Good Times...

winter fun

2011-01-17T14:18:00.006-06:00

We finally got a good snowfall so the kids could go sledding down the little path Shane made at our house. They had a great time - and were exhausted that night! I also took Andie and Wyatt to the skating rink for the first time and they loved it. Well, Andie did. By the end, she was zipping all around and having a ball (and making me nervous!) Wyatt needed a little coaxing to go around each time and still needed help with balance, but we stopped and rested and he really surprised me at how he kept at it. The last photo is Andie in the LIGHT homeschool Christmas play. She was a mouse and had a couple of lines. So cute! It was a lot of work, but it was nice to do a play in a smaller setting, because at church there are so many kids that the little ones sort of get lost in the shuffle. My job was to make costumes. Oh, and yes, Dad, those are the ice skates you got for me when I was 12! :)

A few Christmas pics...

2011-01-17T13:27:00.002-06:00

Last fall day

2010-12-17T13:57:00.002-06:00

Late this fall, there was one of those last "surprise" fall days that was warm enough to get out and enjoy the day. Just perfect. I wanted to take the kids less than a mile away to a state park with tons of trees and leaves to play in, but when we got there the sign said, "closed for hunting". Well, we didn't want any part of trying to take pictures or play in leaves while hunters were blasting their guns, so we went elsewhere. We ended up clear over at Lake Redrock and found a neat hiking trail that overlooked the lake (this could be a field trip, right?). The kids had so much fun running and climbing. There was also an observation tower we climbed (well, most of us...Wyatt made it halfway.) :) It WAS really high. We stopped at the spillway, too. All in all, it ended up to be a beautiful day out.

A princess can have 2 knights, can't she?

2010-12-17T13:53:00.001-06:00

gathering eggs

2010-05-07T22:09:00.002-05:00

This chicken project is still going, (sort of to my dismay). I mean, they are okay, and it is nice having fresh eggs, but they roam all over the yard - and sometimes into the garage! They are truly free-range. And, wherever they roam they leave their mark if you know what I mean. Eww. And, the kids aren't really thrilled about the chore of gathering the eggs now that the rooster gets cranky when they are around. I guess that happens when roosters reach maturity, they get protective of the hens and get, well, mean. So, that means I get to do the chores most days - yea! But, isn't that basket so cute that Gammie found?

Will you dance with me, Papa?

2010-05-07T22:01:00.003-05:00

Andie kept waiting to dance at a family wedding we attended in Centerville. She asked Papa several times when they could dance and he kept reassuring her he would dance with her when it was time. It was very cute (and Dad was such a good sport - especially when no one else was even on the dance floor!) Then, after a song or two and more people joined in, Andie realized she could do it herself and she was off!

Clara and Dude

2010-01-18T14:31:00.003-06:00

Andie has been begging me to help her build a snowman, but it has been so bitter cold that the snow just won't stick! Finally we had the perfect opportunity while Sawyer slept and the temps were just right to create..."Clara and Dude". For some reason, when they have been playing lately they choose these names for themselves. I have no idea where they came from, but I'll hear them say, "Okay, Dude. We need to build this castle... Yes, Clara, and mix up some poison for the bad guys..." And on and on as they role play. So, these were hands down the best names for their snowmen, too. The last picture was taken by Shane to prove what a mama's boy Sawyer is. Maybe he's right. :)

blister of 2009

2009-12-10T21:26:00.002-06:00

After Shane got home from plowing snow all night (and day and night) Andie says, "Dad! You missed the blister!" :) I think we got 16 inches or something and then blowing blizzard conditions. The kids are loving it - Shane plowed a huge pile right at the curve in our drive and they climb up and slide down, making up games. Sawyer is frustrated that he can't climb up, so I have to lift him up a little ways so he can feel "big" too. He loves to do what the big kids are doing. On the blizzardy day, though, he didn't want to go out. Which is just fine with me, because by the time I get 3 kids dressed in snow pants, coats, boots, mittens, etc, the first one is ready to come back in as I am finally coming out with the littlest one! Ah, well. It is beautiful!

a little Christmas joy...

2009-12-10T21:12:00.003-06:00

I love these pictures. They did not turn out how I pictured them in my mind, but still precious!

Don't push that button!

