New Pets

When we were at my parents' farm last week the boys had the chance to adopt new pets, that would forever stay at Nana and Papa's (thank goodness!).  They loved on these two adorable cats and the cats loved them right back!  Each time I asked the boys what the name of their cat was they had a new name.  I think at the end we decided on Lena 1 and Lena 2, egged on by my dad.

Chase makes friends with a kitten.

Owen pets the kitten

Chase and Owen loving on Lena 2

Chase's cat, Lena 1.

Owen plays with the kitten

"Hey where are you going?"

Owen chases down the cat

"Hey you, don't leave me again!" 

Butterflies!

I love a good science experiment that kids can learn from, so when I saw this butterfly net with real caterpillars I knew we had to have it!  What fun it was! Above you see how the caterpillars arrived.  Actually they arrived crawling around the jar and eventually hung from the top and formed chrysalis.

The butterflies came out!!!

We took them out to let them go

"Who's left in there?"

Once we let them go we caught them again!

The poor butterflies wings did not work that well because they were not fully formed.  It was a great opportunity to talk about God's creation and the fact that not everything is made perfectly (including all of us).  Even though the butterfly couldn't fly God still created it and loved it and it is our job to help it and love it.  The boys totally got this and it was beautiful.

Swimming Lessons

The boys had a successful swimming lesson time this summer.  We took lessons the first 2 weeks we were out of school so we would be ready for the summer playing at the lake and pool.  It proved to be a good idea, however, it was cold those first two weeks.  Oh well.  The boys did great-especially Owen.  He had the teacher Chase had last year, when he was so successful.  There were a few tears the first day but after that they gained confidence.  Being able to touch the bottom really helped.  The boys always wanted to know what each other was doing and if it was not the same as them they didn't want to do what was asked.  It was interesting to observe this.  We may put them in different lessons next summer to get away from this. 

 Warm ups were walking back and forth in the pool.  Here Chase does a good job.

 All smiles and so proud!

 Chase finally uses the kickboard.  It was a major struggle for him as he didn't feel comfortable and was quite upset.  He did it though!

 Owen uses the hand buoys and floats along in the pool! Big boy!

 Owen floats on his back all by himself!!!

 Chase floats on his back.

 Kick Owen kick!

I love this photo of their little goggle sticking up above the edge.  :)

 

Chase trying so hard!

Owen floating with the kickboard

Berger Brothers Mulching

Soccer Jamboree

Our fabulous soccer season came to an end on June 23rd at the Soccer Jamboree.  It was a fun day full of 2 games for us, a bounce house, games, food,  and fun!  Here are some final pictures of the day and the fun we had.  The first game of the day was the best the boys have ever played.  They were in the mix, fighting for the ball and having a blast. 

 Owen consults Chase about the game.

 Chase takes off after the ball but his teammate beats him to it.

 Chase smiles for the camera!

 Run boys run, get that ball!

 Not sure why Chase is hiding so much.

 Owen leads off and takes the ball down the field.  Check out his cute little smile.

 Proudly Owen runs up the field.

 Waiting for the ball.

 Owen's a little frustrated.

 Go Cougars!

 Chase receives his trophy for hard work!

 Owen receives his trophy!

 The cougars, minus two, plus one child on the end, not sure who he is . . .

Overall, it was a great soccer season of learning and growing. It wasn't always what we thought it was going to be or should be, but isn't that life?  I'm so proud of you Owen and Chase!