our story

Brrrr!

2012-02-17T17:42:00.002-06:00

Building a Snowman

Harper Attacking Brock (as usual)

Pouncing

Finishing the Snowman

Demolishing the Snowman

Stabbing the Snowman with a Stick

Snow Angel

Warning: Shoveling snow may have this affect.

"Daddy? Are you okay?"

Mama: "Who wants to get pelted with snow?!"

Brock and Ella: "Me! Me! Me! Me!"

Sophie wanted to do it, too, but I am not that cruel!

Sled: 1 Sophie: 0

Monkey Bars and Bowling

2012-02-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

Bowling

Brock's reaction after EVERY non-strike/spare

Sophie loved the fan. Little did we know that she had a contagious rash in her ear and that is why she loved it so much. Oops! Sorry to whoever bowled after us!

Sassy Pants

Very rarely do I catch Brock not hiding from the camera. This is one of those moments.

I'm sexy and I know it face

Still upset about her sliver

Monkey Bars

Playing Superman

A Touch of Hysteria

2012-01-27T18:19:00.000-06:00

Another month has gone, and it seems like I have barely blinked. Brock and Ella started their last semester as a first-grader and a preschooler. Brock seems to be doing exceptionally well in school and came home the other day saying he was going into the third-grade reading book. I think he might have meant second-grade book, so I will have to write that on my calendar to check into. Either way, soooo proud of him! It is very hard to believe that Ella will be entering kindergarten, and I will no longer need to referee her "sassy pants" during the day, but I know she is ready and eager to learn.

Ella is still in dance, and she will have her recital in May. We are all very excited to see what she has learned throughout the year. Brock started wrestling and had his first tournament last weekend. He did good with the skills he was given. He did get pinned all three times, but he gave it a good fight. In his defense, he was up against some pretty tough competition. It was a very emotional day for him, and after the tournament, he swore off wrestling. His attitude has changed, and he is looking forward to kicking some butt this Saturday.

Brock's Best Bud, Teddy

Soph is still Soph, and she just goes with the flow. We have been seeing a lot of attitude with her lately, but it comes is small doses and usually doesn't last too long. Having to battle Brock and Ella's fights make her tantrums seem so minute.

Making a Menu

I think I am slowly losing my mind due to the fact that I can no longer remember what happened just the day before, let alone remember where I put things. Even when I place things somewhere, I say to myself, "I will remember that I put it there." I never remember. I have to now ask Chad where I put things when it used to be the other way around.

School has got my head spinning, but I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am so excited. I could not do this without the endless and loving support of all of my family and friends. A big THANK YOU to you!

As most of you know, Chad was on a mission to grow the biggest and greatest handlebar mustache. After a lot of heckling (from me!), he did shave it off. I know most of his friends and my family were sad to see it go, but it is not missed by me and the kids. During this time of year, he usually grows some sort of mustache, and with each passing year, he gets more creative with it. I give it an A for effort! Love you, Honey! =)

Carter's 4th Birthday

Determined to PARTY

When the Boys Are Away...

2012-01-09T13:16:00.002-06:00

Molly will play...

I ♥ sledgehammers

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T17:50:00.002-06:00

Christmas Cookies

(Paxton as "Spiderman")

Christmas at Grandpa and Grandma Heusinkvelt's

Blake loves his Uncle Chad.

Sophie loves her chocolate!

Christmas at Grammie and Papa Hiller's

On the way to Grammie and Papa's with Uncle Adam behind us.

Mustache Twisting

Still twisting...

and twisting...

and Uncle Adam starts twisting...

still twisting...

and twisting...

If only I could grow a mustache.

Trying to twist

and twist...

Then Grammie tries to twist, but it just looks like she has a lot of nose hair.

Atticus marking his territory...on Harper?

New Dora jammies that she got from Grandma and refused to take off with pajama pants from Uncle Adam over top of them.