2009-12-10T21:05:00.004-06:00

Shane was able to sneak the kids in to watch a FED EX plane being unloaded and then ride on the big loading elevator and the tug cars that pull the loads away. They also got to peek at the cockpit, which they thought was great. They are such goofballs - can you see why it is so hard to get a decent picture? :)

Halloween 2009

2009-10-30T23:16:00.003-05:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been so long since I updated the blog! I think I got a little off track when I smashed my camera after zooming down the driveway and forgetting I had set it on the hood of the van. (I knew that was a really bad idea right when I did it, too.) And, our home laptop crashed, so now Shane has to bring his home from work when I want to check email until we can get a new one. But, I will try harder for you all that read this!
Life is so fun right now...sometimes challenging with 3 little ones, like while running errands, but still so fun. I am homeschooling Andie this year for Kindergarten and we joined a homeschooling co-op. This is all very new to us, so we'll see. She loves to draw and craft and makes me little pictures that say, "love Mommy" all the time. What could be better? Wyatt, 4, has started 2 day preschool and loves it. He is a bit active, and that has been a source of frustration for me when we are at group events, but we are working on it. And little Sawyer,20 months, has just gone potty in the potty chair for the first time-woohoo! I know it is a bit early for that, but I just decided to put the little chair in the bathroom to see...and I'm ecstatic!

Two cowboys and a 50s gal...that fits together, right? :) Shane took this pic and cut off their little boots and saddle shoes! Ugg! Oh, well, I did actually get the video camera out tonight, too.

apple pick'in

2009-10-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

oh, glamorous me...

2009-07-10T08:48:00.004-05:00

...as illustrated by my daughter Andie, who just turned 5. According to her, this is me standing by the sink in my robe blowing my nose (complete with a bow in my hair). I guess artists do draw what they see around them. Next time I'll have to ask her to give me some more notice before a portrait. :)

We have been having a terrific and busy summer packed with swim lessons, a few summer dance classes, music camp, birthdays...so I'll try to post some more pictures soon!

Chicken Coop Helpers

2009-06-21T23:29:00.003-05:00

Building the chicken coop

The important job: Hold this corner.
Papa helping him grip it the best way.

Chicken Coop Helpers

2009-06-21T23:13:00.003-05:00

Sissy's project...hammering!

Sawyer watching sissy for a second - no hammer for baby!

At Last!

2009-06-10T08:20:00.003-05:00

I know you've all been waiting for the outcome of our chick project... I apologize for the delay! So, here they are - we hatched 27 out of 29 eggs! (We were only planning on about 8...hmmm.) I think we are going to give a few away and keep the rest. They are very cozy under a heat lamp in the basement for now, but only for another week or so. Then Shane will have to figure out the coop situation. I feel the need to replace their bedding and water every day because they poo all over and get wood chips in their water. I even propped the water up on a cake pan, but they still manage to get wood chips all over. I think I may be overdoing it with the sanitary conditions, but--eww! The water looks yellow due to a vitamin supplement added to it. Oh, boy-new territory for this city girl!

June 09

2009-06-10T08:16:00.001-05:00

the pond

2009-06-10T08:13:00.002-05:00

Shane taught the kids how to cast their little poles a few weeks ago. They picked up on it really quickly, and each caught a little bluegill.

Project Chicks

2009-04-20T20:14:00.005-05:00

Okay, so Shane brings home this egg incubator thingy and all these eggs and says we are going to hatch our very own chickens!! We had talked about this, but since we have no chicken coop and know absolutely nothing about chickens I thought the actual project would be quite a ways down the road. Oh, boy. The eggs have to be turned 3 times a day and kept at a cozy 99.5 degrees and a decent humidity. After Wyatt dropped one while putting them into their little "egg house" (as we call the incubator) we decided to use the automatic egg turner option. Just plug it in and it gently turns the eggs around the clock. Shane and the kids made a long paper chain to pull off a link each day until hatch time. After several temperature mishaps, (they got a bit too hot - not sure how this happened) it is now about day 25 and still no hatching. (A few friends have suggested we make a trip to the feed store and just buy a few chicks to stick in there...) The picture is Wyatt playing little songs for the eggs on his recorder (HA!) and Andie likes to make them little crafts. It is cute!

bunny baskets

2009-04-20T19:20:00.004-05:00

We made little Easter baskets this year. Andie and Wyatt were excited to leave them outside their door and see what the Easter bunny would bring. We considered various places to leave the baskets, (outside on the porch so the bunny could easily fill them...but then the cats might eat the candy, etc.) and finally agreed that they would be safest right outside their bedroom door. (I CAN'T WAIT to paint the rooms in the background. The family before us left a few half done projects. :)

She's got it!

