Learnapalooza.....

created the perfect combination of learning and fun for the kids and I on Saturday while Jason was off at a track meet. This circus themed event was put on by the kids' school district and featured many fun booths including animals, crafts, science experiments, book bingo, the West Des Moines Police Department, music, performances, etc...

The kids had a blast and Trey loved seeing familiar faces while cruising around and checking everything out. The entry fee was a personal care item donation that will be eventually sent on to the West Des Moines Human Service department and on its way to someone in need. Ty picked a few deodorants to bring and Trey chose bar soap and toothbrushes. Trey said everybody and anybody can use toothbrushes and Ty thought girls would like to smell pretty.....

Ty posing with good old Curious George....she's in AWE of anything in costume lately!!!

Being mad scientists and solving the mystery after making bite impressions from each jaw....they both figured out the one with the chipped tooth was the guilty one!!! Way to go, Jr. Scientists!!!

Trey ready to start the next game of book bingo....he had fun marking off all the numbers and wiggling that loose tooth of his. It won't be long....

Photo opportunity with Miss Tay-Tay....all having a blast!!!

Music and puppet time....fun, fun!!!

Snakes from the Blank Park Zoo....Ty couldn't get enough and Trey, on the other hand, didn't quite know what to think. He takes after his daddy on this one...Jason can't stand snakes!!!

Posing with their child safety cards....

Science fun!!!

Matching the type of food with the animal that eats it....

Trey's last stop before we left. He recognized a few things from school and told me he needed to get a little more information on it. Too funny!!!!!! He's such a little man!!!!!

Thanks WDMCS for putting on such a fun event. The kids learned a lot and it was really neat to see the strong ties between both the community and education.....

~Christmas Fun 2011~

Christmas 2011 has been extremely relaxing and very low key. Jason and I did not travel this year with the three kiddos beyond ONE MILE down the road, and, although I missed the fun holiday Christmas Eve & Christmas Day hoopla in StL with my family tremendously, I do have to say that this travel free holiday season has been amazing. There's nothing quite like waking up on Christmas morning and watching our three beautiful kiddos sprint down the hallway  (okay, two sprinting and one crawling) to check out their loot from Santa....and, considering this was our first Christmas in our new home, it was definitely one to remember!!! (Even with the little pitter-patter of footsteps up & down the hallway at 4:30 am....little footsteps that just had to "peek" and see if Santa actually came. It was AMAZING how those little feet didn't really "peek" yet were able to guess EXACTLY what Santa left near the tree...and, how when we asked how he knew, he said he "heard" the chains on the bike on the roof with Santa....bahahaha....oh, how innocent and fun!!)

So, as I run through a little picture recap of the excitement, I realize just how much I cherish these new sweet memories with each one of my children and LOVE just how sweet life is. It really is about all the little things and all the times together!!! They are definitely my everything....

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you and here's to a fantastic end to 2011.....to all of our family & friends we didn't get to see, don't ever forget just how close you are in spirit in each and every thing we do. We may be far apart in distance, but never in our hearts! Lots of LOVE and plenty of Holiday wishes being sent in your direction.....

One of Tony and Elfie's acrobatic moves....they definitely found the most interesting places to "land" this year! Thanks again, you two, for keeping and eye on Trey & Ty and letting them give you a recap of each and every day!!!

Early Christmas with the Dixon's....they headed off for a 10 day stint in Australia this year for the holidays! Nothing like spending the holidays on the beach and zip lining through the rain forest.....we know they are having a ball....

Damen and Trey checking out the name tag....

Trey waiting to leave...heading out with Grandma Marcia and Jason for a little din-din....

Miss Taylen crawling towards the camera faster than I can take the pictures....getting so QUICK!

Daddy's Little Princesses....

Christmas Eve Goof Balls....

Trey and his goodies....

Tylee and hers.....

Loot from Santa....he started a new tradition this year and made the kids their own bags for presents with special instructions to leave the bags out each Christmas Eve, along with the cookies, so he can fill them with goodies....Fun!

The kids ready to look in their bags....and, Taylen ready to try out Tylee's scooter ;)

Tylee found some Hello Kitty goodies in her bag from Santa.....

Having fun digging through their bags....

Taylen crawling around checking out everyone's goodies....

Ty loving her new desk...the PERFECT coloring spot....

It's ball time!!!

Taylen really wanted nothing to do with her stuff...Trey's pile was much more interesting!!! Isn't that how it always goes?!?!

Already asking to set up the play house and get to coloring....

Taylen motoring around....

What a perfect Christmas Blessing....Tylee, Taylen, and Trey, I LOVE you more than anything and don't ever forget just how stinkin' special you are to me!!! The holidays are that much better with you guys around ;)

The Weites headed out for a Christmas Day stroll....

This is classic....camera is set on timer as it rests on Jason's back bumper and Taylen drops her glove just as the camera snaps away....PRICELESS!!!!

Tylee loving her new scooter and Tay taking it all in!!!

Big Girl!!!

How we brought Christmas Day 2011 to a close...the kiddos figuring out where to set up tents in the playroom....

Perfect spot for a little DS playing....

What snail is going to cross the finish line last?!?! Can you guess???

I seriously can't believe Christmas 2011 has come and gone and 2012 is right around the corner. As the holiday ends, all I want to do is spend every waking second relaxing with the kiddos....and, of course, start taking down those Christmas decorations!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

A Little Sunday Afternoon....

Family Fun!!!

Being Sunday and all, we were wanting to have a little outdoor family fun...it's been extremely hot around here as this "heat wave" has settled smack-dab over the entire Midwest. Today, after some early weekend showers, was a little overcast so Jason and I took advantage and rounded the kids up for a trip to the local swimming hole. Trey & Tylee have both been to this particular pool a few times with me since we've moved here, but Little Miss Taylen hadn't gotten the chance to join us. Today marked the first time we've visited as a family of five and Tay-Tay loved it (for the hour or so until nap time came into play)....

Does she look ready or what?!?!

Trey is quickly discovering swimming underwater...and LOVIN' it!!

Tylee is my true little fish! She HATES to get out of the water!!!

Daddy and his kiddos....

Me and my Munchkins....

Just Jumpin'.....

Tay had her fair share of swimming for the afternoon...off to nap!!!

Tylee jumpin' in like a big girl!!

Trey in underwater action!!!

Slide time!!! Splishin' and a Splashin'....

Ty throwing the ball at me...she's definitely got quite the arm! Future Ball Player?!?! For. Sure.

Tay-Tay checking everything out....

Happy Pool Baby!

Trey is SUCH a Ham for the Cam!!!

Jason was off to football practice about 30 minutes after we walked through the door....so, it was nice to get out and about all together in-between all his football activities!! What a fun afternoon for the Weites!!! We definitely LOVE summer break and all the family fun that comes along with it....

Enjoy the rest of July and here's to beatin' the heat....regardless of how you do it!!!!