Christmas Morning at Home

Christmas at Great-Grandpa and Grandma Heusinkvelt's

Ella wrote this (BOOGER), and I just couldn't seem to throw it away:

My present from Brock:

Such a silly little elf! See you next year, Elfie!

The day after Christmas was spent playing with all of the new toys!

Zombie Lab

Brock and Ella loved it, but Sophie was a little skeptical. No one particularly cared for the zombie barf, but the brains were really tasty.

I'm sure there are probably more pics, so I will keep at it as soon as it can!

Ella's Bday

2012-01-02T14:53:00.002-06:00

Birthday Doughnut from Daddy

She wanted so desperately to go to the mall for her birthday to ride the carousel, so that's what we did.

Waiting with anticipation:

Ella's 5th Birthday Party

2011-12-17T21:34:00.001-06:00

This was Ella's first friend party, and she had a BLAST! We had face and nail painting and a candy necklace station where the girls made their own candy necklaces. Don't forget the buffet equipped with all of the sweets you can imagine! After the festivities, the girls spent the majority of their time chasing Brock around trying to kiss him. He loved every minute of it!

The Invitation

Elfie made sure to get in on the action.

Presents!

As Ella was opening Hannah's gift, Marisa says, "Really, Hannah?? A box? You got her a BOX?!"

I couldn't stop laughing!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Elfie seems to becoming quite the acrobat.

Ella's Christmas Program

Sledding at Grammie and Papa's while Daddy and Brock went rabbit hunting.

Holiday Nogg

Trying (and failing) to pull Sophie up the hill. Maybe had a little to do with the holiday nogg.

Nooooooo!

Atticus Pulling Adam

Grammie and Papa

Making Christmas Cards

Even Camden's "Baby Jesus" was in attendance.

2011 Family Pics

2011-12-08T12:44:00.001-06:00

Love Sophie's face in this one:

Truly is a winter wonderland

At Laura's Wedding

Brock thought he was pretty hilarious reading the koozie to everyone.

Melts my heart, especially when they tape it themselves.

The Predator?

Sophie is 3!

2011-12-06T13:32:00.001-06:00

Going out for dinner!

Presents!

The Cake

Love this one! She has her birthday doughnut, her Dora cake, pink balloons, and she is looking up at her princess balloon. Soooo happy!

Brock reading her card

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-30T12:22:00.001-06:00

Ella and the Kite

Buck Rub

Harper Eating Deer Poo

Deer Poo Kisses for Grammie

Harper's Favorite Chew Toy

Ella taking a pic of me while...

I take a pic of her. She's a natural!

The kids' favorite pic.

Picture by Ella

Just a boy and his dog

Uncle Adam Making a Fire Pit

The Gang

Cheesecake

Here we have an Apple, Caramel Turtle, and Oreo cheesecake.

This was my first time making cheesecake, and I think I found another addiction (not only making them, but eating them, too!) =)

Apple Turkeys and More

2011-11-14T21:44:00.001-06:00

Apple Turkeys

Can you get this food out of my teeth?

The Metamorphosis of a Gumdrop

Brock's Husker Play Book

Garrett and the Exersaucer

Another pic of Chad's buck

Tractor Bucket Ride

Random

Rifle Season 2011

2011-11-12T16:19:00.001-06:00

8-Point Buck from 150 Yards

I had a earn-a-buck tag where I had to shoot a doe in order to get a buck. This little lady came out and had a buck after her. Even after I shot her, the buck was still trying to mount her. While she was laying in the creek trying to rest, he was STILL mounting her.

Brock came along for the hunt, so he was there to witness the intensity of the harvest.

8-Year Anniversary

2011-11-08T18:26:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we celebrated our 8-year anniversary. We went to Prairie Band Casino in Kansas and had a WONDERFUL time. Roulette and slots didn't treat us as good as they did last year, but we had a blast regardless!

We ate lunch here, and I LOVED their menus!

