Life on Cedar Ridge

Bring on the Rain!

2012-02-03T13:52:00.000-06:00

Eight!

2011-12-19T14:20:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to our first-born. I cannot believe he is 8-years-old today. How can this be? We are so proud of this boy. He is growing up so fast, and growing into such a special young man. He is smart, cute (don't tell him that-it's not cool!), outgoing, theatrical, thoughtful, God-loving, high-maintenance, loving, goofy, energetic...I could go on, but these are a few of the big ones. This kid is going to go far. Can't wait to see where that may be!

chopped

2011-12-14T16:42:00.000-06:00

I just had to tell someone about it, since I'm not on facebook anymore.
Ava broke my heart.
She begged and pleaded.
She made me cut her hair.
It is sUPER short! way shorter than we planned.
I'll show you what it looks like when she gets home from school. I was too sad to take a picture last night. I'm such a weirdo. I remember feeling this same way the last time she made me do this!

Well, what do you think? Ava giggles every time she passes a mirror!
(okay, so I maybe went overboard on the after pics, but seriously, how do you choose?!)

five

2011-11-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

happy birthday my sweet boy. we love you!

It is Mr. Kade's birthday today. I can't believe my baby is five. Sniff, sniff. We had a fun birthday party for him this weekend (far-away grandma and grandpa even got to come). I'll post more pics soon.

I don't know what I'm going to do next year. I may cry everyday for a week or more. But today I am going to have fun with my little buddy and focus on the fact that he is here with me now. I need to go bundle up, because I'm pretty sure his next request is going to be a nature walk...off we go!

2011-11-08T23:40:00.000-06:00

It was fun to have my parents here for part of the week. They were in Kansas babysitting my two nephews while my brother and sister were in Africa. It was a treat to be able to have cousin time as well as grandma/grandpa time. Today they had to leave, and apparently, by the pictures, Kade wasn't too happy about it!

A sign that you have been married a long time: you make the same silly face!

Grandpa, Kade and Henry had fun building a marble run.

Hangin' with G&G and our cousins

2011-11-06T23:20:00.001-06:00

Grandpa helping Kade build something with is new workbench.

Big Bro helping Kade build his new lego set.

What is Kade thinking about at this moment?

The motion in this one tells it all.

A Birthday Party, Super-Hero Style

2011-11-05T21:27:00.001-05:00

Let's go on a scavenger hunt!

Now we will go on an adventure!

Now it is time to open presents!

And now, let's eat our cake!

Pointing out the veggie tale candles!

What is that face all about, Kade?!

Oh wait, I almost forgot the super hero masks I made for all the kids! Those would have been perfect for our adventure...

our little super-hero!

Party Preparations

2011-11-04T23:23:00.000-05:00

It is always nice to have company when I am making the kids' birthday cakes the night before a party. This labor of love takes me a few hours, so it is nice to have someone to chat with. My sister-n-law usually has that honor, but this year, my momma was here. It helps make the time pass quite nicely.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T22:22:00.000-05:00

2011-10-30T22:02:00.000-05:00

Jay from Lego Ninjago

Dorothy

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Box Boy!

We are having our small group over tomorrow night for trick or treating in our neighborhood, so we decided to stop in at Grandma and Grandpa Sweigart's the night before so we didn't have to be rushed. We met another little trick or treater there.

A Boy and His Rope, A Soccer Game

2011-10-26T22:54:00.001-05:00

Kade found this 2 foot length of rope on our nature walk the other day. I told him he couldn't take it in the house. So he plays with it and carries it everywhere he goes when he is outside. Silly boy!

He wanted his picture taken by this ginormous tree.

Friends invited us to an indoor soccer game tonight. It was pretty funny, but the kids had a blast. I'm pretty sure they all consumed a ridiculous amount of sugar as well! Needless to say, they were all bouncing off the walls.

Carving Pumpkins

2011-10-25T22:42:00.000-05:00

These pictures are really bad, but too fun to pass up. This is our pumpkin carving experience for the year.

Happy Halloween!

Kade - 5 years

2011-10-24T13:29:00.000-05:00

Anniversary Soccer

2011-10-22T12:20:00.017-05:00

Today is Brent and my 12th wedding anniversary. Yup, 12 years. That's crazy! Brent made me breakfast in bed. This man has come a long way. I love his determination! We then headed to the kids' soccer game. Our anniversary celebration is coming soon! I can't wait.

