Home!

After a wonderful time traveling about, we are back home again. We had so much fun visiting with everyone, but there is always something nice about coming home, too.  I think the kids (especially Madilyn) really missed it here. It wasn't even 24 hours after we returned before she asked me when she could go back to school!

We had an easy drive back and my dad even came along to help. We just dropped him off at the airport about an hour ago. It sure was great having him here that last few days. He was a big help! We put him to work trimming the bushes, digging up weeds, spraying down the house, killing off the ants, and putting up a gate in front of the stairs for our super mobile baby!

That gate went up just in time, too. Just this evening Madilyn left it open and Grace was climbing the stairs! Yikes! Slow it down a little..... :)

Today we had the chance to enjoy the sunshine and hit the park for a while. The ocean breeze felt magnificent. Everyone had a wonderful time. I think Grandpa was having a good time mushing on Miss Grace.

Madilyn playing in the sand

Grace and Grandpa watching the waves roll in

Dad, thanks again for everything! We really appreciate all your hard work this weekend and look forward to your next visit :)

Denver, Colorado

After a wonderful time in St. Louis/ O' Fallon, we made our next stop in Denver, CO. Denver still feels like "home" every time we visit. 

We had a great week with Shelley and her girls (Jordan and Taylor) and also their roommates Joe and Taylar. The weather was beautiful and we spent many hours outside. Madilyn was especially excited to see Duke and Shiloh. While Duke was still a bit hesitant, Shiloh took right to Madilyn and they were instant friends! I think Madi misses playing ball with her still.

Madilyn baking cookies with Jordan.

Duke didn't want to socialize, but Madilyn locked herself in his cage anyway.

Sitting with Taylor by the pool at the rec. center

Gracie and Jordan catching a few snuggles

Pretty girls ready for their flight home.

Back to the Midwest!

This summer we have been keeping very very busy! Last month, we took a trip to visit our friends the Schildler Family in O'Fallon. (They are friends of ours from Altus). We had a great time!!! The two girls played nicely (most of the time) and it was cute to see the babies side by side. Madeline S is just less than 3 weeks older than Madi and Julie and I were due on the same day with the babies. Grace couldn't wait any longer, so she came a few days before Will.

This is how we spent our super early morning flight to St. Louis:

Playing at the St. Louis Children's Museum

We had started a nice picnic lunch outside, but then a thunderstorm came crashing down. While Julie and I enjoyed the rain, the girls found it a bit scary and wanted to go inside. So, we moved the picnic indoors!

Our resident messy eater :)

Thank you Schindler Family for hosting us! We had a wonderful time playing at your home, swimming, taking tractor rides, the museum, the zoo, and so much more!!! Hope it's just the first of many fun adventures :)

Down on the Farm

Today started we took a field trip to Tolmachoff Farms. It was "Family Fun Day" down on the farm. They had activities set up, vendor booths, and a "u-pick" area of the farm.

First up, our admission stamp. Cows! Madilyn was quite pleased with this.

Next up, bouncing ponies!

Followed, of course, by a bouncy castle.

Grammy even participated in a corn shucking race. She didn't win, but still gets an "A" for effort!

In lieu of a "ball pit" they had a "corn pit" where kids could play in dried corn. Mads wasn't too sure as first, but warmed quickly to the idea.

After the corn pit, we took some time to bet the little animals. Madilyn LOVES petting them and was very gentle.

Grace was quite the trooper too. Here she is hanging out in the stroller while Madilyn visits with more animals.

We sure had a fun day, but we were all tuckered out by the end!

This farm had the largest produce I have EVER seen. Incredible, really. Here's a zuchinni from the grocery store, next to the one we hand picked today.

For a better example, here it is compared to my hand.

And what better way to end a day at the farm picking yummy fresh veggies than with a vegetarian dinner. It was delicious!!

What a fun day. Can't wait to hit the next farm for some peach picking in a few weeks!

Seven Months

Grace is seven months old today! She's has the brightest little spirit and is so much fun!

