Barker Family Blog: February 2015

First day of School 2014

This year we have more kids in school than not, what a change... They are growing up too fast! They are once again enrolled at a part time classical school and part time home school and it appears to be working well in our household :). We have a 3rd grader, 1st grader and kindergartner this year. Here's to a new year and prayers for organized and productive home school days!

Looking sharp and ready for a new adventure!

They are going to miss all their extra playtime!

Off they go.

They all assemble for morning meeting... I see 2 familiar faces, do you?

The school is growing.

Hmmmm... That face looks a little excited to be oldest around during school days!

one last summer hurrah- Cliff's Amusement Park

School was soon to start, but we managed to make one more fun day outing for the season! It was the 3 oldest boys and I and our good friends Megan and Mallory. It seemed too easy and do I dare say 'enjoyable' having only the older kids with me?! No strollers, diapers, nap time grumps or constant hand holding :). It was time for catching up with friends, fast rides, splashing around and junk food!

These two get along like cousins :).

Bumper brothers...

Kiddie land fun.

We even got to ride the big roller coaster that zipped around kiddie land b/c there was no line :).

One of the favorite rides that they bounced on over and over... weekdays are the best!

This was our first time visiting their water park, very cool!

Rainy Day- Carter

I think I have similar moments with all the boys... there is just something magical about a preschooler appreciating the wonder of the world around him. Rainy day pictures are some of my favorite captures of their honest expressions, curiosity and play.

This little guy knows how to play pretend and will entertain himself for hours!

How does this work?

I wish I knew what he was thinking.

contentment.

I love that sweet face!

The rest of the swim season

I have to say that I love summer swim team! It really is exciting to watch the races and swim practice is such a great summer energy outlet. And, I certainly don't mind the fact that they can swim good when I take the crew to the local pool when am tending to the littlest boys. Josh and Kyle had a great season full of triumphs, improvement, funny stories, surprises and a lot of fun!

His goal was to get a different colored ribbon each week... Oh, to be 6 again!

He kept a steady pattern... Red, white & blue!

Getting ready... he was one of the youngest boys!

Funny story! This race was swam together and look who won?! The expression say it all!

This big climbing wall was parked outside the pool one day after practice... The city was hosting a community event. How fun!

Can you guess who is on top?

This hardworking little dude qualified for The City Championship this year!!! He did awesome and even got a 5th place in back stroke!

boys relay team.

getting ready for the gun to blow.

The waiting Que.

On your marks...

Look who Carter found :).

tender moments in the audience

He qualified in every stroke that he swam... Way to go Josh!

Waiting fun in between races.

just too cute!

Go! I love his intensity.

End of the year party.

The whole family celebrated.

Ninja Course fun!

I have been going to a trampoline fitness class for several months and I was able to witness the weekly progress of their newest add on facility, a Ninja Par Course... It was scheduled to be completed weeks before Jacob's birthday, so I thought that would be the perfect surprise bday celebration. But, as it goes the opening was delayed... So, we went for a few weeks later for Mike's bday! American Ninja Warrior is one of our 'can't miss' family shows to watch, so the boys were sooooo excited to try it out!