The food was delicious!

We weren't able to get the game in the hotel, so we were subjected to this:

The tables were not ergonomically suited for beverages

Getting Ready for Supper

Self-timer Picture

It is what it is. =)

Manhattan

So esited for the Manhattan! Soooo esited!

After trying it, I definitely regretted getting it. Bleh! So much for trying new things!

Can't go wrong with Jack

Morning Coffee

Hunting Week Vacation

Perfect shot from 15 yards

8-Point Buck

This is the way she rode all the way to the vet. Such a snuggler!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T18:19:00.000-05:00

Halloween 2011
These kids are SO hilarious!
Vampire, Rapunzel, and Baby Vampire

Sophie's Scary Face

Go Ella Go!

2011-10-31T14:07:00.001-05:00

Say GOODBYE to training wheels!

Tears always turn into giggles when Daddy's around.

Watch out, pedestrians!

Halloween Cupcakes

Our lone Halloween decoration -- courtesy of Ella and invisible tape

Appreciative Forget-Me-Not

2011-10-30T12:28:00.000-05:00

As it turns out, Brock and I are sick at the same time (with different things, of course). As he asks me to get him some crackers and a drink, he comes into the kitchen where I am and gives me a big hug. He says, "Thanks for taking care of me, Mama." I told him that's what moms do, and he says, "I know, but by you taking care of me when I'm sick, you might get worse because you're not resting."

Whenever I tell Sophie that I love her, her normal response is "Thanks, Mama". Tonight when I told her that I loved her she said, "Thanks, Mama! I love you, too."

Meet Harper

2011-10-27T19:38:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Patch

Ella and Hannah

I appreciate her ambition.

Just her size!

An adventure isn't an adventure without a little drama. Pretty fitting that she sat beneath the "Psycho Path" sign.

It was our first time at Roca with the bouncy pillows. Sophie had a little trouble at first; she mainly laid there like a slug, but eventually she got the hang of it.

Caramel Apples

Not for sure why she kept making this face. ??

"What's that face, Brock?"

Brock: "Peace, yo."

Harper -- 7.5 weeks

(Born 8/31/11)

This pretty much sums up the entire time that she's been here:

The kids LOVE her

I love how Sophie calls her Parper and Paxton calls her Arthur. So cute! Some of the names that we came up with before we settled on Harper were:
Rocket Helmet (Sophie's pick)
Heartie (Ella's pick)
Ellie (Ella's pick)
Rock (Brock's pick)
I couldn't let Rocket Helmet go, so her official name is Harper "Rocket Helmet" Heusinkvelt.

The Aftermath of Harper

(scratch on cheek)

Bubbles and Pumpkins

2011-10-24T21:44:00.001-05:00

It's always a good time for bubbles!

Sweet Potato Bread

Pumpkin Carving

Pumpkin Seeds

The kids love to eat them! Tossed in Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and salt. Delicious!

Sophie drew circles all over her pumpkin.

Ella drew a headband on her pumpkin; although, it looks more like a hairline.

Brock's pumpkin with 10 top teeth and 10 bottom teeth.

(he was very particular about the teeth)

Kissing his "money maker" pumpkin for the boyscout pumpkin carving competition.

Fall in Full Swing

2011-10-24T13:28:00.002-05:00

By the time they were done jumping, the leaves were mulch.

She is actually a very good raker.

Flag Football

At the end of the final game, Coach told him to take care of his "golden" arm.

Top Pic: Blondie goes in for the block...

Bottom Pic: Only to be left with a knee to the face. Ouch!

Brock Playing QB

Stay tuned -- LOTS more pics to post yet; however, time is not on my side.

Baby #4!

2011-10-21T13:42:00.003-05:00

My early birthday present!

We get her today!

