When I picked up Trager from school the other day, he was so excited to show me his crown.  He stopped his teacher to ask where it was so he could show me.  The next class period when I picked him up, all the boys and girls were proudly wearing their crowns.  A few days later, Trager decided he wanted to make Kerbi a crown of her own.  So thoughtful.

The prince and princess

Branson

Well, we were proud of ourselves that we scheduled a weekend getaway to Branson at the beginning of December, but man was it good to be home.  Rain, ear infections, sleepless nights (thanks, Kerbi), cracked iphone screens (thanks, Julie) and more rain.  On the bright side, we loved our room and the grounds at Big Cedar.  Everything was beautiful and fully decorated for Christmas.  Silver Dollar City was a great experience and we plan on visiting again during Christmas, especially when the kids get a little older.  Trager loved the indoor pool at the lodge.  I guess that's what is to be expected when you travel with small children: highs and lows, ups and downs.  Or maybe that what vacations are no matter how old your kids are?  I guess we'll wait and see.  

Packed and ready to go!

I made Kyle bring the double stroller for Silver Dollar City.  It's a boat, but it holds all of our stuff and I knew Trager wouldn't walk the whole time.  Aren't they cute all snuggled?  Each of them have their blankets Kasey made for them. They are SUPER warm!

On the train.  This was my favorite part of the whole trip.  About half way through the train ride, a "grandpa" tells the Christmas story in the middle of the woods.  It was beautifully done.  Everyone on the train was silent as he quoted Luke chapter 2.  

Fuddruckers!  Almost forgot how fun that place is.  

On the way to the pool for a swim. Had to take a detour to conquer the climbing wall. 

When did he get this big?

Twins, friends.

Hadley and Kerbi showed up to church in the same outfit.  Tights and all.  (Gotta love Target!)  So a photo opp, there was.  We tried, but after a long morning, these are the best we could come up with of the girls.





This is also Jax and Payson's first photo together. I'm sure they would be less thrilled to show up at church in the same outfit.

And so it begins...

...the wonderful world of sports.  I can't believe we're here.  Trager has joined up with teammate and neighbor, Bailey, to dominate the YMCA soccer league.  (I'm laughing so hard right now.)  Although Trager was VERY excited to go to his first soccer practice (and did quite well), he refused TO MOVE AT ALL during his first game.  Talk about terrified.  I literally had to have the coach pry him out of my arms so he would play/stand on the field the fourth quarter.

To make a very long story short, and the very last practice and game, Trager had a complete 180 and decided to give soccer his all!!  To say we are proud of him is a huge understatement.  I thought Kyle's face was going to stay in a permanent smile.  =) Trager sprinted with the rest of the kids and even kicked the ball a few times.  As a reward, he got to play goalie, which is his very favorite.

The icing on the cake was when Trager got his trophy.  There's something about your first kid getting his first trophy.  We may just hang on to that one.

Getting his shinguards and cleats at Scheels!



On the way to the first practice.


First game.


Trager and Bailey standing at their posts.



Bailey getting ready to play goalie!



During the last game when Trager was actually participating!


The final huddle...



The TROPHY!!




T coach pulled Trager aside to tell him how proud he was of him and how much he improved.  We are so thankful for encouraging coaches who never gave up on him!

Clayville Fall Festival

The kids and I went to the Fall Festival at Clayville this year with my mom and dad.  I hadn't been to Clayville for many years, and it was nice to go back with my own kids.

Grandpa Bob was definitely the favorite of the day.  He took the kids on a walk all throughout the festival.


We enjoyed a lunch of grilled hamburgers and chips.


Grandma Beth, multi-tasking, as only a mom can.


Trager thought a lot about riding the horsed, but opted not to this year.


And we got a ride from a tractor.






 We spent a couple hours there and had a really fun time.  Hopefully next year, Daddy will join us!

What a difference a year makes

Trager is the big kid on campus this year at St. John's.  Preschool 4!  We met his teachers at the open house and could tell they would be a great fit.  Mrs. Maloney and Mrs. Smith are very warm, encouraging teachers.

