Getting Excited for Boating Season

The other weekend we went to Menards and Beau quickly spotted their stock of life jackets.  He picked out a new one, and refused to take it off. He said it fit too well to take off, and he was going to eat and sleep in it until it was time to boat.  He was half telling the truth, he did keep it on while he ate Burger King, and even during a nap.  However, it did not stay on until boating season :)

Tim and Shoshannah's Wedding

Last weekend, Tim and Shoshannah had their wedding, and it was beautiful!  It was at Debbie's Barn, and as expected, it looked amazing as did the bride and groom.  We are so happy for them, and wish them a lifetime of happiness! CONGRATS!

Field Trips at Pre-School

Beau went on three field trips in his last couple weeks of preschool.  First, they went to the police station and were able to go inside one of the police cars.  Beau was so intrigued and loved all of the lights and cameras in it.  However, the loud noises from the sirens hurt his eyes---he is so sensitive!

Another field trip they went on was to Lacey Recreation Complex to take a tram ride around the bike path.  They called it their "nature hike" :)

The last field trip they had was to the eye doctor.  They were able to do pretend eye tests, look at the machines, and even try on glasses.  If Beau is anything like me, he will need glasses before we know it!

For their end of the year party, and last day of school, they went to the indoor playground at the Nazarene church.  They played hard, laughed, and ended their year on a great note.  Thank you so much Ms. Richelle!!!!!! We love you, and will miss you!

Growing in His Faith

Beau is finally at the point where he understands what it means to be respectful in church and when we talk about our faith.  He is so good now about folding his hands, closings his eyes, and praying.  This is something that makes Joe and I so proud---far more proud than any sporting game or milestone he would make on his development.  I want to instill in my children how important our faith is, and that we need to always make it a priority in our lives.

Update on Baine

I have been so busy with the end of the school year, soccer, and trying to get Baine feeling better, I have not given an update on how he is doing.

First of all, about two months ago Baine gave up his bottle cold-turkey! He was such a rockstar about giving it up! He was such a stinker about that darn bottle.  He has never taken a pacifier or sucked his thumb, so the bottle was one of his only "needs" to get to sleep or calm down.  Now, we just have his blue anchor blanket---and I love that he carries his blanket everywhere with him! :)

Secondly, Baine has not been feeling well since this winter. We have battled many ear infections, influenza, strep and teething.  I have been saying for months now that somethings is not right with Baine.  It has just been my intuition.  He also has not been talking yet, except for the occasional words.  We finally took Baine to an ENT to get more answers.  Turns out, Baine cannot hear.  He will have surgery next week to have tubes put in.  I am hoping this will be the end of his misery and finally begin to feel better again.  I miss my happy baby!

Kentucky Derby Party

We went to a Kentucky Derby party a couple weekends ago at the Elks.  It was the first time in quite a while Brook, Austin, Joe and I were able to go out with no kids.  And no one even got into a fight that night, which is rare for us :)  The hats were beautiful, the drinks were delicious, and the company was amazing :)  Cheers to losing our horse bets!!!

Klompen Classic

Brook and I kept up our tradition of running the Klompen Classic at Tulip Time.  It was a night full of events to say the least.  Here is a quick run down of how our 5k went....

1. We went up early to drop off/pick up dutch costumes, so I was to meet a lady at her parents house. She accidentally texted me the wrong address, so I was greeted at the door by "naked wheelchair Larry" who was proud of himself, to say the least :)  As we looked over, the house we actually needed to be at was right across the street.
2.  We had time to kill, so we went to the Pub with Dena and Caleb for an hour.  Peanuts and craft beer do not sit well when trying to run.  We were very relaxed to run though!
3. Since we had upset stomaches from the peanuts and beer, it was running right through us, literally. So Brook needed a pit stop at what we thought was Dan and Sheri's house, but later found it they don't live there anymore.  Oops!

Overall, a great night! We ended the night by having Mi-Ran with the guys and kids.  I love my family and the crazy memories we make when we are together :)

Mother's Day 2016

Mother's Day was extremely emotional for me this year.  Emotional in a good sense.  I was so overwhelmed and filled with extreme pride for our two sons.  I am so grateful to have such amazing children who are the light of my life.  Beau and Baine, you made my day so special and I am so grateful for you two!  Thank you for making my life full of love and excitement.  I cannot imagine what my life would be like without you two.

Holly's Birthday!

To celebrate Holly's birthday, we went out in Des Moines. It was so fun to spend time with our friends that we don't get to see on a regular basis. Cheers to your birthday, Holly! I hope it was great!

Brotherly Love

These two are definitey inseparable and best friends. They love swinging together and sharing breakfast together in the mornings.   

Baine at 18 Months

18 months already? No! That is not possible! Baine you are growing way too fast, and becoming quite the little boy already. You have really been battling ear infections this winter, which has made you not feel well and lose weight. You have dropped in weight and height since your 15 month appt, but now that you are over ear infections, you have been eating non-stop and feeling 100% better!

-Size 5 diapers

-Size 24 month clothes

-Size 7 shoes

-Says "dada, nana, tootles (mickey)

-favorite snack: granola bars or Scooby fruit snacks

-Loves to be outside!

-Waves bye-bye 

-Blows kisses

Banx's Dance Recital Spring 2016

I am so proud of how great Banx did at her dance recital. She looked so beautiful and did such a good job memorizing her dance parts and keeping a smile on her face throughout her whole dance. Good job Puntin! PP is so incredibly proud of you! Love you!

Before her recital, I had the honor of doing her makeup :) It was so fun to play makeup with her and get her all dolled up for the recital. That is something I am a little sad I'll never be able to do. But thankfully I have one awesome niece that lets me play dress up and make up with!