Ok...so we've been BUSY!!!

I can't believe that it was May that I last posted. My excuse? I can tell you in four simple words. Its the kids fault!!! If it wasn't for them I'd have all the time in the world but there would be nothing for me to post about. I'm going to do a quick recap of our spring and summer.

First: Jaden had her first dance/gymnastics recital to the song Mean old lion from the wiz. It was cute and she did a great job. she even helped everybody to their spot if they were in the wrong place.  jaden & troy did the daddy/daughter dance and it was a hoot.  I'll try to post a vido later, its definately worth watching!

here's a few pictures of jake playing baseball. he played shortstop, catcher and he was the main pitcher. they had a good season and finished in first place. 

Syd played softball again this year, thankfully without any injuries.  She played center field and some 2nd base on the jv team and did some batting and running bases for the varsity team.

Our trip this summer was to the Wisconsin Dells.  Didn't stay long and it was hard to really get into our vacation with Grandma Mildred in such bad shape. Our minds and hearts for the most part were back in Iowa.

We spent an evening at the Tommy Bartlett Water Show. The kids didn't care for the premade, prefrozen sno-cones.  The cotton candy, however, was a hit!!

They ended the water show with a tribute to the veterans.  It was beautiful.

We spent a day at Noah's Ark and despite the not so warm weather we still had fun. Its really hard to take pictures at waterparks though so there aren't many of them.

We spent an afternoon shopping and looking for souvenirs. The kids are always ready to ham it up for the camera.

Grandma Mildred passed away on July 25th just a few days shy of her 96th birthday.

We had a visitation for her here and then we took her to Kansas and had her funeral there where she is laid to rest beside Grandpa John.

Dad, Marc, my nephew Niki, Troy, Jake and our cousin Brad were the pallbearers. Sydney, Jaden and my niece Maddy stood to the side.

As sad as it was to lose grandma, she couldn't have been more ready to go.  We were thankful for the time we got to spend with the Hermons in Kansas City.

Marc and Shea made us laugh with their funny faces. Shea's growing up fast and will soon have a little playmate at his house.  Ginger's due this month and we are anxiously awaiting the little guys arrival!

Time Flies...

Back in February we went to Marshall, Minnesota to see our nephew Jordan. He goes to school @ SWMSU & works there as an athletic trainer.  It was great to be able to spend time with him. The kids just love him!!

In March I chaperoned Sydney's band trip to Branson, MO.  They performed On Stage Live in Branson as an opener for the actual show. They did a great job. While in Branson the kids rode on go-karts, little scooters, posed with people from the shows and ate alot!!!

Within a month of each other Jake got braces and contacts.  Between the two he looks different than what we are used to.

Syd now has her permit and will take driver's ed this summer. This is a picture of her driving home from getting her permit.  Pray for us......PLEASE!!!

Here is a picture of the kids from Easter:

Sydney marched in the Tulip Time Parade in Pella, IA:

Jaden was one of the flower girls in Rodney & Alena Ingle's wedding and really enjoyed being a part of their special day.  Her cousin Samantha Ford (right) did her hair.

These pictures were taken on Mother's Day.  We were lucky enough to spend some time with Grandma Mildred, Dad and Troy's family. Jake & Niki went fishing.

Here are some pictures of our Track & Field Day here in Sully.  Its a big day for the kids, they love it!

Has it really been 2 months since I posted?

Where did January & February go?  I haven't even posted Xmas pictures yet! Guess I better get caught up.  Here are some pictures from our xmas:

   Sydney helped me pick out this vest from Aeropostale. This is her acting surprised that she got it!  Jake needed something to hang his AAU medals and certificates on so we got him this sports cork board to hang in his room.

You can't go wrong getting Jaden stuffed animals. And Cujo got new dishes, treats and a bag of dog food.

This was our official Xmas picture.  Syd was mad at me because I didn't give her time to dry her hair but we only have so much time on Sunday morning before church.

Here we have our kids along with Marc & Ginger's kids.  It's not easy getting them all together with our busy schedules.

Its even harder getting this group together.  Here we have our nephews on Troy's side with our kids.

Jaden celebrates being a kid of character during one of the many ballgames we go to.  Sydney taking and making a free throw. 

Jake taking a three point shot and making it.

Jaden - before perm

                                                                      and after perm.

Jake celebrates his 12th birthday on the 12th of February.

Jaden performing in the Winter Dance Clinic. Behind her and to the right is Sydney, one of the girls that taught these little ones their routine.  They did a couple cheers and did a dance to Pumping up the Party by Hannah Montana.  This was right up Jaden's alley, she loved it!

Happy New Year Everybody!

Just a quick update on the Brands:

Syd has been keeping us busy with drill team (flags & poms) basketball & marching band:

I know it may look like she is a cheerleader but those are just the uniforms they used for their pom routine.

I don't have alot on Jake & Jaden @ this time, just a basketball picture of Jake:

There are those wild eyed Brand kids:

Just and update on Jaden. We had our visit with the Pulmonologist today. They have decided she has intermittent asthma. Which means that she doesn't need to be treated on a daily basis, only when she is exhibiting symptoms.  Instead of inhaling a steroid through the nebulizer, she will be taking a steroid in liquid form by mouth only when she is suffering symptoms.  She will still do breathing treatments and she has an inhaler that she can take to school.  She could possibly outgrow this which is what we are hoping for. 

A movie by Niki