Swimming Lessons at the YMCA

Kirsten and Alexa just finished a 3 week program at the YMCA for swimming lessons.  Both girls are strong swimmers for their age and this is in part to the countless hours they swim in Las Vegas over the summer.  However, I thought it best they receive formal training from our local YMCA.  I remember taking my own swimming lessons at the YMCA and loved it!  The girls did an excellent job--their teacher even took note and taught them both more challenging things.  Needless to say, but they're ready to swim in Vegas and keep up with their brother Drake!

Getting ready for their lesson!

The girls with their teacher!

Smashing Pumpkins

There's nothing like having fun with your friends, especially when you're going to a concert in a historic theater to see Smashing Pumpkins!!  Gordon and I went with our great friends Klint and Jenny Belz and had an amazing time!!  What a GREAT night :)

Congratulations Chad & Betsy!

Our friends Chad and Betsy eloped to Mexico in May and celebrated their wedding with a reception in June!  They just built a new beautiful house in Ankeny, so we posed in front of their entry door mid-celebration.  Congrats Chad & Betsy!

Alexa's First Bike!

Every Monday and Wednesday during Summer Camp at Des Moines Christian School, Alexa has Bike Day where she gets to ride around the playground in a bike or push toy from home.  Since she is still learning how to pedal Alexa has been bringing in her tricycle...until yesterday!  Lex brought in her brand new bicycle Daddy and I purchased for her over the weekend.  We're still working on how to brake, but she'll be there in no time!

Kirsten's Pre-K Graduation!

Where does the time go??  It feels like yesterday when I was posting her baby pictures on this very blog and now she's on her way to Kindergarten.  Kirsten has been attending Des Moines Christian School these past few years and has received an excellent academic and biblical education.  We feel so very blessed!  Her teachers put together a wonderful Pre-K graduation ceremony with a fun party afterwards.  All the parents and children had a great time!

Good luck sweet girl, I know you'll make us proud!

The graduate!  Kirsten is on her way to Kindergarten!

Kirsten and her best buddy in Pre-K, Jadyn

Kirsten and her teachers Miss Emily & Mrs. Armstrong

Artwork on the wall at school

Our Little Ballerinas

Check out these little cuties!  Kirsten and Alexa completed their first dance season with a big performance at Stephen's Auditorium in Ames, IA at the Iowa St. campus.  We had a few jitters and stalled moments while on stage, but overall the girls did great!  We are so proud of them!  Gordon even presented our little ballerinas with flowers at the end.

Backstage, getting ready to perform!

Flowers from Daddy!