2009-03-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

Andie officially got the hang of her two wheeler today. She was so excited! After each good run, she would get off and jump up and down...telling us how she did it as if we weren't right there watching!

spring has sprung!

2009-03-15T21:27:00.003-05:00

It was so nice out today - and Shane actually had the afternoon free - so we took the kids on the path by his folks' house (well, actually, Wyatt took off at the speed of lightning toward the path on his scooter, so I went after him with Sawyer...I didn't even have time to grab the stroller!) I knew there was a reason I got him those tennies with the flames on the sides. He is fast! So, anyway, we ended up taking a walk/bike ride/scooter ride on the path.

Daddy Date Night

2009-02-22T15:10:00.002-06:00

Andie and Shane went to a Daddy date night at our church and it was the sweetest thing I have ever seen! She was SO excited, (and Daddy was so happy to take her, too) :) They had dinner and a little dance and made a craft together. They had the little dinner tables set up like "dinner for two" so each girl and daddy had their own table with a candle and place cards. When they were dancing, Andie wanted to be swung through Shane's legs and other fancy moves. Heehee! (Shane's secret dancing background might be exposed now).

who's bibs are these anyway?

2009-02-19T14:56:00.004-06:00

Did anyone recognize them? I was helping Sandi clean out a trunk (after the sewer incident, you know) and these little pants surfaced. She said they were actually Uncle Greg's and that Shane also wore them. So, they have a little life left in them for Sawyer and maybe a little Grieme boy??
This is Andie pushing Sawyer in his little cart. He LOVES it! (And I do, too, because it buys me some time!) Sometimes he crawls in and just sits there yelling out - hoping someone will push him around. He is usually pretty happy to play for a while by himself, but he does like his mama! If he is at all crabby or if he can't keep up with the older two, then he wants to be held. I still can't believe he is 1! He is starting to imitate words! He holds the phone up to his head and says, " 'lo?" He will NOT sit in a high chair for more than 5 minutes, and sometimes I swear he says, "done?"
My Grandma and I. What an amazing woman! She is 92...and still living on her own. She just recovered from a broken hip and surgery and has the most spunky attitude though it all.

More snow!

2009-02-19T14:50:00.001-06:00

The snow pile from plowing our drive makes for great play!

Happy Birthday Baby!

2009-02-11T13:24:00.004-06:00

I can't believe my baby turned one! Gammie made him a little teddy bear cake. He was very particular about which little parts he picked off to eat - no smooshing here!
He loved the Very Hungry Caterpillar
My brother Jim and his new wife Mindy. She made the absolute BEST spring rolls for the party. Not even a crumb was left. Thank you Mindy!!!

2009-01-22T14:26:00.001-06:00

Sawyer at the church nursery

Our main floor bathroom...yea!!!! (didn't Shane create the ultimate?)

"where a kid can be a kid" (grown ups, too!)

2009-01-22T13:56:00.004-06:00

Shane's mom and Wyatt at air hockey

Uncle Clayton teaching Andie an advanced skee ball spin...

Aunt Chele and Wyatt concentrating on driving

Aunt Chele and Sawyer

2009-01-22T13:45:00.000-06:00

Shane's dad, Wyatt and Shane

2009-01-01T21:09:00.002-06:00

Thank you Gammie and Papa for the new clothes! (AND, Aunt Steph for the sweet new boots!) It was chilly, so Wyatt was keeping his hands in the sleeves - but it does fit perfect, and SO cute!

A Very Merry Christmas!

2008-12-27T21:06:00.004-06:00

It was a really nice Christmas this year. We had my family's Christmas at our house (incentive to finish the main floor bathroom, hee hee!) My brother and all of his kids were able to come, as well as my Grandma who broke her hip just this winter. She is 92 and recovering magnificently!
Then we went to my in-laws house for another fun time with family, although it was in a shadow of sadness as Shane's Grandfather is fighting for his last days in the hospital. It was sad not having him there at Christmas to play Christmas carols on the organ, enjoy the grandkids and the "special" sugar cookie that Andie likes to make for everyone (that usually involves every kind of sprinkle).

Sawyer is a little blurry, but he was having a grand time pushing his new cart from Lake Gammie and Papa.

The Rist family photo!

2008-12-27T20:50:00.004-06:00

This picture CRACKS me up - this Elmo doll is talking nonstop and Sawyer is just not sure... :)

Wyatt loving the classic stomp rocket

Andie and Daddy doing a new Fancy Nancy puzzle

My dad (Lake Papa) managing two wiggly boys!