At seven months, Grace is:
-Sitting up all by herself
-"Inchworming" her way around the house (She really wants to crawl!!)
-Eating 2-3 meals a day
-Drinking 24-28 ounces a day
-Babbling often
-Has learned how to squeal in a very loud and high-pitched voice (This is not my favorite sound. It makes my ears ring)
-Has one tooth and another one just around the corner
-Weighs 18 pounds, 15 ounces!!!

It's been a bit of a rough start to the week. Grace caught pink eye from her big sister and wound up in urgent care Monday night with an ear infection as well. But, it's only Wednesday and our littlest trooper is already feeling leaps and bounds better :)

Congratulations Matt!

 Today Matt had his promotion ceremony. He is now a Captain. Way to go Matt! We're all so very proud of you!!!

One Month Down

Well, we've officially survived the first month of this deployment! It's been quite the ride so far, but I'm certain there are many other challenges ahead too.

The girls and I have been keeping as busy as possible to pass the time. We're in a pretty good routine, and that seems to help all of us!

Since Matt left one month (and one day....but who's counting?) ago:

There have been lots of naps in the car on trips to and from Phoenix

Our little helpers been to Costco a time or two and love riding next to one another in the cart. They sit and giggle together. I wish I could have gotten a better picture. Oh well, there's always next time.

Madilyn has discovered a love for singing. This is her dog, Violet, who she loves to sing with at home. In the car, she's been loving her new Praise Baby CDs. (Frankly, I like them too. They're much better than the VeggieTales!)

Grace has started eating solids on a regular basis. She really doesn't care much for the fruits or veggies yet, but sure does enjoy her oatmeal each night.

Grace has almost mastered sitting alone. Here she's doing a pretty good job while big sis takes a much needed tubby.

But sometimes, when you hear all that super fun splashing behind you, you get pretty curious. So, you just have to check it out yourself!

Really, these photos are just the tip of the iceberg. We are out and about nearly every day doing something. But hey, we're in Los Angeles and the weather couldn't be better. We're seriously blessed to be able to play outside every day!

A little fun in the bath

Six Months

Well, it's official.....Grace is now closer to one than to being a newborn! She's growing and changing every single day and is so much fun to be with.

Here's what she's up to right now:
-Weighs 17.4lbs on our home scale (official weigh-in isn't until May 12)
-Just moved into 12 month clothes!
-Rolls all over the place. This gal gets where she wants to go!
-Loves to eat. Seriously. She's a very happy baby, but don't mess with her food.
-Is sitting unsupported for 1-2 minutes at a time.
-Likes oatmeal, peas, and is still contemplating sweet potatoes
-Is nothing like her older sister. Really. She's so calm (and we really appreciate this)!

Happy Birthday THREE Year Old!!!

A little late, but always better than never!

How is our little lady three years old already? Where do the years go? I'm sure there are many of you who understand exactly what I'm talking about here. The years just go by faster and faster. Has life really gotten that busy? (Yes, actually, it has.)

We had a mini celebration in early April of course, so Matt could be there to wish Miss Madilyn a happy birthday in person. On her actual birthday, we made pink cupcakes and sent them to preschool with her. He teachers said she had a BLAST passing them out to all the kids and telling them she was turning three :) That evening, after school, I brought her In-N-Out and greeted her with her very first chocolate milkshake ever! It was an absolute win. That's a girl after my own heart right there!

After dinner, I took a chocolate cupcake and lit a candle for her. I sang to her and she blew out her candle. Then I handed her a few more gifts Grace had picked out for her big sister. Even though it was small, I think she still had fun.

Easter weekend we drove out to Phoenix where we had another (much bigger) birthday party. Her requests? Pink ponies and a pink cake. Think this gal likes pink a little bit? I think the party was a hit. Madilyn had a wonderful time celebrating with family from both sides (How blessed are we to have so much of our families nearby?!?). She got more presents than she could possibly know what to do with and is having lots of fun with everything!

(I will work on photos later. For now, I'm just trying to get caught up!)