That's a wrap for track!

Another busy week with track wrapping up for us. Grandma Val was a life saver helping out while Matt was gone to Colorado for the gunsmith engraving class. It was H-O-T but we had a good time together. I was a little bummed that the kids preferred Grandma over me (especially since I am leaving on a multi-week work trip but Grandmas are Grandmas!).

Look how big the kids are getting - so tall!

Nola taking first in the 400 meter. She had some tight competition this week!

Nola at the shot put with Coach Gary looking on. He complimented her on her form! Nola took third place!

Nola also took third place in the 200 meter. I asked if her leg hurt since she usually one this race easily. She said "No my leg didn't hurt. Thought someone else might like to the ribbon." Big heart from a little girl!

Brenner winning third in the 400 meter - his best finish yet on this race!

Here is our frog!

And another jump from him! A strong third place finish jumping almost 8 feet!

Brenner was on again off again wanting to run the mile. It was hot but Coach Gary got him out there. His pace was that of a turtle. I know - I am a parent I am suppose to be supportive - but shouldn't I also be honest? He plays it up when Grandma is around. I am super proud that he got out there and tried!

B did sprint the last 50 yards. With three kids in his age division, Brenner took second place. Good effort, buddy!

Wonder what these two are discussing?

Out crew did great! We loved that Cousin Eadlin came down and participated too (Love that her and Nola unknowingly dressed alike!). And PawPaw Hinckle, Krystee, and Gannon (in the background) also came to cheer on the kids. What great support!!!!!! Matt and I are super proud of the kids - going out each week and cheering each other on. I mentioned that we decided not to go with the Y team because of schedule conflicts and the coach. Soap box here - I really feel that we have to put our kids in situations with positive people. I do get competitive but it is about setting good models for our children. I heard a Y team dad yelling "Your not number 1 until you finish number 1." His 8 year old was running the 2 mile - bet the dad didn't see his kiddo crying on the back stretch. Dear Lord, help us keep things in perspective.

Brenner laid out all his ribbons from the month!

Nola did too. Then on Saturday, Brenner convinced Nola to trade all of her ribbons for the big trophy that Papa had given him (an old mountain biking race)! Kids are funny!

Nola's burn is healing well! No scabbing - keeping it clean and moist. Looks like a sunburn right now - but hasn't been causing her any pain which is wonderful!

Grandma did an awesome job helping the kids with their lessons this week. Nola did several workbook and Brenner read, practiced reading comprehension, and math (forgot to snap a picture of those). Thanks, Grandma!

Nola also did a paint by number!

When Mommy's away.....

I went to Green Bay this week for work - what a fiasco with the storms that moved through! I was glad to make it home in the wee hours of Friday morning! Matt and the kids had a busy week while I was gone.

A nice trail near my hotel in Green Bay - nice place to get those Fitbit steps in :)

Nola relaxing before the track meet.

Grandma Val came down to cheer on Brenner and Nola! Time for the warm up!

Stretch!

Nola cruising across the finish line in the 400 meter.

Blurry - but Nola umping 5 feet in the long jump!

Brenner wanted to run the 2 mile and was ready to go - bypassing the 400 meter and 1 mile - then Matt read the fine print - you had to be 8 years old to run it :( So - other events it had to be!

Shotput!

Brenner stretching for the finish line in the 200 meter!

Nola one first place in the 400 meter and long jump. Brenner won third in the 200 meter! Way to go! (There were so many kids doing shotput, we have to wait until this week to find out the results!)

On Friday, we went to Hermitage for a bit. Nice Father's Day weekend excursion!

We found some wild raspberries - yum!

A little blurry but like father, like son!

Goof balls! Note bandage on Nola's leg - she got burned Saturday night by some charcoal. True to her tough self - she was a trooper. She hates the tape on her skin - but gotta keep it moist/covered to stop it from scabbing! Scab = scar = we have had enough of those!

Rain, rain - go away! Front project is a slow go with all the rain but we planned out the shape of the new sidewalk, the print we will use on the concrete, and its color. Progress!

Fast paced

It was a very full week for us - ups and downs but we handled it together!

Matt and Brenner at the track meet. Someone looks deep in concentration!

Nola running in the 400 meter. She took a blue ribbon!

Brenner running in the 400 meter - look how his right hand matches Nola's in the previous picture! The boy behind him barely passed Brenner - giving Brenner a 5th place finish. It was exciting!

Shot put anyone? She also placed first in this event - not sure how many 4 year old girls did this event though!

Brenner in the long jump! He took 4th place!

Nola in the 200 meter - wonder if she was talking with the other girl?

Brenner doing awesome in the 800 meter! He took fourth place!!!

Another fun night with friends!

It dried out enough to get the sidewalk up and bushes out of the front. Now - to finish it up between rain events!

On Friday and Saturday night, Brenner had soccer tryouts (he has on the bright yellow socks).

It poured on Saturday (look at the railing with water dripping off). Brenner stayed engaged the entire time playing against the 8-10 year olds!

Brenner was soooo into an audio book from the library - it made for a very quiet Saturday morning.

On Sunday, we headed to Grammy's for her annual fish fry. Brenner immediately found a fishing pole.

Nola and Eadlin got to hang out :)

Aunt Janet and Matt hanging out!

Ponies came!

Brenner got to meet a new cousin, River. River's dad (Joey) and Matt were troublesome boys when they were 8-9 years old. Everyone said that Brenner and River reminded them of their fathers!

One of Brenner's catches - many bass and blue gill chomped onto the fresh cicada bait Brenner used!

The lows this week came from us having to put Emi down. She was the most wonderful dog for us for over 13 years and 4 months - a furry family member for sure. It was hard on all of us, but Emi told us it was time Wednesday morning - she didn't suffer long and passed peacefully. I didn't know what picture to put on the blog - but Nola helped me out. She had taken a picture of Emi and taped it to the wall where Emi's bed was. Emi will be so missed - and gave us just as much love as we gave her!