Back to the Bells

The Kern kids went back to school this week- one with elation and one with reservation. Karly was more than excited to return as the big girl on campus-this will be her last year at Blue Oaks. Kyle is still trying to figure out how he can avoid the next nine years of schooling. Staying home to watch the little league world series was his desire. Nonetheless, the kids were out the door early, wearing smiles and backpacks the first day of school. Both Karly and Kyle like their teachers and I think once routine sets in maybe even Kyle will be won over to loving a little learning.

As for Gilligan, he's depressed I think. When I come back from dropping the kids, it's like he doesn't know what to do. His pals are gone and the house is oh so quiet. That quiet is now a gift though for this busy Mama who is knee deep in PTC craziness and volleyball season. The last few weeks have been really hectic and I look forward to next week as things should begin to slow down just a little.

Still can't believe the kids are so big and so great! Thankful to be a Mama!

Remembering 10 years!

Ten years ago we stood before the judge and promised to love our Karly Corn! Brainiac child. Lover of books. Theater queen. Creative wonder. Daddy's princess. Mama's pal. Brobber's sissy. Our sweets and baby girl! Can't imagine life without her. WHAT A GIFT!!!!

Sorry!

Just had to stop in and say sorry for the lack of updates! We have a fabulous movie of our vacation at Almanor, but I can't seem to get it to load. Then life just got VERY crazy. I miss blogging and miss the writing....I do hope that once I get life into routine again with school starting I can keep you updated once again.

I"m sorry. Eventually, there will be life after late summer craziness!

Addicted!!!

These kids are addicted. No kidding, 2-4 hours a day of this!

Karly is reading through the Harry Potter series for the third time now. Sometimes two books in one day. She's a huge Emma Watson fan and boasts of the talents of J K Rowling. She's made a list of the characters, their talents and studied them well. She is spending her own money to complete her hardback collection, she wants nothing to do with paperback. Book snob she is.

As for Kyle, we're researching winter ball for the boy and he's well versed now in visiting the neighbors to request his baseballs that bounced over the fence from the pitch back. We need to find Kyle a new friend who shares his passion as he's long worn out his Daddy. Kyle's first words when Kent comes home are asking him to play ball. Gilligan tries, but he's truly more of a hinderance than a help-eating the balls all the time.
Mama is amazed at the differences between the two kids and trying to help both lead balanced lives. But such passions are not easily parted with, even when reasoning asks of it.

More 4th Fun!

With so many community events canceled or overcrowded this year the Fourth of July came with creativity. Trying to mix things up from the past and celebrate in grand independent fashion.

The highlight of the evening? Picture scavenger hunt. Ann had taken pictures around the neighborhood and we sent the kids out with the goal of finding the item and taking a picture with it. To keep them safe and together, they had to have three of the four in the pic with the item. The fourth naturally had to take the pic. The kids had a blast! Figured them all out and they ran around the neighborhood expelling energy for a good hour and a little more! Definitely something we'll do again!
The joke hat. To light a sparkler, you had to tell jokes first.

Kyle hamming it up!
This year, having talked quite a bit lately with the kids about awareness of the economy, we decided not to purchase a great group of fireworks. "Like burning $$," we said. The kids were totally cool about it and I think the fun that we had with the few fireworks we did have proved creative and plenty of entertainment. No one felt like they missed out at all.

Karly and McKenna in their firework protection gear. Silly girls!
. This is a raft that Kyle and Owen built last year. A perfect launch pad.
After all the fireworks were exhausted, we told the kids they could swim in the clothes. They looked at us. Paused. And Kent pushed Karly in-which she loved. It was too funny and they had a great time swimming in their clothes, with the pool light on, way past bedtime. Spontaneous, casual and silly. Karly said it was the best 4th ever.

Independence Day

Probably one of my favorite holidays thanks to the food, vibrant colors, casual style and outdoor fun! Mind you of course that I love US history and relevance of the holiday and believe it is also something to be taken seriously as well. I am in awe of the passionate founding fathers, their families and those who fought for the cause of "America". I am afraid we take it all too often for granted. Celebrating Independence is a bandwagon I am happy to jump on even if it does just sell fireworks, hot dogs and fixin's for homemade ice cream!

Auntie Janell is fabulous to host Grandpa's birthday BBQ. Both kids spent some great time in the pool. Karly is always a fish. The water could be mountain cold and she'd be swimming. Kyle as usual thought the water was too cold to swim until he found...the trampoline. Suddenly his quest for thrill and sport brought his temperature to a reasonable level. After a few hot dogs, baked beans and good old watermelon, we san Grandpa Happy 73 years and retreated home for an afternoon nap before the evening festivities began.

What to do?

What does one do with a 108 degree day?