Back to School!

We have officially gone back to school....and while the 3 of us were dreading the actual start...it has been fantastic getting back to a regular schedule!  Gabe is a 7th grader and Grady a 3rd grader...where has the time gone??!!  Not only are they both busy with school, they both are doing sports this fall!  Gabe has started Cross Country with the middle school, and is loving it!  Shawn and I are floored...neither of us enjoy, much less love running!  I mean honestly the only place I run is to the table should someone be serving dessert first or from a bear should it be in hot pursuit of me!  And Shawn, well, he sees the benefit of running...but is far from doing it for pleasure!  Gabe has been running the last month to train for the start of the season...and the last two days has run over 3 miles each day at practice!  He loves spending time with his buddies after school...and the independence he is gaining!  He is growing up WAY TOO FAST!  Grady started 3rd grade...his room is right across from my room, so I get to peek in on him....kind of a bonus for me!  He has also started football!  He loves every minute of it!  We can't wait to see him in action....they have a pretty small team, so the entire team should see a lot of playing time!  So, there you go....read on a you will be all caught up...I've posted updates and pics about our summer and vacation.....only the highlights...don't worry, I didn't give you a play by play!

Gabe's first day of 7th Grade!

 Grady's first day of 3rd grade!

              

VaCaTiOn!!!!

 The Denver Mint...we were not allowed to take any photos inside, so this was the best we could do!

 At the Rockies Game!

 At the Summit of Mt. Evans!  What a gorgeous view from the top!

 Yes, we were literally this close to the animals at Mt. Evans...Amazing!

 The Natural History Museum!

 And because no vacation is complete without coffee in the evening!

 Our crazy boys....need I say more!

 Elitch Gardens...swimming style!

 White water rafting!

 Bishops Castle!

Casa Bonita....The inside waterfall!

 

 

This summer we headed to Colorado for some much needed Rest and Relaxation!  On Thursday when we arrived, we hit the ground running!  We went to Casa Bonita for dinner and entertainment!  It was amazing to watch a dive show inside a restaurant....and the food wasn't horrible either!  I kept reading all of these reviews about how horrid the food was....we were pleasantly surprised!  The next day, we headed down to Canon City and went white water rafting!  Oh My GOODNESS...this was a blast!  We rafted on the Arkansas River in the Bighorn Canyon....a level 3!  There were some pretty exciting rapids...and definitely wetted out appetites for a more exciting adventure!  Our guide was telling us about the Green River in Utah....in a few years, we may have to check that one out!  We had lunch at a fun little grill, hit some antique shops and then headed down to Bishop's Castle outside of Pueblo.  The castle was pretty amazing...all built by one man over the last 40 years.  He doesn't like government, and has signs posted all over telling you so...he was a tad interesting, but an awesome place to visit none the less!  On the way back to Denver, we stopped off at Castle Rock Outlets and did some back to school shopping!  The next day we headed out to Elitch Gardens!  It is an amusement park in downtown Denver....and after riding 2 rides we quickly figured out our boys are not big on spinny rides in combination with heat...they were done!  Thankfully when we bought our tickets, they also included a water park!  Shawn headed back to the hotel and within 20 minutes we were sliding down slides and floating at the wave pool!  We spent the whole day there...it was awesome!  That evening we went downtown for some shopping and yummy eats at The Yard!  On Sunday we went to the Natural History and Science Museum...this place was huge and fantastic...we spent 4 hours at the museum and saw every inch!  That evening we went to the famed Buckhorn....this we probably could have skipped!  It was listed as a must do....however, I think not!  The food was supposed to be exotic....I guess it is if you consider quail and buffalo exotic!  However, our family had eaten this....so not the adventure we were looking for!  We did, however, try alligator for the first time....not bad, a little chewy though!  That evening we headed back downtown to Little Man's Ice Cream for some super yummy ice cream and a walk!  Our last full day in Denver started out with an amazing drive to Mt. Evans...the highest paved road in the U.S.!  The views from the top were amazing!  We also saw all sorts of wildlife!  We had a picnic by Echo Lake and strolled through the streets of Idaho Springs...an adorable little town about 15 minutes from Mt. Evans and 30 minutes from Denver!  We did some Christmas shopping and just enjoyed the mountain air and when we got home I caught Shawn looking for property in Idaho Springs...I guess he was just as taken with that little town as I was!  That evening we attended a Colorado Rockies Baseball game!  They didn't win, but the views of the Rockies from the stadium certainly made up for that!  We saw a beautiful sunset from our seats....breathtaking!  The next morning before heading home, we went for a tour of the Denver Mint!  All in all a fantastic time, seeing new sights, embarking on new adventures, and doing it all with the 3 people I love most....a week well spent!   

Gabe's Summer!

