Ames, IA

This is the worst. I shouldn't even be re-posting it, it doesn't need anymore attention.  But it is the worst in the funniest way.

Spring splendor

Ames is experiencing the nicest 3-4 day stretch of weather in recent history.  The days could not have been more perfect.  Seventy-five degrees, sunny, not humid, not buggy, and those white fluffy clouds you see in Pixar movies, great weather.  The only thing I feel down about is Robert has missed it all while he is on his trip.

The grass is growing like crazy, I recruited one of my favorite pre-teens to mow.  I have some of the garden in, and I would like to do something with the non-grassy spots in the back of our yard but we don't have money budgeted for that this month. 
I would bet the kids have logged 7-9 hours outside each day since Wednesday. 

Wednesday was the last day of preschool, we hit the park after, headed out to the ball field and then to a birthday party = kids running around outside until 8:30pm.

Thursday we met some preschool friends at the park at 11:00 am, and happened to run into a ton of people we know.  Guess the homeschoolers have the parks to ourselves for a couple more weeks!  What was going to be a playdate until 1:00 pm, had us arriving home around 4:00 pm. 

Friday we rode bikes to the park, hung out at home hitting balls and helping with the mowing.  We then asked Grandpa to join us at Dairy Queen for ice cream, we rode bikes and he met us there.

Saturday started with donuts and a large coffee for me (did I mention Robert has been gone for five days at this point),  we dropped by the mall to get Em a pair of shoes and to see some friends that sell at the farmers market.  We took some friends back home with us for a playdate.  Noelle napped a bit, but I am guessing the kids played 3 hours straight in the sandbox on Saturday. 
We had grandpa over for some grilled meats.

Today we took in church then I headed to Dunkin Donuts to trade in my free birthday coupon for a large coffee!  We might have eaten some Munchkins for lunch as well.  Noelle took a little nap, and then we headed out for an epic hike/exploration at a local park.  Such fine weather.  I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.... hopefully a Memorial parade and daddy arriving home.

 Run free

 We were walking along the river for much of our hike and Emily kept commenting on the logs and debri in the river and how it must be beaver work and den.  I was amazed she new they did that, she referenced the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, although those were "magic beavers".  And then all the sudden a turn in the path ahead a tree was blocking the trail.  Looks like beaver marks to me, any naturalist reading my blog can chime in...

 Found a tree to rest against

 Her favorite

We watched the ants work hard going in and bringing out sand building their tunnels.  This hill had multiple entrances which I have never taken the time to notice before.

May catch-up

 Mother's Day giant cookie.  Robert is a smart cookie, he know I do not prefer cake so when he gets a treat for me its either giant cookie or apple pie from Dutch Oven.

 My Grandmother with me and my kids - her greatgrands.  It was fun seeing her on Mother's Day

 Dallas and his buddy Ben enjoying a field trip on CyRide.  CyRide IS the destination.  The driver drives a little loop around town, describing a little about campus, the bus barn and then the big finale driving the bus through the bus wash.  Perfect 1 hour field trip for 4 and 5 year olds.

 This little Emily and her final piano performance of the school year.  She did wonderful, I will see if I can upload video soon. 

 Got trucks?

 We don't cry over dumped eggs

 May Day Baskets ready for delivery

 Running fast, don't want to get caught delivering May Day Baskets, you might get kissed!

 Emily's recent rendition of Jesus looks exactly like the South Park show Jesus, cracks me up

 recent visit to Reiman Gardens

 looks like Emily the doll is ready for the beach

 speaking of beaches, Dallas was all dressed up for beach day at school, air temperature on that fine day in May was 51 F

Took the family to see Frozen at Jack Trice Stadium, quite the event - we saw just about everyone we know in town and some from Des Moines.

Dallas last day of Preschool

 Headed out to the last day of preschool, he picked his outfit and insisted on the belt.  He wrote thank you and a retirement cards to his two teachers.  I had picked up a couple of gift cards to my favorite restaurant, but he insisted that we put a dollar in each card, so we did!

 Team Kibbe

 Tried to get a picture with my guy, Noelle got in on the action as well

 With retiring teacher Jan and lead teacher Pat (she will lead Noelle's class next year)

We are asked not to put any class pictures on the internet.  But today we met two of Dallas friends at the park, Ben and Tim, I asked their mom's for permission for this picture. 

 

It declare the year a sucess.  I am so glad we tried it, and Dallas really liked it, and even willngly walked into school mid year!  He learned a bunch and the teachers said they really enjoyed him.  Teacher Pat said he was one of the most mature kids in class, and that many classmates looked up to him and he helped different groups get along.  I think he will miss going, but will be excited by all the new things we have planned for summer.

Odds and Ends for Spring

Things are getting summery around casa Kibbe.  Moved workout outside this morning and it was glorious!  Getting my mini garden tilled this week, so I can get some plants soon.  All school related activities are winding down.  We have two more piano lessons and a recital, a couple weeks of preschool, Cy-Ride field trip and end of year preschool performance.  Any Grandma's, Grandpa's or Aunts/Uncles want details of these events, let me know.  Our home school days are complete, but Em has 8 more pages/lessons to the end of her math book so we are going to finish that and call it a year.

 

The weather has finally turned, when we drive home from an errand, the kids hop out of the car and clamour into the yard to play instead of coming inside!  I am still hoping I end up with a trampoline in my backyard soon, I know Robert will hate mowing around it...  speaking of mowing, the first cut of the season happened last night, and the place looks sharp.  Our Crab apple tree is starting to bloom, if we ever need pictures to sell the house, they should be taken now!

 

 

A limited special run of 24 also started last night,  Jack is Back!  Who is watching?  Robert and I are going to try to find time to watch the 12 hour season.

 

Another thing I thought I would share this morning is a couple of our favorite buys from Aldi.

 These veggie chips are $2.50, they are so crunch.  We especially love the beet and rutabaga chips, the kids dig for those first.

 This is our favorite store salsa, $1.99, you get a bunch, I always buy the medium, it is tasty on ALL things.  If you don't have homemade and you can't get fresh salsa from a Mexican market in Omaha, this is hard to beat.

And this is my most recent discovery.  Four difference hummus flavors in one package.  Cilantro jalapeno, garlic, original and roasted red pepper.  They are all good.  I am still working on the kids to like hummus.  I dip carrots, snap peas, cucumber, and crackers - Yum!  This package is $3.99, but will last a while or would be a great thing to take to a party.