Well, summer officially begins this weekend and we are all very ready to get going with it already! :-)

Hailey graduated from K-4 on June 5th. It was a very exciting day! I wasn't able to witness the big event since it took place in the middle of the day when I was at work, but Shane did make it and he took pictures so I could see. The teacher was a first year teacher and she was very enthusiastic about her first K-4 class. Shane said that she barely made it through the first few words of her speech without breaking into tears. It's nice to know that your child was part of a class that had such a wonderful impact on a new teacher. And what a great year it was for Hailey!

We kicked off summer with our first trip to the Kalahari. We went the same weekend as Shane's brother and family, so we were able to spend some time together and the kids got to play with their cousins. It was a great time!! We're used to the waterparks designed for smaller children, so this was our first trip to the big waterpark. It was not as initimidating as we thought! The kids did great! Hailey could have spent hours in the wave pool and on the lazy river. She was not very impressed with the big slides- especially the dark ones. Hunter LOVED the big slides- as long as they were ones that mom or dad could ride with him. Even Ryker got in on the fun and went on one of the big family slides a few times! There was so much to do there with the indoor and outdoors waterparks, game room, amusement park, movie theatre, restaurants, kids club activities, etc! We could spend a week there and never get bored! The kids loved our room with a fireplace and full kitchen. We loved it too- we were able to make eggs and pancakes for breakfast and sit at the breakfast bar, dining room, or out on the deck! We've reserved another weekend for the fall and can't wait!

We are looking forward to many trips to the outdoor city pool this summer, as well as our July 4th celebration, church festival, Riverfest festival, and many cook-outs at home. It's becoming very fun as the kids get older and are able to get into more fun kids activities. They are always ready to try something new and exciting (well, Hailey is and Hunter is too, as long as Hailey is holding his hand!).

Ryker is now pulling up to standing and should be ready to stand on his own two feet before the summer is over. It's hard to believe that he's growing so fast! He loves being with the family, especially his sister and brother who are always willing entertainers. At 8.5 months, he is 22 pounds of solid smiling baby!

Shane has settled into his 2nd shift schedule quite well and has been enjoying his days at home with the kids. I imagine he will have his hands full now that summer is here and the kids will be ready to go in the warm summer days. His park days are definitely ahead of him!! :-)

Pictures of graduation and the waterpark to follow. Our 5-year old "ancient" computer went down again and we have yet to download the software for the camera back on... Now if only I can find that disc amongst Clifford, Blue Clues, and Learning Fun CDs!!

Happy JUNE!!!