Gabe's summer was chocked full, but I think he squeezed some fun in there as well!  He started out the summer with a Cross Country camp...his first taste of running...just to be running!  He seemed His Orioles team (league) did very well...they ended the season in 2nd place!  The team worked really well as a whole...Gabe played 1st base most of the time, with short stints at catcher when the usual needed a break!  He also hit very well in league...he scored most every time he was at bat...he also led the team with HBP's...hit by pitch....something about being the lead off batter and a lefty sends the pitcher into a frenzy!  Thankfully he is a toughy...he would brush himself off and start stealing his way around to 3rd!  He was a blast to watch....he looked like he was having a lot of fun!  He also played on the Bandits (travel) team....this was a bit more intense!  I think if Gabe could have played like he did in League he would have had a lot more fun with this team.  He just took it so much more seriously....serious is good, but with serious without fun doesn't seem to mesh for Gabe and baseball!  He did very well at first base, stopping most balls that came his way and being a dependable out when the boys got the ball to him.  He struggled a tad a bat...I think his nerves got the best of him!  The Bandits ended the season in Pratt 0-3....a painful weekend for both parents and players!  He is a little unsure what he wants to do next summer....he's got some time to decide!   Gabe also turned 12 at the end of July!  I more year until we have a teenager!!!  He received a gun as one of his gifts this year, so he and Dad are going deer hunting this fall!  He took his Hunter's Safety Course a few weeks ago, set up his stand and feeder and got his camo last weekend, so now he just has to wait!  He is spot on when shooting, so I feel pretty confident if he sees a deer...he will tag a deer!  He also attended the Strength and Agility Camp at the High School 3 days a week this summer!  He has grown so much over the summer...he is looking less and less like my little boy and more and more like the young man he is becoming!  Oh my...this isn't easy!    

 

 

 My little pyro...he has always loved fireworks and the Fourth of July...must be something with the July Birthday!

 Gabe playing for the Orioles!

 Gabe's Bandits team!

Happy 12th Birthday!  What an awesome young man you are becoming, Gabe!  We are so proud of you!

Grady's Summer!!

Grady had a great summer!  He played baseball, swam, wrestled on Sundays and kept the whole family entertained with his usual antics!!  In baseball, he played shortstop and improved so much....catching fly balls with ease, getting outs at 2nd and even hitting an inside the park homering!!  His team started out unstoppable, but started struggling towards the end of the season...they ended up 7-6 at the end of the season...but they had a blast!  Grady has decided to move up next year to kid pitch...technically he would be in machine pitch one more year, but he got a little bored this year...he has already started practicing his pitching!  He also wrestled on Sundays at the high school!  He learned some new moves and was able to start getting the best of some fellow wrestlers that have always had his number!  He also attended the strength and agility camp at the high school 3 days a week!  We can tell he has gotten stronger...I don't think he was convinced until he started football a couple of weeks ago...he now is totally motivated to keep getting stronger!  I love the program at the high school...for 10 bucks for the entire summer, the high school coaches work with the kids 3 days a week on strength training, running, balance and agilities...at this age when kids are growing so fast, I can tell a difference....and I think it's good for the boys to get out there a few times a week...plus, I get to exercise with some of the other Moms...so it's a win-win!

 

                                           Heading to 3rd base....look at the determination!

                                                       The Braves!  Good Season Boys!

And what summer would be complete with out the Fourth of July and the opportunity to blow stuff up!  Grady totally embraced the fireworks this year....in years past he has always been a little hesitant...not this year....full speed ahead!

Updated!!

Okay, Okay I know....I am WAAAAYYYY behind....but grab a cup of coffee, a comfy chair and get all caught up on the Fox Family Happenings!  We have finished the school year and are already the second full week into our summer break....and loving every minute!  We spend most every day outside playing baseball, frog and turtle hunting, reading books in the shade and just your usual goofiness!  Since I have started working.....I have a new appreciation for summer vacation, and I absolutely love the fact I get to spend the whole time with my 2 favorite little fellas!  We're taking this summer a little easier...not too many commitments besides baseball, swimming and strength camp...although, baseball alone could keep us busy!  We won't be taking vacation until the end of July....it was the only week we have completely off...YIKES!  We are heading to Denver and taking our first ever whitewater rafting trip....I am absolutely pumped about this fact!  Oh MY GOODNESS...I can hardly wait!  Well, anywho, enjoy getting caught up...and I'm not going to lie, it may be a while before I update again...the only reason I sat down long enough to get these done was due to the fact practices were cancelled for tonight because of rain...otherwise, I would have happily been sitting at the ball field like every other night of the week, sipping my iced tea, enjoying watching one of the boys play baseball!  aaahhh, now that is the life! 

Wingnuts Baseball Camp!

