Kalan Family

Two out of Four!

2012-01-04T14:17:00.001-08:00

Check out the pictures of Matevz in his new glasses! Soon after Janko got his glasses this fall, Matevz began to have headaches and tell us that words were blurry. Being the great parents we are, we at first dismissed them as a case of "I want what my brother has". In our defense though, one of the ways that we knew how much Janko needed glasses was because compared to Matevz's results on the highly accurate "flash cards across the room" eye exam, Janko couldn't see anything! So we thought Matevz had great eyes. We were wrong....after two exams, it was determined that he needed bifocals. He has had them five days now and has adjusted wonderfully! It's amazing how much much smoother things run in the house when the boys can see across the room AND see the book in front of them as they read!! Consequently, much to my sadness, it appears that at least two of the kids were blessed with their mother's eyes instead of either father's!! And just when I thought it was finally under control, Polona asked me yesterday, "Mommy, why do I put on Matevz's glasses and they are blurry, but Janko's glasses make everything clear?" . I can only hope she is having a case of "I want what my brothers have". Maybe I had better get that checked out!!

Polona lost her first tooth x 2!

2011-11-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 13, 2011 lost her first and second tooth! The first one was really loose so one quick pull with the string tied around it sent it flying across the room. It was so easy and painless that she decided to give the one next to it a try. It was not nearly as loose, but after a little work and a little pain it came out too!! Here is an updated picture of our kindergartener!

Happy All Saints Day!

2011-11-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

In honor of All Saints Day, Janko and the rest of the 3rd graders dressed-up like their favorite saint and stood in front of the church and told a little about their saint. Janko chose his patron saint, St. John Bosco. True to how Janko handles things, I was surprised to see Janko taking up the gifts during Mass. He had never mentioned this! He also had failed to tell us that he had to memorize his speech. I had helped him with his paragraph about the life of St. John Bosco, but I had no idea that he had to memorize it. He did a great job!! He spoke loudly and clearly and looked adorable as a his patron saint.

Matevz is already planning his St. Matthew costume for next year when it's his turn

Janko's fellow 3rd graders

My little saint

Janko Gets Glasses

2011-09-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

For many years, Gregor and I always wondered which one of our kids would get my eyes, as apposed to Gregor's 20/20 vision. We now know that Janko inherited his eyes from his mom. It broke my heart to see his face light up when the new glasses were first placed on his face and left me thinking for the millionth time in the last month just how long he needed glasses before we realized it. He has adjusted wonderfully to his glasses. The doctor has been right...he needs them enough that we will not have to fight with him to keep them on because he sees so much better with them. His routine is just like his mom's; his glasses are the last thing he takes off before closing his eyes to go to sleep and the first thing that he does when he opens his eyes in the morning.

Polona and Anamarija playing dress-up on a cool, fall September day.

Sweet Anamarija

2011-07-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

Since I am beyond terrible at keeping up on the kids' baby books, especially poor youngest child Anamarija, I thought I would at least take a few minutes to get one of the moments of the past week on "paper" before it becomes a memory that escapes me. Ana LOVES the Taylor Swift song entitled "Mean". Over and over she will sing, "Sooome day, I'll be livin' in a big ol' city and all you're ever gonna be is MEAN". After a particular long evening of studying dreaded microbiology, she came up to me and gave me a hug and sang "All you're ever gonna be is my momma". Thank you, Ana, for the reminder that that is all I ever want to be!!

Summer 2011

2011-06-23T06:49:00.000-07:00

Wow!! It's been awhile since this got an up-date. I should be studying for my up-coming dreadful microbiology test. But since Melissa was kind enough to send me some pics, I thought it would be much more fun to post them! The last several months have been a whirlwind, as usual. The biggest event was moving into the house! There are still several small projects to go on it, but we are enjoying getting settled in. My husband is an amazing man and did such a wonderful job creating an adorable home for us. There are not many people in this world who work as hard as he does and we are blessed to be enjoying the fruits of his labors!

The kids and I finished school in May and I had a couple of weeks off before the summer semester started. I have my eyes set on being finished in December. It can't come soon enough. In the meantime, the kids are busy with sports camps, cooking class, drama camp (as if any of my kiddos need any drama practice :), church camp, and swimming lessons. As I have always said, there is never a dull moment in our life. Slowing down a little and being able to enjoy life a little more is a goal that we are working on....in the future!!

Stic Jurij and Teta Melissa gave us a night off last weekend! The kids had a blast eating smores and spending the night in Carthage!

