Yes, I know I am way behind. Actually that is an understatement I know, but what can I say it has been way crazy at the Dirks household. So what has been happening. Kolby completed 1st grade and the twins finished preschool. Kolby is now playing machine pitch baseball and just finished the season last week. Kyle and McKenna are on the same t-ball team and they have one game left. The biggest thing to happen that through the household into a whirlwind was when Kevin got his knee surgery on Monday, April 6th. Everything went well. He was up and moving the next day on crutches and even went into work a couple days later. That Friday, April 10th I got home from work and volunteering in the twins room and Kevin was complaining of calf pain. It continued and when he would stand up his lower leg would turn bright red. Finally around 5:15 he called the surgeon to ask if this was normal. He got the on call surgeon and he told Kevin that if he was his buddy he would tell him to get to the emergency room and that it was probably just fluid that was causing pressure and soreness in the calf. The kids were spread out all over the neighborhood so Kev said he would just drive himself figuring it was nothing and would return home shortly. He got to the hospital at 6:00, finally got taken back at 7:15, and at 9:00 I got the call that they were keeping him because he had blood clots in his leg. I called the neighbor and she came over immediately. I headed to the hospital and when I got there they were going to take him back to have a CAT scan to make sure none of the clot broke off and made it to his chest. They were sure that it probably didn't since he just had the surgery on Monday and it was only Friday. Of course they were wrong. He did have a blood clot in his lung. Long story short he spent Easter weekend in the hospital and got out late Monday afternoon. Our adventures of course did not stop there. Thursday we headed back to the ER because Kev was in a lot of pain. They would not do anything there but manage the pain so we finally got into the surgeon in the afternoon and he had to drain Kevin's knee. It was quite disgusting. While we were at the ER we were placed in the trauma room because they were full. Now, the trauma room is one big room that can be divided into three rooms by curtains. THey are managing the pain and we are waiting when all these doctors and nurses come rushing in. They move us over to the middle of the trauma room and ask us if we will be ok because we are going to hear some strange noises and screaming. We hear Life Flight land and they bring in a 40 year old male that was in a motorcyle accident going 30 some mile per hour and his helmet came off. Yes, there were some interesting sounds and the poor man had to have a rectal exam. The adventures did not stop there though. That following Monday I was taking Kevin to his bloodwork appointment and we were exiting to the hospital when all of the sudden we looked up and there was a man hanging from the 9th street bridge. If he would have let go he would have landed in front of the car or on it. Kevin called 911 and it was busy. When we looked around everyone was on their phones. Once he got through they said emergency personnel was on its way. We didn't see anything after the appointment so they must have rescued the man.
On the lighter side you will see Kyle's rear end in the pictures. This is what I saw when I came up the stairs one Saturday morning. I asked him what in the world was all over his butt and he said it was Kolby's signature. I talked with Kolby and he said that he was just signing Kyles butt like McKenna's cabbage patch doll. So innocent!! You will also see some pictures from Christmas, our Valentine's Day pizza we made, our friend Bailee's birthday party, sledding, dance, a couple plays, ball pictures, neighborhood kids helping the college boy push a truck, and probably many others that I am forgeting.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, October 11, 2008
August & September.......... A little late!!!
Can you tell that school has started again!!! It has been extremely busy at the Dirks household. I am going to back track and start by sharing some adventures from August. Kyle and Kolby were both sick and it continued off and on for quite a few days. I originally made a doctors appointment for Kyle on Wednesday then changed it to Kolby since he threw up the night before the appointment. They did a strep test and it cane back negative so we assumed they both had a bug. That Saturday we were to get up and head to Minnesota for a Twins game since the boys got 50 cent tickets from the summer reading program at our library. Kyle again did not feel well so we went to the doctor again. Come to find out, he had mono. Not sure who he had been kissing but as odd as we thought it was for a young kids to have mono I guess it is not uncommon. The doctor told us that he could not ride bike or scooter and should just sleep when he was tired. We debated on what to do and decided to head to Minnesota and go to the game on Sunday instead of trying to rush to get to the Saturday night game. The kids had a good time and if I remember correctly I believe the twins won. You will see in the picture that Kyle got pretty sleepy and worn out at the game. We finished up the last days of our summer by going to Lost Island Waterpark in Waterloo. The kids and I had a great time with some of our Ackley gang. KcKenna and I went back to Ackley for Nick Boelman's wife's shower. We got to spend time with the Abbas gang and Mckenna and Bailee had a blast playing all day. They are so cute and they kind of look like little versions of Andie and I when we were little. Check out the pictures of the two of them in the montage! I started school on Thursday the 14th and Kolby, Kyle, and McKenna started on the 18th. Kolby is in 1st grade and the twins are in their 2nd year of preschool. Everyone is doing well! We also started soccer. Yes, all 3 kids are playing soccer. I requested that Kyle and McKenna be on the same team and I am so thankful I did or it would be even more crazy than it is. McKenna also started dance. She has practice once a week, so between that and soccer we have been doing a lot of running. The kids and I also took the opportunity to see Shawn Johnson the West Des Moines Gymnast who brought back 4 medals from the Olympics. She and her parents are absolutely amazing and inspirational individuals.
