The Temple

Today we had a ward Temple Trip at the Louisville KY Temple. It was an amazing and spiritual day. Our kids were so happy and willing to go and play with their friends at the church building while Brad and I went into the Temple to be with our ward and do work for those who have passed on. 

The kids love to see the Temple and look at Angel Moroni. One of Kade's leaders said that he stared out the window of the church for a while just staring at the Temple. And when we got out Kade said, "Mom, wasn't it beautiful in the Temple?!" I'm so grateful that he loves it so much already and I'm so excited to be able to enter the Temple with him someday. 

After the session that Brad and I did, we were able to see my sweet friend Shirley be sealed to her husband for time and all eternity. It was a neat experience and they were so happy! I was grateful that we were able to be there for that and support them on their special day. It's always neat to be in attendance at a sealing. It reminds me of the day I was sealed to my sweet husband Brad. That was one of the best days of my life. I remember our sealer asking me what my favorite thing about Brad was and I said it was his sense of humor. It still is my favorite thing. He makes me laugh every day and I'm so grateful that he helps me put life into perspective and teaches me to appreciate the important things in life and let the other things go. I love being at the Temple and I especially love being there with Brad.

The Temple was the highlight of our quick weekend getaway for me, and although I'm sometime sad that the Temple isn't closer to us, we were able to turn the Temple trip into a fun family getaway. We might have to get used to doing that depending on where we move next!

New Places, Swimming

Brad had the day off today so we decided to drive to Bloomington and check out the Wonder Lab museum. It was awesome! The kids had a lot of fun playing there and it wasn't too crowded. Afterward we headed to Louisville to spend the night at a hotel and went swimming! The kids loved it and are doing so well swimming by themselves (with floaties on of course) and even jumping in the pool all by themselves. It was a blast.

Happy Hour, Kids Bravery

Brad made it home early enough from school today for us to make a quick trip to Sonic for happy hour. A cold strawberry slush with lime was just what I needed on this hot and humid day!

Later this afternoon while Brad was out fixing our car, he found a preying mantis. The kids were excited to hold it and play with it and watch it jump all over them. And I stayed as far away as possible!

Go Fish, Fresh Corn on the Cob

The kids have wanted to play Go Fish almost every chance they get lately. Tenley is more able to play the game by herself without any help which had made it more fun!

One of Brad's patients was nice enough to give him some vegetables from his garden. We had the corn on the cob for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Tenley devoured it like I would a piece of fruit, even with one of her two front teeth missing! She loves vegetables!

Soccer Goals, Devour Downtown, The Colts

This morning we went to Kade's soccer game and saw him score his first goal! He was so excited and we were do proud of him! He also got some team pictures taken. 

Tonight Brad and I got to cross a few more things off our Indy bucket list. We went to a yummy restaurant for devour downtown and then went to the Indianapolis Colts game. It was such a fun night and the football game was awesome!

And our kids were well taken care of by their favorite babysitter :) 

Friend Parties, Relief Society Activities

Today we met up with a bunch of Kade's friends at the open gymnastics gym. He and Tenley had so much fun running around and afterward all of his friends sang to him and ate cupcakes with us.

Tonight I got to go to a Stake Relief Society activity. We had yummy homemade Cafe Rio for dinner and then put together hygiene kits and baby bracelets. It was nice to get out with the amazing women I know and do service with them. I love being a Mormon woman and being a part of the largest women's organization in the world. I'm really grateful for all the opportunities I've had in my life to do good as a part of this wonderful organization.

My Big 5 Year Old

Today was Kade's birthday and we had so much fun celebrating!

Brad had the morning off and made cinnamon pancakes for us, then the kids and I got to go swimming! The aquatic center was very nice and the people were even nicer. When they found out it was Kade's birthday, they let us in for free! After swimming we went to lunch at McDonald's so Kade could get his first ever happy meal. He was so excited to get a prize with his meal! 

For dinner, he requested ham and sweet potatoes (I did not expect that from him), and a hot wheels birthday cake for dessert. I tried my best on the cake, but it was an epic "trying to copy Pinterest ideas" fail! Kade still loved and appreciated it though, which is what really matters.

He loved opening all of his presents, receiving phone calls/video chats with family, having friends stop by to give him gifts, and staying up way past his bedtime to play with his cool new hot wheels track from Grandma and Grandpa Woodruff. It was a super fun day and we are all exhausted now!

Primary, Star or the Week

Kade was spoiled in Primary on Sunday. Since his birthday is this week they sang him a song, gave him a gift, and he was even star of the week! He was so excited to tell me all about it! I'm so grateful for his amazing primary leaders and all they do to make the kids feel special. And I'm so grateful for my little star of the week!

School

For a long time I've been dreading the decision I'd have to make this year about Kade and whether or not to send him to Kindergarten. His birthday is right on the border so I've battled back and forth, do I want him to be the oldest in his class or the youngest? Is he ready to start school now? What will his future be like if he goes to school early or late? So many questions have raced through my mind!

Eventually we decided to have him take the early entrance test for Kindergarten to see if he'd even be able to go. He passed his test, so then I had to, yet again, think about what I wanted for him.

I finally decided that since Kindergarten was 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday, that I would send him to a preschool instead. I just didn't want him away from home for that long! But then after meeting with the teachers at the preschool that decision didn't feel right either. 

I've been thinking about it so much and I finally thought to myself, "I'm a stay at home mom, so what reason do I have to send him away to a preschool to be taught by someone else?" 

Kade (and Tenley) is my life. Seriously, my life revolves around taking care of my kids because that is all I do all day. It's sort of like a job, so why would I choose to "quit" this job that I love and sit around the house bored and lonely all day without Kade to play with?

I also realized that at this young age in Kade's life the best place for him to be is at home and the best person for him to learn from is me, his Mom. So, after talking with some friends who home-school and looking into different books and programs, I've decided to teach Kade myself at home. I know it will require a lot of dedication and self-discipline on my part, but I'm excited about it! Kade is excited about it too! We will, of course, still have many play dates with friends and many play dates ourselves but our morning will be dedicated to school and learning. 

I don't know if I'll continue home-schooling after this year, but I do know that this is what is right for him and me right now. I'm excited to be Kade's teacher!

Girly Girls

Every once in a while Tenley loves to dress up, put some make-up on, wear a necklace and a bow and a dress. It is pretty rare, but she was having fun dressing up today so I had to take a picture!

Apparently she loves pink...

Movie Theaters

We had plans tonight to see a concert in the park, but unfortunately the rain kept us away. Instead we decided to go see a movie at the movie theater with the kids! We had fun watching "How To Train Your Dragon 2" with them. It was fun!

The State Fair (again)

We always seem to end up going to the state fair twice while it's here. We love it! We got to meet friends there today and we had fun watching shows, petting animals, seeing the tractors, fishing, and eating delicious treats!