1st Grade!

Ryleigh had her first day of school today. And, boy is this year a turnaround from last year. Maybe I shouldn't quite say that yet since we've only had one day. But, anyhow, she was excited when we took her and excited when I picked her up. I got to hear all about her day, who she sat by, who she played with, what she ate, what they did. IT was AWESOME to hear about! I think she had a little bit of nerves bothering her, but who doesn't?! She told our daycare provider she was worried about making friends....funny, since she's a social butterfly. And, she told my mom she was excited but not happy about having to wear socks!! Next week she will ride the bus home after school. This week we are taking her the bus route so she knows what to do next week. Scary and exciting all at the same time! Here are some pictures from today!!

Funny what a change there can be in one year! I added a sign to her Kindergarten photo since I joined pinterest after the fact and got some cool ideas. So, now I can do it with all three girls! Thank heavens for photoshop!

And some more from this morning, walking up to school, and with some friends!

Happy Birthday Grandma Pam/Mom!!

Happy Birthday to one of the Greatest Women I have ever known. Mom, I love you more than you know and am thankful every day that you are my mother!! Thanks for always being there for me, for calming my fears, for believing in me, for being a rock I can lean on, for being the best mom anyone could ask for, a wonderful mother-in-law and an amazing Grandma! We love you and hope your day is awesome!! Can't believe these pictures are a year old already.

The Best Summer: Fun with Friends!

One of the reasons this has been the best summer ever is because we have some of the best neighbors!! More kids are moving in and that makes everything so much fun, not only for the girls but for the parents as well. We live next door to two cute little guys, Henry and Owen (you can see them playing on the water slide). Down the street lives another little man, Ethan (also on water slide and in one picture with the girls). And, in March, the "Flip flop" crew moved into the house that shares a backyard with ours (divided by a fence--which I think the dads are planning on putting in a doggy door or something--haha)! They have three little ones, Taylor (4), Riley Grace (2) and baby Jack who was born in April. My days off have been spent with this family and we (all 5 of us) have had a blast. A BLAST! I have found a great friend, thank goodness our kids get along so well or we would make them hang out just so we could!! We have had cookouts among cookouts and playdates among playdates. They are so fun. Although the best summer is coming to an end, school starts Wednesday and Megan goes back to work tomorrow, we have vowed that we will have the best winter ever, as well!! The guys have said they are going to plow paths in the snow in our backyards, just so we can hang out. Movie nights, we welcome you!! We have had the perfect opposites to keep us having fun. Our pool, their play house. The list could go on! I should have tons more pictures, but we've had too much fun. Here are some pictures of The Best Summer, fun with friends.

And here is what we have seen almost every day!! Cracks us up. I love seeing the little fingers come through our fence with these big eyes looking for our girls, and they see exactly the same thing on their side!!

Looking forward to more fun times in the neighborhood!! Fall will be a blast!

New Additions!

We are pleased to announce, we are the proud family of 2 new guinea pigs!! Haha!! Jason and I decided we'd love to have some more pets, but need to take a break from dogs. Yes, Remy is still with us, but not sure how long she's gonna last (sad to think about). So our neighbor boy didn't have any time for these two little ladies, so we decided to adopt them from him. They are females and when we got them their names were Chuck and Larry, so the girls decided to rename them, but keep them kind of close to their original. We now call them Charlee and Lulu!! Charlee is the chunky white one and Lulu is the little black one (I think that's right, I always get them confused, thank goodness the girls have it straight). They are so fun to hold and take outside. Their poop is SO much easier to clean then Remy's (a huge bonus). And, it is Ryleigh's responsibility to make sure they get fed and watered every day and she cleans their cage out once a week. Last week she did it all by herself. We also still have our goldfish, Goldie. Life is fun here in the Quint household.

Ryleigh is 6!!

Crazy how the time flies. I know it was just yesterday this beautiful little girl came down from heaven and graced us with her presence. Yet, here she is turning 6 already. How does that happen. She is one fun little energetic, lovable, little girl whom I cannot imagine life without. A spitting image of her daddy, that's for sure. We had a little party for her because she's been planning it since December, I think. I wasn't going to have one, but summer time is a good excuse to get some little friends over and hang outside. Since July was so busy, we had it the first weekend of August. And, since July and the rest of the summer have been hot, why not the first weekend in August, right?? Well, I was nervous since the seven day forecast never changed and of course, showed rain on the day of her party. What was I going to do with all of these kids inside??? Lets just say, all the praying I had done all week paid off. The rain cleared around noon, the sun came out, warmed things up and by 3 pm we were ready to have the water party we had planned. Thanks to Jason for having so much patience with me, because I am sure he thought I lost my mind that day.