This picture cracks me up. They look so tough! It's almost as if Ava is saying, "Bring it!" Funny kids.

Pumpkin Patch Redo

2011-10-19T12:11:00.001-05:00

Because we weren't in too much of a hurry to make it home on Monday, Kade missed a trip to the pumpkin patch with his class. I didn't want him to miss this fun experience, so we tagged along with another class today. A bonus, I knew one of the other moms! It was a beautiful day for the pumpkin patch (the teacher said it was way better than on Monday!).

Meet Me In St. Louis!

2011-10-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

The second day of our trip wasn't any different, we still didn't have the motivation to rush home. I took this picture on the interstate. The kids were all excited to see it as well. Then Brent missed the turn-off. We had to take a detour downtown. Man, we were so close...so we decided to stop! The last time we were in St. Louis was 11 years ago for our 1st anniversary. I felt so blessed to be going back to the same spot 11 years later with three, energetic kiddos. It was so fun.

Pit-Stop

2011-10-16T21:42:00.006-05:00

Brent and I were not really in a hurry to get home. We knew we needed to make our way, but we just didn't feel like it. Not too far into our trip, we decided to stop and enjoy some VA mountain beauty. I am so glad we did! We stopped at a park for a picnic and some hiking. We found lots of things to explore.

They were "holding" up the rock!

Brent didn't quite make it into the sunshine in this one!

A Little Post-Wedding Photo Shoot

2011-10-15T23:08:00.000-05:00

Brent and I tag-teamed on this photo shoot. Mid-way through, I'm fairly certain my mono started setting in, so Brent took over. It was such a beautiful place to take pictures. I wish I could have enjoyed it more!

The Big Day

2011-10-15T22:10:00.000-05:00

Decorating, Rehearsal and Such

2011-10-14T23:04:00.001-05:00

This day was one of the longest days ever. We had a lot of work ahead of us. Thankfully, my parents came to town to help with the kiddos. They took them for the day. The kids had a great time and I didn't have to worry about them all day. It was wonderful! Unfortunately, Christian lost his playmate. He found enough things to keep his interest though. Brent took all of the pictures. I am so glad he did. We wouldn't have any if he didn't pick up the camera! It was the last think on my mind.

Oh my, don't get in my way. My blood-sugar is low!

getting there.

the kids were back from their day with grandma and grandpa. they were having such a good day!

yay, the sun is coming out!

now off to the rehearsal dinner

Getting Started

2011-10-13T20:56:00.000-05:00

We started our day with a brunch (no pics of that) with the wedding party and families, during which I finished the program so we could send it off to the printer. After we filled our tummies with yummy food, the girls headed to get some pedicures. It was wonderful...while it lasted. I think that was the last time I sat down all weekend! After our toes looked pretty, we headed out to the barn to get started.

our little helpers

Leaf Collectors

2011-10-13T16:09:00.006-05:00

While the girls went to get pedicures, the kiddos and daddy collected leaves. Daddy had some fun with the camera. Enjoy! Have I mentioned how much I love the fall? I do.

Road Trip

2011-10-12T21:44:00.000-05:00

We are headed to Virginia for Carissa's wedding and I can't get over what is out my window! I miss my East Coast fall trees (the sunset wasn't so shabby either)!!!

Soccer

2011-09-30T15:40:00.000-05:00

Uncle Joel and Aunt Kate came to visit so they could watch the kiddos play soccer. Of course Ava didn't feel well. She did end up playing in the second half.

Applesauce

2011-09-22T21:29:00.000-05:00

Last First Day of Preschool

2011-09-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

This is the last first day of preschool I will ever experience. I can't believe my baby is in preschool. My sweet little boy is going to be leaving his mama next year. Okay, I'm having a pity party. I'll be done now.

Mr. Kade is starting preschool today. What a big boy. He is so excited to go to school like his brother and sister. Finally it is his turn! We headed out the front door for a little picture taking before we left for school.

oh wait, I found something...

a stick!

wait, take one where I am looking stern and intimidating.

ok. I'm ready to go now.

Donut Date

2011-09-05T15:28:00.000-05:00

Groundbreaking

2011-08-22T13:04:00.000-05:00

It was a big day for Kansas Electric. They broke ground on their new building site. Exciting stuff.

