First day of school

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The first day of school was very nerve wracking for the girls. They were so worried about being labeled the new kid. I couldn't make them understand that there would be so many 4th or 3rd graders that the kids wouldn't really know if they were "new" or not. we were also having issues due to the fact that we waited until the day before school to get our school supplies. Leann kept telling me that I'd better get that done. I was thinking that it would be one less thing to move, but she had the pleasure of hearing me tell her that she was right! Yes, Leann, they were picked over. In fact, they were even out of pink pearl erasers and loose leaf paper. tayloran was in a frenzy that she wasn't 100% prepared. I was in shock the first day of school due to the traffic. the school is about 6 blocks from our house, and the cars were backed up all the way to the stop light in front of our house. We had already decided that we were walking, and it was a good thing. We beat cars to the school. I have never seen anything so crazy! It still is VERY hectic at drop off and pick up, but it is getting better! I used to think that having to park over on the side street at Oakland was a bad parking spot! In Benton, that would be rock star parking!

the start of a living room
this is the 2nd garage full. it was worse than this the 1st time!
Tayloran and the boys trying to put together the trampoline!
Our new house! 708 E Main St, Benton, IL 62812

On Aug. 10th, we moved out of our house in Brocton, Illinois. We had a 24 ft Budget truck that was packed to the brim twice! We would have had to make more than 2 trips if it hadn't been for my wonderful friend, Leann's husband, Ruben. Ruben could make himself a lot of money on the side packing moving vehicles. We couldn't have shoved a feather on the first truck. It was packed to the max! Mom and I decided to take the 1st truck down on fri. night. We got there about the time that football practice was over. All of a sudden, we hear this "ROAR", and here comes the football team! They helped us unload the truck, and they got it done in about 30 min. Quite impressive. Also, very impressive, is that my 64 1/2 year old mother navigated this big baby down 57 to Benton! What a brave soul! By the time we were done, she had driven down and back twice with a couple of side trips! Moving is worse than anyone can prepare you for! Stephanie and Jim - I seriously can't believe that you have moved so many times - and with kids! I truly believe that you are nuts!!! :) I also want to note that we are 90 % unpacked. I wouldn 't be in this shape if it wasn't for Leann. Not only did she help me pack, but she made the trip down with her 3 kids and spent 2 days working like a dog! I don't know what I would have done without her and my mom. they were both incredible workers. I am still in shock that so much stuff came out of our "little" house! I'm not sure where it all was!

Lincoln Park Zoo

It was another HOT day, but we braved the zoo. We expected all of the animals to be hidden away, but they were out and about! Everytime we visit the lions, we always have issues. We visited Lion Country Safari in Florida and had to explain to our kids about the lions mating in front of us. This time we walk up to the viewing window, and there it is. The male lion with all of his glory right up close. Tayloran, of course, wanted to know what it was!!! Ryan decided that next time we are "skipping" the lions! We had a great time spending time together. Ryan is getting ready to go to Benton to start football, so this was our last famioy outing for awhile!

Two cool tourists on their way to the zoo!
We turned around to find Braelyn had took off her shirt! Whoops! Kelsey - this one is for you! You feel the pain of having a kid who hates clothes!!
Happy Zoo Visitors!
Avery, "Mine", Tayloran, and Braelyn

Childrens Museum

The girls had so much fun at the science museum. This wasn't one of our planned activities, but the girls talked us into it! They all had a great time exploring the different areas. They really liked making the pizzas and pretending to bake and box them just like a real pizzeria. Ryan and I enjoyed several areas also. It was well worth the $, and if you are a teacher - you get in free! BONUS!

The Dinosaur Dig
Tayloran and Avery fishing
Daddy learning about cooking safety.
The girls making pizza

Navy Pier

Wouldn't ya know it. On our day to Navy Pier it was 90 degrees. It was so hot, but we were determined to go ride the GIANT ferris wheel. We even talked Ryan into riding it. He HATES heights, but he didn't complain. If you have ever been on this, you know that it goes so slow you can't even feel yourself going around.

I bet you can't guess what we are getting here!!

The GIANT wheel!

Mommy and Braelyn

Addisyn and Daddy

Cubs Game

July 31st - Grandpa's Bday. Ryan's Dad is a huge CUB fan. For several years now, we have been attending a CUB game for his birthday. The family members vary, but all who attend have a great time. The last two years have been very hot, but as die hard CUB fans - we stay till the end!!! This year we decided to stay in town. The girls had a great time in Chicago!!!

Tayloran, Grandpa, & Avery

Avery
The Whole Crew

Happy 34th Birthday!!

Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday! I would post some of our pictures from our day in Chicago, but I can't figure out how to do it (I'll leave that to you!).

