Yummy?

Ataly's been into licking things that seem a bit odd like the pavement or...

her mirror.

We're chalking it up to her discovering life through just another one of her senses.

"You have a big tongue daddy."

Good intentions

As we were getting ready to head outstide to play I asked Traeger to grab his shoes and instead he first grabbed Ataly's shoes. He preceded to help put her shoes on. He wasn't all that successful but I appreciated the heart.

"This one first"

"Let's try it on the other one."

"Maybe it will work if I open it wider?"

"If I force it in maybe that will work?"

"I think you're pushing hard enough Traeger, my toe is turning red."

On the road again- July 12

Getting in some reading before getting ready for church.

On our way home from church Grandpa stopped by one of his pea fields to pick Traeger a few pea pods.

Traeger thought pea pods straight from the field was pretty sweet!

While I packed up mom colored with the kids.

Thanks mom and dad for loving on us...we had a great time!

On the road again- July 11

Saturday proved to be another gorgeous day. We didn't waste much time before we got out and enjoyed a walk and then a little play time outside.

"Look at my pretty pictures"

A little face off...who do you think will win?

Traeger "watering" the plants...

Ataly being a big helper too!

Nonnie and Ataly going for a ride.

"This is so much fun, let's go a little further Nonnie."

My sweet girl!

My "on the go" little man!

Nonnie's right hand man.

Saturday night we drove out to Lifest with Grandpa Bruce and Nonnie for about 2 hours of fun.

Traeger busting a move to Hawk Nelson.

A good night had by all.

(and for my friends in Texas reading this... yes, it's the middle of July and we needed sweatshirts just like the 4th--crazy Wisconsinites, I know :O))

On the road again- July 10

Friday we took time to just be still (well as still as you can be with a 2 under the age of 3) When time allows, I like to get a haircut at a local salon and spa when we're in town. Carrie, one of the leaders on the trip to Lifest came with me. While she was getting her haircut, I got in for a half hour massage. It was glorious and so relaxing. (If you're a little confused, Luke, the othe leaders and the youth stayed in my parent's basement and the kids and I stayed upstairs with mom and dad)

After naps my dad and I took the kids into Oshkosh to check out what was going on at Lifest...

and the kids got to see their Daddy!

family bonding time

It was a beautiful night to take in some music and enjoy a little family time!

On the road again-July 9

Thursday morning we got an early start and headed to the boys' swimming lessons. It's great to see how much they improve from year to year. We relaxed at the P's house for the afternoon and took naps. Then we were off to G's baseball game for the evening. He played in Omro on the field Cori and I used to play on as kids and in high school. A blast from the past!

Ataly and Nonnie having a little heart to heart.

Traeger's saying "whoo hoo for my buddy K."

My little love bug!

"Those crazy boys."

On the road again-July 8

Summer proves to be a busy time for youth ministry. Well lets face it, ministry keeps us going at a pretty good clip all the time but different summer events has Luke gone for extended periods of time. Luke was planning on being gone for another 5 days. I didn't feel like I could or wanted to choose to brave being home with the kids again by myself, so I headed south to my parents' for the extended weekend. They of course welcomed us with open arms and didn't really want us to leave when the time came. It's so good to be loved :O)

Our first stop was in Oshkosh at the P household. Summer BBQ fun for the whole family.

After supper we headed out for a walk/bike ride.

Boys rock!

Then it was time to come back and cool off in the sprinkler.

I was too lazy to put the kids in their swim suits, so they had a blast stripping down and running through the sprinkler in their undies and diaper.

Traeger's first sprinkler experience...

he loved it and kept going back for more!

The joys of summer!

"It's a little chilly but so much fun!"

Golfing partners

Traeger has his very own golf caddy, his sweet sister.

Traeger going in for the power hit while his caddy, Ataly, sits back and watches his swing :O)

Oops, I guess he missed the ball!

Snack time

While we were playing outside Traeger went MIA. I went in the house to check on him and found that he had pulled out 2 bowls and was filling them with cheetos for he AND Ataly (I love when he thinks of his sister too) because he thought they needed a snack. Since he was being so sweet and getting snacks for both of them I didn't want to squelch his thoughtfulness. That meant they were in for quite the treat. Maybe not the most nutritious snack but high on the thoughtfulness scale.

Ummmmm, cheetos!

Gotta love cheetos fingers!

First potty experience!

I know we are a long time away from Ataly being potty trained or even thinking about the subject but Ataly has taken an interest in occasionally sitting on the potty to be just like brother Traeger. When there's time and I have the patience, I try to give into her request. This was the first time she was interested in sitting on the potty. Traeger and I were chatting with her and cheering for her being a big girl. After about 5 minutes I was done being patient (bad mom, I know) and I took her off the potty. Traeger took off the little seat and announced that she had gone #2. I checked it out for myself and sure enough. Somehow I had missed her in the process but was sure proud of her for trying it out and actually going.

Ataly's cheering for herself for being such a big girl...we're proud of our big girl too!

Happy Independence Day!

We couldn't go home to Omro for our traditional 4th of July celebrations this year since the 4th landed on a Saturday. Luke only gets 2 Sundays off a year and it didn't really seem that necessary to use one for this. I was kind of bummed. We made the most of it and had fun celebrating and hanging out with friends in Medford this year.

Thanks Nonnie for Ataly's festive dress.

Late in the morning we walked down to the city park to check out what was going on. Not much was happening but we played a little in the park and Traeger got to ride on 2 rides which was a big highlight for him.

Ride 'em cowgirl

Traeger digging for coins

Two thumbs up for Mr. Traeger

Traeger having a blast on his first ever carnival ride

Traeger's second choice was riding the Octopus

sweet kisses

Ok, so a little confession of mine is that I've always wanted to make a festive dessert that looked like this. If you know me, you know I'm not all that gifted in the kitchen. If you keep it simple I can do it but beyond that I leave it to someone else and I can encourage their giftedness in the kitchen. I was assigned to desserts for our outing with friends. So I checked out 4th of July desserts and this popped up. I thought to myself that this is something I've always wanted to do but wasn't sure I could do it. I was going to be with those I love, so it would be a perfect time to try it out. It was so simple. It was just a normal fruit pizza (which I've done before) with the blueberries and strawberries for the topping. Quite simple and super tasty.

So cheesy I know, but I had to share my little secret confession :O)

We headed to the Brunner's cabin on Sacketts Lake for the afternoon and into the evening. Our kids love water so this was a huge hit and we got to hang out with friends. It doesn't get any better than that.

Luke taking the kids for a ride to the beach.

The girls jumped off so it left the boys to dock the boat.

After the fun adventures at the Lake we headed into town for the fireworks.

making memories with friends

Lainey was a huge help all day and enjoys being a little mommy to Ataly.

Brian helping Traeger with his first sparkler experience

The big kids chowing down on popcorn and taking in the wonders of the fireworks...

Ataly too.