Love Anamarija's expression in this one!

Gregor loving on Teja!!!

Playset Ads

2011-03-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

The kids have done shoots with a playset manufacturer and we were really excited when Jurij spotted them in a Cabella's ad.
Matevz is swinging from the rings. Anamarija is on the slide. Polona is peeking out of the house part and Janko is on the monkey bars. Keep your eye out for them in any playset ads!

House Progress

2011-02-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at how the house is coming along. The plan is to be in it sometime in May!

The girls' pink and yellow room. They both got their wish!

The living room from the kitchen. The half wall in the foreground is where the cabinets, bar, and counter will be.

Our room

The Celebration Begins!!

2011-01-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

We kicked off Polona's 5th birthday with a gathering of friends and family this afternoon. She was happy to share the day with Matic who will soon celebrate his second birthday as well. It's so hard to believe that our tiny, tiny little girl has grown into such a sweet, caring, and loving five year-old who never knows a stranger.

Tinkerbell cake by the ever-talented Tadeja!!

13 kids from age 8 to 2 months attended!

Matic loves some salami!!

Kaja, Eva, and Tinkara

The Kalan Clan minus Janko and the Rakovec Kids

Visiting Emporia

2010-11-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

Polona and Anamarija hanging out with their buddies, Amelia and Sara.

Here's what we have been up to the past couple of weeks.......

2010-10-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Janko is now eight years old!!

The progress on the house.......They will be starting on the second floor this week........

Sisters :)

Anamarija je 3!!!

2010-10-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Anamarija and her girlies!!!

Ground Breaking

2010-09-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

On September 15th, the builder broke ground on our new house in Chicopee! We are excited and hopeful that he will finish quickly so that we can fully unpack and really feel settled.

Polona Goes to School....

2010-08-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

The months and months of waiting were finally over for Polona as she started school on Monday!! She loves her teacher, Mrs. Jill and enjoys playing with her new friends, Isabella and Jaden. Here is a glimpse of her first morning.....

Anamarija wouldn't let her out of her sight all morning until after one final hug when we had to leave her sister there for the morning!

The new morning routine is wearing Anamarija out!!! Naptime!!

Matevz Looses His First Tooth

2010-08-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Matevz lost his first tooth. However, he did it in typical "Matevz" style. Earlier, Janko had lost a tooth and was excited to tuck it under his pillow. The excitement was contagious as Matevz felt his tooth to see if it would also be ready. Since we only discovered that it was even slightly loose a day or two ago, I felt it and again could barely feel it move. So I told him that it would probably be many days before it actually fell out. But.......if he wiggled it and wiggled it each night before he went to sleep, then maaaaybe it would be out before school started next week. He took my advice to heart and started wiggling. After 15 minutes, Gregor humored him by tying a string around it to assist in the wiggling. Two yanks on that little tooth and Matevz had it out! He never ceases to surprise us with his determination!! And like his big brother, he happily placed that tooth under his pillow!

Matevz and his Emporia buddies

Fun times with Ziga!!

Celebrating Stara Mama's birthday

Summertime Fun!!

2010-06-27T07:38:00.000-07:00

Finally getting a chance to update the blog. Now that we have a new camera, hopefully updates will be a little more consistent. Here are some various pics of the kids to highlight what we have been up to lately!

Getting all dressed up and heading to a wedding!

Polona and Anamarija in bow heaven!

The girls hoping that we let them go into the fancy, girly store........

Janko and Matevz

Matevz Plays Jesus in the Living Stations of the Cross

2010-03-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

On Friday, March 26, Matevz and his classmates presented the Living Stations of the Cross. He did an excellent job playing Jesus. We were so proud of him and happy that Stara Mama and Star Ata came from Pittsburg to watch him as well.

Spring Break Snuggles

2010-03-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Janko and Anamarija napping during spring break!

Anamarija Gets Her First Haircut!!

2010-02-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

Matevz and his classmates

2010-01-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture that Matevz's teacher just forwarded me with him and his classmates before their Christmas program. She sent two pictures, but surprisingly there is one little boy in the second picture who isn't looking at the camera. Wonder who it was?!!?!?? :)

Ziga Comes to Emporia!!