National Lampoon's Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T21:31:00.003-06:00

This Thanksgiving was one for the books. I don't even know where to begin...maybe with almost EVERY single person getting the stomach flu? Or, the guys getting stopped by the DNR for illegal 4 wheeling? Or maybe when the sewer backed up? Well, for complete details send a request for Sandi Sue's commentary on the day and you'll get the whole story. These were the pictures I managed to get before it all went haywire...

A brainstorming session on how to best market and launch Uncle Greg's new singing career.

My poor baby was so out of sorts. He just wanted to be held (by Aunt Sandy here).

Cousin Jason modeling his favorite leisure suit.

4th picture challenge

2008-11-23T23:31:00.003-06:00

My friend Megan challenged everyone to open up the 4th folder of pictures you have stored on the computer and post the 4th picture from that folder explaining what it is and what it means to you. Well, apparently I'm not that organized to have all my pics in folders, but this was the 4th picture over... and it happens to be one of my all time favorites! This was Andie and Shane on a slip and slide at our good friends house - Wayne and Michelle. Andie is 2 years old and I just happened to catch the pure joy on their faces as they slid by. Thanks for the fun game, Meg!

trick or treat!

2008-10-31T13:36:00.003-05:00

Andie and Wyatt had a terrific time on beggar's night this year! They were so excited and SO in their element with these costumes it wasn't even funny. Andie was a princess and did little ballet moves for her trick. Gammie Guely made her beautiful little dress and she loved it so much I could hardly get her to take it off. I can't count how many times she told me she loved her dress and her crown. And, Wyatt wore a vintage costume that Shane wore when he was little! (Sandi made it, too). Shane was a little older when he wore it, so it is a little big, but Wyatt just loved it. He ran around "flying" and punching the air and then would put his fists on his hips and say, "Sup-er-man! To save the day!"

The tough Superman stance and look. HA!
And little Sawyer was along for the ride - he wore the infamous bee costume that we got at a garage sale. Andie wore it, Wyatt wore it, and now the littlest bee. :) He isn't fully dressed here, I didn't have his black sweats on. But the weather was so nice on trick or treat night for a change, it was almost too hot for the sweatpants!

P is for Pumpkin

2008-10-27T10:22:00.004-05:00

That's what Andie told me while we were carving pumpkins yesterday. She is really learning her letters and sounds. They had fun scooping out the mushy pumpkin innards!

2008-10-27T10:21:00.003-05:00

Gammie Guely with the cute scarecrow they made. I saw it might rain the other night, so I ran out to grab the stroller out of the back of the truck and when I stepped out onto the porch that thing gave ME a scare!!
Sawyer staying warm in Aunt Sandi's quilt at Howell's tree farm, where the kids played in a corn pile (like a sand box of corn), and other fun things. It was a very blustery day - which cut it a little short, but they still had fun.

going geothermal

2008-10-27T10:08:00.003-05:00

We're officially having a geothermal heating and cooling system installed in our home! It is something Shane has been thinking about for a while, and after last winters propane bills, decided to go ahead and do it. The energy company also offered some rebates to encourage people to do this - so that helped, too. The kids pulled their little chairs up to the sliding back door to watch the whole thing. There was a huge drilling truck to drill holes 200 feet into the ground, then this scoop (or, backhoe thingy) to put all the dirt back. It is a muddy mess!!

the outdoor kitty

2008-10-08T22:16:00.003-05:00

marble jars full!

2008-10-08T21:35:00.004-05:00

We've been doing this marble jar thing with the kids for a month or so - if we catch them doing good (sharing, getting a drink or spoon for each other, helping with the baby, using their manners, etc...) then they get a marble in their jar. They can't ask for a marble, they just have to be caught doing positive things. When the jars are full, they get a special treat. The first time around, they got gumballs and were THRILLED, because I just don't usually buy gum. But, this time the jars were full Shane had this crazy idea - he has been wanting to take them to the toy store. I was thinking, "you're crazy!" But, we took them and they had a great time. We heard a lot of "Wow!" and huge gasps as they kept seeing neat toys aisle after aisle. Andie actually put her hands over her mouth and her jaw dropped when she saw the Disney princess section. Anyway, they ended up with these two wheel scooters. Big hit. But, I told them that was a special treat, that we won't be able to do that every time the jars are full!

