Weekends

Another weekend of basketball tourneys, birthday parties, hockey and bears...oh my. Today I was able to watch 2 of 3 of the games for Kayleigh's team before trucking K-dog around. The girls are doing a pretty good job, even if they don't win. In the 2nd game, Kaylee (not Kayleigh) scored 10 points and Kayleigh (aka sneakers) took 4 rebounds. It is a lot of back and forth play with this age group, but the girls really seem to enjoy themselves, which is what matters.

Last night the girls' basketball teams were able to shoot hoops during half time as the MBA youth teams were honored at the game. It was fun to see them run around with their friends and it reminded me of the when I would run around with my friends at the games (although I think we did that more in high school than junior high). Medford ended up losing by 4 points but the other team had 2 or 3 girls that were a good 5-6 inches taller than our tallest player.

Gypsy

I received a Gypsy for Christmas this year. I am so excited to use it and have played around with it a little, but found this wonderful site today and will be going back often. Emma - Creative Time She has some really great videos on how to use the Gypsy as well as other 'how to' videos. I can't wait to have time to craft again. First, I need to reorganize all of my tools/gear so that I know where everything is at.

I'm back

I think I am going to start using this blog again. It has only been a few years.

 Kayleigh and Keaton looking for their sled





The kids at the Christmas Concert



Vacation Bible School!

The kids are ready for singing in their final performance of camp.

Kelsey's favorite counselor, Vera, who is from Australia and has the accent to match!

We took the vacation bible school experience by having (2) counselors stay at our house Sunday - Thursday during the camp. All 3 kids loved the experience of having Casey and Kyle at our house and they thoroughly enjoyed the camp and learned some great songs.

Kelsey saw me recording this clip. Gave the "thumbs up".

Fun at the Zoo

Always a fun exhibit, the family took in the Sparky the Seal show on Father's Day. It was a nice day, pleasant weather, overall a very nice trip. Visiting the Como and Minnesota Zoo's are always a favorite.

Keaton trying on his fireman boots.

The kids enjoy the Africa exhibit at the MN Zoo with Aunt Connie

Kelsey isn't so sure about the giraffe.

Kelsey and Kayleigh both took advantage of the free face painting

for the opening weekend of the African exhibit.

WHOA! The giraffe loved that wheat cracker!

Working on the jump shot

Keaton's taking a keen interest in basketball and now uses the outdoor hoop at it's lowest level. He's a pretty good shot.

Our Little Artist

Kelsey had her artwork chosen as one of 3-4 at Jefferson Elementary to be framed and posted around the school. At the conclusion of a month, all area artists that were chosen were included in a special event at the local Paradise Theater for the Performing arts. Here is Kelsey by her artwork at the exclusive "artists only" pre-viewing.

New Hairdo!

At Jefferson Elementary, the kids have a "wacky hair day". Kayleigh's hairdo was quite "interesting" and incorporated an empty water bottle inside. Kelsey, had lots, and lots of pig tails!

Christmas time is coming

The kids love decorating when Christmas draws near. They also enjoy a trip to Donahue's Greenhouse, very well known for their poinsettia's.

Keaton hides in the wreaths.

Kelsey thought the purple poinsettia's were the prettiest. She herself is one fair flower.

Fall fun!

Keaton had a great first birthday party where his friends from school were invited. He had a pinata, made pizzas, and ate ice cream and cake. Lots of fun.

Kayleigh enjoys the fall leaves, and jumping into the pile!

Back to school! A new day.

Keaton arrives at Kid's at First. He was very excited although a little nervous at the very beginning. He has quickly adapted and is doing quite well, especially with meeting new friends. He loves Webkinz, and has named some after his teacher's and classmates.

At this point, the kids love school. Kayleigh entered the 3rd grade, Kelsey the 1st, and Keaton started pre-Kindergarten at Kids at First, a program by the local First English Lutheran Church. They all are doing very well with testing and make mom and dad proud.

Labor Day Fun

Keaton had fun writing his name on the sand at the beach.

It was windy on the way back, but we stopped to visit Paul Bunyon at the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce visitor center.

In a last hurrah before school, the family went to Breezy Point resort in Brainerd, MN. It's a nice resort, lots of sand and sun, and we all went golfing. Very nice weather.

Kelsey's Routine

Here is one of the routines the kids did during/after the parade.

Pet Parade

We were involved in the 72nd annual pet parade last night. Keaton drove his tractor decked out with a scrabble board and his stuffed pets along with a few additional games. He took 3rd place in the battery operated vehicle division. Kelsey participated in Spirit Team again this year and walked with that group. Kayleigh decided she was going to ride on the float she and Kelsey helped decorate for Fun Center. They did Candyland. The girls had several activities they could have walked with this year. Here are a few pictures of the wet night. NOTE you will have to pause the music on the sidebar to hear the music for the slideshow.

Congratulations AJ

Congratulations AJ, we are proud of you!!