Now for September, we started the month off by going to the Prairie Meadows horse races with our neighbors. We came out pretty even. I guess that is a good thing! The day after Kevin and some other neighbors helped another neighbor hall rock to their backyard. It was the coolest thing to watch. It went fairly quickly and it was like watching a time lapse. It honestly gave me goosebumps watching it and reminded me once again of why I love my neighborhood. The kids also had Cole's, the neighbor's, birthday party were they were entertained by the balloon man. They got some cool balloons. Other than getting kids to practice and games the other excitement for the month is Kolby's 7th birthday. It is so hard to believe that Kolby is that old already. Where has time gone. He enjoyed a baseball birthday party at PS Sports Zone where he and his friends could to hit balls in a tunnel. McKenna continues to have dance and is kicking up her heels every Monday night to prepare for recital once again in May. Kyle discovered new vocabulary. One day McKenna shut the car door on him. He wasn't hurt at all, but he came in and said "McKenna shut the damn it door on me!" Serious as could be. I asked him to reeat what he said and he said the same thing. I told him to not use that kind of language and that damn it was a naughty word. So...... a little while later he says "I want a damn it snack." Notice he is saying damn it and not just damn. So, somewhere he has heard it and thinks it is pretty cool. Needless to say we quickly put a stop to it and he hasn't said it since. Kevin was busy with work as always with a couple trips to Canada again. I continue with teaching, working on my masters class, and hauling kids everywhere. Enjoy the pictures from the last couple months.
Now for September, we started the month off by going to the Prairie Meadows horse races with our neighbors. We came out pretty even. I guess that is a good thing! The day after Kevin and some other neighbors helped another neighbor hall rock to their backyard. It was the coolest thing to watch. It went fairly quickly and it was like watching a time lapse. It honestly gave me goosebumps watching it and reminded me once again of why I love my neighborhood. The kids also had Cole's, the neighbor's, birthday party were they were entertained by the balloon man. They got some cool balloons. Other than getting kids to practice and games the other excitement for the month is Kolby's 7th birthday. It is so hard to believe that Kolby is that old already. Where has time gone. He enjoyed a baseball birthday party at PS Sports Zone where he and his friends could to hit balls in a tunnel. McKenna continues to have dance and is kicking up her heels every Monday night to prepare for recital once again in May. Kyle discovered new vocabulary. One day McKenna shut the car door on him. He wasn't hurt at all, but he came in and said "McKenna shut the damn it door on me!" Serious as could be. I asked him to reeat what he said and he said the same thing. I told him to not use that kind of language and that damn it was a naughty word. So...... a little while later he says "I want a damn it snack." Notice he is saying damn it and not just damn. So, somewhere he has heard it and thinks it is pretty cool. Needless to say we quickly put a stop to it and he hasn't said it since. Kevin was busy with work as always with a couple trips to Canada again. I continue with teaching, working on my masters class, and hauling kids everywhere. Enjoy the pictures from the last couple months.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Dog Days of Summer
What a crazy month! It all started with a wild and crazy 4th of July party at the neighbors. We had a wonderful time eating, drinking, and watching fireworks. The kids had a lot of fun playing and then when it got dark they got to watch a movie outside on the back of the neighbors house. I have to say I honestly believe we have the best neighborhood in the world.
