Tuesday

At Miracle Park today Ev loved practicing her balance beam routine. 

I feel like Eden has filled out so much since last week! Today I noticed this double chin and it's absolutely adorable! 

Remembering

The square in Polk City has 400 flags displayed and we sponsored three. 

Marv DeVos- Army

Dorothy Comeau- Navy

Vinton Comeau- Army Air

Weekend Getaway

Saturday morning we made our way to Storm Lake to enjoy our friends, kids, grad parties. 

Preston is following in his Brother and Dads footsteps and going to be a Cyclone this fall. 

Can't wait til Pam moves this way. She is such a generous and kind friend. I love our weekly catch up chats. 

Next it was to Alicia's grad party. We've enjoyed watching her grow into such a beautiful young woman. She's going to make a fabulous nurse after her schooling at UNI. 

Sunday we took most of the day to ourselves. I found a winery in Linn Grove that I loved. My old boss from, Wel Life of Alta, and her husband opened a winery and bed and breakfast. It was so tranquil out in the country. I could've sat out there all day on the deck sipping wine. 

We joked that our getaway was to Storm Lake but there was nothing better than spending it with my husband, our friends, and a delicious black cherry and pineapple twist cone from Villager. 

Terrific Thursday

We went to the park and met Coops and Hollie. Ev does a terrific job of pedaling by herself. The kids played outside and had lots of belly laughs playing at the water table. Eden received lots of love from Ev and Coop. Hollie and I held Eden all day getting in lots of snuggle time. It seems one newborn has made me forget to take pics, not be able to sit and eat my lunch and relearn to do things one handed...I LOVE IT!!!

Special Pickup

Watching the Miller girls this am overlapped with picking up Ev so Maci and Mila accompanied me at pickup. Ev was excited to give all three of us hugs and kisses. Maci was excited when Ev told her they get special treats after pickup;)

Sunday Funday...WooHoo

Not wanting to waste a gorgeous day inside we took a bike trip to Summerset Winery in Indianola for some live music and wine. Afterwards, we took the backroads home and found a fun bar called Rusty Spokes. It was a beautiful 7 hour trip of fun in the sun with my favorite co rider. 

Heelan Graduate

Saturday we attended Anne's grad party. It was so fun to catch up with family. There are always so many laughs around the table. 

Thursday

Another gorgeous day we had to spend it all outside! Lots of activities including the bubble machine and burying her feet in the sand at the park. Thanks to Hollie and Cooper for having us over. 

Tuesday

It was a gorgeous afternoon to meet the boys at Miracle Park and play. The big slides are definitely a favorite. 

With Ev napping I got a bunch of snuggle time in with little Eden. 

Big sister giving little sister about 30 smooches after her nap. It is so adorable to watch. 

MOPS

A year and a half ago Hollie asked me to volunteer as a room mom for MOPS. I've really enjoyed my time with all the kids and moms I've gotten to meet. Two Friday's a month we played, learned a bible story, and they shared lots of random facts that 4 year olds share with their teacher. Maybe even some things their parents wished they shouldn't;)  When I first started Coop sat on my lap, barely spoke, and hardly played. Today as we ended our time together I realized he has grown so much! He still doesn't talk too much but plays and interacts with the other kids so well. I've enjoyed my "extra time" with Coop but as all good things do it came to an end today. Cooper will start preschool in the fall and I will no longer be volunteering for MOPS. I have taken a job as Polk City's  Community Greeter. On to the next chapter...

Thursday

This trio had a busy day! Lots of indoor and outdoor activities until the last few when they wanted to watch cartoons. Thank you Hollie and Cooper for having us over. When we got back home I had some snuggle time with Eden. Ev was quick to join my lap and give Eden lots of kisses. Which made my heart sigh with relief.  I remind Ev how much I love both of them and I think she's getting used to the idea:)

Outdoor park fun

Tuesday after preschool we met up at a new to us park. Ev always enjoys all the climbing, sliding and swinging we do. 

The worlds toughest job

Several years ago a video went viral called "the worlds toughest job." People came in to interview for a "director of operations" job. They were told it required 135+ hours per week with no vacation, no sick days and no pay. The job would be emotionally exhausting and very painful. Other employees would yell, hit and even urinate on you and the job would be thankless. Of the 2.7 million people who saw the ad only 24 inquired about it. When they revealed that this "most important job" was a job that millions do everyday:motherhood, it brought tears to the applicants eyes. 

Motherhood is hard: it's the hardest job there is. You give birth to someone you love more than you ever thought possible and I wouldn't trade it for the world! 

So here's to my own mom who until I had Tyler I didn't appreciate enough. THANK YOU

Here's to my sister, Hollie, who moved back to Iowa so our family could be involved in Chloe and Cooper's lives on a regular basis. THANK YOU

Here's to my sister in law, Andrea, who never gave up on her dream of being a mom and allows me to help raise two beautiful girls into women in Everlee and Eden. THANK YOU

Here's to my sister in law, Victoria, who keeps me in the loop on a regular basis no matter how near or far we live apart from the two darling Devos girls: Emelia and Oakley. THANK YOU

And last but certainly not least, here's to my mother in law, Geneva, who witnessed first hand Steve and I's roller coaster of a relationship and continues to welcome me into her arms and heart. THANK YOU 

To all moms: Happy Mother's Day everyday!

The weekend

Saturday I did my first demo for Deadeye at the Pleasant Hill Fareway. I really enjoyed it! What other job can I brag about my son for three hours to convince people to buy some sauce?

Then Saturday evening we had the Smith kids and mom and dad stay overnight with us. The kids are always so well behaved and very easy. We dined outside, played at the park, and did lots of tumbling routines. 

So busy

Wednesday afternoon Poppa K joined us for our hospital visit to meet the newest Kneifl. Afterwards Ev's wanted to go inside poppas big truck. She was super excited to drive and play hide n seek but didn't want to beep the horn. 

Yesterday we spent all afternoon with Hollie and Coops playing and playing.  Everlee even wanted to nap in Cooper's bed. Thanks for having us over! We always have a fun time. On the way back to Ev's house she asked me "the next time my mommy has a baby in her tummy are you going to watch me?"  To which I replied, "Absolutely I will!" ;)

Welcome Baby Eden!

We are so excited to welcome another redheaded niece/cousin into the family! Everlee and I have filled our days playing with friends and family and visiting the hospital awaiting their arrival home. To say this aunt can't wait to spoil another niece is an understatement;)

Happy Birthday Tyler!

I remember Tylers birth like it was yesterday. All of the day's turning into months, which turn into years and suddenly your baby boy is 20! We had a fun family dinner at Fuji Japanese Steak House in Ames Friday night to celebrate. I cherish all the time I get as a family of three:)