Ryleigh is 6

I decided to make the cake again, because I usually have a lot of fun doing it and I've made all the girls their cakes since Ryleigh and Landree's 2nd birthdays and since Reese's first birthday. Everything went really well up until the time to frost it (which I waited a whole 12 hours after I pulled the cake out of the oven). So, I used the wrong frosting. I had a recipe to make my own from my BFF's grandma in law, but I didn't have the time, so I got store bought and I bought the wrong stuff. Hence the reason why Jason deserves a medal for being patient with me. I was crying because the darn frosting was sliding down (Jason trying to help eventually said.........."NO MORE PARTIES!!"). I tried adding powdered sugar, but that didn't even harden it up, so I had to make a quick trip to the store. Ryleigh wasn't even ready for her party yet when I snapped the above photo, but I was so scared that all the frosting would be down around the barbie's ankles if I didn't get a picture right after I got it frosted. I also stuck it in the fridge until her party and it did really well in there. It ended up turning out to be pretty cute and since Landree wants the same cake for her birthday, at least I will know how to frost it now!! And, Barbies dress stayed on!! Phew!

Below are some photos of her party. We had the pool set up (has been all summer), put up the water slides, played some kid yard games, had cake, ice cream, munchies and hotdogs. Fun was had by all, kids and adults alike. To top the day off, after everyone had gone home, we were having a bonfire with the girls roasting marshmallows when fireworks started going off. The MN Vikings were in town for training camp at MSU campus just below where we live and had fireworks that night. These fireworks were right in our backyard, so we just sat in our chairs with Ryleigh and Landree and watched them. Ryleigh felt pretty special when we told her we had it planned just for her birthday... so gullable!!

Here are some pictures of her opening up her gifts from her friends. I honestly cannot remember what she all got, but friends she had over were: Taylor, Riley, Jack, Grace, Evelyn, Sam, Gavin, Colin, Hailey, Kiana, and Brian.

These pictures below were taken on her actual birthday. Jason had gotten home from being in Boise, ID for work when we just finished supper. He got here in time for cake and presents from us! I got her 6 little gifts since she turned 6, it was a lot of fun. 1. A feather extension 2. 5 books 3. A necklace 4. belly dancer skirt 5. beads to make bracelets and necklaces. 6. Hair accessories. 

Thanks to all who called, were present to celebrate, and to those who sent her gifts. You all made her 6th birthday a blast!!

Alexandria Trip - July 2012

Jason had a conference in Alexandria and we went along with him. It was tons of fun. A water park, good entertainment (Elvis one night), tons of things to do, great food and some friends along with us! Here are some pictures from the water park. Jason and I got to take both girls down the huge slides, but I only have pictures of Jason with them. The first two are of Jason and Ryleigh coming out of the big slide and the second two are of Jason and Landree coming out of the big slide. So fun. The next day we had a different lifeguard who wouldn't let Landree go down for being too short. So, at least she got to go down it a few times. By the end of the weekend, Ryleigh was going down the big slides all by herself. She had lots of fun!! I didn't get any of the girls with their friends Grace and Evelyn, but I know there mommy got a few, so someday maybe I will get copies! And Reese, she LOVED the slides. You can see I got some pictures of her going down with Jason.

Here is the collage from the water park:

Here is Ryleigh waiting for this huge bucket to pour water on her:

One night we had Elvis entertain us. He was really good. I sang to all the songs as I grew up listening to him. I video taped my moms favorite songs for her. She got to see him in concert before he died. It was so sweet, I was singing, "can't help falling in love with you" and Reese fell asleep in my arms, then I handed her off to Jason, then we went and laid her down as our room was right on the patio where the entertainment was. Can't beat that!

We did all kinds of other things as well. Jason played golf. I had a massage at the spa. We swam in the pools and the lake, built sandcastles and played on the beach, played at the water parks, stayed up late, had smores at a bonfire, listened to live music one night at supper, had room service, hung out on our patio with the older two, watching falling stars and listening to music, chased, watched and fed a family of ducks, and played with friends. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend and the girls had a blast (except the bottle of bubbles Reese drank and threw up and the Dr. Pepper can full of someones nasty chew she drank and spit out everywhere). And, she was under our watchful eyes, the kid is just quicker than quick and doesn't listen when you tell her no. Hopefully we get to go again next year!!