Brock's Christmas List

2011-10-13T06:50:00.005-05:00

"It's not much." -Brock

A bow and arrow

A 22 (gun)

A lollipop

$1000.00

A phone

Independent Forget-Me-Not

2011-10-11T20:51:00.000-05:00

As parents, we try and teach our children to be as self-sufficient as possible. I put their cups and bowls in a drawer that they can access to get their own drinks, snacks, and cereal. They always ask before helping themselves, but it prides me to know that they can do it, and it makes them feel good, as well.

Anyway, we were watching Dora the other day when Dora asks, "Can you reach the apple for me?" Ella's reply to the TV was, "No, you can get it yourself."

Flag Football & Shoe Tying

2011-10-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

1st and 2nd Grade Flag Football

Brock plays QB the majority of the time. He also really likes to play defense.

DOWN! SET! HIKE!

Shoe Tying

Took her about a day to get the hang of it.

And of course, Brock had to see who ties their shoes the best.

When I asked Sophie to go find some jammies, she came downstairs claiming that these were her new jammies:

When Operation "Brock Go Live Outside Because You're Not Doing Your Chores" Backfires

My method at attempting reverse psychology only ends up being a great idea in the minds of my children. When discussions of chores/allowance were brought to the table, an agreement was made between the adults and the children. Brock and Ella would get a set amount each week for doing their chores. Well, after sporadic days of Brock throwing fits when asked to do his chores, I told him that he could go live outside because only the people that help can live in the house. After a while of Brock thinking that he was going to live outside, I approached him and told him that we would never want him to live outside because of how much he means to our family. I told him he could stay inside and gave him a lecture on the importance of helping. He told me that he understood, but he still wanted to live outside. I go outside to see this:

His Supper

(picked from our garden)

His Wallet

His Bed

His Clothes

Hugging Sophie because he already misses her.

Muscles he's going to get from eating fruits and veggies from the garden

Munchin' on Jalapenos

Needless to say, when evening hit and the cold started to come in, he was all for having a sleepover in the living room instead of living outside.

Forget-Me-Nots

2011-09-18T20:33:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to jot a few things down before my diminishing memory prevails once again.

Ella will now sleep ON TOP of her bedspread at night because she doesn't want to "mess it up," while I am thinking the only reason she does it is so she doesn't have to make her bed in the morning. =)

Brock wants to be "hot" like Justin Beiber because "all of the girls think he's hot," and he doesn't know what makes him so "hot." *sigh*

And last but not least, I love the way the kids sing along to James Taylor when we are driving, and they always ask for me to play JT whenever we get in the suburban. Their love for James is just as strong as mine.

Oh, and Ella punched Brock in the eye tonight because he was teasing her. Wait...I mean, hitting is wrong.

Apples Everywhere!

2011-09-12T22:34:00.000-05:00

I have a set of magnets on the fridge, and the kids know not to mess with the pretty magnets. When Ella was trying to get something from the top of the fridge, she accidentally knocked a magnet down and broke it. I was working in our bedroom as she came in with crocodile tears and told me what she did. She was so sad, and I told her that it was okay but just to be careful next time. I told her to put the pieces on the counter and I could glue them back together. When I went downstairs, I found this:

She taped the magnet back together the way it was supposed to go and put it back on the fridge. I contemplated taking off the tape so that I can glue it, but I think I prefer the taped version better. What a sweetheart.

Our Apple-Themed Projects

Apple Smiles
(Hey, Left Corner -- you got somethin' in your teeth!)

Apple Trees

Apple Rolling

This is what the kids look forward to doing each morning before school:

They ride their bikes on the deck chasing each other to see who can get the baby out of the back of the bike.

First Day of Dance

2011-09-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

Today was Ella's first day at dance class. She has been talking about dance class for the last year and a half. Now the moment has arrived, and she is so pumped. She absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back.

The Way to My Heart

2011-09-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

My slice always has to be huge with LOTS of whipped cream!