Bicyclette

2011-08-18T21:11:00.000-05:00

We've been learning how to ride a bike around here. We've had some skinned knees and elbows, a few tears, but we're still trying. In fact, tonight, Ava did it! She brushed away the tears, got back on that bike, and took off. I was so proud of her determination. She is quite a girl.

listening intently to daddy's instruction

Mr. Kade didn't make it much past this time. Another time. Maybe it's the barbie elbow pads...

She did it! She was so proud of herself. It was so cute. As you can see on her face, while riding, she was determined to get it! That's my girlie. She is a tough one.

First Day of School

2011-08-16T21:42:00.001-05:00

Carissa's Gettin' Hitched

2011-08-12T21:35:00.010-05:00

Jessica and I hosted a little bridal shower for Carissa while she was in town. There wasn't too much that went on, just yummy foot, presents, and a toilet paper wedding dress, of course!

Splash

2011-08-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

Auntie Carissa is in town!

Birthday Boy

2011-08-08T21:27:00.000-05:00

Christian turns 2! Happy Birthday to our closest nephew!

I think Kade liked Christian's new toy!

the big birthday boy and his dump truck cake

he dug in and didn't want to stop!

Home, Sweet Home

2011-08-07T21:41:00.001-05:00

Eleven Mile

2011-08-06T21:46:00.000-05:00

We hiked and drove around Eleven Mile Canyon today. It was really beautiful. Brent led us to some crazy places, but I suppose we survived.

Photo Shoot

2011-08-06T21:35:00.002-05:00

Another Day, Another Hike

2011-08-05T21:36:00.000-05:00

Cave of the Winds

2011-08-04T21:28:00.000-05:00

We had planned to head into Manitou Springs this afternoon, but it was pouring down rain. We had to come up with another plan. So we headed into a cave. Perfect.

The Crags-Hike 2 (to the top)

2011-08-04T21:03:00.000-05:00

We headed back to Crags in hopes of finishing this time. We did and it was worth it!

Horsethief Falls

2011-08-03T21:32:00.001-05:00

it was a long ways down. can't say I'm a fan of that.

The Crags-Hike 1

2011-08-02T21:04:00.001-05:00

After we said goodbye to all of our visitors, we headed down the road for a hike. We started hiking up The Crags. We made it about halfway and had to turn around because of an incoming storm. Hearing thunder while you are up in the mountains, a bit scary. Brent wasn't as convinced, but decided to pacify his wife. Lets just say it started pouring about a minute after we got to our car...

This was the site after the storm, back at our cabin. Brent and I played RumiCub while the kiddos napped.

G & G in the Mountains

2011-08-01T21:00:00.000-05:00

Later in the afternoon, Grandma and Grandpa drove to the cabin for the night. We headed out for a hike at the park again, but a storm was rolling in, cutting our hike a bit short.

Joel and Kate in the Mountains

2011-08-01T20:57:00.005-05:00

After the family reunion, we headed to our cabin in Divide, CO. We talked my brother and his family to come with us for a night. The next morning we headed to Mueller State Park for a little hike.

Vollbracht Family Reunion

2011-07-31T21:48:00.000-05:00

My Uncle Fred and Aunt Sarah had us all over for a big ol' family reunion of sorts, complete with a bouncy slide. Good times.

To the Garden...again

2011-07-31T13:44:00.000-05:00

We were heathens and went to the Garden again this morning instead of going to church. This looks like church to me! What a beautiful day. A fun romp before the big festivities of the day.

Family Gatherings

2011-07-30T21:39:00.001-05:00

We had an impromptu family gathering at a picnic stop.

stick buildings

Ava and Lindsey were so excited to be reunited again. These two were inseparable. Sweet Ava needs a girl in her family!

Kate and Kate

The kids got to pet some horses in the park. A fun surprise.

some of the cousin's kids

back at Grandma's

meeting german-born Josiah for the first time.

Henry was intrigued by Riley the dog.

He wasn't too impressed that mama was stopping his fun.

yummy dirt. I take after my cousin Kade.

Weekend in the Springs

2011-07-30T15:25:00.000-05:00

We spent the first weekend of our vacation in the Springs with my extended family. It was fun getting all the little cousins together (minus my brother's family) and the big cousins together. We had a few missing, but all-in-all, there were a lot of us.

