A Warm Week!

Last week we had some WARM weather! I think that we lived in the pool! The water was so nice and refreshing, but Peyton still enjoys an occasional dip in the hot tub to warm up! Our friends, the Kempf's, were here for a visit from Texas! Logann and Brady had many opportunities to play and be silly together! We just LOVE our Kempf's and look forward to the next visit! You can see that Raegan is still doing ok without being swaddled! She had a few rough nights (up at 1am fussy and sweaty) due to the heat even though we have AC...it just stays a little warmer in the girls' rooms. This week is much cooler...yay!

Skyview Soccer Camp

Last week, Logann and her fellow Timberette teammates participated in the Skyview Girls Soccer Camp! The camp was directed by the high school players, which the little girls LOVED! They competed against older girls and learned a lot of new skills! It was a new experience for all of us...to take her to a camp, drop her off, pick her up, and just know that she would be ok! And she was OK...she couldn't wait to go back each morning! She is getting so big and independent...we are so proud of her!

Great Wolf Lodge!

We had a FANTASTIC time at Great Wolf Lodge! Raegan absolutely loved being in the big wave pool...she just giggled the whole time! She loves the water! Peyton enjoyed playing in the toddler area on the jet skiis, little slides and using the big squirt guns! Logann enjoyed it ALL! Including the Howling Tornado, the biggest slide in the joint! She measured exactly 48 inches and Peyton measured exactly 42 inches, so she could even go on the bigger slides with an adult (but she didn't)! If you ever plan on going, bring lots of snacks and even easy breakfast and lunch makings that you can do in your room...saves time and money! Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves so we even popped popcorn and had a movie night! Fun times, and we will definitely be going back, maybe in the winter sometime! Anyone want to join!!!

A Day Full of Firsts!

Today was a day full of firsts for the Dukes' girls! I don't have a picture of this first, because it happened at the farm! Papa called a little while ago and told us that the girl's chickens layed their first eggs today! 12 eggs in one day! Let the scrambling begin! You should have seen Peyton's face when we told her tonight (she is the one who ALWAYS asks papa EVERY time he calls, "Papa, how are my chickens...are there any eggs yet?!!!) Another first today, was Raegan's first time in the swimming pool! The water was still a bit chilly but she had a great time, for a short time! Then she really enjoyed being naked on the trampoline warming herself in the sun! Now for Logann's HUGE first...her training wheels are OFF! Now don't judge...we know that she is older than most when it comes to riding without training wheels. She is our cautious child...and has been just fine strolling along as slow as she can go, so we have never pressured her to ride without training wheels. Well, in the last few days she has suddenly become aware of other children her age just cruising along on their bikes without training wheels. So tonight at the park, she saw a little girl (probably Peyton's age) speeding all around on her teeny tiny bike! We asked her if she thought she was ready to take her wheels off and she said, "maybe the next morning guys." Then we asked her if it would be ok if we went home right now, took off the wheels and practiced in the street in front of our house. She agreed! So we jumped off the park bench and took off for home. Little did we know that she would take off on the first try SUCCESSFULLY! What a champ! We were so proud of our little cautious kid! And finally, the last "first" for the day...Raegan fell asleep without being swaddled during nap time and bed time! I know...8 months old and still being swaddled!!! Well, she is a cuddler, and she has been sleeping through the night since 3 weeks old, so I DIDN'T WANT TO FIX SOMETHING THAT WASN'T BROKEN! She likes to cuddle, be held tight, and that explains the comfort in being swaddled. But lately, she has found it very easy to break free and get both of her arms out. So, we decided that we should just let her be and see what happens. SUCCESS! I know...it is the first day/night, so stay tuned...check out the bike riding video (yes, she does crash, but it was after riding around the whole entire neighborhood on the first try...but also notice how she gets right back on!!!) and swimming pool video below...

Brent's Birthday Present!

Babysitters = Check

Airplane Tickets = Check

Hotel = Check

Rental Car = Check

Game Tickets = Double Check

A weekend get-away without girls to watch the Ducks play in Neyland Stadium = Awesome!

Happy early Birthday Brent :)

Weekday Fun!

We have fun during the week too! Last week Thomas got to spend the day with us! We made giant bubbles, rode bikes, played in the pool, and watched a movie. It was a great day! Raegan got up close and personal with Cooper! And Logann and Peyton continue to be my little helpers with Baby Rae! Such awesome sisters!

Another Trip to the Farm!

Last weekend I took the girls down to the farm. Brent was in Bend for his annual Boyz Weekend. Our friends, the Nealy's, came out to the farm to play! Mason and Grace were perfect playmates for Logann and Peyton, we wish we lived closer! They fed apples to the pigs, grain to the chickens, played in the kiddie pool, went down the slide, and took a trip to the creek! Josh, Jeremy and I used to play in the creek when we were little, so it was fun to take the girls down there! Not much water, as it was the end of July! It is usually dried up by August. Anyways, we had a great time visiting with everyone and it was a treat to have the Meyer's out for dinner Saturday night too. It is always fun to go at it with ol' Ross about his poor little Beavers! Go Ducks!