Chad's friend at work makes cheesecakes, and he was ever-so gracious to make a vanilla bean (my fav!) for Chad. After work on Friday, he came home and surprised me with the sweet treat. Needless to say, it only managed to last three days until I was scraping at the container. So delicious! Thnx, Honey! ❤

Brock's Accomplishment

2011-09-08T21:25:00.000-05:00

On September 6th, Brock finally got what he has been dreaming of for so long...

The Tooth Fairy left him a dollar under his pillow, which is a far cry from what he was expecting.

Brock: "I bet the Tooth Fairy is going to leave a million bucks! Or maybe even a DS 3D!"

I guess the tooth fairy is more generous than he/she was in my day when a quarter was left under my pillow.

Big Belly and Little Baby

2011-09-07T20:51:00.000-05:00

Catchin' Toads

Brock found two keeper toads -- Big Belly and Little Baby.

They have become part of the family (even though they are still in a bucket that stays outside). Brock makes sure he finds them food on a daily basis. He also ensures that they stay clean and have clean bedding. He is in the midst of "training" Big Belly.

Brock: "Mom, I really love my toads."

Ella takes care of them while Brock changes their bedding.

Bath Time

Brock and Big Belly

Finding Food

Papa's Surprise 60th

2011-09-07T17:03:00.007-05:00

For my dad's 60th birthday, the Hiller family planned a surprise bash for him in honor of his glorious 60 years. The party was a success, and a big THANK YOU to all that helped in the planning process and for those of you who attended.

The Surprise

(Papa's exact words were, "Holy sh*t!"

The Decor

We had the Husker Tunnel Walk playing as he entered through the tunnel in the garage. It was a sight to see with all of the guests clapping and cheering.

The Cakes

Velcro Shoe -- We Adore You!

The Gifts

The bottom pic is of Papa throwing Maddie's confetti that she had made for him.

It only took one breath. I think we were all surprised by that.

The After Party Begins

The After-After Party

My children often lead by example from their father; however, with me, I give them examples of what NOT to do. For instance, do not EVER stick quarters in your nose...even if someone will give you money to do so.

KP!

By late evening (or should I say the beginning of morning), everyone had been thrown in the pool, had a boat party on land, did A LOT of Indian wrestling, and had cake and frosting thrown at them in one way or another. Excellent party!

The Next Morning

Sophie: "Don't mess with me! I'm tatted!"

The Kids "Swimming"
(It was cold)

The Kessler Cap

(prematurely thrown away the night before, but we managed to put it away)

Milk Forget-Me-Not

2011-09-06T07:05:00.000-05:00

When Brock came home from a friend's house, he insistently had to tell me about their refrigerator and how cool it was because of the external buttons for water and ice. In the most serious voice, he says, "Mom, there was a button for ice-cold water and TWO buttons for ice." As his expression saddens a bit, he says, "I wish there was a 'milk' button." Keep in mind that his drink of choice is milk (not chocolate), and he always comes home from school wishing he could have two cartons of milk for lunch.

First Day of School 2011

2011-08-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

Shark Cookies

Brock's Bloody Shark

Major meltdown when Brock dropped his cookie on the way to the counter. =(

Dance Party!

When Brock and Ella had a few friends over to play, it became a game to hide from me and my camera. Seriously, the screaming and pelting me with objects only made me chase them around more!

Hiding -- It's do or die!

Ella Wrestling Noah

Tranquilizer Dart (aka Spongebob)

First Day of Preschool

Notice her cupcake dress. Grandma got the girls dresses (Sophie's has a flower and ladybug), and since bringing them home, they are hard to keep off of them. Every morning, Ella and Sophie ask to wear their dresses and are devastated if they happen to be in the wash. Remind you of a little girl with a bathing suit obsession??

First Day of 1st Grade

Baking Day!

