First Day(s) of School ...

This year, the boys' first days of school were staggered. Riley started on Wednesday, then Gage on Thursday. It turned out to be a good thing - Riley got to feel special as the big brother getting to go first, while Gage got to feel special by having an extra day with mom all to himself. I am so excited as the new school year starts and wish the boys much success!

Riley's first day - li'l brother waiting in the wings.

Thumbs up! Let's get this party started!!!

Gage's first day. Excited and a little nervous at first - but he ended up having a fantastic day!

Getting a little more excited now ...

The boys together.

He we go!

After doing such a great job on their first days we went to 3 Spoons to celebrate. A yummy way to celebrate the big day!

Roller Skating!

So, on the last weekend before school starts, we thought we'd take the boys to do something they've never done before - Roller skating a skating rink. Wow, this was so fun - and boy, did we get our exercise! I forgot what a great workout this can be!!! Also, they had these great "trainers" the kids could use until they mastered their balance. Such a great idea! Riley did pretty well right off the bat and used his trainer more for a trick supporter than anything else. Gage, on the hand, was just crazy. He would just go as fast as he could until his feet either could no longer keep up or got tangled up amongst themselves and he'd crash. So silly! Can't wait to do this again - sure wish we had one of these in Lawrence!

Daddy giving Gage a few lessons before we let him loose on the rink.

Riley all strapped in and ready to go!

This was a pretty common sight = )~

Riley skating like a pro!

Oops! A little spill just as the camera snapped. Of couse, he still has a smile on his face = )

Taking a break.

Showing off some skills!

County Fair ...

This year we were otherwise engaged during our regular hometown fair, so we headed over to the Leavenworth County Fair the following week in Tonganoxie. It was so fun! Much smaller and reminded me of the fairs I grew up with as a kid. The boys had a great time. Although, this year was a little bittersweet. During the carnival we split up - Gage with me and Riley with daddy. Riley is getting so big, he only wanted to ride the "grown up" rides. Gage was still content to hang out on the kiddo side. So, unfortunately, no pictures of Riley as I had the camera with me. But, I think we all enjoyed the one-on-one time immensely!

Riley chatting with the little goat - baaaaaa!

Gage got nipped and wasn't getting any closer than this to those frisky critters!

Right after this shot the goat tried to eat Corey's shirt!

A little more animal chit chatting.

On to the rides - Gage on the carousel. He "talked" to his "pony" the whole ride. He is hilarious with his storytelling!

Gage was a little hestiant to go on this spinning ride. He wanted me to come along to make sure no one spun the wheel too fast.
Goodness, he wasn't the one who needed saving - I did. Once he got the hang of it, he loved spinning us round and round!

Gage and I after the ride. I was nauseous at this point - but we both survived = )

Flying Dumbos - Gage's 2nd favorite ride.

On the Ferris Wheel - Gage's absolute favorite!

The pretty lights on the Ferris Wheel - Gage just HAD to take this pic = )

Right on cue - just as he has the last couple of years - Gage exclaiming, "I can see the whole world from up here!"

The boys re-fueling after all of the excitement = )

Laketime ...

A fun impromptu day at the lake is a perfect way to spend a Saturday ...

Jaime, Gage and Riley ready to do some motorboating!

Crusing out to find a good swimming hole.

Silly Riley praying we make it back home okay. Always entertaining!

Gage's Pre-School Graduation ...

Oh the time passes so quickly! We headed back to our beloved Building Blocks one last time so Gage could participate in the graduation ceremony. He loved seeing all of his old buddies!

Sitting between Lawrence and Hollyn, waiting for the festivities to begin.

Cheeserooney!

Riley and Daddy ready to celebrate!

Gage is 4th from the left - the kids are singing their graduation song. So cute!

Blurry pic of "Dash" Huber running by with his diploma!

Cap, Diploma and "Batman Blue" flowers. Perfect!

Knock, knock. Who's there? Landshark!

Below are pictures of Corey's birthday present from Tracy ...

she sure knows how to spoil all of my boys!

So much fun playing with a floating, remote control shark!

Pesky Landshark! Oh the fun those SNL guys could have had with this back in the day!

Gage taking his turn at the controls.

Riley flying the shark (note the awesome wad of TP hanging from his face - poor li'l buddy's nose met with brother's knee while wrestling. Ouch!)

Royals!

On the way to "the K!" The boys are all smiles and excitement!

Enjoying the game and the atmosphere.

On the way home ... pooped!

Medals, Trophies, and Mayhem ...

Riley - aka "Slugger" or "Flash"



The Team



First Trophy! So proud = )

First Medal! So proud = )

You never know what you're going to find when you check in on an imaginative 5 yr old boy that has been very quiet for 15+ minutes or so. In this instance, it was blinged out Rambo poised to strike!