2009-12-15T19:20:00.000-08:00

We were happy to have Ziga come down from Overland Park to spend a couple of days with us. Polona got to boss him around while the boys were at school. She had him playing house and dress-up and barbies. But as soon as the boys got home it was all monsters and cops and robbers and soccer. I quickly realized that he is definitely his father's son when after exactly one mile from picking him up he reminds me to watch out for the "policija"! I had many laughs as I heard Polona correcting him using his middle name -"Ziga Milan", as he asked me in all innocence why I had been soooooo mean to Janko and Matevz while I look over to make sure they are staying in their respective time outs, and every time I heard him say "Teta Nashna" and especially after Polona corrected him EVERY time he said it!! Thanks for coming to play, Ziga!

Snuggles with Ziga!

Fall 2009

2009-11-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

As usual, it's been a fun filled autumn in the Kalan house. Janko turned seven years old, while Anamarija turned two. As the years pass, I can already see that October will be always a month when I reflect on how fast time flies since Janko, the oldest, and Anamarija, the youngest, both have birthdays. Take a look at what we have been up to........

Pumpkin Carving with Ziga and Star Ata

Anamarija picking out her earrings

The end result!!

Thanksgiving Cuddles with Teta Ali

Anamarija turns TWO!!!

2009-10-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

Matevz showing his monkey bar skills at the school

The birthday girl

Attacking stric Jurij

Yummy cake!!

Our Anamarija showing her dimples!!

Fall Soccer

2009-10-04T17:37:00.000-07:00

Hard to see, but Janko is on the right side on the very end

The Jayhawks-Matevz's team

Their biggest fan--Anamarija!!

Here are a few pics from the boys' first soccer season. Janko was very serious about improving his game and Matevz was basically interested in snack time :) But all in all, they had a lot of fun!!

Basement Project Update

2009-08-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

The kitchenette area

The boys helping out

Action shot of tiling

The office or playroom

The Bedroom

Here are some updated pics of the basement. The carpet will be installed this week and then it's the trim, the counters/cabinets for the kitchenette, the bathroom toilet and vanity, and the doors!! We are getting there!!

First Day Success!!

2009-08-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

The 2009-2010 school year started out on a great note in the Kalan house! When I got up this morning at 6:50, I found Matevz at the kitchen table with his uniform on and eating his breakfast. I hadn't heard a thing, which is highly unusual. After telling him "Dobro Jutro" and asking him if he wanted to try any of oci's zucchinni bread, he replied, "thanks mommy, but I already had some." For everyone who knows how Matevz usually wakes up (with his demand for s certain cereal that we are inevitably out of and it just goes downhill from there-fast), this was quite the nice shock for me! He finished his breakfast and was grabbing for his backpack by 7:05am. He was ready for kindergarten!! Janko was a little slower to get going, but he was ready for first grade too. His highlight of the day was getting to have lunch with Fr. Rich and of course, playing soccer again at recess with his buddies. We celebrated the day with slushies from Sonic on the way home. If only the next two hundred mornings of school will be as smooth as today!! I can hope, at least!

Janko and Matevz's First Sleepover

2009-08-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night, July 24, 2009, the boys were invited to the Thomas' house to spend the night with their son Nicholas and 3-4 other boys. Here is a quick picture that I took as they were getting loaded into the car. Obviously, I chose the worst possible location for a pic because to the sun, but I was in a hurry and had to capture something to remember the day by. It was reported that after pizza, a water balloon fight, swimming, and a movie that they made it until 12:30. Needless to say, when I picked them up at 11:00am they were exhausted!

Canada/Cleveland Trip-July 2009

2009-07-06T06:54:00.000-07:00

Polona & Janko cheezin' for the camera!

Niagara Falls

Taking care of his little sister

Watching the wedding in the park next to Lake Erie

Throwing rocks in the lake

We had a great time on our trip to Canada and Cleveland. We left on Tuesday, June 30 and drove all night, arriving at Windsor, Canada (just across the border in Detroit) and met up with Silvija and Gorazd. Silvija and the rest of the band were in a parade celebrating Canada Day. After the parade, we went to the local Slovene lodge for lunch, dancing, and listening to the band. In the early evening, we headed to Toronto. On Thursday, we walked around Toronto and ended the day with a swim in the hotel pool. On Friday around noon, we said good-bye to Silvija and Gorazd and headed to Niagara Falls. We stopped at a great little town close to the falls, named Niagara on the Lake. There were adorable, little shops and gallaries. We even watched a wedding in the park next to the lake. Friday evening, we headed to Cleveland. On Saturday morning, we met up with Tadeja, Luka, and Matej. We enjoyed the afternoon at the Slovene Pristava, then had dinner with them before hitting the road that evening back to Kansas. All in all, it was a great, great trip. The kids were real troopers in the car and we were so happy that Star Ata joined us for our travels. Additionally, we were blessed to see dear friends from Slovenia and make some new ones along the way!

