Visit from the Newly Weds

This weekend, Dustin and Amanda came up for a visit. Amanda coaches a softball team and they had an all weekend tournament in Mattoon. She made several trips back and forth, and I felt bad about how early she had to leave, but it was still a great weekend. The only pictures I took were on my phone.
They brought Ethan a pretty cool sticker Lego book. He loves it and has done most of the pages already. But he will still love looking at it. (Just looking in the Lego isle, is his highlight of any trip to Walmart or Target).


Nora loves her Aunt "Meana".




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Pool Party!!

Did I mention, we love our small group?!? Last Sunday we got together at one of the houses for a pool party. The Brooks family graciously opened up their {awesome} backyard which includes a pool. We didn't have everyone there, but there was a pool full! I forgot my camera, so phone pictures will have to do.
This girl is a fish! She loves the water...and her freedom.





So does this boy!! He has quite the belly flop technique!





This is the best we could get of all the kids. We were missing 3 kids from our group!


These crazy boys were splashing away!!


Nora's just relaxing a bit after a fun swim :)



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Dora!!

First, let me say, I love our small group! Some of us moms and kids got together last week and headed to Sullivan to The Little Theater on the Square for their performance of Dora the Explorer. This was my first experience at The Little Theater and we will be back! It was so cute and all the kids loved it. Even Nora (the destroyer) stayed interested the whole time.


Ethan and Brennan ready for the show!


Nora's ready too!


This is the best I could get after the show...


Afterwards, all the characters were out front for pictures and autographs, Ethan wanted no part of it!
But Nora and I could pose with the Pirate Piggy :).


This is the best we could get of the kids and we were missing a few. But I'll take what I can get!


It was a great time. And we even got a coupon for free ice cream at the local Mickey D's!

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Water Day

Last week, our church was supposed to have its annual water day.  The kids love it and look forward to it all summer.  It rained.  Stormed, actually!  Ethan was pretty bummed about it being canceled, but our neighbors (who were planning to go to water day too), decided to have our own water day.  So, the next day, it was bright and sunny and hot.  They got out their slip-n-slide and the blow up pool, and I brought our hose with the crazy sprinkler over.  The kids had a blast, Nora included!!

A good day was had by all!

Photo Friday...Week 40

I know, I'm a bit behind on this series...hopefully I can get back on track :).
Nora has been working on her colors and this has been a favorite toy lately.

Playing with a favorite toy, with your child

Starved Rock

I got a call from my sister on Friday around 3, asking if we had plans that evening and the next day.  She is quite the spontaneous girl.  Abby and Alex decided to head up north to Starved Rock State Park and wanted to make a pit stop at our house.  We had no plans, so they came and had dinner with us, stayed the night and then we decided to join them on their adventure.  We drove the 2 hours north to the park and it was beautiful.  We had a great time, sweat and all!  Ethan loved it and I can't wait to take him hiking again (maybe with a bit more planning).  Nora happily rode and napped on Jared's back.

Ethan is ready to climb!

Before we headed into the woods

Here we go!

Scenic overlook with Nora and Jared

The Illinois River

Alex, Moose and Abby exploring

Ethan, Jared & Nora going into a canyon

Abby and Ethan

My big boy and I

The 4 of us in front of a waterfall (a small waterfall)

Napping Nora.  She missed some of the best stuff! 

Snack break

This picture kind of melts my heart!

This was near the visitors center along the Illinois River.  There were a lot of people picnicking and fishing.

On our way to the park, we passed the Root Beer Stand.  A little ice cream, root beer, hamburger place.  We decided it was the perfect place to stop after a long, hot day of hiking and exploring.  After enjoying some root beer floats and ice cream, we said good bye to Abby and Alex and we all headed home.  

The 6 of us...tired and sweaty!

Nora knows how to enjoy some ice cream!  This was Alex's cup :)

The hubs and I.

Thank you, Abby and Alex, for inviting yourselves to our house and inviting us to go with exploring with you.  It was a great day!  

Happy Birthday America!!

Today was a perfect 4th of July!  Jared had the day off and we were actually able to sleep in a bit!  After breakfast and a little family yard work we headed to the pool.  It was a great time and I remembered the camera this time!

Loving having Daddy with us!

Mid-splash

Nora loves the pool!  She's not at all afraid of the water.

Looking ornery with that water squirter 

My 2 favorite guys!

Nora and Daddy, having some fun

Water boy!

Snack time, poolside 

Happy 4th of July!

This evening we Jared cooked a fantastic dinner.  We had grilled pork chops, grilled potatoes, green beans and biscuits...on the deck!  I can't believe how beautiful this weather is.  Jared wasn't even sweating!  It was perfect ending to our perfect day!

Ethan with his sunflowers.  (Check out his festive shirt!)

Yum!!

Oh, and for dessert...S'mores!

Ethan was sooo excited.  He has been wanting s'mores for a while now!

Sticky fingers

Nora's 1st S'mores

Pure Sweetness (while strapped into the highchair)

Happy 4th!  We are truly thankful for the men and women who have served and do serve our country!  Thanks bro!  Can't wait to have you home and see you again!

My brother, Jim, is currently serving in Afghanistan.  Should be home this month!!