Father's Day Weekend Pics

VIDEO!!!

I don't have the video of Natalie's recital just yet, but I will soon! For now, just enjoy watching Ryan's brave soul jump off of the diving board. Crazy kid!

PICS!!!

Long time no post

Life has been rather busy around these parts and I have neglected my blog for almost a month! I hope everyone forgives me. I hope I remember everything that has transpired.

We have discovered that year 4 is much more difficult than the terrible twos and threes. Natalie is our little sassy sister. Of course, her attitude is just for us (Dan and me). Elsewhere, she is a pretty little princess...but at home it is a constant struggle. She does well with her manners, she is just very head-strong and still learning that the world isn't always in her favor. Poor kid gets her heart broken at least once a day. I question myself and wonder if we are too hard on her because of her strong spirit. She is so precious and people tell me so often how they think she is so sweet and charming. It makes me smile to know that outside of the home she is so loved! Natalie has her first dance recital on Saturday afternoon. I already know that I am going to cry like a proud momma! Heck, I bet Daniel will get a little misty himself. She is in three numbers...tap, ballet, and the finale. We aren't allowed to take pictures or videotape, but I have pics and a video from her class that I can post soon. She is so excited and so proud. She wants everyone to attend her show! Hopefully Sophia will be here, which will make Natalie the happiest girl there.

Ryan is all boy! Not much else I can say to describe our rambunctious little man. The only way he gets anywhere is by running. He is a busy bee that must be into everything. He climbs on everything...and we mean everything! He has no fear, which of course casts much fear into the hearts of the parents and grandparents. He loves to swim and has decided that he already knows how to swim. His favorite thing to do in the pool is swim back and forth...underwater! He amazed us the first time we put him in the pool this summer. He instantly knew how to hold his breath and kick his legs and move his arms. We are amazed still...since he has decided he likes to jump off of the diving board! Even though the directions say that he is too young, we keep floaties on his arms so he is free to swim around the pool. Ryan is speaking more and has started his two and three word sentences. He likes to say "Let's go!" and "Wow! What's that?" and "Love you." He can say Natalie's name now, but his favorite words are Daddy, Nana, and Papa. He is able to say Uncle Luke and Uncle Mike and adores his uncles. He is showing good problem solving skills, which I first noticed at the YMCA with some blocks they have that connect. He likes to put things together and will really concentrate to attach the pieces together. He also likes to build towers...and then knock them down. He will clap and do it all over again. Ryan is already a ladies man and attracts women of all ages no matter where we go. Actually, when Daniel takes the kids somewhere for daddy time he always attracts a few good lookin' ladies because of our good lookin' kids (at least that is what he tells me). =)

The car business continues for Daniel. GM has cut four of their brands (Saturn, Saab, Hummer, Pontiac) to leave their four best brands (Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick). Hood Northlake Chevrolet has made a name for itself over the years so it is here to stay unlike a lot of other dealerships that must close. Business is okay and we are able to pay the bills, so we are grateful for that. Hopefully one of these days Daniel will be chosen for a promotion. He has been there over four years and is the best salesman they have. His product knowledge alone surpasses everyone. That man of mine knows more about those cars and that business than anyone! I am still with the YMCA working mornings in their childcare center and Thursday evenings teaching Zumba. I sub often the rest of the week teaching Zumba and am currently looking for more permanent positions so I can teach every night! I will also be attending the Zumba Instructors Convention in Orlando this September. WOOOOOO! I can hardly wait! I will be taking specialty classes in different types of dance from all over the world, as well as getting more certifications to teach.

We are blessed to have a ton of family come throughout the summer. Recently, two brothers and former eagle scouts from our old scout troop came to visit. Collin, who visited us a couple of years ago, just graduated from college with a degree in mechanical engineering. His younger brother, Stephan, joined the Marines and is home on leave (he was in Iraq). These young men have kept in touch with my parents and our family since we moved here five years ago. It is a testament to the kind of people my parents are when these two young men take time out of their busy lives to drive 12 hours to see them, and Luke too, of course. My parents are awesome. And now my nieces are here for over two weeks! Woohoo! Brandie and Angie are awesome and all of us girls are going to have soooooooo much fun! Over the fourth of July we plan on having even more family come...from as far as Idaho! Feelin' the love, people...feelin' the love.

That is all for now. I will post pics and videos soon!