Where did June 2009 go?

2009-06-29T22:10:00.000-07:00

Blood and all!

Anamarija enjoying her snow cone.

Shirtless Matevz!

Ziga and Polona

Polona and her Cabbage Patch doll that goes everywhere with us!

This month flew by and July is not looking to slow down any!! We spent time camping in the backyard, even though it was 100+ degrees. Well, I should clarify and say that Gregor was a good sport and he camped with the boys in the backyard. The girls and I slept in the comfort of the AC! This past weekend, we attended the Habjan family reunion at Teta and Jimmy's house. The kids had such a good time playing with their cousins that they rarely get a chance to see. And today was marked by Janko finally loosing his top tooth. He has been wiggling it for months. He has now lost a total of three. Matevz seems convinced that some of his teeth are also loose and will be falling out any day. I am sure it will happen faster than I think, but for now, all of his baby teeth are safe!

Memorial Weekend 2009

2009-05-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Jurij and Janko playing with the boys' cool new helicopters that he and Melissa brought them straight from Hong Kong-Thanks you guys!

Janko with his catch!

Helping with the flowers for the cemetery

Bare bellied Anamarija

The kids and I spent the weekend in Chicopee. Gregor stayed in Emporia to work on the basement without distractions. Polona's fever and Matevz not feeling up to par put a bit of a damper on our activities. But Janko got to do a lot with Stric Jurij and Teta Melissa and Matevz tried hard to keep up too.

Dancin' Machine!!

2009-05-18T06:56:00.001-07:00

Anamarija showed her true colors at Jim and Karen Simone's wedding! The entire evening she was in the middle of the dance floor showing off her moves. Her favorite songs were "Y-M-C-A" and "The Hokey Pokey"!! She had a blast and we had the best time watching her!

The center of attention!

The best family pic we could get-Anamarija was not happy about having to sit still for 2 minutes!

"It's fun to stay at the YMCA!"

Carnival Fun

2009-05-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we were in Pittsburg for a wedding and on Sunday we went with Teta and Jimmy and Paris to the school carnival. The kids had a great time playing game after game. Matevz's favorite was the cake walk, of course. Polona loved going down the giant blow-up slide with Paris and Janko was most into the sport games. The boys ended up with their entire faces painted and Polona ended up with a panther paw and a flower on her cheeks. As soon as I get pics from the wedding downloaded, I will post them also.

Pictures from the past 5 weeks!

2009-04-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't done such a good job of keeping the blog updated over the past month and a half. So I thought I would just post a collection of various pictures that took place since the last time I posted. Here they are.........

The boys on Easter

Matevz after his kindergarten round-up.

We were so glad to have our dear friends, Silvija and Gorazd, visit us from Slovenia. This is Polona pretending to sleep.

Storytime with Gorazd and Silvija

Crazy Kalan Cousins-our clan with Kaja, Ziga and Matic

Party Time with Ziga!!!

Adventures in Slovenia Starring Janko

2009-03-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Janko lost his first tooth today (March 17, 2009)!!! It could have been out several days ago, but true to form, he was a bit cautious about the whole ordeal. In the end, Gregor tied a piece of thread to it and I barely pulled on it and out it came. Through the tears, he was smiling ear to ear and can't wait to put it under his pillow to see what he will get.

Working on getting the tooth out.

Me and my boys on Lubnik.

Finally out!!!

Janko drawing at Babi in Naklo's house.

Adventures in Slovenia Starring Matevz

2009-03-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our first few days in Slovenia. The kids are having a great time although they have been fighting the jet lag and colds. Janko is back to his old self after a day and a half with a fever. Anamarija is now down with a fever and the other two have colds too, but they have managed to keep going. Matevz has been enjoying picking the new spring flowers that are just blooming in the valley. He asks Gregor to take him at least twice a day. This morning, we went on a drive up to the mountains to see the snow. It was unbelievable how high it was piled on the roofs and the side of the road. On the way back, Matevz and Polona had a very heated debate regarding whether Kranjska Gora was a big or a little town. Matevz insisted it was big and Polona was sure it was small. In the end, Gregor convinced them that it was a big village (velik vas), but a small town (mesto). Details, details.....more to come!

Matevz at Babi in Naklo's with Gregor's aunt.

Picking flowers

Just one more flower, oči!

Lots of snow!