The kids had swimming lessons for 2 weeks in Dallas Center. All 3 of the kids passed their lessons and they LOVE the water. Kolby can go down the slide in the deep end and go all the way across to the other side of the pool without any help. McKenna thinks she can swim in the deep end, but she is not quite ready for that. She can do her facefloat, backfloat, and is just starting to get the crawl. Kyle is finally getting in the water and trying to do things. He is going under the water to get objects and with help he will do his backfloat and facefloat. Several days after lessons instead of driving home we would pack a lunch, have a picnic, and then go back to the pool for open swim. The kids and I are having a fun summer and I don't think any of us are ready for school.( to write the word is painful)
The kids have had birthday parties this month as well. McKenna helped Emma, a neighbor, celebrate her birthday. She got to wear her princess dress and at the party they had a balloon man that made all the girls a balloon princess. (Check out the pictures at the end of the montage) Where was this guy when I was young?? All 3 of the kids got to go to Backyard Adventures to help Trenton, another neighbor, celebrate his birthday. The kids had lots of fun playing on swing sets and shooting hoops. They had to wear their Twins baseball shirts and when they got there they got black stickers for under their eyes to look like real players. They also got to play at Recess in Ankeny for Jackson and Aiden's birthday party. They are twins that are neighbors as well. Yes, we have a lot of neighbor kids with summer birthdays!
We had a party at our house for our friends Dorann and Alex who will be moving in August. All of the Ackley girls and their families were there. It was so nice to get together with everyone. All of our schedules are extremely hectic and we don't get to get together like this very often. Check out the picture with all of our kids. They are getting so big and actually rounding all of them up for the picture was relatively easy.
The kids got to spend 3 nights with Grandpa and Grandma Dirks in Clear Lake. They had lots of fun swimming, golfing(Kolby), riding the golf cart, playing in the lake, and just plain old being spoiled. When we went to pick them up we all got to go jet skiing and enjoy a day at the lake. It was a beautiful day and everyone had lots of fun.
While the kids were at Grandma and Grandpas I was able to get my research proposal done and turned in. (Only 4 classes to go and I will have completed my masters) Kevin and I were able to go out for supper and play a round of miniature golf. I beat him on the first nine and he beat me on the back nine. I gave him a run for his money as I about beat him on the back as well, but I figured I better let him win or he would say I cheated. Our house was too quiet while the kids were gone, so we were glad to have them back.
We have been getting a lot of rain and we have been very fortunate to not have any water in the basement, but one night we got approximately an inch and a half in a half an hour and the neighbors drain was clogged so we had a lake in the back. The water was quickly flowing into our window well and the drain in there could not keep up so where did it go? Yes, in our basement. We had some friends over at the time and they helped vacuum and clean up the miss. We had to tear up the carpet and get rid of the padding. We had a dehumidifier, and 4 fans running to get everything dried out. Everything looks good and now we have to hire someone to put down the padding and relay the carpet. Thanks for everyones help!!! Seems like there is always something.
Kolby lost another tooth, this time on the top. This is number 3 and number 4 is close. (check out the picture). McKenna has learned how to ride the bike without training wheels. No more training wheels at the Dirks house. =( Kyle is going down the big water slide finally and discovered that he likes it even with the water on.
We had our family pictures and kids pictures taken this month by a neighbor. She made them into montages so I added those as well. If you have pictures coming up I highly recommend her. She also makes cards. Feel free to check out her website http://www.landryannadesigns.blogspot.com/ Enjoy the photos!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Summertime, Summertiiiiiime!
Summer is here and we are loving it. That is, when there is no rain or storms which we have been experiencing quite a bit in our state. It is hard to believe that it is almost July. We have been going swimming, going to the park, playing outside with friends, and anything else you can think of that involves being outside. We also went back to Ackley for Sauerkraut Days and enjoyed our own town festival, Funtastic Days. We have also been enjoying late night smore roasts with our neighbors. Have I mentioned that I love my neighbors.=)
Kolby finished up T-ball and just recently finished up a DC-G Mustang basketball camp. He has had friends over and continues to enjoy playing with the neighbors either shooting hoops or riding bikes.
