Today marks the 3rd of August! How on earth did the summer fly by so quickly? It always seems like just when you warm up to the idea of getting out and going to take the family to the pool, the summer is almost gone! Time sure does seem to go quickly. Despite the speed at which time seems to travel, our family does a good job at taking moments to enjoy each other, family and friends quite often. We have had so much fun this summer and even though it does seem like our calendar is always full, the fullness and joy of what fills each day is priceless. I really do tear up every often because of how blessed I feel to be married to such an incredible man and be given three amazing young boys. They bring me so much joy and I love every minute with them. I think every season of their lives has been wonderful, and I've always told them that, however this season right now...surpasses them all! It just keeps getting better and better. They are so much fun, each with their unique personalities, strengths and quirks, they all bring so much fun and excitement to the family. Thomas and I comment often of the wonderful "gifts" that God has given us and how we can't imagine life without them. Our journey into parenthood seemed to happen very quickly after we were married and not quite as we would have planned (originally) however, we are so glad we did! Looking back, it's been the best thing for us. Children have revealed in us where we need pruning and where we each need to strive to be better for the sake of each other and our family.
I love to read and have been reading like crazy ever since I was engaged to marry (I'm not sure why it wasn't really something I enjoyed prior to this however it became such a hobby when I could find a book that would serve as a mentor to me and help me be a better wife/mother) and I am reading a book at the moment by an author whom I adore. Tim Kimmell writes how your children model you and you say you want to teach them kindness, servants to others, thankful, grateful, patient etc...then you be those things as a parent. They watch and observe and too often our children see hypocrisy in our what we say and what we do. Thomas and I are doing our best to be an example to them and then we pray for the rest! They are in God's hands and we thank Him every day for giving them to us a gifts to love and teach and grow into young men! What an honor and privilege.
So, yes, this summer has been busy. Here's what we've been up to. For 3 years now we have been taking a trip to Minneapolis and staying at a hotel that includes a huge indoor playground and gym with all sorts of balls and trikes. The indoor playground is 3 stories high and has some of the fastest slides that we've ever been on. Last year we actually went hiking one night before we stayed at the hotel however this year, we weren't as adventurous and just stayed an extra night in the hotel. We played at the hotel and went to the Mall of America. It's become a tradition now that the boys are really looking forward to each year. The best part, in their minds, would probably be lego land where they can pick out a tub of legos and piece together any sort of creation they can think of. They were in heaven! The rides weren't too bad either. We did end our trip with a dinner at the Rainforest Cafe (a personal favorite). It's was unfortunate that we were just coming off of some virus (I'm pretty convinced it was the influenza virus) and none of us were that hungry. Nevertheless, it was a good time and the kids loved all there was to see.
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| Me and the boys on the 3rd level of the play gym! |
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| Ethan enjoying the fish at Rainforest Cafe |
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| Simon and Daddy riding the Big Rigs! |
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| Daddy and Ethan riding the big roller coaster in Mall of America |
July 4th weekend was especially exciting this year because my cousins Summer and Shannon came out to visit with us. They love the family and we absolutely love them! We went to the pool, the mall, and did crafts together and played music. They are amazing musicians and have really inspired me to ramp up my guitar playing and get some new songs in my repertoire. It was so much fun having them here and time really went by all too quickly. The boys are already asking when they are coming back next year. Maybe a trip to Disney altogether would suffice? Sounds like a good idea to me!
This last week we were in West Branch celebrating Sweet Corn Fest along with Samuel's First Birthday...once again, where did his first year go? My goodness, my little one is turning 1! It was a wonderful time with so many laughs and good memories made. The boys were able to play with other cousins from out of state. Owen and Nora were there, along with Daniel and Soren Schabilion and Ryker. The boys had a blast picking and eating corn, playing at Grandma and Grandpas, visiting with Grace and Grant and eating Samuel's bear cake. The cake was amazing, as usual. Helen did such a great job constructing a masterpiece out of lots and lots of sugar. The boys all helped Samuel pick apart the cake and eat every last bit of frosting off of it! It was a pretty fun time for all the kids. My parents were able to make it and take part in all the festivities. We are back now and enjoying the ages 5, 3, and 1! They are so much fun to watch when interacting with each other. It really is amazing and wonderful to see the bonds that are beginning to be formed and strengthened.
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| riding in the covered wagon |
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| picking corn with Grandpa |
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| center stage at the cabin |
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| another ride in the wagon with Daddy |
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| The Birthday Boy with his family |
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| "This is pretty good Mom!" |
We are now looking at the last couple weeks of summer. The sun is still hot and the Iowa State Fair is just around the corned. My garden has needed watering almost every day due to the severe drought that we have been having. It has been a good year for the garden. The beans, beets, and dark greens have been abundant and the tomatoes are beginning to ripen. Most of the ripe cherry tomatoes don't ever make it into the house because of the boys! I love it though! It's the main reason I have a garden!
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| Catching frogs in the backyard |
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| The garden mid summer |
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Plantar boxes are home to herbs, peppers, chard, kale and cucumbers.
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One more trip to West Branch in a few weeks for Samuel's surgery and then we will be kicking off our school year. Ethan and Simon are pretty excited although it's not going to look much different from what we are already doing now. I'm excited about the new schedule and staying inside a bit more to snuggle on the couch and read...especially with hot cocoa!