Long Lost Photo

I was looking through my photos and found this really cool one of Landree playing with bubbles exactly a year ago. Isn't it neat?? I looked back and hadn't shared it, so I will today!!

Random July Photos

Here are some pictures from July. I missed some softball ones, so I added them to this collage! On the last game of the season, Ryleigh won the game ball!! Boy was she excited. I love her face after she got the ball when she looked at my camera.....wouldn't you agree, it's cute!!

And, I forgot this pictures of her giving her coach a high five after that same game!

Swimming Lessons

We've been doing swimming lessons for the girls. They've been rock stars!! Landree FINALLY feels comfortable under the water, and I mean by getting her head fully submerged (believe it or not, even Reese has been okay with that). Yay! She is also doggy paddling, can tread water for "1 Mississippi", is floating on her back, doing bobs, and blowing bubbles out her nose and mouth. Ryleigh, lets see, what is she NOT doing in the water is the question. Today she learned the backstroke. Okay, so, she is floating (back and tummy), swimming, diving, going off the diving board all by herself, and treading water for "14 Mississippi's" (below I have video of her at 12 seconds and then she went again and got 14), (her goal next week is 20 seconds).  Both her and Landree are doing this chicken, star, tree move. (???) I'm probably forgetting something, but it is so much fun to see them improve over the weeks. The best part........they are getting private lessons. I think the one on one attention has been good for them. The 2nd best part...........the neighbor girl is giving them lessons at her parents house. So, all we do is walk across the street and we're there!!!! The 3rd best part............she's decided to go to the university here this semester, so we asked her if she'd be interested in doing swimming lessons throughout the fall and winter with the girls, she thought it would be fun, so we're going to do it a couple times a month. It will give the girls something to do this winter and I won't even have to drive to get there!!! For some reason all of my pictures on my phone disappeared, so I had to take more pictures, so these are from today!

A "King" and his "Princesses"!

Got this 'picture' idea from Pinterest, the wording is mine and fits my girls and Jason to a "T"! I love it!! I am not sure why the 2nd 2 photos have smaller print even though they all have the same font. Every day is a new day for me on Photoshop!

Happy 1st Birthday Abigail!

On July 18th, this little angel turned 1!!! Isn't she a beauty! She is our niece, Abigail. She lives far away in Colorado, so we don't get to see her that much, but boy once you meet her, you miss her and we sure do! I think it is especially cute that every doll Landree carries around is named, Abigail, after this sweetheart! Hope to see you very soon and sorry this is belated on the blog!! WE LOVE YOU!

Random July Photos

Here are some random July pictures. I think I have more, but I finally will have to get them off of my camera. It feels good to be almost caught up on blogging from our crazy, busy, fun summer! Below are some of the petting zoo and horse/pony rides that we check out annually at the North Mankato Fun Days. Others are just at the house!

A special July Birthday!

A very Happy Birthday to Auntie Shea on the 6th of July! 

4th of July

4th of July - 2012

We spent this year at our neighbor's house for a 4th of July swimming pool party!!! Then we had a fireworks show of our own. Which was nice. We were able to put Reese to sleep, enjoy some fireworks and not have to deal with traffic! I think I got my first mosquito bite that night! We had lots of good food and fun with neighbor's!

Our Kindergarten Graduate!

I know, I know, Ryleigh's last day of Kindergarten was June 1st, so I am a little late, but here she is, you're reading about our FIRST GRADER!!

Here are a few pictures of Ryleigh during her Kindergarten year! What a great year she had. She had lots of fun and learned so much! It went way too fast for Jason and I, but here she is ready to start the first grade in 3 weeks and is so excited. 

Summer fun - 2012

Here are some fun pictures of the girls in the pool! They have been in a lot more than I have pictures, but some of these turned out to cute not to share! This pool has got to be one of the best things Jason and I have ever bought. It is used by all five of us all summer, in addition to many of our friends who hang out in it. Again, one of the best things we have ever bought!

Ryleigh played softball this year. My only two rules were that she had to listen and try to do what the coach said and to have fun. She did both and I think she liked it. Since she followed my rules, she gets a trip to the MOA!! And, she's gotten lots of money and gift cards for her birthday, so now I just need to find a day to bring her!! I'm kind of excited too! Below are a few pictures of softball. My friend got some really good ones that I am waiting for, when I get, I will add!