Moj Matevž

March 3, 2009 -The Catholic Cow Visits Us

2009-03-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

We received a surprise in our yard today! The cow from church decided to stop by 1216 Riley Avenue to check out the progress on the basement. The youth group sponsored a fundraiser to collect for Catholic Services. For a small donation, you can send the cow to a friend's yard. It has become quite a war, so you can pay a slightly higher fee and become immunized. We decided to go this route since we will be out of town. The only problem is that he was so cute we didn't want him to be sent onto the next family!

Polona with the cow and also modeling the adorable hat that Teta Melissa made for her.

Anamarija given a rare turn at pushing Polona's babies around the yard.

Janko hard at work.

Valentine's Day 2009!

2009-02-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

It seems like forever since we have posted to the blog. Over the last month, we have mainly stayed here in Emporia on the weekends because Gregor began finishing the basement. Currently, we are at a bit of a standstill waiting on the heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrician before getting started on the dry walling. Gregor and the boys are down there working during any free time. The progress has been fast and we will be excited to finish it up this spring. The end result will add a large TV/family room [for the TV we don't have :)], a bathroom, a bedroom, and an office.

View from the west wall in the family room

The bar/kitchenette area on the north wall of the family room

The future bathroom

Polona is THREE!!

2009-01-14T16:01:00.001-08:00

Cupcakes for her actual birthday!

Kisses for Žiga for the book he gave her.

The rainbow ice cream cake.

This picture was actually taken last week. This is what happens at 6:15pm when a nap doesn't happen at 2:00pm.

Polona had a fantastic Sunday afternoon when stara mama, star ata, stric Josk, Jurij, Melissa, Janez, Ali, Žiga, Zala, Jimmy and Teta all came to Emporia to help her celebrate her third birthday. Today, her actual birthday, was more low-key. Quinn gave her giant coloring pages and we had multi-colored cupcakes. She had just as much fun helping me make them as she did eating them.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

This year on Christmas Eve, we decorated the Christmas tree in the afternoon and had a nice lunch of bison roast, potatoes and vegtables before heading to 5:30pm Mass at Sacred Heart in Emporia. In the morning, the kids checked out their stockings and at noon we left for Overland Park. There we had a wonderful dinner at Janez and Ali's. After the kids were in bed, we headed over to Talk of the Town for their Christmas party and stayed WAY too late but had a great time with Janez and Ali and Jurij and Mel and the other party-goers. On Friday, we were off to Pittsburg. Saturday found us at Teta and Jimmy's for brunch with everyone. After Mass, lunch and presents in Chicopee on Sunday, it was finally back to Emporia. It was really a great Christmas and we were so happy to spend so much time with our family.

Miklavz Visits!!

2008-12-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

Miklavz found us on Riley Ave in Emporia!! This year, he even had enough time to actually come into the house instead of just taking his cookies and leaving the gifts. Polona was scared out of her mind. Janko was suspicious. Matevz was the bold spokesman with eyes wide open singing and showing off the prayers he knows. He even wanted to call his teacher and tell her about the visit. Miklavz even remembered chocolate for mommy. [Unfortunately, oci missed the visit because he was still stuck at work ;) ]

November 2008

2008-12-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

Where does the time go? It is already December 1 and the kids are getting ready for Miklavz (St. Nick) to visit and then Christmas. We had a wonderful 4 days in Pittsburg for Thanksgiving and celebrating Star Ata's birthday. We were also glad to finally see where Teta Melissa lives and works in Neosho, Mo. We spent Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend checking out the fish hatchery, downtown Neosho, and went through the beautiful Christmas light display in Carthage, Mo. on the way back to Pittsburg. This month was also marked by Anamarija learning to walk and getting more and more teeth.

Polona helping Star Ata with his presents.

Storytime

Polona skating with her friend, Amelia.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great time on Halloween. The boys had their parade at school. After school, we stopped by Hopkins to see oci. The kids always love to go see where oci works. They loaded up there by going to each department. Next, we came home and waited for Gregor to finish up some last minute things at work. He joined us around 6:30 and we hit the neighborhood. Then we went to Matevz's teacher's house and trick-or-treated there. Our last stop was the two retirement complexes. The older people loved handing out handfuls of candy to the kids. Matevz was in a really good mood, so when Gregor took pictures he got some really good ones of him. All in all, it was a very fun time and they have enough candy to last them until at least Easter-especially after I ration it :)

Our busy bee all tuckered out! (But still holding onto her PINK pumpkin for dear life!)

