Kade's Last T-Ball Season!

This past year was Kade's last year to be in t-ball. Next year he moves up to the pitching machine and will hopefully have the opportunity to make All-Stars. This year though, Dane and Cody coached the team once again. They did a fantastic job with that group of young ball players. They were the "Blue Claws" this season. About halfway through the year, the coaches started pitching to them instead of hitting off of the tee to better prepare them for the next level up. Kade really enjoys playing baseball. I think it is a sport he could really excel at if he keeps at it. He has also made so many memories and friends in such a short period of time; I can only imagine the stories he will have to tell in the years to come.

Kade's Kindergarten Graduation!

Kade reached another milestone this past May. He graduated from kindergarten and will be a first grader next school year. Kade had a blast this school year with Mrs. Sommerfeld. He is really going to miss her, but is ready for a new challenge. Kade continues to impress and make us so very proud of him. He is one smart little guy that is for sure. He will be my child that I will not have to worry about grades with. He catches onto things very quickly and really enjoys going to school and learning. I sure hope it stays that way.

A Little Family Gardening!

One fond childhood memory that Dane and I both have it planting and picking a vegetable garden at our grandparent's houses as kids. So it was a mutual agreement that when we got married we would carry on the tradition of having a vegetable garden every spring and fall season. We have held true to our commitment; so much so that our garden grows a little larger each year. We have even added another garden to the mix. Now we have two big gardens to maintain, but we love it and the kids love picking it. I hope our kids will have the same fond memories as adults that Dane and I both do.

Our Big Catch!

Dane and the two oldest boys decided to head down to the tank one afternoon to see if they could catch some catfish out of the tank before it started getting too hot and dry during the summer. I think they had a successful catch.

Easter 2011!

This past Easter was a busy one for the Rau family. The Saturday before Easter we had Uncle Joe, Aunt Lolo, Coy, and Popo over for an Easter egg hunt and dinner.

The boys woke up Easter morning to find that the Easter Bunny had made a stop during the night to leave them each some special treats in their nests as well as some eggs to hunt out in the yard. This was Nate's first Easter, so it was exciting to seem him react to all the Easter eggs laying in the yard.

Before church started all the kids in Sunday school had an Easter egg hunt. Once loaded up with candy, we attended church service to remember what Easter is really all about.
After church, we went over to Nana and Papa's house for lunch and yes, you guessed it, another Easter egg hunt. It was a great weekend spent with family and friends.

Brady's Spring Musical 2011

As most of you all know, Brady isn't exactly Mr. Social. You never really know how is going to react in or around a big crowd. He doesn't like to be the center of attention in a crowd. When St. Paul's had their rodeo at school, he absolutely refuse to participate when he walked in and saw all the parents there to watch. When we found out that his class was apart of the spring musical, Dane and I did not have high hopes that he would participate. However, he very much surprised us. He came out on that stage, front row, and sang every song loud and clear. He made us so proud. I even had tears in my eyes. It was the first time that he really got out there and shined. It was a major break through. Hopefully this will ease some to the tension he seems to feel in front of a crowd.

Happy 4th Birthday Brady!

This year Brady decided and stood firm about having a fishing party at our house for his birthday. He didn't just want a themed, decorated party; he wanted an actual fishing party where he and all his buddies got to go down to the tank and actually fish. He also made it very clear that no girls were allowed at his party (only mom). We did manage to talk him into letting us invite his girl cousins. He told us they could come, but could not fish. Besides it being quite windy that day, we did manage to real in a few fish. It didn't take much to make those little boys happy; one fish and the job was done. Happy Birthday Brady Bear! We love you very much!