April 2011

April was an interesting month, little did we know, but it would be our last "normal" month. The month before our lives would change dramatically. We had 4 kids living with us, spring was in the air, we needed to get outside and play. We decided to take the kids to the Thanksgiving Farm. I can't show the pics of our two other Foster kids, but here is "Sawyer," or Cody and Riley riding the ponies.

Here is Riley picking up corn, and feeding the goats. Mom is too cheap to pay 25 cents for the corn, I make them pick it up off the ground. Hey, it works the same, and it teaches them to be thrifty. Right?

My two beautiful kids.

Our good friends the Woods had a baby boy, named Seth, and here is Riley holding, "baby Seth." He isn't so small now though, he is 1 and on the go! I love Ruby and Seth like they were my own niece and nephew! 

Riley and our other Foster Daughter really wanted some "car bags," so, I went to Hobby Lobby and found these large bags, filled the bag with coloring books, crayons, flashcards, stencils, rulers, pencils, paper, and crossword puzzle book. We hooked them over the car seat and they loved having them every time we got in the car. It kept them busy and entertained, and their little brothers didn't annoy them as much!

We decided to have a Hawaiian night, with all the trimmings, as you can see. We decorated, dressed up and had a blast. I even got "lava" rock suckers. The kids loved dressing up and hanging out at home in Hawaii.

Olympic Day! We have an annual Olympic Day...we have all kinds of events and awards at the end. The kids tried their hardest at jump roping, races, dump truck races, tug-o-wars, skipping, screaming the loudest, holding your breath, scooter races, hula-hoop, bouncing the basketball...all kinds of fun events. At the end, I gave awards and treats. With 4 kids, I found myself finding all kinds of free, fun activities that the kids could enjoy. Plus, we made some pretty awesome memories with the Foster kids that are no longer with us. 

Awards! 

We love to take the kids to the Elementary and ride scooters, bikes, trikes, and even the parents take turns...yes, there are pictures of me on the bikes, but I am the one posting so I will not share those! This was the first time Cody really got to ride his bike in the open, and he loved it! In one picture you can even see him riding one bike and pulling the other...he wouldn't get off to save his life! This is the very same spot my parents used to take me and my brother and sister to ride our bikes...lots of memories. 

Chris turned 40 last year. I didn't make him a cake that year, I wanted to make a Yoda cake, but it just wasn't in the cards. 

Ever since Riley was very young, she has liked to race Grandma and Grandpa down the road. Here is all the kids racing Grandpa in his truck, after visiting for Chris' birthday. This is the only picture I can show of all the kids since you can't really see them. I love them all. 

For Easter, every year, we go out 4-Wheeling. This was our Foster kids, and Cody's first time. It was so great. Looking back now, I am so glad we had one last 4-Wheeling trip before Chris lost his sight...in May of 2011. We always roast hot dogs, marshmallows, and I put together an egg hunt in the sage brush. Ha. 

Coloring eggs with the kids, Easter morning, and finding our baskets.

Riley finally had her tonsils out, one day before Chris left on his work trip to Wisconsin. I was home alone with one tonsil sick kid, and three other crazy kids! It was okay though, I am glad Chris got to experience one last trip before all the stuff happened with his eyes in May. I have to brag...Chris was asked to come and help write a "very hard" math test for the Quality Association of America...he is so smart. I am proud of him. Anyway, here is Riley on her way to the hospital; she was scared, but did well. She is doing so much better now!