Fun Potatoes

I made "armadillo" potatoes for dinner the other night. They were just okay so not worthy enough to make the recipe blog. Mark always votes on what meals make it, but these were at least cute. I'm sure I could do some tweaking so they would meet Mark's standards. I did have to google a picture of an armadillo for Lucas before dinner so he would hopefully recognize it later on his plate!!! I apologize for the terrible pictures.

Viral Plague

Our family has been struck once again this summer. Kailyn spiked a temp thursday night, Luke Saturday night, and Mark and I yesterday. I can't remember the last time I have felt so miserable. Oh the body aches, headache, fever!!! Lucas and Kailyn were recovered by the time Mark and I were struck by their cooties. Yesterday was quite the sight. Neither Mark or myself could stay awake much longer than 30 minutes at a time so the kids pretty much had free reign of the house. I vaguely remember a matchbox car getting dropped in the toilet just after the little man had used it, lots of giggles and screaming while lights were being turned off and on, etc. We were just too weak to do anything about it. Thank goodness Rosemarie dropped off some homemade chicken noodle soup so the kids had something to eat because I may have just let them eat fruit snacks for dinner. We are feeling better today, but not 100%.

Ouch

My little Kailyn is quite the busy little girl. She was such a calm infant and has just sped up daily since she started walking. Above are a couple of pictures of her unicorn horn she got after hitting her head on the corner of the futon. She was running to give her stuffed Tigger a hug and her feet didn't quite move as fast as she had hoped. The pictures don't even do it justice - it was huge!!! She is also climbing on our kitchen chairs to get on top of the table - nice! Her newest trick is climbing on the toilet to get to my make-up!! She did this during the 60 seconds I walked away from her to help Lucas. I had left her quietly reading a book in Luke's room.

Auto Pilot

The past couple of weeks have been a blur. VBS last week (anyone who has participated understands) was tiresome, but fun. I had several funny stories from the awesome three year olds in our class. One in particular really stands out. While asking a little boy, "What's in this picture?", 3 year old response, "Jesus". I'm staring at a picture of three beavers!! This same boy redeemed himself by answering all of the questions correctly in story time about Jesus and Peter walking on the water.
Last Friday, Grandma Lingle starting complaining of extreme fatigue and was just not comfortable. That evening her daughter took her to the ER to later find out she had had and was still having an evolving heart attack. Grandma Lingle went home to be with Jesus on Sunday afternoon. She was 94 years old, had family by her side, and was not in any pain. I can't think of a better way to go! Although we all miss her terribly, I keep thinking about her in heaven just strolling around with no discomfort in her legs and able to see her new home with perfect vision. We have already been blessed with meals planned for an entire week, offers for babysitting for the kids, etc. We have pretty awesome people in our lives!! Thank you so much!!!
Thank you to Chris, Kristin, and Katelyn for being SOOOO understanding! We are sad to not see you guys this weekend, but are looking forward to your upcoming trip in August!!!

Taggart Grandkids

All the kids jumping in!

Lucas and Ben

Boat Time

The kids loved swimming in the lake which I am thrilled about. Lucas was jumping off the dock with his cousins in no time at all!! Kailyn also loved the lake, but felt a little restricted in her life jacket that only allowed her to float on her back (was kind of funny). She is just not strong enough to keep herself upright.

Jackson, Max, and Lucas

We had a little get together for the 3 boys today. Our day started with a visit to the fire station which was awesome. The firemen were so good with the kids. They spent time with the kids showing them around the house and then the best part - FIRE ENGINES! Then it was off to the Baumberger's house for a cookout, pool time, sprinkler, painting, bubbles, swingset, etc. They had a blast!! Kailyn was so wiped out that she was sound asleep by the time we got down their driveway to leave. She loved playing with the boys in the pool. She was getting sprayed in the face, knocked down, and loved every second of it!! Lucas enjoyed it all - he just loves being outside with his friends!!! We could not have asked for a better day with great friends!!

The kids from left to right - Lucas, Kailyn, Ethan, and Maddy

Picture of Myself, Emily and Christy

Emily's 30th Birthday

Mark and I took BOTH kids out to Osaka last night for Emily's birthday! Lucas did wonderful and really liked watching the guys work their magic on the hibachi grill. Although, he did say,"that fire scared me a little bit!". Kailyn, on the other hand, REFUSED to sit her highchair and just wanted to run around. I don't know why I am surprised. Lucas was the same way at her age - busy! Someone even said, she is pretty wild! This is really funny to me because Kailyn is always so cooperative and I've never had anyone think that about her. The mix of extreme fatigue from our busy week and a late night made her a little crazy. When my kids reach the point of complete exhausion they wind up before completely crashing. Anyway, it was still a fun evening out. Happy Birthay Emily!!! Thirty is fun!!

4th of July

The Milnes had a pretty good 4th of July although Kailyn and Mommy were still recovering from their colds. We went to the Fink family reunion out at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Lucas loved playing with the big kids just running in the yard, water balloons, hose, pinata, etc. After our busy day Lucas was still game to go find some fireworks. Mommy and Kailyn went to sleep!!! Mark loaded up to find a great spot to watch the fireworks at Knights Action Park. Once he was in the perfect spot for viewing he turned around and Lucas was fast asleep in his carseat. Mark decided to wait until the fireworks started (about 45 minutes)and the wake up our little man. Lucas was not at all interested when the fireworks began and asked to go home!!! So much for that!! I guess we'll try again next year.

Tag-A-Long

The new boat has arrived! I'm heading over to Shelbyville after Luke's swim lesson today to check it out in person. They are hoping to get it in the water today! I'm little anxious about my little Kailyn and her daredevil stunts, but we will figure it out. We went swimming in the lake at the campground beach a couple of days ago and she swam around without a care in the world. She loved to get up on the beach to get a running start then come crashing into the water head first. Her other latest is that she swims in the pool (4 feet) with her water wings on. She loves to have a little more freedom to swim around on her own. She stresses me out!! I can now sympathize with my parents and understand why they put me on a competitive gymnastics team at the age of four. I'm already thinking gymnastics or swimming (maybe both)are in Kailyn's near future. I know Grandpa Milnes would love to see one of his grandkids on a swim team. Pics of the new boat to come!! I have heard wonderful things about it already!

Pictures from Swim Lessons