Visiting friends in Des Moines

AUGUST 13, 2011

After Kid's Day in Iowa City we drove to Des Moines to meet up with some friends that were visiting from DeKalb, Illinois. My friend, Meghan, was there for her grandmother's funeral. I hope that our visit helped to lighten her spirits! Her mom and stepdad live in Des Moines so we surprised her kids with a visit. It was so funny to see the kids get so excited as we walked up the driveway! We got there in the early afternoon and stayed until about 9:30 at night. We stayed for dinner (THANK YOU!) which was corn on the cob and chicken which was DELICIOUS! The kids played together and we chatted with Garran and Meghan. It was so good laughing with them and hanging out like the old days! I really miss them. Before they moved we would see each other on a weekly basis, usually more than once a week! So there is such a void in my life now that they are gone. Hopefully we can go and visit them soon!

They borrowed these wiggle cars from a neighbor which the kids LOVED! I should look into getting a couple for the kids!

Cullan and Eden, playing TAXI!

Kael and Jaren, BEST FRIENDS!

Oliver and Kael

Kael helping Jaren ride the bike.

Cullan helping Phineas. Too cute!

Finny playing with rocks. I LOVE his blonde hair!

Meg giving Ayla some loves. LOVE her face in this pic!

Ayla trying to get Oliver's attention.

Ed squeezing Phineas' face. Poor little stink!

"I've had a hard day!!!"

Briea and Oliver

Every time we visit, Briea loves sitting next to Oliver and giving him hugs. It is the cutest thing!!

Kaylee & Live to 9

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Our new niece Kaylee May is born! We headed up to see her as the kids were anxious to see her and hold their new cousin. My kids just LOVE babies! Finny was still a little grabby and scratchy so we held him off as much as we could. She was such a doll! Welcome to the crazy family girlie girl!! :O)

Finny peeking in to see what all the hullabaloo was about!

A new girlie to show off my hand made bows! :O)

Oliver anxiously waiting to hold Kaylee

Aunt Stacy got to hold her first as Jaren softly caresses her face!

It's so natural to see him holding babies. He's an old pro at it!

A tender kiss...

Jaren getting into the snuggly position... rubbing cheeks.

Bear holding Kaylee as Finny looks on. Notice the sock on Jaren's hand... yeah... he says they are his new gloves. :O)

Sweet little head

Eden and Kaylee -- Eden's honorary sister! ;o)

She's contemplating life right about now...

Jaren happy as can be. Kaylee looks a lot like her brother, Carson in this picture!

Friday, June 10, 2011 - "Live to 9"

Tonight I got all the kids and ventured out into the misty evening to meet a good friend of mine and her family at an outdoor concert. I got them all situated, Eden pushing Oliver's wheelchair, me pulling the wagon with Jaren and Finny strapped in. We found a patch of grass under some trees for a bit of protection in case it started raining, but it pretty much was just a light misting the whole night. We came prepared in sweatshirts, hats and umbrellas. The kids had fun eating, dancing and playing chase the whole night!

Jaren (Batman), Finny, Eden and Isabella

Isabella dancing with Eden

Sherry & Charley

Jaren and Izzy up in the tree -- crazy monkeys!

Dancing hand in hand with friends.

Water Balloon Fight at Grandma's House

July 20, 2010

~ THE BOYS ~

Saandi, Jaren, Oliver

~ THE GIRLS ~

Eden, Amanda, Sanda

Breaking into teams and finished the last few balloons.

Ollie gets a good one on Saandi... hey... isn't he on YOUR team, Ollie?!

The boys are making their move.

READY...

AIM...

FIRE...

Ollie's revenge...

Saandi helping Jaren with the balloons...

The boys are ready for round 2!

I LOVE the look on Bear's face when he's running away from the balloons and one almost hits him!

The gang's all here! I love their poses!

Jaren modeling his new after swim wear...

July 2010 - Petting Zoo with Bry and Gram

Today my mom and brother, Bryan, joined us for a day of fun outside. First we went to the arboretum and then we happened upon the petting zoo. The kids were so excited to see the animals and get to feed them. Lots of animals were pretty tame and the kids could get close to them without the animal running away. I can tell the kiddos had fun. I LOVE looking back through my pictures to see all the smiles on everyone's faces... even on some of the animal's faces!!

Ollie laughing at all the rabbits he's trying to feed with a single carrot!

Eden feeding a cute bunny.

Jaren holding a kitty cat. Later on he'll be having a date with his nebulizer for a breathing treatment. Oh, but these kids love animals despite their crazy allergies!

"What's up Shrek?!"

Love Eden backing away from the unpredictable llama!

I LOVE llama grins!!!

"What are ya eatin'?!"

Follow the leader........

Ollie feeding this bunny. He was so calm and sweet.

Bear feeding the bunny.

The kids LOVED getting to be so close to the rabbits!

Love the depth in Finny's eyes. I wonder what he's thinkin' about!

Mom and Jare Bear

Finny and Bear

Ollie getting tired of walking so he hopped on Uncle Bry's back for a ride!

Uncle Bryan and Phineas