Summer 2016

Summer 2016

 

This summer we were ready for a fun week of travel. But this vacation didn't go as planned. Don started having some stomach pain the week before and went to the ER three times before they admitted him and determined that his gallbladder needed to come out. We were being so hopeful that we could join the family in Ohio for a couple of days, but instead we stayed home and on Sunday, June 25th, Don was admitted into the hospital to have his gallbladder removed the next morning. On Monday morning, I found a couple of amazing people that could watch my kids so I could go up to the hospital. I was there all day. His surgery got moved back to in the afternoon sometime, but I was there. His gallbladder wasn't happy, and so we are happy that they finally decided to take it out. Once he got back to his room, I left and came home. He needed to rest and I knew he would call me later that night to chat. He was there until Wednesday...and I was finally able to bring him home. He needed rest and I wanted to do something fun with our kiddos, so we had a little staycation. Here are some pictures from that week.

 

Off to the Air Zoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Binder Park Zoo

 

 

 

 

At the Field of Flight in Battle Creek

 

 

 



Summer 2017

A look back at the Summer of 2017

 

 

Just a couple of notes:

~Makayla got tubes in her ears because of constant ear infections

~Donny had his tonsils and adenoids taken out due to a recommendation of the orthodontist. Super happy we went thru with this and had it done.

~Lots of amazing weekend trips with the family

~And family get togethers..

 

 



Vacation 2017

Kinney Family Vacation 2017

 

 

This summer we went on a family vacation that everyone will remember. We went somewhere that we have been talking about for years. Especially for our train loving son. He may be 11 year old, but his love for trains hasn't faded.

 

 

This year we decided to take a week vacation to Pennsylvania. And we invited Grandma and Grandpa to go along. This was an amazing vacation. We headed to Altoona, PA first. This has an amazing place called 'Horseshoe Curve'. This is the crossing point for the train line and you will see so many trains go thru in just an hour. I think we saw 15 trains in the time that we were there. Lots of people there just sitting there and watching. We stayed for about an hour and a half, but it was really loud for Makayla. The brakes on the train are very loud going around the curve, but we had to watch them for awhile. We would totally go back.

 

 

 

After seeing the Curves, we headed to the Poconos. There we went to Kalahari Resort and stayed there for 3 nights. Now you see, we love Kalahari and love just going and not leaving. This is something that we did again. We didn't leave until it was time to check out. This was an amazing time for all of us. Grandma and Grandpa had a blast with their grandkids and the kids had a blast as well. Makayla loves the water and Donny loves the lazy river. Lots of water these three days, but we wouldn't change it for the world.

 

 

 

 

 

After Kalahari, we headed into Ohio and went to EnterTrainmet Junction. This is the second time that we have been there and yes, we will go back. This place is just full of model trains. Takes a few hours to go thru and even has a place for younger kids. Makayla got to play on the toys and even got to ride on a Thomas train. She had a big smile on her face the whole time. And she talked about it for weeks after.

 

 

 

This was truly a vacation we will never forget. So happy that we took this trip and cannot wait to go back.

Donny's 5th Grade Year

How are you finishing 5th grade?

Where has the time gone? Weren't you just starting kindergarten with Mrs. B? And weren't you just in 1st grade with Mrs. Bailey? And in 2nd grade you found out that you were going to be a Big Brother while in Mrs. Chang's class. 3rd grade you had Ms. Sink and really found your love for technology. 4th grade you had Mrs. Malito and what a wonderful year you had.

 

And here we are talking about 5th grade. You have had three amazing teachers: Mrs. Treat, Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Sadowsky. A great year of growth and of learning.

 

Now we come to a lot of our last things of elementary school.

Our last track & field day.

Our last field trip.

Our last first day.

Our last water gun fight on the last day of school.

Our last day of Elementary school

 

It all started with going on the big 5th grade field trip! I was so excited that I got to go and have a blast with my boy.

We went to the Fish Hatchery and to South Haven. Learned all about what they do at the fish hatchery and what areas they help out in. After a good portion of the morning there, we headed to the beach in South Haven. We had a beautiful day and couldn't wait to get our toes in the sand. I am so happy that they have this trip for the kids. What a great memory to have forever.

 

Track & Field day has always been a favorite of Donny's. Even if he isn't very athletic, he has always enjoyed participating on this day. And he did the same thing every time: high jump, disc throw and obstacle course. And a couple of running pieces. At the end of the event, a fire truck comes to the field and sprays the kids with a lot of water...yup Donny was soaked. But he had a blast!! Again, we had a beautiful day for this, couldn't have asked for better.

 

The last thing to happen was 5th grade graduation. How was my baby boy graduating already?? Is this really even possible? He worked so hard this year to have great attendance and to have an outstanding grade for his classes. He was awarded the Presidential Award for his grades...something that I didn't even know about until this day. We are so proud of you dude and cannot wait to see you continue to excel at everything you do.