Love,

Ryan

I just went in and added this picture of my mom and I. We have been thru so much in the last 34 years! I'm so lucky to have a Mom that I can count on!!

THE GIRLS HAVE NAMES!

BABY A = Loran Rae Tate

Loran looking at her Momma

Loran getting ready for a diaper change
BABY B = Grayson Mae Tate
Gracie
First time feeding Gracie

The girls are doing great. Please pray for Gracie. She is not wanting to eat enough. She has the feeding tube in again right now. However, she is doing better and will hopefully be home very soon!

THE TATE TWINS ARE HERE!!!!!!!

All of our prayers were answered. Pam and Darrin are the proud parents of two little girls - Baby A and Baby B. Baby B was a little smaller than expected, but is quite fiesty. She may only be 4 lbs 3 oz, but she is a fighter. She was only on oxygen for a short time. Baby A was fed, and was quite content being passed from one baby crazed family member to another. You would think that the baby craze would have worn off by now ( between the three cousins we have 11 kids already), but it hasn't. I can't tell you how releived we all are to know that these babies have made it here. I am so excited for Pam and Darrin to enjoy baby parenthood all over again! Aubrey was a great big sister. She couldn't give Baby A enough kisses!!!

Big Sister Aubrey with Baby A
Baby A - 6 lbs 9 oz 19 in
Daddy and Baby A
Still playing the name game!!!
Baby B - 4 lbs 3 oz 18 1/2
Aubrey and Mommy visiting Baby B

Sunday at the Cabin

THE MILLER CABIN

Ryan and the girls had a wonderful time with family at the Miller Cabin. The cabin is owned by Chris, Ryan's uncle. Ryan's aunt was home from Missouri with her girls, and Mary invited us out to visit and to have a tasty lunch. If you read the previous post, you know that Tayloran and I weren't able to go. We were sad, but what can you do?! I sent Ryan with the camera expecting him to forget to take pictures. I was VERY surprised that he took pictures - lots of them!

Ryan,Addisyn,Avery, & BraelynLeah, Eva, Ashton, Therese, McKenzie, Megan, Max, Isaac, & Ryan

(Grandchildren of Max and Bobbie Miller - minus Carla & Krista)

Grands and Great Grands
Eva & Addisyn - I would have loved to have heard this conversation!
Eva, Julia, Addisyn, & Braelyn ( Braelyn sitting still - WOW!)
Relaxation!!!
Sterling Taber - 1st cousin to Lisa Miller Skoog, Chris Miller, and Jim Miller

Lisa and Chris are Ryan's dad's siblings

Sleepover

Am I crazy or what?! Ryan and I hosted a sleepover for all of these little girls. Things weren't too bad since we didn't get home from the Royers until about 10. However, they didn't seem to understand that there was no time to play! They had a snack and played around while Ryan and I got the beds set up. Avery has had a busy week, so it didn't take her long to pass out. The rest went soon after - except for the ornery ones- Madison and Emily. They didn't go to sleep until about 1:00 am. So, sorry Bev and Leann if they are grouchy today. So, here is the group this morning ready for church. Now, I'm going to toot my own horn! For those of you who like to kid me about running a "few" minutes behind, listen to this. We were ready in time for 9:00 am church. They were dressed, hair combed, and ready to go. I even made pancakes for breakfast ( not premade), made a layered lettuce salad and baked brownies for the cookout we are to attend at noon. Are you impressed yet???? There was one glitch!! As we are heading down the road to church, one of the youngsters got sick! You can just imagine the van full of little girls yelling, "EWWWW"! Ryan dropped off the sickly and myself on the side of the road and proceeded to church! I'm hoping all went well! Hopefully our next sleepover will end on a happier note!

Addisyn, Madison, Tayloran, Avery, Rebecca, & not to be left out - Braelyn

Emily is hiding because she is wearing a dress!

Madison & Emily - the ornery ones!!
Tayloran & Becca
Addisyn Riley
Avery - first out!

Cookout

The Royers invited us to a cookout at their house last night. In attendance were the Royers, the Doug/Penny Krabel fam, the Kyley/Kelsey Willison clan, the Keith/Bev Notaro bunch, and our troop! The kids had a great time playing together. It is so nice to have friends who have the same values as Ryan and I. In our bunch there were 15 females and 8 males. The Krabels and our family can claim 10 of those - 8 being children. If you can believe it, only 1 tattle tale ( Addisyn thought she was pushed down). the kids get along so well. It makes for a very enjoyable evening for the adults! Thanks Ruben and Leann for inviting us all over!

Kelsey & Krayten
Baby Karsten
Madi, Brandon & Addisyn
Emily & Tayloran
Kyley, Ryan, & Avery