Trial Run

Thursday i did a walk through with taking both girls over to Smith's. As usual with four kids, a dog and two adults it prolly seemed a bit chaotic. But everyone ate lunch, played hard and no one was bleeding so I call that a successful day!

These two

With the humidity gone and the day bright and sunny we played at Miracle Park after preschool. Ev spent a lot of time walking the balance beam which she did really well at. 

Little Eden is improving so much with her head control! I can almost see her neck;). She changes so much between my days with her, except that adorable smile, that is always on her face. 

 

Good advertisement

Tyler sent me a pic of this tweet from Coach last night. 

Sunday Funday

On a recommendation from Jerry, Steves Barber, we intended to take a ride to Van Meter and check out a dive bar, Fat Randy's, to watch the race. After missing a turn, getting lost on a detour and finally arriving only to find the bar closed we ended up at a packed Booneville Bar. We sat next to the biggest BS'er (yes someone bigger than my dad;) that kept us in stitches for the afternoon. On the way home we stopped and had the BEST steaks at Rube's. One of my favorite spur of the minute and unplanned crazy days!

Internship

Yesterday Steve and I worked alongside Tyler at the DesMoines Farmers Market. Our morning started off early and hot (6am it was 80!). We enjoyed being a part of Tylers morning. It was so rewarding as parents to see Tylers business side and skills at work-his promptness, his eye for detail and most of all his passion. 

After a busy morning of selling Steve and I thought we deserved a date night. So we attended Clive Fest where we heard our new favorite local cover band, Ctrl C, and ate and drank the evening away. A perfect day in this mom and wife's eyes:)

Hands free

In anticipation of being on my own with the Kneifl girls I had Hollie help me get the Ergo ready for Eden. She quickly settled in and was napping in just a few minutes. Then, I got Ev her surprise bowl ready for cartoon time. It may appear a bit crazy but no one was bleeding so I consider that score one for Aunt Brigett!

Where's Deadeye

In all 113 Fareway stores across Iowa, MN, NE, SD, and IL! Gramma found it at one of the Fareways in Sioux City. Tyler was excited but now the demos start and getting it into people's mouths. Good job men!

Visiting the Smith's

Ev immediately asked to go to the Smith's house after preschool. She told me she really misses them and wants to give them a big hug and smooch! 

Ev enjoyed girl time in Chloe's room with Charlie and the door shut (definitely being three teen Andrea;) and then a girls lunch. Afterwards she spent with the boys playing with Charlie more and then off to the boys room to play Paw Patrol. 

Polk City Days

Yes this is the only pic I took of the day. Which tells you that the day was filled with good friends and family having a great time. Our day started early and ended late and we couldn't have done it without mom and dads help. We enjoyed ourselves so much we are continuing the tradition and having a big shin dig every year! 

You're so lucky

This morning Ev and I met the Smith's at the library to watch a magic show and afterwards played at the splash park. While at the splash park a friend told Hollie and I how lucky we were to have our family close and be able to make lots of memories with each other. A blessing I am grateful for on a daily basis. 

Tuesday I told Eden she sleeps most of the time I'm there and how is she going to know me if all she does is nap. Today she made me eat my words:/. While big sister was napping and mommy ran an errand Eden decided to stay up. All afternoon! She was so content. Although while I went to the other room I did have Tyler stay close. She got the wiggle bug and I felt like she was going to scoot right off the edge. 

Lets go to Polk City

After preschool Ev and came to Polk City to visit our library. We read books, played games, and colored. On our way home we drove by the square and Ev yells "That's the slide that Cooper went down. I want to do it!" Im not even sure when it was but I'm pretty sure it's been a year. So of course we stopped. Ev was a bit timid going up and down the steps for a few minutes telling me how steep it was. Then all the sudden she slides down, all smiles and yells, "Brigett, I did it just like Cooper!" I always enjoy watching her bravery and excitement when it comes to trying new endeavors. 

Winery

Saturday we met the Smiths at Annalise Winery in Indianola for an afternoon of music and wine. The wine from here is my favorite of all the wineries we've visited, so far. We always seem to share many laughs including all of us girls spilling our drinks and watching the kids fan and chase the dog, Bessie. Afterwards we joined them for supper at Cazadors. What a great day!

Finally some pics

Can't miss a beat each week doing surprise eggs;)

After nap Tyler and Ev enjoyed playing Match Game. Ev told me she won and Tyler got a few matches. 

Tuesday

Beating the heat indoors at the library playing a SHOPKINS game on the IPad. This girl was in heaven!

Then some playtime with this sweet gal. She did lots of cooing when I was singing. I figure it was her way of saying "you sound spectacular Aunt Brigett;)!"

Coops 4th birthday party

Tuesday afternoon during our usual play date Cooper had his friends birthday party. Everlee was very eager to give Coop his present since she had picked it out herself (I also now know the 142 things she wants for her birthday from Walmart;). With Hollie wanting to wait a bit to do presents the kids took it upon themselves to sneak the present off the table, crawl through the doggie door, open it inside away from the adults, and come outside announcing "Look what Everlee got me!" 

Then it was onto games. After being blindfolded and spun around three times this is where Ev stuck the pizza...on the gate. Just a bit off. 

Then in the evening the festivities continued with a family party. The kids were once again eager to open gifts. Remembering what it was like for Tyler at that age, I let Coop open his gift before Steve or Tyler arrived. Thanks for having us over to celebrate!

4th of July weekend Festivities

Steve is now a District 4 ABATE member and as a member we decided to make our way to Algona and attend our first ABATE event: Freedomfest Motorcycle Rally 2016. So, Thursday night we loaded up our camping gear for our three day adventure. 

A pit stop for gas in Humboldt and Steve checking the time with his pocket watch. A gift from his father in law that he was super excited to receive. 

As if one pair of overalls wasn't enough Steve bought another pair. 

Friday night we made our way to the Freedom stage early so I could stand in the front row to watch my favorite high school band, Slaughter. I even got a guitar pic the lead singer threw into the crowd. 

The crowd behind us. It was absolutely crazy!

One of the many sections of campers on the 22 acre property. 

Saturday mom and dad joined us and first thing was first: make the women daiquiris with the Coolest Cooler Blender. 

We had a fantastic time. We loved the entertainment,food,meeting people, people watching, and of course the ride. Everything else I can't type about on this PG blog;)

Monday we joined friends in Slater to partake in the small town fun. We played Bingo where I was a winner winning a round of blackout. My prize was a crisp $20 bill and two tickets for a food vendor. We also watched a hypnotist and enjoyed some delicious Peaunt Butter Crunch ice cream from Black Cat ice cream. What a great day to round out the holiday weekend of fun!

Last Thursday

Ev was super excited when grandpa Greg and grandma Jan dropped off a present from Julia: more shopkins! 

For the last two weeks I've not taken pics of when the Smith kids come over to play. Ev (and I) look forward to the kids coming, and she constantly asks me when they will be here every two minutes before they arrive. With Chloe out of school for the summer and the addition of Eden to the group the only words I have to describe our Thursday cousins day is : Controlled Chaos and I love it!  With toys everywhere, Coop asking "is this a death trap" and everyone laughing The Kneifl house somedays feels like a three ring circus and I'm so thankful to be a part of it on a weekly basis:)