Janko turns 6 years old!!

2008-10-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Friday was Janko's 6th birthday. We were so glad that Teta Melissa joined us for the weekend. Friday night, we had some cake. Saturday afternoon was spent at the local fishing hole. They brought back one catfish and one baby snapping turtle. Unfortunately for the kids, but fortunately for Gregor and I, the turtle escaped. After Mass on Sunday, stara mama and star ata and stric Janez, teta Ali, Ziga and Zala joined us for pizza and ice cream cake. October birthday season is officially over!!!

Polona giving her buddy Ziga kisses!

Janko and his cake.

Pumpkin Fun!

2008-10-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy start to October! Pumpkin patches, train rides, birthday celebrations, and a trip to Chicopee have all helped the month to go way too fast. Take a look.....

Matevz at the pumpkin patch with his class.

Matevz and his buddies.

Matevz, Ziga, Polona and Janko waiting for the train to take them to the pumpkin patch.

Celebrating Anamarija's birthday in Chicopee with the ice cream cake!

Two brothers waiting for the train!

Anamarija turns ONE year old !!!

2008-10-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

Receiving birthday greetings from stara mama!

The whole gang!

All clean!

Showing her dimples! Lahko noc!

Yesterday was Anamarija's birthday. We had a low-key day and she napped a lot. After oci got home from work, we had cake and ice cream. Her cake was really a pudding cake so that she could eat it easier since she still hasn't mastered chewing her food much.
I can't believe that it has been a year since she joined our family. Where has the time gone!?!?!? She is such a happy baby who, as one as our friends says, smiles with her whole body. She truly brings much joy to us all!

Family Picture

2008-09-24T06:53:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken about a month ago. Our friends from school/church asked Gregor to take their family picture that they needed for a school project. After they finished, they took our picture and it turned out really good. It's a rare occasion to get the whole group of us in a shot, so I thought I would post it!

Labor Day Weekend - Pittsburg

2008-09-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of the six of us without the six kids!!

Janko riding on the camel.

Matevz's shirt says it all!

Janko checking out the tortois

We had a great Labor Day weekend in Pittsburg. Zala and Ziga joined us for some fun times in Chicopee. Gregor completed his century, 102 mile ride on his bike on Saturday. We met him at the finish line. The boys went to the petting zoo with Stric Jurij and Teta Melissa and, as usual, they had a blast! The summer of 2008 is officially over!

And they're off......

2008-08-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 11, 2008

School started today!! After weeks of Janko counting down, it was finally time! The backpacks were packed and then repacked. Janko's lunch was planned down to the last grape! He was ready for kindergarten!!! Matevz was equally excited to start five mornings a week of preschool, but true to form, he didn't show it nearly as much as his brother!

The whole gang......

Janko checking out his desk

Janko telling Anamarija "adijo"!

Matevz already loving the legos at preschool

Polona enjoying the Playmobil people! Immediately upon returning home from dropping the boys off, she dumped them all out and declared "Janko's going to be mad!" She loved every minute of it!! So much for my worries of her actually missing her brothers!

Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008

2008-08-08T09:35:00.001-07:00

The day that Anamarija turned 10 mo. old was spent in Overland Park with cousins Ziga and Zala. Stara Mama and Star Ata and Teta Melissa also make the trek up to spend the afternoon together. We grilled hamburgers and the kids played in the water and had a blast! Here are some pics from the day:

Oci and Anamarija

Janko checking out the new googles Stric Jani gave him

Polona playing in the pool

Oci and Polona

Matevz and Ziga playing

July 2008

2008-07-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

At the suggestion of my fantastic sis-in-law, I decided to start a blog. I'm not sure how much it will get updated, since life with 4 little ones gets hectic. But I do promise to try!! Also, since I have a tough time getting pics out and any sort of log of our lives for the kids to look at when they get older, I figure this might just be the answer!

July 2008 flew by. The boys will start school in just over a week and I can't believe that so quickly I will just have the girls at home most of the time. Throughout the month, Janko has begun to count the days until school starts. The boys also had swim lessons this month. Matevz's first exposure to a structured teaching environment proved to be a success as he loved swim class. The month was also marked with Polona gettng her ears pierced. Anamarija continued with her "mama girl" ways. She learned to stand up in her crib and say her name "ata, ata" became "ana, ana" when she is unhappy. The month was also marked with a garage sale in Emporia and a trip to Stara Mama's and Star Ata's. Below are pics from a wedding reception we attended on July 11.