dirt magnets

2008-09-22T08:20:00.004-05:00

Shane had a whole load of dirt in the dump trailer to fill in some landscaping and the kids had quite a time. We think they seem most at home in the dirt! :) I'm not really for this - as it gets dirt everywhere in the house and bathtub (how does that happen even if they go straight up to the tub??), but once in a while is OK! Wyatt is jumping from the top of the pile and then sliding down the hill. nice.

singing in the rain

2008-09-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

happy ending

2008-09-19T22:40:00.005-05:00

Making chocolate pie

If you haven't heard our story, we had a real life nightmare occur last weekend. Andie fell out of a window... on the second story. It was absolutely horrible. I can't even describe. Miraculously, she is OK. No broken bones or internal ruptures. She is still a slight bit sore when she does somersaults or other such fancy moves, but other than that is basically back to her goofy self. Just a bit more cautious, maybe. I am finally sleeping at night without replaying the whole horrible moment over and over and over again in my mind (seeing a pink flash by the lower window, running out into the rain, scooping her up...) and can finally talk about it without sobbing! Shane and I are still in a kind of somber shock with the weight of what could have happened, but feel so incredibly blessed that she is OK and it turned out to have a happy ending. Praise God!!!

Mucho thank you's to Aunt Teppie and Aunt Chele for sending the most fun surprise care packages!! Homemade cookies - and her very own rolling pin that was put to use the next day! And, gigantic suckers made Andie and Wyatt's faces light up...(see videos :) - I especially like the serious kazoo performance by Wy-Wy. What a hoot!) It really was so nice and thoughtful and brought out huge smiles, which we needed! Thank you!!

2008-09-19T22:30:00.004-05:00

first day of preschool

2008-09-12T14:43:00.003-05:00

Andie had a really good first day of preschool, I think. She seemed excited, but not over the moon about it. By the third day, though, she said she liked school and didn't want to leave. (I suspect that's because they were playing out on the playground...) She also said she has a friend, but can't remember her name. :)

tiny kickers

2008-09-12T14:31:00.002-05:00

Andie tried Tiny Kickers (intro to soccer) through our parks and rec. I wouldn't say she was thrilled about it - so we'll see. The coaches weren't too energetic or enthusiastic, is that the word I'm looking for? But, it was definitely good exercise! Wyatt, on the other hand, wanted very badly to get out there and try kicking, too!

trauma

2008-09-01T19:41:00.008-05:00

Well, Shane had a horrific event occur this weekend... he cut his finger off (well, almost) while using a table saw (that he has used hundreds of times) to create our front porch. It was still barely attached by a shred of bone and some skin. It was a mad dash to the ER, all of us scared to death, and Shane's heart breaking at the thought of not being able to play the guitar. I'll spare you all the details, but WOW, it was horrible. (At first I thought I was going to be looking for the finger on the ground!) We are so thankful, really, because it could have been much worse. The doctor is optimistic that it will mend - so now he is supposed to be resting after they sewed it back on to hopefully keep his finger!

2008-09-01T19:00:00.000-05:00

meet the teacher night

2008-08-29T15:35:00.006-05:00

Andie's first little meet the teacher night for preschool - do you think the sassy red boots gave the teacher any worries about this girl? :)
Shane has been building a new front porch for our house (since it didn't have one) and the kids have a new interest in their play tools. I found them measuring and fixing their trampoline. too cute.
And now the infamous "letting go" of things...

Grandpa Great

2008-08-22T21:31:00.004-05:00

There is something about Grandpa Great's scooter that all of the kids love. When they were little, it was almost mesmerizing to gently glide around, now Andie pretends she is riding a bus and Wyatt wants to DRIVE the thing!
Doing chalks together...the simple pleasures of summer.

Lake Gammie and Papa's

2008-08-21T14:47:00.003-05:00

Andie went to visit my mom and dad for a couple of days with her cousin Raeanna. They went to a butterfly garden in Ames, then down to their house at the lake. She had so much fun! (Her mom and dad were a little nervous, though, as it was her first time spending the night away from us!) She came home exhausted, but as they were pulling away, she was crying and said between sniffles, "I...don't want...Gammie and Papa... to go."
My mom and Andie at the gardens.

2008-08-21T14:30:00.002-05:00

Andie and Raeanna at the lake
Gammie has a great collection of dress up clothes!
She caught a fish all by herself - she made sure I knew that. :)

Crafty Cousins Retreat!!

