Neal Family Reunion

We hosted the Neal family reunion at our house this year. We had a great time swimming at the Ross Park Aquatic Center and eating good food. The giant slip-n-slide was a great hit (even thought you can't tell by the looks on their faces). And of course we ate a lot of delicious food. Here are a few pictures.

The kids made a fun trip to the petting zoo. Poor Jacob got sick with the flu and had to stay in bed for a whole day.

First Day of School A Couple Weeks Late

I just found my card reader so here are a few pics of the first day of school. Emily & Dan wanted to be big too so they got all dressed up for school, packed their lunches and backpacks and came and knocked on the door for "homeschool."
Jacob really had to force a smile for his picture. I don't think he was quite ready for his summer of freedom to end.
Rebecca loves school- she made bubble gum for science on the 2nd day of school.

Postcard Swingers

I was washing dishes and saw this outside the window. Doesn't it remind you of a postcard?

Our New LawnMower

JACOB
Jacob has been mowing the backyard for a while with some help. He's really getting good because he's so meticulous about where he puts the wheels so he doesn't miss any spots. I think he does a better job then me! I love to see him out there working.

Ballerina Ball Player

Emily is quite the well-rounded child. Yesterday she discovered the tee-ball equipment, put a helmet on and announced, "Look, I'm a baseball grill (girl)." We went outside and she attempted to hit a few balls I pitched to her.

About 30 minutes later she decided she was ballerina girl. She loves her new wands and bracelet.
I've never had a child who wants to change clothes as often as she does.

This weekend has been wonderful. On Friday we went to see the movie "Up". I love movies that inspire you to enjoy what you have. This one definitely did that for me. Afterwards we came home and went to look at the stars while laying on the grass at the church by our house. This was Dan & Jacob's idea. In fact Jacob didn't want to go on his "date" with us to the movie because he was so looking forward to seeing the stars with Dan. So we all went over as a family and ended up playing a little game of hide and seek in the dark. It felt sort of nostalgic...like what you dream family life is going to be like when you envision yourself growing up someday. Everyone was happily holding hands on our way back. I wish I could make every day be this good!

Happy Birthday Daniel!

Yesterday we celebrated Dan's birthday. This year we decided to take each child on a date out to eat on their own instead of having friend parties. I love Dan's gratitude for the little things. He was so excited to get his very own root beer w/ refills. He loved holding both of our hands and "swinging" as we walked in the parking lot. I don't think we'll be able to do that much longer. He is such a solid kid. When mentioning his favorite gifts, he even listed "mom cleaned my room" as one of them. He has been busy all morning with his little truck & trailer he hasn't even asked to play with friends yet. He decided he wanted a baseball cake since he's starting tee ball next week. So I made 2 rounds with some pudding frosting and a few red fruit snacks for the "stitches." I love simple cakes that taste good!
His birthday excitement extended an extra day when we went on an early morning walk in our PJS to the mailbox to get his gift from Grandpa & Grandma. He loved the car card with a drawing of him inside. Then our home teacher stopped by to give him a box of ice cream sandwiches. He said that giving him a hug when he said thanks would be "too embarrassing" so he just gave him a handshake. He's growing up too fast!