Birthday Painting Fun

Bugs

2011-08-04T14:12:00.001-05:00

Bugs from our Bug Hunt

Fingerprint Bugs

Ella's Japanese Beetle

The kids were awesome bug finders! We found tons of cicadas, cicada shells, Japanese beetles, a horse fly, wasp, and a few flies. We were searching high and low for an ant hill to capture but had no such luck.

Shark Attack

Since it's shark week, we have been discussing sharks (minus the gory details which have scared me beyond the point of ever wanting to go in the ocean). We are going to be making shark cookies, and hopefully we can keep the frosting more controlled this time around. =)

Elwood 2011

2011-07-29T06:52:00.006-05:00

Our last vacation before the start of school was a trip to Elwood. We stayed for six days, and each day, there was tons of fish caught. The kids were catching little "bluies" like crazy, and Ella was being a hog with all of the bigger fish. Twice she caught a giant muskee that broke her line before we could get it to the boat. Third time was a charm because she finally got one in. She didn't want to go near it once it was in the boat, and I don't blame her!

The weather wasn't too bad for the end of July. Although it was 90+ degrees every day, there was a nice breeze to where the heat didn't bother us too much. We had a pretty good routine of morning and late afternoon fishing, so during the afternoons, the kids would nap, play on the water slide, and play with the kittens.

Within two days of being there, the camera battery died, and we didn't have the charger, so we had to use our phones for the majority of the pics.

Ready for Fishing

Ella's 23" Muskee

The kids found 5 kittens in the bush behind the cabin. They had a riot playing with them all vacation.

Sophie's Favorite

She was hugging the kitten and thought it would be a good idea to take the kitty inside to show Daddy. At the point of the last picture, I had to put down my camera and run after her before she made it inside.

Although Ella is allergic to cats, she made sure not to touch her face. And even though she would break out in little hives and itch like crazy, that wasn't going to keep her from the kittens. Needless to say, she took A LOT of showers. This girl LOVES cats.

Sophie is still learning her "K" sounds. Anything that starts with a K, she makes a "T" sound instead. So when she was talking about kitties, you can imagine the jokes that were flying at her.

Shortly after this pic, the toad peed all over him, so he didn't want anything to do with it anymore.

Holding Flea Bag (her favorite)

Driving the Boat

Ready for a Dip

Brock's expression after Dad told him there was a giant crappie behind him.

After a while of not seeing Ella around, I went to make sure she was okay, and I found her by the kitty bush where she had laid out a towel for them to sleep on and was feeding them crackers.

Playing House with the Kittens

Sophie Swimming

Layin' in the Boat

Takes two seconds for him to blow a bubble...

and 10 minutes trying to get it off his face.

Ella hooked a perch in the tummy

Popcorn Party Campout

Patty Cake

Story Telling

Brock Cat Fishing

When Daddy asks Ella to put sunscreen on his neck, he gets three helpers piling it on.

Ella's Talking Bass

Cherry Face

Perchy Perch

6lb Cat

First (and only) Walleye

Day 4 -- Mama's First Fish

A few missed Minnesota pics

Alfalfa Sprouts -- Soooo good!
The kids loved watching them grow every day!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Helping open presents

Cover for iPhone?? Hmmm...

iPhone!

32 sure does look good on you!

Weet Wew!

Dig In!

Drinking her yogurt with a straw

Double Fistin'

Bubbles

2011-07-12T20:46:00.001-05:00

It was so much fun last week playing with bubbles! We did some really neat projects with them, and it was pretty fascinating to have Brock teach us some of the activities that he learned in his art class.

Minnesota 2011

2011-07-06T06:30:00.005-05:00

Norway Beach Resort has been my favorite vacation spot ever since I was a little girl. So many wonderful memories were made there, and Chad and I feel so blessed that we can make those memories with our family. Best vacation EVER! And although there are hundreds of pictures from this vacation, I was forced (due to the lengthy upload process) to choose a few of my favorites.