2008-08-09T21:00:00.013-05:00

Andie, Sawyer and I went to a craft retreat in St. Cloud, Minnesota for a few days with my mother-in-law and several of Shane's aunts and cousins. It's ladies only, so Wyatt stayed home for some special time with daddy and Papa. (And Sawyers ticket in is he's still breastfeeding.) It was SO fun!! We worked, laughed a lot, ate lots of nibblies and got little sleep. I felt so special because half of the group was working on gifts for my kids - quilts, little pillows (like yours, Meg) and pajamas for Andie... it was great. Of course, they had to tease me that at the rate I have babies, they have been pretty busy :). Really, I love them to pieces and am so blessed to be a part of this family. They are so wonderful and have truly made me feel like one of their own.This is Aunt Julie. We stayed at their house the first night in Cambridge, MN, and Andie is STILL talking about cousin Daniel!! He is the best kid - gave Andie toys to play with, took her to the park and even tucked her in that night! WE LOVE YOU, DAN!! (When are you guys moving in next door?) :) This pic is Aunt Julie giving Sawyer a sewing lesson with the beautiful quilt she made just for him! Man, can these ladies sew!
Aunt Betty (Great Great Aunt Betty to the kids) is one of the sweetest ladies you could ever meet. She brought her scrapbook album to work on and she does recall the show I Love Lucy (Emily, you're cute).
This is cousin Emily and cousin Andrea. Now let me just say these girls are the most WONDERFUL young people!!! They are so nice and played with Andie, held Sawyer and offered help left and right. I LOVE THEM! Thank you, sweethearts!
Aunt Sandi Sue (who is really a cousin, but we call her aunt) with Sandi and her rotary cutter. We met Sandi Sue in Ames on the way up to caravan and because our car was packed to the gills. She is so fun! These two together = trouble! Ha!
Cousin Barb with her scrapbooking supplies. (Yea - another scrapbooker!) She actually got 15 pages done...but how is she the lucky one who lives right there in St. Cloud?

2008-08-09T20:30:00.005-05:00

Sissy making crafts. She had a blast. Cousins to love on her, chocolate to eat... yep, she had a fun time. When I asked her if she missed Wyatt, she just looked at me and said, "Noo-o".

Wyatt LOVED the little pillow and quilt that Sandi Sue made for him. It has trains and tools - what could be better? His little face lit right up and he had to try it right away. Thank you, ladies, for all of that work on such wonderful gifts!! We love them!

daddy's band

2008-08-02T13:59:00.002-05:00

This has to be one of my favorite things! Shane plays bass guitar for the church band and whenever he practices, the kids drag all of their little instruments into our little office room to play along with him. Here, Andie has made her own sheet music like daddy's and is playing on the floor right next to his chair. But often they are dancing around AND playing various instruments at the same time with quite fancy moves. I'm pretty sure this is counterproductive to Shane's practice time - but it is so cute.
Wyatt gave Sawyer a trumpet. :)
Just thought this was cute...let me sleep!

...and he's up

2008-07-28T23:05:00.004-05:00

yes, yes - a few posts ago I was a little worried, and now look!! He is wasting no time in his pursuit to keep up with his older siblings. 6 months! Little stinker.

Mmm, yummy toesies!

balloon landings!

2008-07-26T19:18:00.004-05:00

The Indianola Balloon Classic was going on this weekend and 3 hot air balloons went RIGHT over our house - I mean one could have actually landed on our roof! This is our back yard. The last one really did land in our neighbors yard. We hurried out and watched the "chase crew" deflate the balloon, fold it up and pack the huge basket onto their trailer. Andie says she wants to ride in one someday, so I shared some pictures of when I got to ride in one when I was little. Shane is worried he will actually have to go up in one with her (with his love for heights). Anyway, it was exciting... they are serious about ballooning here in Indianola!

just the beginning?

2008-07-15T18:21:00.005-05:00

Well, we tried a summer session of dance classes for Andie - to "see if she likes it" (that's what I told Shane. He replied, "like she's not going to like it!") ha! So, this is her at her very first class! Let me just say, she was the CUTEST thing I have ever seen!!! It was so great. She had fun and we had fun watching her.
They actually did barre!
Look at that pointed toe!!

2008-07-15T18:00:00.001-05:00

a little shuffle action...
a little heel step action (my father-in-law would be so proud I can write these out) :)

all done! I have to say, even though there were only 4 kids there (being only a summer class) she was the best one. And the others had danced in a class before. The teacher told us afterwards she was surprised it was her first class and that she has great feet. It was truly fun and yes, probably just the beginning.

brothers

2008-07-15T17:48:00.003-05:00

I love this picture!! Wyatt has been so nice to baby Sawyer, learning to give him loves. You can see his poor "dead" tooth. :( I'm so sad about it. Apparently he hit it hard enough during one of his many rough and tumble stunts that he killed the nerve. Shane's sister Rachele had this happen when she was 2, I've been told, and the tooth falls out. (I never knew she was such the rough and tumble type!) Ahhh! I don't want his little tooth to fall out!