Amy and Jamie's big day

Well, we had quite the weekend. We left around 9 am on Friday morning on our trek to Fargo for the wedding. Good thing we decided to leave at that time. It rained hard most of the way to Fargo and the temps were getting colder as we went. When we hit Fergus Falls, the rain turned to sleet, although it was only a little bit. Then it cleared up for the rest of the way to Fargo.

Once in Fargo we stopped to pick up Keaton's tux. The jacket was a little tight so they were going to order a bigger size. Good thing the rest of Jamie's family was at Knights because they realized we had the wrong color of tie/vest. But, they were able to fix it all by Saturday morning.

Friday night the rehearsal was in Hillsboro and everyone did great. Amy and Jamie showered our family with wonderful gifts that we all love (thank you, again for letting us be a part of your special day). When we left the dinner, it was starting to snow...yes people it is the end of APRIL. The 40 mile trip back to Fargo took longer than anticipated due to the snow drifts and icy roads. We were going about 40 mph for a while as we got closer to Fargo...the electronic sign at that time said that I-29 at the SD border was closed. Good grief. No, I did not pack winter jackets or clothes. *sigh*

Saturday morning the girls went to have their hair done. Kelsey ended up with 20 bobby pins in her curled hair, which turned out so cute. Kayleigh had french braids put in her hair and with all of the faces she made during that procedure I was sure she would never want to have her hair done again.

Saturday was just beautiful. We are happy to have Jamie join our family and the ceremony was beautiful. A bonus was that the kids did what they were supposed to do. Although Keaton did do something rather embarrassing once he was up in front. Umm...you just went potty you can't possibly have to go again. Yes, he said "I have to pee". Again *sigh*. But he stayed up there for most of the ceremony. Dan did a great job singing and the service was beautiful. Amy was a lovely bride and we are so happy for her.

Kelsey was in her element all day. Whenever I would go and look for her, she was either in front of the mirror posing or chatting with the bridesmaids. They did say she slept a little bit in the fun bus on the way back to Fargo. She loves to dress up and I know she will never forget this day. Thank you Amy and Jamie for letting her be there with you.

The dance was a blast. We were some of the last to leave at midnight. Keaton and Kelsey made it to the very end. Keaton refused to take off any piece of his tux and we had to bribe him when we got back to the hotel room because he wanted to sleep in it. The kids had fun and Kayleigh decided to go and stay with Connie after being there for part of the dance.

Well, I think that is enough detail for now.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Duck, Duck, Grey Duck

HONK!!

The kids are so excited, okay Mom is too, we have 2 ducks frequenting our yard. Mallards to be exact. A male and female have been parading around the yard for the last week.



It all started last week when the girls decided to spread bird seed all over the yard to feed the birds. This was before I knew what they were doing...so hopefully we don't have stuff growing everywhere later on. Well, that night the ducks appeared and the girls were so proud because they attracted them to the yard.




Now I have been obsessed with keeping watch of the ducks and kind of hoping that they will actually place their nest nearby so we can see the ducklings. But, we really don't have any water around so I am not sure if they will nest here or not. They are enjoying a diet of bird seed from our house and from the neighbors.




Today they were drinking the water at the edge of the driveway (which is usually there all summer unless it is blistering hot), that slimy water now has a purpose.

Easter Eggs! Always a joy!!

The annual rite of Easter Egg coloring was eagerly anticipated at the Walock household. Note to self: More than 36 eggs next year!!!

Keaton is busy demonstrating the proper technique to mom. I was worried about having the dye all over the floor in one fell swoop.

The kids celebrate part of their haul. Fun, fun, fun!

Kayleigh and Kelsey are enjoying coloring some eggs!

YES, it's Minnesota, you can still make snowforts in late March and April.

Primping for the big Day

With her Cousin and Godmother Amy's wedding quickly approaching, it was time to get her dress fitted so it's just right for her debut as a Jr. Bridesmaid. Kelsey was fearful of getting stuck by a needle, so she stood pretty still.

OH GOSH, aren't we done yet??

Yes, the end is near, I am finished!! Thank you Kayleigh for the moral support!!!

Easter at the Walocks

This Easter we spent at Daniel's brothers house in Lakeville. The weather was cold, so the Easter Egg hunt was held inside.

Cousin Andrew looks very thrilled to be spending some quality time with Keaton and the Walock girls!!
Do I care about my hair, or 3 large eggs? Easy question! EGGGSSSSSSS!!!!

Kelsey was tickled to see the Easter bunny puts his little paw on the card she made for her. When Easter morning hit, the state of her hair was not a pressing issue.

The kids also were able to take in the big Easter Egg hunt at the Shattuck St. Mary's campus in Faribault. It's a prestigious prepartory school built in the 1800's that is reminiscent of Dead Poet's Society. That one, too, was held inside. But, the lack of nice weather didn't deter the kids from having fun!

Quality time with the Easter Bunny!

You so silly.

Keaton isn't sure what to do in his EGG-travaganza!!

Daniel and Kelsey await the start of the action. Looks like everyone would get plenty of eggs.