Lutherhill Summer 2012!

I forgot to add this post in over the summer.  Kade attended Lutherhill (church camp) for the first time this year.  He spent 3 days and said that he had so much fun.  He can't wait to go back next summer.  He said he didn't miss us at all.  I guess that is a good thing.  At least he wasn't homesick.  He shared a bunk with buddies Eric Aschenbeck and Dawson Rudloff.  I'm glad they had such a great time at such an amazing place.

Kade with camp counselor Libby Jones

Kade with his camp counselor

Eric, Kade & Dawson

First Day of School 2012!

Another new school year is upon us.  Kade is in 2nd grade this year.  He has Mrs. Koehler and Mrs. Phillips for his teachers.  As always, he is excited about school which is a great thing for mom and day.  Brady is starting Kindergarten and public school for the first time.  I was quite nervous about Brady starting public school with his anxiety and all, but he totally surprised me.  He was ready to go and has done a fantastic job.  So very proud of him.  He has Mrs. Sommerfeld this year.  Little Nate Man is a Frisky Frog this year with Mrs. Schmidt and Mrs. Connie.  He has absolutely loved school since day one.  He asks every night if he gets to go to school again tomorrow.  I hope my boys keep their positive attitude they have about school.  It will make life so much easier for me in the long run. 

Kade and Mrs. Koehler

Kade and Mrs. Phillips

Brady and Mrs. Sommerfeld

Excited and ready for the first day of school

Dallas World Aquarium!

On the way home from Great Wolf Lodge, we stopped off at the Dallas world aquarium.  The boys really enjoyed walking through it looking at all the fish, monkeys, birds, alligators, etc.  It was really neat to see. 

Mini Summer Getaway!

For the most part, this past summer was consumed with baseball.  At the beginning of August we were able to schedule in a little mini vacation with the boys.  We decided to visit Great Wolf Lodge again in Grapevine, TX.  We had such a great time the last time we went, we knew it would be great again.  This was Nate's first trip, and he loved the water.  He couldn't get enough of going down some of the slides.  We also took Aunt Lolo, Uncle Joe, and cousin Coy with us as well.  Kade was able to ride all the big rides this year, so you know what area of the water park he spent most of his time.  Brady was able to ride down all the big slides and he really enjoyed that.  It was a super fun trip.  Thanks Great Wolf for yet another great trip!

Nate catching some summer rays

The Great Wolf water park entrance

Getting soaked

Nate & Coy riding the jet ski

Dane and the boys

The Gurka's

Riding the jet skis is so much fun

Riding the wave pool

Dad with the boys

I love this place

Mom with the boys

Family pic of the Rau's

Family pic of the Gurka's

Silly boys

Playing in the big outdoor pool

Going down the water slide for the one thousandth time

and loving every minute of it

Getting ready to go out to eat

Little water bug

Getting ready for some arcade fun

4th of July Celebrations!

This Fourth of July was pretty laid back for us.  We skipped out on the morning parades this year in Round Top and Chappell Hill.  We went to Popo Loewe's house for lunch and made some homemade vanilla ice cream.  Mmmmm...it was so good!!  Then we came home to take a little siesta before heading out to Independence for a late afternoon, early evening parade.  Before the night ended we watched a great firework show in Independence as well.

Nate enjoying the parade

Nate enjoying the parade

All my boys

Getting ready for the firework show

Nate's reaction to the fireworks

Nate's reaction to the fireworks

Waiting for the next firework

Watching the firework show

Happy Birthday Cousin Coy!

Coy celebrated his 2nd birthday back on July 2nd.  We went and had dinner with Coy on his actual birthday and then he had a swimming party at the Aquatic Center the following weekend with other friends and family.  Coy is such a sweet, loving little boy.  We are so lucky to have him as a part of our family.  He and Nate are best buds.  Happy Birthday Mr. Coy!  We love you!

More All-Star Pictures!

Colin Schaper & Kade

Coach Rau giving a pep talk before the game

The All-Star Moms

Party at Othie's after every game almost