Thatchers Taekwondo

We would like to announce that Thatcher Steven Ballard has now earned the rank of white belt in his Tiny Tigers Taekwondo class. Alright, everyone gets the white belt when they start the class, but truly, Thatcher wears his white belt with all the ferociousness and might of a tiny tiger.

He was pretty sad when the news came that the girls would soon be heading back to school. Due to this we thought he should try out some activities of his very own. Since they don't offer sports for his age we signed him up for the next most "boyish" activity we could think of. The manager asked me what Steven and I would like for Thatcher to get out of his experience in Taekwondo. I said, "We just want him to have fun. I guess it would be nice for him to get out a few wiggles too." It's been a great experience for him thus far and in just a few weeks his attention span and ability to yell "Yes sir" has taken a dramatic turn. He has a pretty impressive side kick too.

Summer, Then School

It will inevitably happen every year. The wonderful, care free, lazy days of summer come to an end and it's time to head back to school. I only cried for a few minutes and am proud to say I was tear free by the time we reached the driveway. Don't get me wrong. Steven and I have fond memories of our schooling years and hope and pray that our kids have similar experiences of exciting discoveries and memories that will last a lifetime. We have also been very lucky to have experienced amazing schools and teachers, their new school being no exception.

So for now, farewell to the enjoyable, relaxing days of summer. You will be a welcome site when you appear once again...especially after experiencing a Midwest winter of ice storms and freezing temperatures.

2010

2009

They look so little here!

Our welcome home treat

1+1= Baseball

We are always thinking up new ways to make learning fun. Last Wednesday Steven gave the kids a challenge if they could learn and memorize some important math facts he would have a great reward planned the following Saturday. They were very excited and took the challenge to heart.

Ryley's assignment, multiplication numbers 1, 2, 3 - all the way to fifteen. Kadyn's assignment, addition 1, 2, 3 - all the way to fifteen. Since this was Thatchers first "challenge" we went a little lighter and assigned numbers 1-100. He already knew the first fifty but occasionally leaves some out. Each received their assignment and understood a test would be given a week later with Thatcher needing to know them without any assistance and the girls able to answer from memory.

They worked hard all week long, made flash cards and tested one another over and over. The evening prior to deadline they approached us and asked to be tested. Steven said, "you have one more day". They didn't want one more day. They were ready and prepared and we knew it. Each one passed with flying colors and when Saturday came we headed for Kansas City. Steven's sister lives their with her family, which includes seven cousins. What a gift! We are so excited to have family near by. When we got to their home the kids immediately disappeared with their "friends" and a few hours later reappeared for pizza and a soccer game. We headed off for Steven's surprise after that but promised to return within the month. An hour later we were sitting in a beautiful stadium for the Royals vs. Yankee's game - our kids love baseball games. We're not sure if it's all the cheering or all the food but they sure enjoy the experience. This was the first major league game they had seen and regardless of who won or lost, we don't need to focus on scores :), it was a wonderful evening out at the ball game.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

One of the best thing about a move is discovering the many unique things that belong to the home and community in which you now live. The "Little Apple" has been no exception. In fact, I could easily imagine raising our children here, in a small town surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of the Midwest. In our short time here we have already discovered a number of wonderful things unique to this area. Here's a few of our favorites.

First, the mail, it comes right to your door. Right to it! I just open the door and there it is. Throughout the day you can find various postal workers walking to each door step as they push their mail bag and wave to passersby.

Second, our laundry shoot. It's on the third floor and is positioned directly above the washer so that clothes drop right in. Isn't that brilliant! Now, as excited as we were about this new found contraption we also believe that Haley J is petite enough to fit right in. Since we do not want to see this theory tested we decided to place the girls bed directly over this amazing device.

Third, fresh off the farm dairy milk. There is a great little market just minutes from our house that sells it each day. The price is comparable to regular milk and you even get a few quarters back when the glass bottle is returned. This particular flavor is root beer - they also have white, chocolate, and strawberry. Now, before you go knocking it let us tell you, it is quite the tasty treat. Fourth, the tire swing in our front yard. The kids love it. I love the huge tree that it hangs from and the many you can find all throughout the neighborhood.