Ponca - June 2012!

My brother came home in June with his lovely wife and beautiful daughter, who's first birthday happened to be a couple of weeks before their arrival. So, we had a little birthday thing for her with cake, ice cream and gifts. And in turn, they brought birthday presents for all the girls!! Then the day after they arrived in MN, we drove to Ponca, Nebraska for our annual family "reunion" camping trip with my mom's family. It was very hot this year, so we stayed cool by playing in the water. My mom had little memory bears made from my grandma's tops for her siblings and 4 of the 7 are in a first picture. They turned out so neat!! As you can see, there is an over abundance of little girls in the family. There are a few boys, but more girls. Just a couple of my cousins were unable to make it, so out of the 60 of us, only 4 didn't make it, and 5 left early because of illness. WOW....amazing isn't it. And, so much fun we all have!! And, just have to throw this in and it doesn't mean too much, but I won the annual women's : in Memory of Leora Dinslage, golf game!! ;) Bottom picture, top left hand corner: 4 first cousins: Ryleigh, Zoee, Landree and Reese! Picture directly under that: all family named after my Grandpa Ray (you will see they are all female)!  Bottom left hand corner: 4 Generation: Uncle Ryan, Great Grandpa Ray, Grandma Pam and Zoee Rae! What a great time and can't wait for next year!!

Gypsy Carnival - June 2012!

My place of employment is always trying to do something fun for it's employees. This gypsy carnival was for the nursing assistants who work for us. Nursing assistants are amazing people. They work hard for little money. They are the eyes and ears of the nurses. They form special bonds which can last a lifetime with their patients. They are truly special people. This gypsy carnival was put on by us, the management team and was for them to bring their kids to for a fun day. There was a magic show put on by one of our nursing assistants, a taro card reader, belly dancers, dunk tank (which I decided to sit in for raising money for our employee fund), live "pretty" birds, many carnival games, lots of carnival food, and we all dressed up as gypsy's. The girls came with me as it just so happened to be a "day off" and had a blast getting all dressed up, playing the games, putting on the belly dancing skirts and dancing and eating the yummy fried foods! Reese even took a nap on my friend Amy, which gave me a chance to give the dunk tank a whirl. It was a pretty nice day, but I was the first one in, and the water was fresh from the hose. Ryleigh had a good arm that day and dunked me, check out that picture!!

Random June 2012!

Above: are random shots of the family hanging out in June. The ones of the girls and Jason are on Fathers Day 2012! 

Below: These are from Ryleigh's first sleepover!! Ryleigh and Landree had their friends Kiana and Maddie over to swim one day and Kiana and Ryleigh talked us in to a sleepover. Kiana spent the night. It was a fun day of swimming, grilling hotdogs, bonfire with popcorn as a snack and then a movie to end the night. I don't know if I fell asleep first or if the three girls did, but when I awoke at midnight, they were all 3 fast asleep and didn't wake up til late the next morning. It was a fun time for Ryleigh and Landree and even though it was Ryleigh's friend who got to spend the night, wherever you find Ryleigh these days, you will find her shadow, Landree!!

Como Zoo, St. Paul - June 2012

This day we decided to head to the Como Zoo in St. Paul!! I like this zoo since it is a donation to get in!!   Jason decided to take the afternoon off and come up there with us! Thank gosh! I can't believe I was going to go up there by myself. That evening we came home and had supper with some awesome next door neighbors of ours! It was a good day. I didn't get to many pictures of the animals, but we saw a lot and since it was a Friday, it wasn't overly crowded yet....although we did run into several school field trips!! The girls begged us to go on the carousel and we finally caved when it was only $1 tickets. In the past 6 years, I have usually sat these things out and held the baby's and taken pictures of Jason with the girls, but this time, he asked if I'd like to ride with them. HECK YEAH!! So, there are some of those pictures, too and thanks to Jason for snapping them!

Park Fun - June 2012

So, you know how I said I've had the best summer ever. Well, it's been great. I only worked 8 days in June and only 15 in July!!! We did so much in June and I was on the computer so little, that I am trying to go back and remember what went on! The first part of June, we did so much. This day we decided to bring a picnic lunch to my mom and dad for a mother's day/father's day surprise. And, Jason and dad got to get out there and practice their golf swings before our Ponca trip!! So, after we ate, we played!! Here are some fun pix:

Park Fun - June 2012