We decided this year to get a pass to the community pool. I am so glad we did! It's been a hot summer so far and we've already gotten our money's worth out of the pass. The kids love it. If it is warm and not raining we go. Ella Jane naps until about 2 or 2:30, we head right over and stay until about 6:00. It's been a blast!

Patrick was very reserved and nervous the first week, but he grew fins and has become a fish like his older siblings. He's gotten so brave that he goes into water up to his chin! I'm hoping we'll have him holding his breath and putting his face in the water before summer is over.

Of course, Isabelle has never met a body of water that she doesn't just love. Her baby sister is following suit. Both girls can't get enough of the water.

Jack has become a very good swimmer. He is even very comfortable now going down the slides into 10 feet of water.

Our friend, Maddy, came with us a couple of times. Last year she wasn't too sure about a big pool. This year, she can't get enough!

The girls waiting for the lifeguard safety check to be over. I think this is such a great picture. It shows how much these sisters enjoy each other.

ROCK ON!

Isabelle with her friends Jaci and Abby got invited to a Rock Star birthday party for their friend, Makyla. The girls got all decked out in their best Rocker attire. I don't have any pictures from the party, but here are the three girls beforehand. They had so much fun! I told Isabelle not to get used to the eye makeup or ever think she'd have pink hair again. The next day she turned back into a 5th grader!

Seeing the girls all done up like this gave me a flash of what they'd look like in 8 years (minus the pink hair). The looked so grown up and so darned pretty!

Jaci, Isabelle, Abby

Getting Together with an Old Friend

Once again, thanks to Facebook, we were able to reconnect with old friends. This time it was a friend of Kevin's. He and Chris grew up together in the same neighborhood. It's been about 18 years since they had seen one another. We've been able to get together a few times recently. It's been great getting to know Chris, his wife (another Christine), and their 5 children.

Chris, Baby Leanne, and Kevin

Shaun and Jack became fast friends.

Connon, Taylor, and Ella Jane.
The girls hit it off immediately the first time they met and now ask about each other often. Ella Jane tells me, "I love Taylor. She's my cousin."

Becky and Mia Came to Town!

Becky and Mia came to visit for a few days. As always, we had fun. The main reason for the visit was that Becky and I had tickets to a concert. Kevin stayed at home with all 5 kids, while we girls headed out on the town!

Is it me or do I look like my Mom in these pictures?


Mia is 3 years old now and such a sweet little girl. This was the longest she ever kept in ponytails, so we had to get it on camera. We love when Mia comes to visit. She and Ella Jane are such good little friends. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera out enough during this visit.

So Proud of our Kids!

All three of the kids had a great school year. It's hard to believe the we've come to the end of another year. I officially have a 5th grader, 3rd grader, and a kindergartner! The kids are all very excited about moving up, but sad to see the year end and say goodbye to their teachers that they loved so much!

Patrick's class had a picnic the last day of school. It was hard saying goodbye to Ms. Barb who has been so good to Patrick these past two years. She has seen him grow so much; both she and I shed a tear as we parted.


Patrick's class put on a fantastic show. It hit me as they sang that Patrick is no longer a pre-schooler. Kindergarten.... here we come!!!


Isabelle's band had a spring concert. I can't tell you how much they have improved since December. The kids did a great job!


Jack got straight As for the entire school year (again)! We are so proud of him. He was presented a Straight A award from the school board. The same day as this we got the letter telling us that Jack was accepted into the gifted program. Isn't he awesome!!??!!

Good Time with Good Friends!

Our good friends the Martins came to spend the day with us. As always, we had a great time. Its pretty nutty to get the Bieglers and the Martins together, with 8 kids in all.

I'm sure Marissa was thinking "Jack you are insane!"
Nick, Marissa, Patrick on the seesaw.

Jenna Jenna needed to reach the rings.

Getting everyone to sit to eat was no easy task; they had to stop swinging, running, bike riding, sprinkler jumping, ball throwing, and mess making.


After dinner we roasted the biggest marshmallows we'd ever seen. The kids thought it was pretty cool! Oh the mess!

Ella Jane striped at some point, so she just ran around in a pull-up.
Jen and I take any chance we can get to be together.


Left: Buddies Nick and Patrick. Right: Big Kids, Jake and Isabelle


Seriously, these were the biggest, coolest Marshmallows! Can't you tell by the smile on Jenna's face?!?!

The little girls had fun on the swings. Hey, at least Ella Jane kept her piggy tails in and her shoes on. She wasn't a total Hillbilly!

By the end of the day all 8 kids were sticky, filthy, and tired.... all sure signs of a good time! Can't wait to do it again!