Outside Playtime

Mowing the yard

Hannah pretending to drive

Team effort to fill the baby swing full of rocks.

Hannah says she worked enough and is going to go play some more.

Hayden wants to know where everyone went!

A Visit From Friends

We had a wonderful visit from our dear friends from Texas; Ashley, Austin, and Brooke. Brooke is just a couple of weeks younger then Hannah, Hayden, and Jonathan. We had a great time and were so glad that they came to see us. I mean come on people, they used their vacation days to come see us in IOWA in September! First of all there is nothing to do in Iowa, and second, if your from Texas, Iowa in September feels like Iowa in December!

Here is Ash and Brooke at the airport.

 Brooke getting welcome kisses from Hannah and Hayden!

 Watching Mickey and reading books on the couch.
Right to Left: Hayden, Hannah, Brooke, Jonathan and Liv

 Supper Time!

 Getting ready to go for a walk.

 Playing in the screened in porch.

 Brooke and Liv. Best buddies!

 Me and Brookie Brooke.

 Liv had been playing so hard that by supper time one night she started falling asleep while she was eating! She could NOT keep her eyes open!

Liv, Ashley and Brooke watching a little kiddie show on Ashley's I Phone.

Snuggling up with Austin playing a silly game.

Watch out Hannah, Brooke is going to get us! Brooke loved this little swing.

 

Liv and Brooke having a little popcorn snack.

 

Riding bikes.

 

John Austin and Jonathan Austin. Coincidence...I think not.

We had so much fun while they were here. I always forget how much I really miss them until we have to part ways. They are such good friends and we can't wait until we get to come see them in Spring! Which by the way if you are from Iowa, Texas in April feels like July in Iowa. Aaahhhh...I can feel the warm sun on my face already!

Playtime in Hannah and Hayden's Room

Hayden showing off her shoe. I love that sweet smile!

Hannah looking out at the window getting some fresh air.





Jonathan wondering if his new hat fits.

Aren't they just such darling little angels!

Olivia's First Haircut

After Olivia's 3rd birthday I finally took Olivia in to get her FIRST EVER haircut. So we went to see Aunt Aubrey at her salon, Salon Luxe, in North Liberty.


Liv did a great job! She sat very still. I think she was a little nervous!

Here she is after it's all done. Aubrey probably cut about three inches off, and I really think it has helped with the craziness of her hair. Don't get me wrong though, her hair is still plenty crazy!

Now its big boys turn! This is his third haircut and he is 18 months! An old pro!

Thanks Aunt Aubrey!

Liv's First Day of Preschool

Olivia started her first day of preschool at Share and Care today. It's the same preschool Adam went to when he was a little boy, so it was very exciting. Since Liv is three she will just go two days a week, but I think she is really going to like. And maybe I will get to catch up on my blogging while the rest of my kiddos take their nap. I still need to put up a post about her "pirate ship" birthday party, it's already been over a month ago!

Liv's New Room

So after Liv WANTING to sleep on the couch downstairs for the last month we finally decided to take the plunge and move her stuff downstairs. We cleared out the game room and turned it into her room. If all goes well we might close in her room but for now I like it open. (It's easier to check on her at night.)

So far she has slept just fine in her new room and has not asked once to sleep on the couch or upstairs!

I will admit though this has been a very hard decision on me, but she LOVES it, so I guess I need to get over it and let her enjoy her new space free of babies! Although I did hear this the other day, "Brother, sisters, do you want to come down to my room and play sweethearts?" She always says "sweetheart" now, it's the cutest thing ever.

A Day at the Park

It was a nice sunny day, Nicole was working, my mom was in town, so I thought why not, lets pack a lunch and go to the park. So we did, and no one was there, and it was great. The kids sat at the picnic table like they had been doing it for years. They didn't eat much but I didn't care because watching them sitting there like that was a great moment for me. It was like watching a small step toward a little more independence, for everyone! So here we are.

Hannah and Jonathan are next to Nicole and Liv and Hayden are next to my mom.

Liv on the tire swing.

Hannah walking in the grass! This too is a great accomplishment, because the girls hate walking on grass.

Me swinging with Big Boy and Nicole with Hayden.

Olivia having a blast with Grandma pushing her way to high.

Hannah trying to climb out the swing.

And down the slide Liv goes crashing into her into her brother and sister like bowling pins.

This was also the day of my 5th consecutive 24th birthday and it was wonderful.

Playing in the Rain

There is nothing like your first time playing in the summer's warm rain.

On the other side of the screen is Hannah and Nicole. This is before I figured out that the picture would turn out much better if I would turn off the flash.



Can you feel it on your hand Hayden?



Jonathan, Nicole and Hayden feeling the warm rain drops.

Peek-a-boo Jonathan. I see you back there!

Cole and Hayden.

Hannah and Hayden stomping in a little puddle.

Liv and Hannah. Don't ask me where Liv's pants are!



Hayden having fun!