The Fure Files

More family in Kentucky pictures

School!

This year we are taking the kids to Grace Christian School in Mankato. We have a few ties there, so checked it out. There were many things that had to fall into place in order for this to work, but they all did fall into place down to the very last detail. We needed for me to get a job, a car that had all wheel drive, teachers that we felt would enhance our children's education (especially with Ava starting), and financially be able to handle it. And God has worked it all out! I even got a job at the school! And Aaron's mom was able to stay home with him now which was a whole other miracle story in itself. It all really couldn't have worked out better. I was most nervous about the drive but so far, it has been good, and I am enjoying the time to pray. Ava "yoves her teachow", and Jack said he has a really nice class. And I have a nice office and manager to work for and love being able to be close to them without having to hover too much. I can even eat lunch with them every day if I want to. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. We are now the Red, White, and Blue Eagles! So here we are bright and early the first day leaving for school around 635 or so. We won't have to leave that early every day, but did the first day to get all settled in. Jack is in 3rd grade this year, and Ava starts kindergarten. So exciting! I have missed school! I love the hustle and bustle and being able to assist in their schooling experience. Homeschooling worked out for the past two years, and who knows what the future brings, but I'm happy at this point to be able to put them in a good Christian school.

Ava at her seat

Jack's desk

Yunch!

Yum!

One of my duties - the background and border for this bulletin board. So we are all settling in quite nicely. We are excited for this year!

Family and Friends

Last get togethers before we dive into school too much. These guys are all growing up. Levi is in 7th grade, Jack and Lexi in 3rd, and Ava in kindergarten. So glad we get to see them regularly.

All of the siblings with Dad who just had surgery. He's doing great!

Ava reading her favorite Mother Goose books to help Grandaddy feel better.

Cousins are the best! Bethany making her awesome chocolate chip cookies and letting the kids help.

Two buddies. I hardly saw Jack and Ava and Connor. They always jump right in where they leave off whether it's ninja hide and seek or whatever, they always come up with something fun to do.

Ava had her 5 year doctor's appointment last week and was nervous about getting shots. I think Jack was just as nervous as she was, so when the doctor said "no shots today, we did them all last time", they were giddy. We celebrated with Freddy's, a new place in Maple Grove.

Kentucky: Day Four - The Mary Todd Lincoln House

This was an amazing house. I love houses and visiting historic ones. And we have a family connection to Abraham Lincoln with his mother being a Hanks. So we are always interested in the Lincolns. His wife Mary Todd grew up in Lexington very rich. The house had 10 fireplaces and was just beautiful.

The candelabra was in the White House with them.

Ava thought this should be our 2nd home, and as we traveled through, she picked out which room would belong to whom. This is her room to share with her friend Hannah since it has a trundle.

Kentucky: Day Three - Cousin Time

I have lots of family from both sides in Kentucky. My Mom Chelsie's side all lives down there as well as my dad's sister and her daughter's family. So we arranged for a dinner one night. I didn't take too many pictures with my phone since we had the camera too but here are a few. Here's Ava with my cousin's son Declan.

My Uncle Monty and Aunt Ann

My cousin Barbara and two sons Thomas and Philip. And Aunt Jenny her mom of course.

My cousin Melissa with her sons Dakota and Colt.

Kentucky: Day Three continued - Keeneland

We were able to pick up my nephew Kyle who goes to college in Lexington for the day. What a blast. We took him to eat and then to Keeneland which is across the street from the college. It is a racetrack where the Breeder's Cup will be run in October this year and where American Pharoah, the triple crown winner, will run his last race. It's very beautiful here! They even have a library which was very fascinating.

Kentucky: Day Three - Claiborne Farms

Claiborne Farm is a breeding farm for previous Derby runners and also where Secretariat stayed and was eventually buried. Very fascinating and we got to see a Derby winner! This is the 2013 winner Orb.

This is War Front, an 80 million dollar horse. The breeding is where the true money is. It costs $150,000 to breed to him, and he could breed up to 100 times a year.