5 Year Old-isms

Strange line of the night goes to Kari. I took the kids to Menards last night and as we pull in the parking lot we pass a small cemetery that's been here for many years.

Kari says, "Daddy, if someone dies at Menards tonight they just have to go through the parking lot to go to Heaven."

Teeter Totter Dodge Ball

Ahhh, the creativity that warm weather brings on....

Four Generations

We're always grateful to be able to spend holidays with family that we don't get to see but a few times a year.  After church yesterday morning we headed straight to Fort Wayne in anticipation of getting the cousins together, a four generations photo op, good food and catching up.  We succeeded in all areas!  Becky, Danny, Great Grandpa, Tom, Cindy, Jim and Phee all contributed to a great meal and a wonderful day at Becky's house.

Easter basket cupcakes, Kari's contribution to the Easter Sunday meal.

 Four generations, the Keckler name carries on.

 Becky has been overwhelmingly generous over the years with beautiful hand-me-downs for Kari.  We've been so blessed and thankful every time she thinks of us.  Yesterday, we not only helped clear out closets, we also helped clear out their garage.

One of the little girls in our neighborhood has a Hotwheels convertible just like this and Kari squeals every time Aeva is out driving her car. Kari oves hijacking it at first opportunity.  Aeva's dad showed me how to take the governor off and Kari and Bryce took off blazing down the street.  A short NASCAR-inspired race took place, complete with drafting and minor fender-benders.  I fully expect a bunch more drag races to take place this summer.

Round and Round, Then Straight Ahead

This past weekend we jetted north to Merrillville to spend a little bit of time with Grammy Pammy. The plan was to meet at a Lake County park so the kids could play outside, then to lunch at Red Robin. While both were accomplished, the park didn't last long because of mid-morning temperatures in the 40's.

So we stopped by the mall near Red Robin and let the kids take a couple of rides on the Merry Go Round. This was a huge hit for both Kari and Bryce as it was the closest they'll get to an amusement park ride at this point in life.

We finished the time with Grammy and Dale by feasting on a delicious burger at Red Robin. The kids devoured bottomless mac and cheese like they'd never eaten before. This was a nice way to split the difference between WL and Chicago on a Saturday and get to spend some quality time together.

Tonight, Kari ventured out on her first bike ride sans training wheels. Holly spent the first jaunt from the driveway down the street running and begging K to pedal faster. Then I slowed her down to focus on the aspects of balance, regardless of speed.

While the two adults disagreed vehemently on which strategy was correct at the time, Kari then literally took off on her own (clearly absorbing Dad's knowledge first and then realizing speed was needed to stay steady). She went down the sidewalk gaining more and more speed and was able to go halfway down the block on her own.

This took place 4-5 times with no falls or issues. It was quite gratifying to see how quickly she picked it up, but more importantly how she was able to do it without falling.

Now Bryce will begin his time on Kari's former little bike with training wheels. He's mastered the art of the tricycle, so we'll move towards the loss of a wheel and see how that goes.

Earlier this weekend Bryce thought he'd show he's into the arts. First his ability to draw with markers, followed soon thereafter by some of his dance moves. Mind you near the end of his dance he says "that really hurts daddy" but keeps on showing off his moves!