McKenna is playing Bam-Bam ball and attending a cheerleading camp that the DC-G cheerleaders are holding through the local Parks and Rec. She has been having fun with the neighbor girls and playing dress up and holding pretend dance classes. She is working on riding her bike without training wheels. The older neighbor girls are working really hard to help her accomplish this.
Kyle is playing Bam-Bam ball also. He likes it so much that one night when we did not have it we were on our way to the grocery store and he cried because he thought we were going to ball. He and some of the neighbor boys are really into Transformers, Power Rangers, and Star Wars. He and the boys are usually watching one of those movies or acting out scenes from one of the movies. Kyle is now riding his bike without training wheels. One night he wanted his wheels off and he just went as if he had been doing it forever. He loves riding his bike even though he has a few bumps and scrapes. He also loves having smores (notice his face toward the end of the montage)with the neighbors.
Kevin just got back from Canada again, eh! I am starting to think that he might be applying for citizenship there. Business life is busy and keeps him away from home quite a bit. He is gearing up for knee surgery that will be coming up in a couple of weeks.
As for myself I am loving the summer and being home with the kids. It is fun to listen to my kids interact with each other and their friends. They say the darndest things. Between getting kids to ball, rec camps, and swimming I managed to powerwash, sand, and stain our deck. It was a lot of work, but it looks pretty good. I am also taking 2 classes for my Masters, Educational Technology and Educational Research. I never thought I would be getting my masters, but here I am only 5 classes away. If I am sane after taking these two classes this summer, I really believe I can do anything.
Enjoy the show from the crazy Dirks household!
Kolby finished up T-ball and just recently finished up a DC-G Mustang basketball camp. He has had friends over and continues to enjoy playing with the neighbors either shooting hoops or riding bikes.
McKenna is playing Bam-Bam ball and attending a cheerleading camp that the DC-G cheerleaders are holding through the local Parks and Rec. She has been having fun with the neighbor girls and playing dress up and holding pretend dance classes. She is working on riding her bike without training wheels. The older neighbor girls are working really hard to help her accomplish this.
Kyle is playing Bam-Bam ball also. He likes it so much that one night when we did not have it we were on our way to the grocery store and he cried because he thought we were going to ball. He and some of the neighbor boys are really into Transformers, Power Rangers, and Star Wars. He and the boys are usually watching one of those movies or acting out scenes from one of the movies. Kyle is now riding his bike without training wheels. One night he wanted his wheels off and he just went as if he had been doing it forever. He loves riding his bike even though he has a few bumps and scrapes. He also loves having smores (notice his face toward the end of the montage)with the neighbors.
Kevin just got back from Canada again, eh! I am starting to think that he might be applying for citizenship there. Business life is busy and keeps him away from home quite a bit. He is gearing up for knee surgery that will be coming up in a couple of weeks.
As for myself I am loving the summer and being home with the kids. It is fun to listen to my kids interact with each other and their friends. They say the darndest things. Between getting kids to ball, rec camps, and swimming I managed to powerwash, sand, and stain our deck. It was a lot of work, but it looks pretty good. I am also taking 2 classes for my Masters, Educational Technology and Educational Research. I never thought I would be getting my masters, but here I am only 5 classes away. If I am sane after taking these two classes this summer, I really believe I can do anything.
Enjoy the show from the crazy Dirks household!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
What has happened the past month????
Well, how does a monthly update from the Dirks house sound?
Things as usual are very busy. All three kids and myself are excited for the school year to end. Look at how much they have grown since the first day of school.
Kolby is playing T-ball. It is a lot different this year. Last year he was drawing in the sand and yelling at us in the stands. It was quite funny, but this year he is more into it. He has really enjoyed kindergarten and has become quite a reader. There is nothing neater than being a teacher and hearing your own child read a book for the first time. I get to experience it two more times and I can't wait. He continues to amaze us with his rich vocabulary. Like "Will you rotate the channel please I don't want to watch this."
McKenna is preparing for recital. She really shakes her groove thing in her little tutu. She might look all girlie in her dance outfits, but she has become my dirtiest kid at the end of the day. She and a neighbor girl, Skyler, enjoy digging for worms. Yes, worms which means dirt, mud, and any other grimy thing she can get her hands on. So much for pretty painted nails.
