God Bless Miss Leona Jane

What a beautiful weekend for a baptism! We would like to welcome another Goddaughter to the bunch, Miss Leona Jane Hall! We couldn't be more excited to watch this little one grow and stand by her side as her faith in Christ expands! Miss Leona, you are one loved little girl!!!!
It may have been a quick over night trip to the cities this past weekend, but it was filled with fun, love and friends. The kids loved the fact that we got to stay in a hotel and swim! They also made some new friends that they were sad to leave behind on Sunday afternoon. They all asked when they could have a play date - well, we'll have to see what we can figure out with the 5 hour separation!

 This was the result of Benton being up at 5:45am to use the bathroom

 

 Leona Jane Hall

June 25, 2017

Normandale Lutheran Church

Godparents: Francis and Maria Holicky & Shane and Kirsten Kragness

 

 

 Four Generations

 

 God-sisters

 



THREE 3 three

How can it be that Benton is already three?!?! I still remember the morning he was born, it doesn't seem that long ago. He came into this world super fast and has yet to slow down!
Fun Benton Facts:
- Eats like a bird
- Average weight and height
- Has a long torso and short legs just like sissy and mom
- If you put him in an outfit in the morning, he will stay in that exact outfit throughout the whole day. Example: If the morning is cool and he has on a sweatshirt, tshirt, shorts and shoes, he will stay in that exact thing until bedtime. Even if it is 90+ degrees out he will not remove anything. We have to be very careful how we plan outfits for the day!
- Unlike sissy, he's shy. He will also let you know that he his shy "I too shy"
- HATES CHANGE and trying new things!!!! From sitting in a different stroller to attempting a new slide, he hesitates and puts up a fight until he is made to do it.
- Papa and the Grandpa's are Benton's best buds.
- Obsessed with trains
- Stubborn!!!!
- Kynzley hates to get in trouble and disappoint, Benton loves to push buttons and doesn't mind getting in trouble - complete opposites!!
- Can go from 60 to 0 in .2 seconds - the world ends very quickly with this one!
- Kissing his boo boo's makes everything better
- Hates dirty hands
- Fights with Brutus as though they were siblings
- Loves playing sports and watching sissy play her sports
- Loves helping this includes cleaning!
- Super bright and super smart --- only when HE wants to be. Another difference that we are seeing between Kynzley and Benton is the difference in how they approach academics. Kynzley is oh so smart and loves school! She tries very hard in everything she does, some things come easy and some things she has to try a littler harder at. Benton is going to be one that will pick up and understand everything right away and will have to put forth very little effort. Kynzley loves to let you know what she knows and how she knows it where as Benton will tell you no when you ask him to count or say his letters, but randomly he will read signs he sees and count to 20 and let you know what a rhombus is. His time, his way!
- Understands our rule that you must take a bite of everything on your plate before being excused - he does it right away, sissy on the other hand waits until everything is cold and makes a fuss about it.
- Academically he is ready for preschool, emotionally he is not. He will be staying at home another year to mature a bit in this area before heading off to school.  

Benton is such a blessing to our family! We could not imagine our days without him. He keeps us laughing and always on our toes!

Since March, Benton has been talking about his birthday. He knew exactly what type of party and he wanted and where he wanted it. We had a fun Thomas themed party and our local pizza place - the Pizza Oven. Benton woke up bright and early Tuesday morning to a room fit for a birthday boy. He came out of his room to announce that there were balloons on the floor that we had to come see!
We enjoyed an evening of pizza, good company and lots of giggles! Pretty sure we had a VERY tired three year old at the end of the day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
We don't want to forget about Father's Day! Kynzley and Francis enjoyed some outdoor activities at the Rod and Gun Club and as a family we enjoyed a great hike. Props to Brutus for making it up the bluff!!

 Happy Father's Day 2017

 

 Perrot State Park

2017

 The 'broccoli' mountain (as Benton named it!)

Beautiful view

 

Bitter Sweet

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" - so true! The past two years we were blessed to have an amazing teacher in Kynzley's life! Yesterday, we said our farewells to the school year, to first grade and to an incredible lady who has taught Kynzley so much the last two years. It was a bitter sweet day - we are excited for summer, but sad to leave our comfort zone.

When Kynzley entered kindergarten she was placed in what is called a 'looping' classroom. She stayed with the same teacher and same students through kindergarten as well as first grade. There are many benefits to this and each parent has their reason as to why they want their child placed in this style of class. We couldn't have asked for a better situation for our family and for Kynzley! Not only did she make great and close friends, the parents became close as well.
The kiddos were so lucky!!! Their teacher, Mrs. Antony, not only cared for them as a class, but each of them as individuals. Each one of the students were (are still!) loved!!!! The last couple of weeks have been difficult knowing this day was coming. The school district has great teachers and great students and we know Kynzley will continue to strive as the years go on, it was just sad knowing that "our family" that we have had the last two years will all be separated.

The last week of school was filled with lots of fun activities! The kids enjoyed a couple local parks and an ice cream party in their classroom. It was fun to be able to capture some of the last memories with the kids!

Miss J! She was their student teacher in kindergarten :-)

Last day selfie 

Lots of tears :(

 

 

 

To cheer things up a bit, we took the boat out after school to welcome summer! We had a ton of fun tubing and swimming!