Hello Everyone!

Thanks for checking in and so sorry it's been so long since I've updated the blog. Now that all 4 kids are home all day---either I'm doing other things (pool, movies, etc.) or everyone else is having their 'computer time!' Anyway, we are doing great and having a wonderful summer so far.

In June, we primarily are focused on swim team. Both Madison and Caeden are swimming this year in what is called "Suburban Swim League" where our neighborhood competes against another neighborhood in Lees Summit each week for 6 weeks. The kids are doing great! I am amazed each week as I watch Madison swim the fastest she has even swam, and Caeden diving off the block like he's been doing this for years. We love the meets and Leila is quite good at screaming "Go Maddie" and "Go Caeden" at the edge of the pool.

Last weekend, we headed down to Chanute for the long awaited wedding of Jason's sister Megan, and her new husband Wade. Madison was the junior bridesmaid, I made the groom's cake, Jason played the pre-wedding guitar music and the little kids just had to be cute. Leila started shouting "Wader Tater" (it's HIS fault for telling her his childhood nickname) at the beginning of the ceremony, so we spent most of the wedding in the 'cry room.' Oh well, it was a wonderful weekend and we are so happy that Megan and Wade will live in Kansas City when they return from their honeymoon.

Later in the summer, we'll head out on the biggest road trip we've ever taken. First, we'll travel to Cape Girardeau to visit my college roommates (and apartment mates) and their families. They have been getting together each year but we've never been able to attend---I cannot wait to see everyone. We will then drive all the way to North Carolina for an awesome beach vacation at the Outer Banks. I am a little nervous for the long drive, but can't wait to be with my family and let the boys and Leila see the ocean for the first time (Maddie went with us to N. Carolina when she was one!)

Leila continues to amaze us with her English and her ability to use it appropriately in almost any situation. Yesterday as we drove home from Chanute she handed me her pillow and said "Mommy, I don't want this pillow!" Jason and I sat there amazed---a full sentence after only 3 months of living in the United States! She is constantly telling on Rudy, asking for Madison, copying Caeden, and thanking me for something. When I sing to her at night she always says, "Good job, Mommy!" She's the only one who really appreciates my singing, so I love it. Leila is now in the phase of asking the name of every single thing on every single page of every single book we read. She wants to know what the name of every truck is on the road, every food we eat, every piece of clothing we put on. It's like she's developing this encyclopedia of vocabulary words right before our eyes and although exhausting, it's an awesome process to watch.

Right now, Leila's favorites:
-Elmo
-Gum
-Books, Books, Books
-Singing (current faves are ABC's, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Jesus Loves Me, You are My Sunshine)
-Swimming
-Wearing anyone's shoes but her own
-Noodles (which she now prefers to call 'pasta'---she even told my dad 'Noodles are pasta')
-Her aunts, uncles, Papas, Grammies, friends, anyone who comes to visit
-Mommy holding her

And her dislikes:
-Mommy not holding her (I have to make dinner sometime!!)
-Some of Rudy's action figures (specifically Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle which actually scares me as well. She'll tell Rudy 'it scare me Wudy!')
-Green beans
-Not being allowed to go off the diving board

This week, we tried Leila at Vacation Bible School and of course, she is absolutely loving it. I put her with 3 year olds since she'll be 3 in August, and she is doing well with following directions, listening to the teacher, and participating in all the activities. It's fun to watch her but also a little sad for me as I see her acting so big already!

Thanks so much for visiting---we love you and hope to hear from you soon!

Love,
Alissa