Palm Sunday

Last week for Palm Sunday, the kids walked around the sanctuary waiving their palm branches. I couldn't believe Baine did this too and all by himself! He was even better for taking pictures compare to Beau. Not that you couldn't tell that ;)

Easter 2017

It was such a beautiful, Easter weekend. The weather was perfect and we were able to celebrate outside all day. Our church service was absolutely amazing and powerful! Then after church, we went to Grandma Betty's for lunch and an easter egg hunt. Then we ended the day by going to mom's for the Converse Easter and another egg hunt. Joe and I didn't get our kids Easter baskets this year. We really want them to understand what Easter is truly about, and not about getting gifts, Easter baskets or candy. And Beau showed us in church that he gets it. When they asked during Children's Moment what Easter is about, Beau raised his hand and answered "It's about Jesus rising from the dead". It was priceless. It brought tears to my eyes and I could not have been more proud of him :) So maybe now they can have a "belated Easter basket" ;).

Daddy's Helpers

Now that it is nice out, the boys have been outside every night playing or helping Joe work in the yard. Right now, they love to help! They better keep it that way ;)

Easter Bunny 2017

Well, as you can see, Baine was not a fan of the Easter Bunny this year. It is just the same as Beau was when he was his age :) At least Beau is trying to comfort him. And Piper fell asleep. So let's call it as good as it was going to get :)

Surprise Visit from Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis

The other week Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis made a visit to our high school to meet our student body. The students were so surprised and excited! Our student council had won a fundraiser and the reward was a visit from these two movie stars :) I am so proud of our  Student Council and the hard work our students did. Keep it up OHS!!!!

Piper's Future Hair Stylist

When I had my hair cut the other day, of course Piper came along. April was so excited to meet Piper and is already anxious to do her hair someday :)

Piper: 2 Months Old

I cannot believe Piper is 2 months old today. Honestly, where has time gone?! It keeps going faster and faster. 

At 2 months:

-Weighs 12.2 pounds

-Wears 3 month clothes

-Size 1 diapers

-Sleeping 8-9 hours EVERY night :)

-Finally taking a bottle

-Eating 4-5 oz at every feeding, sometimes 6!

-Still loves to nurse, although I'm struggling keeping up with this pork chop :)

-Her hair is slowly coming in and it's looking blonde

-Her eyes are still changing colors (I'm hoping for brown :)

-Loves to be snuggled and wrapped in blankets

-Sleeping in her crib and loves it in her room at night

-Starting to make giggle noises and smiles at you now :)

Bedtime Snacks

Nighttime snacks have become popular with the boys lately. They LOVE ice-cream and we struggle with them wanting to eat everywhere in the house. So we are always saying "go eat it on the tile. Go eat it on the hardwood". It's so funny to see them eating food in the most random spots on the floor in the kitchen. They just want a good view of the TV too :)

Piper's First Soccer Game

Piper had her first official night outside the other week at Beau's soccer game. I have been so nervous to keep her outside with either the wind or sun, but this was the perfect night for her to be out. She was bright-eyed the whole time and perfectly content (until she got hungry--of course she wanted to nurse at the most inconvenient time). :)

Overnighters at Aunt PP's

Last week Banx didn't have school on Friday or this Monday, so I was able to get extra one-on-one time with her and Bond. She loves staying the night here so we even got to have her overnight Thursday and Friday. We absolutely love having the kids here and they play so well here (for the most part ;). Banx's favorite part right now, snuggles with Piper. But can you blame her?! :)

Throwback Thursday in St. Pete Beach

Six years. Six Years! I still cannot believe 6 years ago Joe and I were in St. Pete getting married with all of our closest friends and family there. It has been one heck of a ride so far. Cheers to many more, Joe! :)

Papa and Piper Snuggles

My dad's favorite part of the baby stage is to cuddle and have them lay on his chest while he rocks. Not a lot has changed :) He loves to snuggle Piper and is always the first one to grab her when we come over :)

Beau's Role for Clint and Tara's Wedding

As Baine was coloring the other day, I noticed the front page of the coloring book. This made my heart melt :) I can't believe it was almost 2 years ago they got married! 

Throwback Thursday of Beau

Beau was just about 6 weeks old in this picture above. I cannot believe how much Piper looks like him!!!

Beau is about 18 months in the picture above. I keep forgetting how curly his hair was :)

By far one of my favorite pictures of Beau. This is when he discovered the car shopping carts and has insisted on riding in them ever since :) He is about 2 years old here.

Remembering Grandma Peggy

It has now been six years since we lost my Grandma. I never talk about her, or even go to the cemetery. I am quite different than the other women in my family. I have a hard time accepting loss and handling grief. Since having Piper, I have been extremely emotional and battling PPD. I have found that talking about my feelings more helps. For some reason, I have found myself talking to my grandma more this spring than I have since she passed. I know she is looking down at all of us and is here to comfort us when we need it. I can hear her voice clear as day still and I pray that never goes away. I miss you and love you more than words can describe, Grandma. I cannot wait to see you again and have a beer :)

Seeing Cows With Papa

While Beau went fishing with Daddy and Caleb, Papa took Baine and Bond to the farm to see the cows. Baine is absolutely obsessed with cows and can spot one a mile away. This was the perfect morning for all the boys :)

Beau's Kindergarten Round-Up

I cannot believe my baby had his Kindergarten Round-Up already. Beau was so excited and did great!  Of course the teacher in me wanted to know how he did on his scores right away, and he absolutely ROCKED THEM! I am incredibly proud of him. He will be in Mrs. Anderson's class next year and we are thrilled :) While Beau had fun at Kindergarten that day, I walked away in tears. I am not ready to send him!

Banx's First Dance Competition/Weekend Away

The other weekend Banx had her first dance competition in Cedar Rapids. My mom got us rooms at Riverside so we could make a fun weekend out of it. To start out the trip, Baine got sick with the flu as we were packing to leave (so that made the car ride fun). Then as soon as we got to the hotel, the kids all wanted to go swimming. We thought Baine was feeling better, and as I was changing him, he had an "explosive accident" in the shower. Thank goodness it wasn't on carpet! So between taking care of Baine, trying to nurse Piper, and entertaining Beau in the pool, I was exhausted!

We missed Banx's dance the next morning since she went on earlier than planned, but she danced like a rockstar and looked absolutely adorable! We are so proud of her and how brave she was to dance in front of a large audience :) You go girl!