Casey's Kids Fun Run

Ryan and I talk a lot about how we are doing raising our family.  

What goals we have and how we'd like to improve.  

We feel it's important to give our kids lots of experiences that are both fun and teach them things.  Last Saturday we had the opportunity to teach them the importance of participating in your community, serving others, and being physically fit. 

We participated in the Casey's Kids fun run, to help raise money for needy kids in our area and also to get a little exercise.  We only did the one mile run though since pregnant mom has already reached her waddling stage- haha.   

Jase and Maycee both did awesome!  I was impressed with how much they went for it- they ran hard and fast!  Brynlee did great too- no complaints from the stroller ;)

So excited to get their medals!

I love these little tots so much!!  

Six Flags

Our good friends the McEwen's have a season pass to Six Flags in Arlington- last weekend was bring a friend for free day, so we were lucky enough to join in on fun.

Ryan, Jase, Maycee, Landon, Gavin

Water shooter ride- Look Out!

Brynlee even got to go on a few- although her tummy was in knots after the swings.

Cuties!

Brynlee clearly enjoying herself!!!!

Thanks for the fun day!!!!!!

Camping 101

a) Find a nice grassy area, close to a lake, on a weekend when the rain decides to give it a rest for a little bit.

b) put up your tent

c) bring snacks and bubbles and good friends

d) explore the area a bit

e) build a fire to cook your food

f) settle in for bed

g) stay awake all night with a fussy baby and loud neighboring campers ;)  

ok maybe try to avoid that last part.  But all in all our first camp out of the year was pretty fun!

Dad for the win - again!

When you have a very messy toy room- it works to bribe your kids with a promised obstacle course if they clean it up!

The Good Push?

In an attempt to help Maycee get more active and involved, we decided to sign her up for gymnastics.  We knew it would take a little bit for her to warm up to it like it does with most things, but we thought it would be something she would really enjoy.

Our sweet little Maycee is so very tenderhearted and as Nervous Nellie as they come.  She is intimidated and frightened very easily and her shy personality makes it even harder for her because she is unable to approach someone for help.  

So theses sorts of things end up in tears... and it did, but usually she gets the hang of it and starts to really enjoy it- like soccer and preschool for instance.  

However gymnastics has been a struggle.....  these pictures would tell a different story, because she loves free play time when mom and dad can be out there with her.  But try to get her in there with an instructor is pretty much impossible.  She would rather take several immunization shots at once then be asked to let go of our hand and join in jumping and bouncing around. 

As parents, you try to do the best for your kids.  You want them to grow and be stretched a little and learn new things, but when does it cross a line of being pushed too far?  

Do we use tough love or tenderness and patience?

  How do know when when something crosses the line between the good push and trying to make her become something she simply isn't.  

How do I help her learn and grow all while embracing her little person wholeheartedly.

Do we just leave her be?

Will she just get over this with more time and maturity?

Am I coddling her?

Am I being to harsh?

Will she learn to be a quitter if we let her stop trying something?

For now, we've decided to take a break.

  It's not worth the money and stress for both her and us. Fighting her in the mornings to get ready for gymnastics, only to have her sit on our lap the entire time with tears welling up in her eyes. 

But enjoy the fun pictures!    

Parenting is hard work and A LOT of second guessing yourself.  I hope and pray that my Heavenly Father is guiding me in our day to day lives and choices we make and that I'm doing what's right for my kiddos.  I love them so much!