So Serene

Looking for Shells

Love the dragonfly in this pic

Our First Keeper
Brock caught him off the dock

The kids were having a fun time rolling down the hills. Here, Sophie is having fun rolling on the rocks. Ouch!

Sentimental for so many reasons

Porta-Potty

This potty goes wherever we go. If it's not in the boat (which is SO handy) it goes in the back of the suburban for our trips to Lincoln, and even though we empty out before every trip, there is always someone that has to go on the way. I also use it outside with me during the day to avoid having to come inside whenever someone has the urge to go. It has become quite the useful tool!

The Farm

The Hot Spot

Brock was so excited about Grandpa's fake worms, and they worked!

Sophie had a hard time adjusting to the late nights and early mornings.
Layin' on the Dock

Bonfire

Brock found a little friend who spent two days in a cooler before he was freed.

Forget-Me-Not Frames

Making a clover necklace for Ella

Ella's Clover Necklace

Playing Catch

When we went exploring and were heading back to the cabin for cookies and milk, I lost the sound of their little footsteps. I turn around to find them quietly playing in the sand on the side of the road.

Show me your hands!

Three Little Monkeys Swinging from a Tree

The Peanut Napper
Sophie says, "The raccoon ate all of the poo-nuts." Peanuts/poo-nuts -- Tomato/tomäto

Brock and Mama's Crappie
Brock's is the bigger one

Sophie's First Fish

Baiting the Hook

Dog Pile on Daddy!

Daddy came up with an obstacle course for the kids. It was hilarious to see them stretch, race, leap frog, and summersault down the hill.

Back to Nebraska

Slushies, Sleepover, and Stash

Das Boot

Sophie's Slip 'n Slide Adventure

At Bonefish for Mom and Adam's Bday

4th of July

Sophie, did you steal Daddy's mustache??

Spunk

2011-06-24T12:54:00.008-05:00

This is Spunky, or Spunk for short. When Chad and I were on the deck, he came up and perched himself not more than two feet from me and wasn't scared or intimidated. It's a lot of fun to watch him in our yard. Somehow he has turned into a pet for us. "Have you seen Spunk today? Did you see him flying? Make sure you don't mow over Spunk!"

Things that make me smile:

Sophie pretending to talk to Daddy on the phone
Ella having to cut off every tag on ALL of her stuffed animals
Scrumptious sweet corn
Wildflowers

Cupcake Crazy
(for Annah's benefit)

Seems like whenever Ella has something, Sophie is scared to death.

Superwoman, Spiderman, and their pet kitty

Tennis Court Treasure

Bliss

How Can You Have S'more of Nothing?

2011-06-18T19:40:00.012-05:00

Marshmallows? Check.

Sticks? Check.

Fire? Check.

Uh-Oh!

I loooooooooove s'mores!

Marshmallow Face

If you click on this pic, you will notice Ella's crispy mallow with a teeny piece of chocolate on it.

When the sun starts to set, that's when all the crazies come out.

Still not for sure why the shirts had to come off. ???

Not only did Brock get marshmallow all over his face...

He managed to get it all over the back of his head, as well.

If you've been wondering about my excessive posting, we have been soaking up the summer. Since Jennifer is on maternity leave and there hasn't been any kids here except for my own, we have going on mini-staycations every day. Every day it's something or somewhere different. Oh, yes, I have even MORE pics to post; however, my energy to blog has seemingly diminished.

Until next time...

First Go-Kart Ride

2011-06-17T23:11:00.002-05:00

At Champion's for Ethan's Bday

Chad was in a golfing tournament last weekend with his cousin, Ethan. It was a member/guest tournament, and they ended up winning the tournament by one stroke with a two-day total of 122. They also won the horse race, and needless to say, they each came home with a wallet-full. Good job, Honey! We are so proud of you!

Catching (or should I say smacking) Lightning Bugs

Not a Flip-Flop Kind of Day

2011-06-16T21:48:00.002-05:00

She just HAD to wear her strawberry shirt for strawberry pickin'.