Our first morning/afternoon was spent at the Garden of the Gods. This is one of our favorite spots in Colorado. It isn't a complete trip to the Springs without a quick stop here. I can remember only one or two times we didn't stop here in all my years of visiting. A tradition, if you will.

I don't know these people. I was just trying to get a shot of the balancing rock!

We are headed to Colorado!

2011-07-29T20:37:00.000-05:00

M & M's Day Out

2011-07-25T21:18:00.001-05:00

I love our tradition of having a day out with mom before school starts. I started this when Maddox first went to Kindergarten. It seems, as intentional as I try to be, I don't have many opportunities to spend time with each kid individually. I look forward to it just as much as the kids do, which is fun.

Today was Maddox's day. We did a little school shopping, at lunch at Red Robin, did a little more school shopping, hung out at the book store (Maddox's request!) and headed home after a long day. I may have worn him out a bit, but I think he had fun. I know I did!

Ava's Butterfly Party

2011-07-23T21:58:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Ava's birthday with a family (many of which were missing!) party a couple of days after her birthday. She requested a butterfly-themed birthday this year. It's always fun to see what the kids want me to tackle each year. I had a lot of fun with this one.

Ava and her guests (minus me, because I was in the kitchen) got the party started with a big splash. This might not have been appreciated by all of our guests, but the kids really enjoyed themselves. It was too hot to spend much time outside without water being involved. Once the water balloons were all thrown, the party headed inside to get a little dried off and enjoy some food. We opened presents and then moved onto Ava's favorite party, the cake! This girl loves her sweets. And we love her sweetness. We can't imagine our world without this little girl. What a special six years it has been. Can't wait to see how she accomplishes in the year ahead!

The party guests enjoyed some water balloons...though it is safe to say the kids enjoyed these the most!

By the time I made it outside, the balloons were mostly gone!

This photo is blurry, but it gives you a good idea of the craziness that was going on in the backyard!

You are going to hit your sister on her birthday?!

Everyone was trying to get daddy, so daddy had to fight back.

The water balloon crew

They got ambushed by the onlookers.

This girlie was having a blast!

opening presents

Cake time!

Random

2011-07-13T20:22:00.000-05:00

We had a small group picnic the other day. It has been so hot, we weren't sure if we could have it outside. It is fun to see all of our kids have so much fun together. We have 15 between all of us after all!

We wanted to take a family picture in front of this sunflower patch before it died from heat exhaustion...barely made it. Let's just say, this was a forced effort. But we got one. It might not be pretty, but we got it!

Kansas sunsets are awesome!

We had corn coming out our ears...30 dozen later!

Maddox was creating while we were corning.

Swimming Lessons

2011-07-06T16:59:00.017-05:00

We decided to do swimming lessons for the first time this year for a fun summer activity. I don't know that the kids actually learned anything important that they didn't already know, but they had a lot of fun. I would have agreed with them if I didn't have to sit for two hours in 100 degree weather and not be able to get in the pool! Oh, did I mention there wasn't really shade. It was torture!

The 4th

2011-07-04T22:52:00.007-05:00

Luckily we saw fireworks the night before, because apparently our town decided to do theirs the week before. Not sure about that one. Anyway, we headed over to the Sweigart parents for a little 4th of July picnic and headed into town to mooch off of everyone else's firework's presentations.

Again with our kids lighting fire crackers by themselves...at least he has safety glasses on this time...

somebody get that man a comb

Kansas Sunsets and Fireworks

2011-07-03T22:25:00.001-05:00

We were invited to our friend's house for a little fourth of July pre-party. The night was complete with pool-time for the kids, food, friends, a beautiful sunset and a barn, and a private fireworks show! What a fun night!

Is anyone else amazed at the difference a camera setting can make. That amazes me. The above two pictures were taken one right after the other. I love that about photography!

Kids and Fire Crackers...Always a good mix...

2011-07-03T17:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, Ava is lighting a fire cracker by herself. Talk to her father.

I think Kade needs to go to the bathroom. Funny thing, most of the pictures he had to go to the bathroom...

Buzzz

2011-07-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

Maddox got a haircut.

2011-06-29T21:36:00.000-05:00

#8 on the bench is Maddox. We left soon after this, because he wasn't feeling well. I didn't know that at the time of the picture.