Only in America

2008-07-08T09:18:00.005-05:00

The National Anthem kicked off the Fourth of July parade in Urbandale - isn't this cute? We'll have to work on which side... :)
Little Fourth of July carnival in Urbandale - they had so much fun - they've never done "rides" before!
Umm, a little trouble in the wacky fun house

should I be worried?

2008-07-08T09:00:00.003-05:00

I don't know, this just seemed a little early for all this, but maybe I'm just not ready!

birthday! birthday!

2008-07-08T08:12:00.004-05:00

Aren't these the CUTEST thank you cards you've ever seen?!? I didn't even want to give them away! (I'm a hopeless mom already...saving everything she makes) Andie looked shocked and said, "Mom, we HAVE to send them!"
We decided to have a double birthday party on the 4th of July this year (Andie turned 4 and Wyatt will be 3 at the end of the month). It was a little wild, but so much fun. Shane's mom offered to have it at their house, and hey, I took her up on that because our house is still a bit under construction and the help is much apprecieated! And, we usually make homemade ice cream on the 4th, so perfect with birthday cake! The kids are: Emelia (the daughter of Penelope, a best friend from high school), Carson & Chance (sons of dear friends Jamie and Chris).
Andie very excited about ballet gear... must get her signed up before this fall!
Wyatt wants to be sure to get those candles out - which usually involves a lot of spit. So, we opted for cupcakes for his cake. That way he can only contaminate one. heehee! :)
Andie's butterfly cake (wonderfully made by Shane's mom!). and notice the ballet skirt already on! note to self : enroll her in dance class

oooh! aah!

2008-07-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

watching fireworks while eating cake and ice cream

Lake Gammie and Papa at the party - they are great together. And, now that mom has RETIRED, they are relaxing and spending time together at their Sun Valley lake home. Yea! I'm so happy for her!

giddyup gammie!

2008-07-08T07:48:00.003-05:00

These are from a little while back, but I thought they were so cute. It is hard to get gammie in a photo!! We love her to pieces and are so blessed to have her.

belly laughs

2008-06-28T13:11:00.003-05:00

almost 5 months!

2008-06-22T07:24:00.001-05:00

A Happy Father's Day

2008-06-22T07:17:00.002-05:00

The kids and I surprised Shane with a couple of his favorites - spaghetti and meatballs (which is really rigatoni and homemade meatballs - but we call it spaghetti) and Aunt Lizzy's molasses cookies. Andie helped make this sweet card. Her little letters are so precious!!

Aunt Julie's Quilt

2008-06-13T14:46:00.004-05:00

The kids were playing "picnic" on a beautiful quilt that Aunt Julie made with such fun colors - so I set Sawyer in, too, for a quick photo! Shane's other Aunt, Aunt Sandi Sue, also quilts, so we were really spoiled with the most beautiful handmade baby blankets.
This has been a CRAZY week - Shane's sister, Stephanie and her little Emma were visiting on their way to moving to Washington state (she is so cute I want to gobble her up), Andie had her first swim lessons, AND I was helping clean some of Shane's renovated rental houses in the evenings (9pm-midnight!) so we can get them filled with some hopefully paying tenants!

Two wheeler

2008-06-01T19:36:00.004-05:00

Shane decided to have Andie try to learn to ride her bike today. It was so nice out, and she had a good time. (No skinned knees!) She did really well - much better than she knows. She doesn't know all the times he wasn't holding on!!

If life gives you wind...