What started to be such a fun time to walk in the mud, suddenly came to an end when...

She got mud on her dress.

It took Ella about 10 minutes of pouting before she reluctantly started picking strawberries again, and I actually got a smile out of her.

Sophie eventually got tired and copped a squat in the strawberries.

Summer Sun...Something's Begun

2011-06-15T21:19:00.012-05:00

Not too fond of the monkey

Sophie attempting to put on her life jacket

Just me and my monkey

Cinderella

Canon Ball!

Reeeeeeeach

Disappointed

Frustrated

Determined

Slowly...

...giving up. Until...

Aha!

Summer In Full Swing

2011-06-08T21:48:00.001-05:00

Busy, busy bees we have been! We have been going non-stop since summer began, and we have the next 4 weeks booked! That means lots more pics to come!

Brock had his first baseball tournament this weekend in Dwight, and it was an all-day affair. We got there at 10:00 and didn't leave until 4:00. The girls hung in there all day with no fuss. It was quite amusing to find Brock in tears when we got home because he wanted to play more baseball.

Sprinting to get his medal

Then sprinting back

Ride home after the Dwight Tourney

Sophie got tired of riding her bike, so she decided to drag it. She drug it for three blocks!

Ella and Hannah

Tummy Tickles

Denton vs Brainard

These kids LOVE their Daddy so much. When Dad gets home, it is a fight for his attention, and he is pulled in four different ways. From the time he walks in the door until the time they go to bed, they are all about Daddy.

Watching Daddy

Zoo 2011

2011-06-08T06:43:00.006-05:00

Lincoln Zoo

Sophie especially liked the baby goats

Brock wanted nothing more than the penguins to jump into the water.
Unfortunately, they didn't, and they just stood there sleeping.

Ice Cream!

The kids kept chasing this poor peacock around.

Train Ride

Ella saw her friend, Ava, at the zoo, so they sat beside each other on the train. It was Ella's "best day EVER!"

Love Brock's face in this one

Bike Trail

2011-06-07T22:32:00.001-05:00

While collecting keepsakes from the bike trail, the kids started to get a little silly. Brock found this particular weed, and in the backpack it went.

However, every time I looked over my shoulder, it scared me thinking that someone was waving their hand in my face.

Peaceful picnic at the trail.

While taking pictures of Brock, I turn around to find Sophie peeing in the grass.

While Daddy and Brock were in Elwood, Sophie found it to be an opportune time to kick the diapers. She did it, and she is still going strong and doing awesome! So proud of you, Soph! We did, however, bribe her with gum for doing her #2's. I can honestly tell you that gum DOES NOT stay in your system for seven years; although, it does make for some very interesting BMs. We have experienced stringy gum poos. If I had my camera, I would have took a picture. =)

Tiny Dancers

2011-06-07T22:15:00.002-05:00

Sophie "going under."

Boys' Vacation

2011-06-07T21:40:00.003-05:00

Daddy and Brock's Fishing Trip to Elwood

The Ride Back Home

Daddy took Ella fishing when they got back with her new Barbie fishing pole.

Frosting Monsters

2011-05-25T20:39:00.008-05:00

Sand Painting

The Aftermath

Playing Catcher

What started out so innocent with a dollop here and a little smear there, turned into a quite interesting fiasco.

Sophie and Mason chose to stay clean. And seeing how the frosting is made of shortening, it was a very wise choice.
Ella's End-of-Year Program

Grocery Forget-Me-Not

2011-05-20T21:48:00.002-05:00

I love how the kids get so excited when I come home from the grocery store. They run into the kitchen, dig through the bags, and shriek whenever they find something they like. Sophie will grab each brightly colored item, run it to Daddy to show him what we got, and say, "I love it. It's my favorite. Thanks!" Everything I handed her tonight, whether it be diapers, beans, or spaghetti noodles, she said, "Wowww, thanks!"