If you want Uncle Mitch to come to your game, you play baseball...:)

Cats

2011-06-26T21:10:00.000-05:00

Baseball

2011-06-23T14:03:00.000-05:00

Maddox played baseball this summer or the first time. Now, I believe I have already said sometime, that my son would never play baseball. I really have a bad taste in my mouth for this sport. How boring can a sport get? Really. But there is something to say for whatever sport your child is in. You will like it whether you want to or not!

We did pick quite a summer to start this sport. I think we averaged a 103 temp for about every game. Yeah, that was fun to sit and watch. Actually, it was miserable, but I was just impressed these kids still wanted to play! They all did so good at staying hydrated and getting after it. You can tell a kid likes something when it is 103 and they still want to do it!

As for next summer, we'll see. I'm sure you will see us parked beside the baseball field if Maddox says the word, dreaded or not!

They Left Us

2011-06-22T23:54:00.001-05:00

Before everyone left, they decided to stay and watch Maddox's baseball game. We headed to the park before the game to release a little energy. Then we all cheered on Maddox. I think he enjoyed the extra fans and Ava and Kade enjoyed the extra company!

We had so much fun with the cousins and siblings. It was fun to have us all under the same roof for a bit. I only wish it could have lasted a little longer. A little birdie told me that this trip made someone actually like Kansas. I'm thinking they should like it enough to move!!! A girl can dream.

Group Pics

2011-06-22T23:21:00.001-05:00

Cousins!!!

2011-06-22T22:57:00.001-05:00

Today we had fun in the sun with all the cousins. So fun to have us all together. It was a blast watching the kiddos play together. Wish it could have lasted longer.

Kade

2011-06-21T22:46:00.001-05:00

Mini Figs and Movies Under the Stars

2011-06-21T22:39:00.000-05:00

Today we made lego figures out of dried playdoh. I will try another form of dough next time we make these. It wouldn't dry completely. The kids had fun painting them anyway. We also had visitors this evening. Uncle Joel, Aunt Kate and cousins Blake and Henry came for the night. After the kiddos went to bed...kind of...the big kids watched a movie outside. Our first to experience this and it was soooo fun!

Day 2 of the Cousins

2011-06-20T23:55:00.003-05:00

Day two was more of the same. The kiddos had fun in the pool and riding bikes. We had craft time with Uncle Caleb, which consisted of making star wars crafts and super hero masks...always a good time. We ended the evening with a bike ride/nature walk. I made some sidewalk paint for the kids. That was super easy and they had so much fun with it. I only wish I would have had more supplies. It didn't last very long! We are headed to the water park tomorrow!

Our cousins are here!

2011-06-19T23:10:00.000-05:00

It's been a long day of Father's Day celebrations, cousins, aunts and uncles arriving, playing in the pool, eating, riding bikes, swinging, and sleepovers! Wow, we're exhausted, but it's been a good day.

Where Have all the Buffalo Gone?

2011-06-12T21:54:00.001-05:00

A fond childhood memory of mine involves long car rides on Sunday afternoons. Unfortunately, the gas prices limit this activity these days, but it is still fun to do sometimes. Today was one of those days. We decided to go on a little family adventure. The kids didn't know where we were going. We thought we'd surprise them with buffalo...and then there weren't any buffalo to see. Bummer. It was still fun to climb the high tower that mom freaked out on. And they loved throwing sticks at the bull frogs to try to get them to move. Fun times.

Reluctantly Enjoying Baseball

2011-06-06T21:39:00.001-05:00

Maddox is doing baseball this year. I'm not terribly excited about it. Actually I hate baseball probably worse than any other sport. Amazing what we'll do for our kids. He enjoys it. And it is fun to watch him get better with each game. It is hot! I'm hoping I remember to sign up for indoor soccer next year...maybe he'll forget about baseball...a mom can only dream.

Blake Turns 2!

2011-05-28T23:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Blake!

The plan was to go see hot air balloons for Blake's second birthday. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating. We went to the park. the kids played hard at the playground, despite the misty rain, but no balloon launch. They did try to pacify us with blowing three balloons up for a couple of minutes, but that was all they could do. Bummer. At least we got to see them last year.

Blake's reaction to everyone singing it him.

Do I have something right...here?