Koslosky "Staycation"

On Saturday after Jake's big win, we decided to have a "staycation" in our backyard. We heard on the radio (K-Love) that "staycation" was a new word in the Webster's dictionary, so we thought we would give it a try. It was SO fun!!

Here is our tent in our backyard.
S'mores!!!!Night swimming with the pool light on.John had fun playing Sharks and Minnows with Jake and Caroline in the dark. (We put Luke to sleep early in the tent. . .we couldn't believe how much noise he slept through. . . .LOUD West Chicago fireworks. . . we plugged in a white noise machine and put it in his tent, but still. . .)

In the morning, we had pancakes by the pool. . . .yummm.
We had a wonderful "staycation" and can't wait until we do it again!!

It was a blessing to spend time together as a family.

Champions

On Saturday, Jake played in the championship game. . . and they WON!!!! What an exciting game it was. The Rockies (Jake's team) were ahead 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning and then the Mets got three people on base. Jake was pitching and there were two outs, two strikes and three balls . . . the pressure! He threw a strike and the game was over!! Whew!! What a wonderful way to end the season. I will miss sitting at all those games and will be looking forward to next spring when it all begins again.

ROCKIES!!!

Caroline had a paper trophy all ready to give to Jake whether he won or lost the game.

Jake and his baseball buddy, Caleb Larson, a little bit nervous. They both pitched in the game and did really well under all of that pressure.

John kept the book. He was a little nervous, too. : )

We are so very proud of our Jake and we consider it a blessing to have been a part of such a wonderful team.

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Jake's Favorite Song: Who am I? by Casting Crowns

It didn't surprise me when Jake told me this is his very favorite song.

Who am I?

That the Lord of all the earth,

Would care to know my name,

Would care to feel my hurt.

Who am I?

That the bright and morning star,

Would choose to light the way,

For my ever wandering heart.

Who am I?

That the eyes that see my sin

Would look on me with love

And watch me rise again.

Who am I?

That the voice that calmed the sea,

Would call out through the rain,

And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am,

But because of what you've done.

Not because of what I've done,

But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,

A wave tossed in the ocean,

A vapor in the wind.

Still you hear me when I'm calling,

Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,

And you've told me who I am.

I am yours.

I am yours.

Whom shall I fear?

Whom shall I fear?

I am yours.

Caroline's Growing Beans

Caroline planted some bean seeds in Kindergarten and look what they have become!! She ate some the other night and they were gooood! : )

We are excited to start planning where we will plant our vegetable garden (next year).

Time with Grandma Koz

On Sunday, Grandma Koz came to visit. She wanted to see Jake play in his playoff game, which they won, by the way. : ) She wasn't here for very long . . . she had to leave Tuesday morning, but it was very nice to have her here.

Thanks for coming, Grandma Koz!!

Swimming with the VanWagners

Tonight, the VanWagners came over for dinner and a swim. It was cold outside, but the kids didn't mind! They had a great time swimming.

Emma and Caroline trying to keep each other warm.

brrrrr!
Luke had a great time, too. : )
Jake and Haleigh played a little game of backyard baseball after dinner. I think Jake was impressed with how well Haleigh could hit the ball . . .for a girl. : )

We sat around the firepit and ate S'mores . . . yummmmm.

We are blessed to have friends like the VanWagners! : )

Fourth of July Weekend

We had a great Fourth of July weekend.

We went to the Wheaton parade, but I forgot my camera, so no pictures. : ( The kids had a fantastic time trying to gather as much candy as they could. I was truly impressed with how Caroline and Jake were helping little Luke. If he didn't get a piece, they would put one from their bag into his. John and I were melting in our seats watching them. Luke is a lucky boy to have Jake and Caroline looking out for him.

John made one of his traditional Jello molds. (not layered this year)
We had some good friends over, the Larsons. It was cold and rainy out (boo!) but the kids swam anyway! They had a great time.

Caroline and Cassidy

Jake and Caleb

A very cold Caroline