On-Post 4th of July Celebration

Saturday, June 28,2008

Being in the military, friendships develop past the point of being friends... they become a form of extended family. Joe & Koreen's family has been there for us in ways that we never imagined possible, and our friendship has become one that will last a lifetime. It only seems natural to spend the holidays together when we're both in town. The boys have really grown to love them. And did I mention they are GREAT gift givers? :)


Miss Koreen always picks out the CUTEST summer clothes for Kaden & Kaleb's birthdays (I think that gift is for Mom :) and fills them each a bag full of goodies to play with during the 4th of July Celebration. Hanging out with the Potocki's is ALWAYS a good time!!








There were many food tents, blow up children's play areas and live bands at the Celebration... but we decided to camp out to the side with chairs & blankets where we could listen to the music & talk. We brought a football and baseballs with mitts to throw around. We also had a great seat for the airshow (the Silver Wings jumped and a cool Black Hawk demonstration) and the fireworks.

Our Family Birthday Celebration

Friday, June 27, 2008

We celebrated Kaden's 7th and Kaleb's 4th birthday this week. Since Donnie will be going overseas very soon and will be missing Sky's, mine and his birthday, we decided to have one big family birthday celebration with a cake that said, 'Happy Birthday Ellis Family'. Hahaha...we're a bit cheesy!! :) Of course, Kaden and Kaleb still got birthday cupcakes on their special day.




















The boys were very fortunate this year, making out with a new trampoline and a nice basketball hoop. We decided to give these to the boys early, so Donnie could enjoy them with the boys before he left. Grandma Kari & Grandpa Skip felt it was very important all 3 of the boys had something to open for our little celebration, so they sent some great gifts... a new basketball (to go with his new hoop) and a fun running hat for Sky, Heely's for Kaden (he's been asking and asking for a pair :) and a SPIDERMAN BIKE for Kaleb (he's going to be talking about his new bike for weeks!!).























After having SUCH a great day, we had to call Grandma Kari and give her a big thank you!!!

Our Little Leaguer

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Kaden played his first season of baseball this spring and LOVED it! I was going to sign him up for soccer again and he asked if he could play baseball instead. He is a great hitter... the outfield, well, let's just say we're working on it... sometimes it's really hard to not watch the game in the next field over! Kaden did earn the game ball in the second to last game. His coach was great about making sure each child got one, but Kaden REALLY earned his when he hit that triple!!!!! Not only did he have lots of fun, he became friends with the coach's son... so now we have a new buddy to have playdates with (and it just so happens, he has a little brother Kaleb's age too). Kaden had his last game and end of season barbeque at the coach's house today. It was a great season and Kaden can't wait to play again!!

Some Saturday Family Fun!!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Sometimes Donnie & I love nothing more than to get all of the boys outside to play soccer or catch. Kaleb's really beginning to enjoy it more now that he can play... although a few times, while he was dribbling the ball, he accidentally stepped on it and fell down. He didn't get hurt so we couldn't help but laugh.






















Before we went inside for dinner, we spent a little time goofing around and jumping on the trampoline.

Father's Day Weekend

Sunday, June 15, 2008

We spent the weekend doing what the boys love to do best, spending time together as a family. This is our second to last one before Donnie deploys overseas again. On Saturday, after Kaden's baseball game and picking Sky up from the church after scout camp, we went to the park then took the boys to see a movie. The choices were 'Kung Fu Panda' and 'The Incredible Hulk.' A decision couldn't be made, so Donnie took Sky to see the 'Hulk' and the little boys & I went to 'Kung Fu Panda' (which is a REALLY cute movie). We had an early dinner and Donnie & I went out on a date night. The talks at church on Sunday were great, of course the Primary sang and Donnie received a bunch of homemade cookies. We had a great dinner at home, we barbequed in the rain and jumped on the trampoline (What's a little water anyway?)! We ended the night with a game of Risk with Sky, after the little boys went to bed. Donnie is such a great example for our boys... he teaches them to be hard working, determined, loyal, passionate, responsible and honorable. The sacrifices Donnie makes are the ultimate kind, and our family is very grateful! Happy Father's Day!!!!!!!!



Of course the boys and I were sure to call the best Granddad in the world, so a very special 'Happy Father's Day' to my dad as well... the most honest, humble, respectable, intelligent and kind man I know. I love you, Dad!!!!!!!!!

Florida Vacation

Monday, June 2, 2008

We took the boys to Destin, Florida, on the Gulf for a little vacation and had WAY too much fun!! It's only a 3 hour drive so we made it in time for lunch at Fudpucker's and to their Gator Beach. Kaden just wasn't too sure about the alligators though! We spent a day at the beach playing in the water and sand... we even buried the boys & Donnie! That night we went to a MiniGras at Baytowne Wharf Village where the boys got beads, their faces painted, balloon lobsters and played in a band. We had fresh seafood for dinner which was SO yummy! It had been SUCH a long day, Kaleb fell asleep and didn't even wake up during the fireworks!! After we got him into the car, he woke up and said, 'Is my food here yet?' Good thing we had plenty of food in the fridge back at the hotel! The next day we went on a dolphin cruise where the boys touched a live crab, stood at the front of the bow through large waves and even steered the boat. It was definitely one of my favorite things we did!! We can't wait until our Disney trip!