McKenna has enjoyed preschool. She has decided that she wants to be a farmer, firefighter, and/or teacher. Quite a combination. =)
Kyle is ready for the end of the school year as he is always asking "Is this a stay home day?" I hope these words are not a sign of things to come like dragging him out of bed to go to school. He continues to have fun playing with all the neighbor kids. In the picture you will see him playing in the sprinkler at the neighbors. Kyle continues to be our little comedian. A couple weeks ago we had a garage sale and an older gentlemen walked up. Kyle said, "Helllllooo, gorgeous." I don't believe the man heard him or maybe he chose to ignore the words, but on his way out Kyle said, "Goodbye, gorgeous." I asked Kyle if he knew what gorgeous meant and he said it had something to do with food. Imagine that...... food. Anyway, he learned the meaning of gorgeous that day and now uses it and giggles and says remember when I said, "Helllooo gorgeous to the old man."
As for Kevin and I there really is nothing new. I am a year older and kevin continues to be busy with the business.
We are looking forward to summer! Plan on checking back in about a month if not sooner.
Things as usual are very busy. All three kids and myself are excited for the school year to end. Look at how much they have grown since the first day of school.
Kolby is playing T-ball. It is a lot different this year. Last year he was drawing in the sand and yelling at us in the stands. It was quite funny, but this year he is more into it. He has really enjoyed kindergarten and has become quite a reader. There is nothing neater than being a teacher and hearing your own child read a book for the first time. I get to experience it two more times and I can't wait. He continues to amaze us with his rich vocabulary. Like "Will you rotate the channel please I don't want to watch this."
McKenna is preparing for recital. She really shakes her groove thing in her little tutu. She might look all girlie in her dance outfits, but she has become my dirtiest kid at the end of the day. She and a neighbor girl, Skyler, enjoy digging for worms. Yes, worms which means dirt, mud, and any other grimy thing she can get her hands on. So much for pretty painted nails.
McKenna has enjoyed preschool. She has decided that she wants to be a farmer, firefighter, and/or teacher. Quite a combination. =)
Kyle is ready for the end of the school year as he is always asking "Is this a stay home day?" I hope these words are not a sign of things to come like dragging him out of bed to go to school. He continues to have fun playing with all the neighbor kids. In the picture you will see him playing in the sprinkler at the neighbors. Kyle continues to be our little comedian. A couple weeks ago we had a garage sale and an older gentlemen walked up. Kyle said, "Helllllooo, gorgeous." I don't believe the man heard him or maybe he chose to ignore the words, but on his way out Kyle said, "Goodbye, gorgeous." I asked Kyle if he knew what gorgeous meant and he said it had something to do with food. Imagine that...... food. Anyway, he learned the meaning of gorgeous that day and now uses it and giggles and says remember when I said, "Helllooo gorgeous to the old man."
As for Kevin and I there really is nothing new. I am a year older and kevin continues to be busy with the business.
We are looking forward to summer! Plan on checking back in about a month if not sooner.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
In the Big City
The Dirks Family went on spring break this year to Connecticut to see the Vidosevic Family. Luke and Neven are 11 months old. Hard to Believe how fast the time goes.
While we were there we had the exciting adventure of riding a train to New York and then the subway and ferry to the Statue of Liberty. The kids were wonderful and we had so much fun that we stayed an extra day before we began our long drive home. In the pictures you will see our adventures in New York along with aquarium pictures, children's museum pictures, and just plain old good time fun in Connecticut.
Yes, the Statue of Liberty hats were purchased by Kevin so that we could look like true tourists. =) McKenna really got into acting like the Statue of Liberty. (In the pictures you will notice she always has her arm up).
While we were there we had the exciting adventure of riding a train to New York and then the subway and ferry to the Statue of Liberty. The kids were wonderful and we had so much fun that we stayed an extra day before we began our long drive home. In the pictures you will see our adventures in New York along with aquarium pictures, children's museum pictures, and just plain old good time fun in Connecticut.
Yes, the Statue of Liberty hats were purchased by Kevin so that we could look like true tourists. =) McKenna really got into acting like the Statue of Liberty. (In the pictures you will notice she always has her arm up).
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