Cousins Play date

Cooper climbed the rock wall all by himself with only a diaper on. LOL

Everlee loves swimming in the pool. She's not afraid to go down the slide head first. She kept telling us "nice outside." 

After swimming Cooper and Chloe served us up some "snacks."  

Goofy

Everlee was extra full of energy and goofiness all afternoon. With the rain outside we enjoyed the indoors having a tea party in the playroom, playdoh at the kitchen table, and playing hide n seek everywhere else;)

Cousins play date

Hollie facilitated a color matching game which the kids did really well at. We always enjoy having Hollie and Cooper come over and play with us on Thursdays. The afternoon was sunny and warm to play outside in the yard. The kids never want to stop playing for Everlee's nap but she always falls asleep very quickly after a play date with him;) 

Farmers Market Debut

Tonight Tyler and Micheal set up the Deadeye BBQ sauce tent for business at the Johnston Farmers market. They will be there on Tuesday's throughout the summer. What a great experience to learn some business skills, meet new people, and become involved in the local economy. I love going to the local farmers markets and buying local. Now it's a bonus to see Tyler there too:)

Outdoor Crazies

What started out as a lunch outdoor at the picnic table, on the deck, quickly turned into this...

Then we made our way downstairs into the yard for some "vanilla ice cream." I thought for a bit she was going to be full of pretend food and skip lunch like her cousin Cooper does;)

Nope! An hour later we finally sat down at the table for a yummy lunch of hotdog and yogurt. Complete with two cups and two forks:)

Busy, Busy, Busy

Today I sat with Cooper while Hollie had an appt. For the first time ever, when I walked in the house, Cooper ran to me, jumped in my arms and gave me a huge hug! I loved it! He wanted to do these progressive bunny pics which were super funny. We played lots of cars, truck and airplanes. I also got him to take his vitamins, brush teeth, and get dressed. Of course it took a little bribery with 5 blue M&Ms but whatever gets the job done;)

Today Tyler started his THIRD part time summer job. He needs a few extra bucks for spending money so is picking up a few shifts at the new Hardee's in Ankeny. 

Our friend, Chad, is the regional manager and sent us this pic tonight. Working hard on a Friday night. Just what this mom wants to see!

Tuesday Silliness

Daddy gave us a wonderful idea to make an "old school blanket fort."  

After Tyler got off work today he came over to play with us. Everlee picked a new color of playdoh to open: black. Tyler got a quick pic of us with our uni brows. 

Nostalgic Monday

Everlee requested "two barrettes" for gymnastics. A pink dotted and a purple sparkle butterfly was her pick. I get a lot of "baby do it" lately. She is very independent and picked them out herself. 

Who remembers the blue scooters from PE class? Everlee's was yellow and she was a champ on it. Moving around in all directions on her tummy. She used both feet and hands to get around. She is a very coordinated two year old. 

There is always a lot of monkey see, monkey do with these two that I never get to capture on film but they definitely make me laugh at least once a minute when they play. 

Who remembers doing the bicycle? Cooper and Everlee did a great job syncing up their back and forths. 

Mother Day blessings

Mother's Day weekend started with Steve smoking me some beer can chicken. It was so scrumptious that I think we ate more than what we put on the plate as we pulled it off. 

Then we watched the Devos girls while Dan and Victoria enjoyed an adult only brunch at the Sandbar. Little 10 week old, Oakley, spent 2 hours right here. I soaked up all the cuddling I could get with this little sweetie. 

The afternoon activity was taking Emelia to Sesame Street live at Wells Fargo Arena. 

We started the show off with a big ice cream m&ms shake. Yummy!

Then we settled in the watch the show. There was plenty of dancing, singing, and waving to Elmo and Abby. 

Intermission brought about Steve and Emelia standing in line for a balloon. We had a great time taking Emelia on this outing and look forward to doing more things with her. 

Tyler and Everlee always enjoy sweet treats from Gramma and Gramps;)

Then Saturday evening we headed over to the Smith's for a Mothers Day pizza and ice cream party. Thanks to the Smith's for hosting and The Kneifl's for the homemade ice cream. Everything was delicious!

Chloe and Tyler enjoying games on the Kindle. 

Then today we enjoyed another dinner at the Smiths. The pre dinner entertainment was jump roping. Tyler set the record and the rest of us were far from it. 

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers. It is the most rewarding job and I wouldn't trade it for anything:)

Playtime Thursday

Ev used the potty chair so we showed Cooper the "potty dance."  He wasn't interested in using the potty chair but was super excited to jam out and play the guitar while we danced. 

After nap time we spent some time in the second playroom (aka moms office). She layed down, closed her eyes, and snored. I took the first picture of her and after I did that she said, "more pictures baby sleeping."  So I took another one. This is the first time she's asked me to take another one. She must be getting used to this aunts antics of always trying to capture every moment on film;)

Honoring Marv

This bench was made and will be placed at the Playground at Vallahalla Campground at Lake Shetek. What a kind guesture and wonderful way to honor a kind and wonderful man:)

Tuesday doings

When Everlee woke up from her nap she wanted to go outside to the park. I rolled up the shade to show her it was raining. It's hard to see but she had the best head of curls! They are adorable. Thanks humidity;)

Then it was a yogurt snack and...

More selfies! Lol

Soccer

Tonight we drove to Carroll to watch Alicia play soccer. This was our first high school soccer game and Steve quickly found his passion for competition giving out a few shouts to the girls;) Afterwards, we enjoyed supper together and shared more stories and laughs. It's always a memorable night when we spent it with our good friends, The Krier's.