Today the boys went to a baseball camp at Lawrence Dumont Stadium with the Wichita Wingnuts!!  The boys spent the morning learning base running, pitching, hitting, out fielding, bunting, and grounders!  Now true, they already knew most of this...but, it never hurts learning it again...and in such an awesome setting!  The boys loved running around like major leaguers on the AstroTurf...they think Augusta Little League needs to check into getting that on their fields!!  Gabe's favorite station was hitting...where he hit the back of the cage on every pitch!  Grady's favorite station was fielding where he caught each fly ball that was thrown to him!  The boys loved every minute and soaked up all of the instruction that came from the Wingnuts!!  I am so glad they had this awesome opportunity!

Grady fielding a grounder...it actually looks like he will miss this one...but I actually snapped the picture just prior to it dropping down into his glove...I promise he didn't miss this nasty hopper of a grounder!

Happy Birthday Shawn!

As you know, Shawn is the most low-key fella you will ever meet....so, we celebrated his birthday in much the same fashion!  We went fishing on Monday and to dinner at Red Rock and then on his actual birthday, he headed off to work!  We celebrated after Gabe's baseball game on Tuesday evening with cinnamon rolls and presents!!  I'm always anxious to see what kind of sweet treat Shawn picks out for his birthday dessert....he is not the fan of sweets like Grady and I....but, I think he picked very well this year....cinnamon rolls are one of our faves....so he made the whole family happy! 

 

This is one of Shawn's more interesting gifts!  So, a few months ago, Shawn found a hive over at the farm and expressed interest in beekeeping.  The boys and I had the genius idea of getting him started on  his birthday with hives and bees...well, as luck would have it, bees can only be ordered during a certain time of year...and this was not it!  So, we gave him a book and have promised the bees for Christmas....maybe by this time next year we will have our own honey!  I love his guy a lot...and one of those reasons is because I just never know what he will come up with next....beekeeping??!! Yep, couldn't have guessed that one!

Happy Birthday Grady!!!

It seems Grady has been celebrating his birthday all month!  He started out with having a couple of buddies over for a cookout and sleepover in mid-May.  He then celebrated with his class the last week of school.  And finally, he celebrated his actual birthday! 

He received lots of phone calls, cards, and gifts....and of course Grady ate up all of the attention!  On his actual birthday we headed down to Fox farm for fishing, swimming and a picnic!  That evening we celebrated both Shawn and Grady's birthday and went to Red Rock for dinner...they both decided they wanted steak....and Red Rock has some rockin' good steak!  We ended the evening at Menard's so Grady could spend some birthday money on tools!!  He is currently building a chicken coop.....and needed some tools of his own!  Grady is wanting some chickens very badly and I said if he built the coop he could have them.....that boy is determined....I think we are in trouble! 

Happy Birthday Buddy.....you make us laugh each and every day...God blessed us the day he gave us you!  Our lives would be so boring without our Grady Monster....he is fun-loving, has the biggest heart, and a determination that can at times be a little frustrating for us as parents, but wouldn't want him any other way!  He gives 110% to all that he attempts....he has so many qualities that make us so proud....Grady you are one of a kind....never change!  We Love YOU!

 Grady, Jude and Ryker....in the midst of making and eating smores!

 Happy Birthday farm style!  Grady requested éclairs for his birthday dessert...you just never know what that crazy boy will come up with!

Grady and his big bike!!  And yes, he is in his boxers....with his birthday being on Memorial day this year...he got to open gifts first thing in the morning instead of having to wait until the evening...so, being the oober modest boy that he is....he is posing in his boxers....no shame that boy!

End of the Year Field Trips!

 Grady and his buddies at the zoo!

 Grady and the blacksmith at Cowtown!

Grady had 3...yes 3 field trips in May this year!  His first one was Cowtown in Wichita, the second was the Sedgwick County Zoo and the 3rd was the second graders annual trip to Martin's Farm.  I went to Cowtown with Grady...it's an outdoor museum in downtown Wichita that basically gives the kids a sneak peak into a typical Kansas town in the 1800's.  Grady had a chance to pump water, churn butter, do laundry on a wash board, go for a buggy ride, and play with old-fashioned toys!  It was a blast and an eye opener....especially after they had to haul the water across "town" just to do a load of laundry!  Grady's favorite part was the blacksmith.  That day he was busy building a head for an ax....Grady could have stayed in his shop all day...he was so impressed with the whole process!  Shawn headed to the zoo with Grady's class...it was a wonderful day for the zoo!  The weather was perfect and all of the animals were out for viewing!  Grady was especially excited to have Shawn come along on the field trip....it was all he talked about for days before and after!  The 3rd trip was to Martin's farm.  Mrs. Martin is one of the second grade teachers that opens up her house and property for the second graders to tour each year.  She lives on the river so, the kids have the opportunity to walk by the river, look for tracks, identify trees, and look for changes to the area over the years.  They also have a cook out and play games!  It's just a day full of fun!  I stopped by in the afternoon and walked to the river with Grady and his class....and I even learned a thing or two! 