Fifth, we found a great pool just minutes from the house that kids of all ages can enjoy. This was a very important discovery after our latest pool visit. (see prior post) We have been a few times this week and each day I had to coax them to the car.

Finally, and by far our very favorite, we have discovered what a 50 hour work week for Dad feels like. I have to give Steven props. When you work 80 hours a week you definitely have to make certain your family time is spent focused on quality verses quantity. He always did so and for that I will be forever grateful. We'll have another busy year when fellowship comes, but for now we'll enjoy the "extra" time we have, and yes, that is Steven taking out all of us with water balloons and the sink sprayer. Oh, and yes, that is Steven with his army helmet on for protection, however, I still believe our team was victorious in the end.

Boys and Babies

The following conversation recently took place with Thatcher. It's the first conversation he's had with me regarding where babies come from.

Thatcher: "Was I the first one here?"

Mom: "No. Who came to our family first?"

Thatcher: (with a smile) "Ryley...Kadyn....me.......then Haley?"

Mom: "Yes. Good job."

Thatcher: "Were you like, "ahhhh, look at all these babies"?

Mom: "No." (trying not to laugh) "You were all a few years older when the next baby came along."

Thatcher: "Did you have to drive far to get the baby out?"

Mom: "No. You go to the hospital and there is a doctor who helps the Mommy get the baby out."

Thatcher: "Oh. (thinking) Does the Mommy slam herself into a wall and the baby pops out of her neck?"

Mom: "Ummm." (trying not to laugh) "No. She works really hard and the baby comes out."

Thatcher: "Of her tummy?"

Mom: "Yes."

Thatcher: "Oh. O.K." (runs off to play)

Short Sometimes Stinks

As we continue to learn the in's and out's of this beautiful town we can at least announce that every box is unpacked and every item set in it's place. After moving five times Steven and I have a pretty efficient system worked out. We tend to start with the toy room and add any additional forms of entertainment possible so that we have ample time to finish the rest of the home.

Steven built a monster tunnel with our first load of boxes and the kid's went nuts. We practically didn't see them for the first few days and when I started taking it apart this morning tears began to fall. I felt like the meanest Mom on earth. It's just, I wanted to see what the living room looked like. When I told them I would leave the boxes in the garage and have Dad set it up another day they were pacified. At least I know what their getting for Christmas now. Hey, why not!?

In addition, we took multiple breaks to check out the local parks and pools. We found a fantastic park with an huge splash pad attached just five minutes from the house. It was such a great set up I couldn't believe it was free.

We also tried out the new water park in town. It was a lot of fun, however, due to height restrictions the kiddos were banned from using a large amount of the facilities, i.e. slides, water trampoline. Even Ryley didn't meet the 48" rule but occasionally was able to slip by. After three hours we headed home with Kadyn and Thatcher in tears. They were tired of being turned away. I don't blame them. I explained they had the "curse" of short parents and if they were out of booster seats by age 12 they should consider themselves lucky. We past our great sprinkler park on the way home and all sorrows quickly faded - no height requirements there!

Steven's tunnel creation

He added even more to this end. It turned and went into the kitchen.

Inside the tunnels you could also find dead ends and various doors.

Before Leaving Bartlett

The day we returned home from our cruise Thatcher Steven Ballard turned the big 4!

I cannot believe our boy is already so grown up.

He loves to have his sisters read to him, he loves to play with his sisters, and he loves to participate in anything that his sisters are doing.

Basically, he loves (as he calls them) "the guwls".

For gifts he received what every young boy needs.

A lightsaber, a Star Wars watch, legos, and an Indiana Jones whip.

He is our monkey and adds the excitement and energy that a house full of girls needs.

(I'm told when they're older that roles reverse and boys become more laid back while girls may take on a more.....emotional role.

Is this true? Don't answer that.)

Happy Birthday Thatchie Boy.

We love you!

Thatch (6 months)

We also played with our friends at a splash park, hit the drive in,

checked out a museum, and Mom had one last girls night out.

It was a full week of fun.

We miss our Bartlett family already.

Toy Story 3

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

Olive Garden, then the long awaited premiere of.... Ramona and Beezus of course!

Just kidding! (We went to Chili's) :)