First Day of School

Everyone's "first day" didn't happen on the same date, but for documentation sake, I'm combining them into one concise post.  Olivia started 2nd grade, Sylvia entered Kindergarten, and Joey became a preschooler.  They were all equally excited about school, but showed it in different ways:)

breakfast and cartoons...can't beat it

I love how they both wore their "best friends" necklaces<3

Sylvia was excited but a little apprehensive.  I was very proud of her courage!  The only tears that day were mine....

That's one happy boy!

Happy Birthday Peyton

On August 20th, we got the wonderful news that our sweet baby Peyton had arrived.  We couldn't wait to get to central Iowa to see the baby!!  The girls were absolutely enamored with their baby cousin and, like their mama, couldn't keep their hands off of her.

three girl cousins <3

We can't forget about big sister Wrigley!  She was in need of some attention from the kids while we visited.

Have you ever seen such a gorgeous baby?!?

Beautiful family picture!  Congrats Seth and Jenney!!!

8/18/2012: Summer Fishing

These pictures are pretty fuzzy, but they document the event.  While I worked, Matt took the kids up to Grandma Evelyn's lake to meet Grandma Lola, Aunt LeeAnn and Uncle Lonnie, who took them all fishing.  It was a highlight to their summer for certain!  What made it even better? They caught fish!

8/1/2012 & 8/2/2012

A picture diary is the best I can muster these days...so it'll just have to do!  No time for writing when we're so busy living:)

We "practiced" camping in the backyard.  We hope to wear this tent out with lots of camping in the  future!

The girls got goofy with their goggles before heading to the lake on day.

Beach day...their favorite!

I don't think there was a single inch of Sylvia's body that the sand didn't touch!  Big sister was even pouring it under the swimsuit...ick.  But they sure had a great time!

just funny

More July Fun

During the summer, our family life and schedule takes on a whole different personality.  Summer finds us laid back, enjoying time together, traveling, learning, exploring, and soaking up as much of it as we can stand! 

Typical scene last summer: Daddy and Olivia facing off in a game of Mastermind.

There is ALWAYS music happening in our house.

Joey practiced writing his name.  I believe this was the first time he had shown me legible script:)

A fun dinner and conversation with a great friend at Bracco's.

The kids posed for a quick picture before the show. 

Boji Bantam Children's Theatre was a blast!

Here's a picture from the big Ruden family reunion: great grandchildren above. (our kids are here)

Ruden grandchildren and spouses (Matt & I are in this one)

Cookie Grandma and her children & their spouses (Matt's Mom & Dad)

All in attendance: 83 (I believe was the final count) 

The kids got to hang out with a make friends with their second cousins.

We made some trips up to see Grandma Evelyn at the lake too.  (Joey's not into getting pictures taken)

Catch-up on July 2012

Soooo, we've gotten a bit behind in our blogging...

July 11/2012, Sylvia lost her second tooth.

 Getting big boy in the chair took some convincing, but once he got up there and things started rolling, Joey did great!  He was quite brave during his first dental exam and cleaning.

Sioux Falls Day-trip

A few weeks ago, the family took a day trip to Sioux Falls.  Grandma Lola met up with us in Rock Rapids and we headed into the city together.  On the agenda was the Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove, lunch, followed by the Great Plains Zoo.

Grandma Lola with the kids

The touch tank had sting-rays, sharks, and starfish to "pet".

Joey couldn't get enough of the aquariums.

The kids practices using their flight wings.

posing during lunch at Applebees

Olivia was very impressed by the tiger...as was I!

Like their grizzly bear impression?

Sylvia loved the beautiful peacock, and wanted her picture taken with it.

Olivia took this picture of Joey acting like a monkey:)