Iowa 2010

The kids and I went west to Iowa while Mike went South for a bachelor party. This was the sky as I drove over I-35 in Benson IA.

The sun did come out the next day and we headed to the pool. Here's George and I enjoying the water. Thanks to my mom for a lot of these pictures.

Patrick and Becca didn't waste any time and headed right for the sprayers.



It wasn't hard to get a picture with this look on his face. My kids are little fish.

My dad recently had surgery on his back. As an outcome, he has to wear a neck brace and not lift anything more than 15lbs. George just barely made the cut.

I think he enjoyed watching all the kids run around.

George hanging out in the swing and making faces at Gramma.

Hannah made the shorter trip to Winterset to see us. The kids were free with their hugs and kisses despite the fact they haven't seen her in at least a year and a half.

We also went to the farm (LaFollette's) for a party. The kids chased chickens and were thankfully out of the way when the pony went for a run.

They spent most of the time on the swing set....


....until they found the play house.

Thanks to the 'rents for allowing us to take over their home. I come see how put-out they were to have the kids around.

George is 4 months old

George had his 4-month check-up today. He weighted in at 15lb and is 24.75in tall. He smiled big when the doctor wiggled his legs and pushed on his tummy. He was not very happy about getting shots (who is?) but was over it by the time we got to the car.

Here are Patrick and Becca playing on the new stairs.

Speaking of stairs, here they are!

I also took a video of the stairs

Hot Week

This week has been HOT HOT HOT. Mike kept cool early in the week by watching hockey with George. We couldn't get it on TV so they watched on the computer.

George isn't sure if he likes the high chair or not.

George shows off his guns!

Here are some shots from outdoors. George takes a little snooze.

Isn't she cute?

I'm pretty sure Patrick is telling not to take his picture.

These are the stairs Mike has been trying to get done for a few weeks.

I'm not sure if we show off Becca's new car seat. She and Patrick love sitting in the back and fighting with each other.

On this Memorial Day weekend we'd like to thank all those who serve our country. We pray daily for your safety and proudly stand beside you.

Patrick's Week

Last Saturday was Patrick's last soccer game for the season. He did manage to score a goal but it was on the wrong side. (Mike's edit... he had 3 goals in the game, of which two were own goals, one of the break-away variety) Here is is warming up with Dylan and Coach Dad.

Claire and Maddie play with Patrick with Coach Mike and Becca overseeing things.

We also wrapped up Pre-school this week. Here the kids have a snack with Mrs. Pratt and Mrs. Borrowman looking on.

Here Patrick shows me his certificate for Pre-K 3. Both the teachers commented on his expansive vocabulary and think he's "an old soul".

The picnic was at the park so the kids got a chance to run around one last time before summer.

Last night we went to Mike's last soccer game of the season and Patrick whacked his chin. I was a little concerned he might need stitches, given the location of the cut, but the medical-trained members of Mike's team assured me it was fine. We did get some butterfly tape and it looks fine today.

And so does he.

My Dad is home from his surgery and is doing well. Thanks for the prayers.

All Mixed-Up

Today we play catch-up with some pictures. This first one is the ribbon a little girl at church gave me on Mother's Day. It says "Awesome Mom".

Next Becca and I got matching hair does.


Becca can build a mean tower.

I think we might have another book lover on our hands. Or maybe its dogs but I hope its not ducks.

Giggling at silly Mommy.

I took this one the other morning. They just looked so peaceful.

The other night, Patrick and Becca decided to feed their babies with me. I asked Mike to get the camera.

My Dad is having surgery for his shoulder today so please say an extra prayer for him.

My Three Angels

This week has been routine...George crying, eating and pooping. Becca and Pat did pretty much the same thing but more independently. Patrick did have his last day of class for Pre-K 3 but the have a picnic next week. I did manage to get some nice shots of the kids. They really look like little angels in this first one.

Here Becca is asking if she has her shoes on the correct foot. This is a daily activity.

Another picture of all three kids. I really like the look on Becca's face.

And this is what Mike as doing when I took the above picture. This is a reenactment so I could show all of you.

Mike is still working on the stairs off the back deck; the weather has not been cooperative. We're all doing well and you're all welcome to stop by if you're in town.

Big Day for George

George officially slept through the night last night! He went down at 9PM, immediately rolled from his side to his stomach, and didn't make a sound until 6AM. Some of you might not understand my excitement. After all he is three months old. But his brother and sister were one and finished nursing before they slept through the night. Here's hoping he does it again at least every once in awhile.

I also witnessed George rolling over this morning. I've seen the result of him rolling but this was the first time I saw him do it. Then he did it again for the camera!