End of the Year Awards!

Both of the boys brought in a hauling on Awards Day at their schools!!  Grady was awarded with Perfect Attendance, the KU Reading Award, a Green Team Participation Award and the highest Reading Award for his 2nd Grade class!!!  Gabe received a State and Regional Award for his participation in Science Olympiad this year, an Academic Award for maintaining a 4.0 this year and the biggie...drum roll please....he received the Overall Outstanding Student for the 6th Grade!  He was voted to this award by his teachers...so, this is a pretty awesome award!  We are so proud of these two boys....they sure make this parenting thing a cinch!!   

 Grady receiving his Perfect Attendance Award...doesn't he looked thrilled!

 Gabe's Science Awards and the Recognition for his 4.0 average.

 This is Gabe's Overall Outstanding Student Award....Mrs. Andrew's his math teacher wrote the nice little ditty....you all may remember her from baseball last year...she was the one who enjoyed yelling at the officials...glad Gabe was on her good side!

Grady's Reading Award...he received this by reading the most books and having the highest score for his reading tests!! 

Mother's Day!

This year we stayed home for Mother's Day....and it was a glorious day!  I woke up to biscuits and gravy...YUMMY!  We went to church and then into Wichita for my favorite pizza...Knolla's!  We came home and enjoyed some coffee and cocoa in my new Keurig and ended the day with a little baseball in the backyard!!  I can't think of a better way to spend my Mother's day than with my 3 favorite fellas....I'm one lucky gal!

Braves Baseball!

Grady is playing league ball with the Braves this year!  He is in machine pitch this year....and WOW has he improved!  He has only had a couple of games so far, but he has hit a few really good ones this season.  He had one that went into the outfield and he was able to get a double off of!!  He is still holding out hopes for a homer by the end of the season!  He has been playing short stop and pitcher and doing very well at both!  So far his team in undefeated...we'll keep you updated!

 

Bandits Baseball!!!

Gabe #5 sliding into home....SAFE!

Gabe is a baseball playing machine this Spring!  In January he was asked to be on a traveling team from the Augusta area, and he happily accepted!  He started practicing in the end of February and has played in 4 tournaments so far with the Bandits.  They are a young team with a majority of the boys having never played together....so there are some kinks to work out, but all in all they are a great group of boys and a blast to watch!  Gabe mostly plays first base and from time to time in the outfield.  He has also tried his hand at pitching a few times and has done very well there as well!  He has really improved in at bats....the fall ball instruction he received definitely didn't hurt!  The teams he and his team are facing are some of the best at the age group....so, they are getting a lot of good experience!  He is also doing League ball here in Augusta...so between the two teams he is at the ball field every night with practices and games!  Thank goodness the boy loves baseball.....and us too!  His league team has a good mix of boys that have a lot of experience and some that this is their first or second year....they have lost 2 games and won 1.  Gabe has been playing all over the infield with his league team....most surprisingly is probably catcher!  He has been rocking at catcher!  Last night, Gabe made a rocking out at catcher....he settled in right in front of the bag, caught the ball from the first baseman...after he had made an out, and tagged the scoring runner!  He looked like a pro!  He may not be facing the same caliber of player in league, but I think it's important for him to play league.  He is gaining a new appreciation for the rest of his traveling team...while he stands at first with his glove out ready to catch the ball...the other boys are fielding the ball all over the place...something he has had the opportunity to do in league!!  So, if you are looking for us or are itching for a little baseball...come down to the field most any day...and you'll find us!

 

  And yes, this wintery picture was actually taken at one of Gabe's tournament games....in MAY!  We were freezing...we had all of the ski gear out...can you say RIDICULOUS?!

Morels Galore!!

Shawn and the boys went morel mushroom hunting again this year.....and they were pretty successful!  They found so many we were able to dehydrate most of them, freeze them and will be able to enjoy them all summer!  The first week after the big hunt, Shawn and I were putting the little fungi in EVERYTHING....until the boys put their foot down!  They kindly asked how many different dishes did we think we could put the mushrooms in...okay, hint taken!  We have since slowed down, but we are so glad they had a successful morel hunt!

Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter...enjoying the free weekend, spending time with family and the beautiful weather we had been blessed with!  Even with the super busy schedules we have in the house, we set aside time to do our yearly tradition of coloring eggs!  As the boys have gotten older, there are lots of things they have outgrown....thankfully this is not one of them!

 

 

 

 

                                              Easter morning....aren't we such a cute bunch!