play date pics

2 years

Today is the two year anniversary of this sweet boy leaving this world. We miss him so much and think and pray for him often. Our families grew together and we watched new children come into both of our families. Never did I think we would have to watch our sweet friends say goodbye to one. Our thoughts and prayers our with Ed and Stacy, and all their family today. We love you and wish we could be there with you.

 — 

So Happy!!

So this girl came to visit her Dad and I got to steal some time with her. 

I could not have been happier. 

We have not seen each other in over 10 years, but it was like nothing had changed at all. 

She had never met any of my kids and I had never met her son. 

It was so crazy and surreal. 

Here we were... All grown up.

Oh I have laughed so many times with this girl and have so many funny memories..

It did my heart good to see her. 

I seriously hope we do not have to wait another 10 years before we get to hang out again!

Anniversary/Graduation Surprise

This year some friends of mine and I got together and conspired to do something fun for our husbands who were all graduating this May. 

It was a surprise for the boys and fun for us girls.

It was kind of my anniversary gift to Garran as well because we didn't really have a chance to do much on our actual anniversary. 

 Here we are on the way to the surprise!!

 Can you guess where it is??

 That's right...Downtown Chicago. A dinner cruise out on Lake Michigan. 

 I mean, look at this view while we got to sit and enjoy a wonderful meal and good company!

 It was the perfect night. It was nice weather and clear skies. 

 As you can tell, I just kept snapping pictures fo the awesome skyline view. 

 Our group as the boat was heading back into the dock. 

 Garran and I! 

I just love this picture. 

 This one too. 

 When we got off the boat, Navy Pier was all lite up. I thought it looked so pretty. 

 We had the most delicious virgin strawberry daiquiris on the boat. The were so good we were talking about them the next morning. 

 One of my favorites of the night.

Happy Anniversary and Graduation Love!!

You are an amazing man and I love you dearly!!

Oh and I could not forget Phil. 

I promised him I would not put this on facebook, but my blog...Well that is a different story. 

There was a dance competition on the boat and there was a teenage girl that had signed up. The DJ was randomly selecting songs and this girl got "Single Ladies". She was obviously shy and the DJ asked if anyone wanted to go up and be her back up dancer. Of course Phillip jumped at the chance. 

ENJOY!

S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E

Ed and Stacy stopped by for a quick visit as they were passing through on their way to the airport. So we got to have dinner and visit for a little while. It was so fun getting to see them and visit with them. We always enjoy their company. It was the last chance we had to get to see them before we moved so I was so grateful they took the time to stop by and say hi. 

I am sure we will see each other again...It will just be a little bit longer drive. But well worth it!

Easter Party!

There is a group of moms that I go to church with that have just recently started getting together about once a month and letting our kids play and doing a themed party when there is a holiday. 

This time when we got together it was for Easter!

 Here is Ayla, playing in a house that is meant for a baby. She sat in it pretty much the whole time. She is so funny like that. 

 Look at that. I captured Cullan showing love. It's not that he does not love his siblings, but out of all our children he is the least touchy feely. I just love this picture for that reason. 

Last but not least.. .the party crowd. It is usually not this big. However it was spring break and all of the older siblings were in attendance as well. It was a lot of fun though. We had a very spring themed lunch and then did an easter egg hunt. The kids had a blast!!

A Girls Weekend.

So my friend Trisha suggested we take a girls weekend to Indianapolis for some fun and to attend "Time Out for Women".

Basically there are a couple speakers and musical numbers. 

It was a lot of fun and a really good time. 

We also had a fun time getting to know downtown Indianapolis and having some adventures in finding restaurants and well.....our car. 

 While I was there, I got to hang out with my friend Mandy. It is always fun when we get to hang out together. 

I also bumped into an old friend from when we lived in Waterloo.

It was so crazy. 

Here is a picture we took right before we left from hearing the speakers. 

It was such a fun weekend. 

Thanks for inviting me ladies!!

Valentines Bash...A little late!

Today we had a Valentines Day Party a little late due to illness, people traveling and crazy schedules. 

So today we had burritos for lunch with strawberries and pineapples to dip in chocolate. 

It was yummy!

 Isaac was a Big Fan of strawberries! He was showing them all to me. 

 Ayla being a silly girl. 

 All the kiddos playing!

 Connie singing songs to the girls. She is the toddler whisperer! 

 More Playing....Leggos are always a hit. 

 Look at this little handsome fella. 

I mean look at those eyes.. Such a cutie!

 B.F.F.'s

 Two of the cutest fellas in town!

Valentines Day Crew! Such fun kiddos!

Palmer Visit!

Our friends the Palmers came to visit us this week. 

They were on their way back from California and they were going to pass right by our house on the way home from the airport, so they stopped by to visit and have some fun. 

 This is just Ayla being cute one night when I was getting blankets together for bed. 

 Stacy and I went thrift store shopping while they were here. I found this shirt and had to laugh. Only in the midwest would you find a shirt like this!!

 After being out for a while, we got back to the house and poor Finn feel asleep, with his ring pop stuck to his forehead. Poor kid, but it was so funny.

 How cute is this picture. I got briea mid turn of the head, but I love the smile on Jaren's face. 

They were so cute playing together. 

Of coures the kids had some treats... Here is Briea enjoying an OREO. She only like the white stuff. 

Thanks so much to the Palmers for their visit. It was much needed to have some adult company. We always have some good laughs when we get together.