, book completion, participation, and character.

Brecken and Jadon

Leah and Jadon

Meeting Charlie

My brother Jeff and his wife Jordyn had their first baby on May 1st. We went to visit Charlie yesterday, on his 1 week birthday. He is adorable and looks a lot like Jordyn! We got to see my parents and Jordyn's family, too. Then we went out to eat with my mom and dad. I'm so thankful for my mom and for the blessing of being a mom.

Charles Thomas Pins, born May 1, 2011

All the moms and their kids...Happy Mother's Day!

Dutch Days

Cotten Candy was a big hit with Jadon.

We spent Brian's birthday together as a family in Fulton at their Dutch Days festival. It was neat seeing people in traditional Dutch outfits, dancing, cleaning the streets, and walking in the parade, in addition to all the regular fair activities.

Sterling Fire Station

Leah's 2nd field trip to a local fire station.

Grand Prix

Every year our church has a Grand Prix Race night at the end of the Awana year. Last year Brian and Jadon made a Batmobile car out of a block of wood, but were unable to race it because Jadon was sick. This year he raced it and had the time of his life. He won 2nd in his age group and took Best in Show for his age group, too. He also got to have a hot dog meal, sit in some real race cars, and run around with his friends. What a fun night!

In the Pre-school group, Kiah won 1st, Jadon won 2nd, and JohnMark won 3rd place.

Here are the winners from each age group of the best in show.

Crazylegs 2011

Brian and I went up to Madison on Saturday to spend the day with Julie, Sarah, Greg, Jeff, and Charity. We ran the 5 mile Crazylegs race and had great weather for a change. Then we grilled out for lunch and had a quiet afternoon catching up on each other's lives. After a nice dinner at Jac's, we headed home.