He goes three mornings a week this year and I think it's the perfect fit for him.  He has some of the same classmates as last year.  Having a year under his belt has helped him dramatically.  He walks in with so much more confidence.  It's a real joy to watch him grow and mature.


Awesome Spider Man backpack.

And not to be outdone, =) Kerbi has preschool for an hour with me on Fridays.  Here she is on her first day of school.

State Fair 2011

Trager and I met Megan and Hudson on a very hot Friday afternoon at the Illinois State Fair.  It was the only time we made it out to the fair this year, but we at least got a few of the basics done.

Corndogs!


The big yellow slide...but I can't find any pictures of it.  Trager LOVED it.

A few rides....





And a funnel cake! (Not an Schneider's elephant ear, and it wasn't nearly as good!)

Tennessee Family Vacation

 Every four years we meet some of Kyle's extended family (the Dunlap side) in Tennessee.  This was our fourth trip together. It's always such a great time to relax, catch up with cousins, and now, it's a time for our own kids to connect.  This year we had so many people we had to rent two cabins.  All the cousins and our kids stayed in one cabin, along with Dave and Kathy, and Grandpa Dunlap.  In the other, "quiet" cabin stayed Mom and Dad, Wilma and Lloyd, Kristi, Karel, and Karen and Chuck.

 (I honestly didn't take hardly any pictures this vacation.  I think I was just enjoying it too much.  A big thanks to Brett and Missy for taking and sharing pics. I'll have to add them once I can get them from Kyle's computer.)

As usual, we had WAY too much food.  We feasted on steaks, sweet corn, Grandpa's potato salad and cucumbers, along with pints of jam and greenbeans he brought with him.  We also had BR's famous chicken lips (sounds disgusting, but it's basically chicken tender flavored like wings).  YUM!

So before I forget, here's a rundown of what we did each day.

FRIDAY: LONG day of traveling!  We rented a minivan (best decision ever) and headed out with my parents around 8am.  We were a little nervous because Kerbi is not the best traveler, but both kids did awesome!  Kerbi didn't so much as whine on the way there.  Mom and I had some surprises for both kids to help keep them entertained and we were so proud of them.  We made a quick stop at Chick-fil-a for lunch which was wonderful.

Saturday:  Started out a little cloudy and rainy, so we obviously had no choice but to go to the Tanger outlet mall.  I stocked up at the Children's Place and we ate at Chick-fil-a again for lunch.  That afternoon we went swimming at the cabin's pool with the cousins and Kyle took a bike ride.  That evening we had steaks on the grill with corn and baked potatoes.

Sunday: ZIPLINGING!! Can't really even begin to describe this.  I was very nervous about the thought of having to step off the platform and trust that the harnest was going to hold me and that I would not plummet to my death.  But the guides were awesome and they really eased us into the whole process.  There were six different lines to go down and on the first one we were able to sit in our harnest before we took off.  The second line they "strongly suggested" we run and jump to take off.  By the fourth line we were hanging upside down with no hands!!  So fun, and so glad I did it!

That evening, Kyle and I were fortunate enough to go on a date to the Apple Barn. So. much. delicious. food!

Monday:  I shopped (kid free) in the morning because Kyle was going golfing in the afternoon.  Trager and I spent some time in the pool while Kerbi napped.

Tuesday: Splash Country! Such a great waterpark!  After Trager got over his initial shock, he had a blast.  Kyle and I were able to head off on our own in the afternoon to try out the bigger slides.  A big thanks to both sets of grandparents for helping out so much with the kids.  We also went to into town to Woody's Wild Ride where they have a wooden go-cart track and smaller rides for kids.











Wednesday: One last trip to the outlet mall.  One last lunch to Chick-fil-a.  One last swim in the pool.  (By the way, Trager started swimming with no wings while on vacation, and Kerbi became a little water baby, loving to float with her wings on her own.)
That evening the cousins went out to eat at Tony Roma's and then hit up  a lazer tag.  Why not?

All the cousins got snuggled up on our bed and watched "High School Musical".



Thursday: Headed home!

We are so thankful for a family who loves God.  I'm sure not all extended families could spend a week living together and have as much fun as we did.  Already looking forward to the next vacation 4 years from now!