2008-05-25T22:50:00.003-05:00

...fly a kite!
We finally found a good use for all of the wind out here! The kids had a fun time flying a kite today. We have another huge kite from Gammie to try, but thought we should test this one out first. Good thing - despite Shane and I reminding him to "hold tight!" Wyatt let go at one point, and well, if you look hard at the last photo you can see Shane in the tree getting the kite down. :)

2008-05-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

Every time Papa comes to visit, Wyatt makes a fun game out of taking his ball cap off of his head. So, finally Papa brought a special surprise for the kids - their very OWN caps! They were excited. In fact, I heard Wyatt get up to go to the bathroom during the night last night, and when I went in to help him...he had the cap on (it looks really nice with footy pajamas) :) Thank you, Papa!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T13:55:00.004-05:00

catch of the day

2008-05-10T04:36:00.005-05:00

We went out to eat and to get ice cream with the kiddos one night and it was so nice we thought we would go to a park in Indianola since we haven't checked any out yet. The first one we saw had a ton of people there, so we followed signs to a different one only to see that it was all taken apart except for a merry go round! So, with ice cream melting we hurried home and decided to sit by our little pond, eat ice cream and throw a line in. Hey, Uncle Jim makes it look so easy... :)
Well we did catch a 10" bluegill that was hooked pretty well, (with Andie taking 20 min to reel it in...haha!) So, we decided to clean this one and add it to a mess of crappie that Jim had given us. Andie and Wyatt were so funny, they kept touching the fish and saying it was cute, but when it came time to clean it - you can see that Andie lost her excitement. Even still, Andie said,"This was a fun night!" - I guess better than the park any day.
Oh, and Wy Wy has had his "mop" trimmed since then!!

chasing butterflies

2008-05-05T14:05:00.003-05:00

It is so nice out today - the perfect spring day to chase butterflies with the butterfly net from Lake Gammie and Papa! Andie and Wyatt ran until their sides hurt. Those butterflies are fast!

splish splash

2008-05-01T21:11:00.003-05:00

Sawyer is 3 months! His "fussy time" in the evenings has now turned into a bright-eyed, excited time (which is much more preferable). It is really funny watching him look around and take in everything.

"Daddy...

2008-04-30T08:02:00.003-05:00

...will you be my prince?"

Andie asked Shane that very question. Seriously. How can he NOT buy her a pony and let her eat candy all day? :)

little critters

2008-04-21T22:51:00.003-05:00

It was like a catch and release day with the kids today. Let me explain... Shane helped the kids catch first, a toad, then a baby rabbit. I'm not sure who had more fun, Shane or the kids. But, they were really excited, especially when we presented the frog to gammie. :) I'm just sorry those pictures aren't on my camera! Then Andie ceremoniously took the toad to the pond to let it go, and likewise set the rabbit down to safely let it go.

little critters

2008-04-21T22:24:00.002-05:00

Who's This?

2008-04-10T15:57:00.005-05:00

It's Andie Kate - but I think Sawyer looks a bit like her at this age. Very fun to look back at these!

2 months old!

2008-04-07T11:34:00.003-05:00

Mr. Smiley!

different view

2008-04-07T09:42:00.005-05:00

Now that spring is here the deer have really come out. It is fun to look out and see things like this instead of the neighbors dog humping his food dish.

sick...

2008-04-07T09:23:00.005-05:00

Shane, Andie and Wyatt were all sick with an influenza kind of virus - fever, chills - NO fun! :( Somehow, Sawyer and I managed to dodge it. I think someone had us in their prayers because I was really worried about Sawyer getting sick. (Andie's "pink-pink blankie" from Megan is still her fav)

The Gator...

2008-03-26T14:19:00.005-05:00

They have been asking to get out the Gator, so Shane finally charged up the battery as we had a 60 degree day today - Yay!! Andie is a pretty good little driver and Wy-wy is content in the passenger seat, so it works out. (Thanks to Sepracor!) It is funny how they load up the back. Today it has their tricycle and little garden shovel...?

Silly Shots

2008-03-26T14:14:00.002-05:00

Easter!

2008-03-24T18:32:00.002-05:00

Spiffy church outfits thanks to the best Gammies ever! Aren't they cute?

Battling the Easter bunny by reading the Easter story

starting to smile!

2008-03-18T14:23:00.004-05:00

Sawyer has been starting to smile a lot more the last week or so - fun! Andie especially likes it when he smiles for her... she took this photo, actually, but we cut off the cute little onesie from Aunt Chele and Uncle Clayton. It came on a teddy bear and has his name and birthday on it - very cute surprise!

2008-03-18T14:19:00.003-05:00

warmest snowsuit from Aunt Steph and Uncle Steve (thanks!). This was pretty much Sawyer through his invigorating walk outside!

2008-03-18T14:09:00.003-05:00

Ambitious! I attempted homemade noodles for chicken and noodles the other day. They turned out really good, although a little time consuming. But, it was fun for Andie to have a little time with mama while the brothers took a nap.

Easter Eggs!

2008-03-12T19:05:00.003-05:00

We visited Gammy & Papa Guely today and Gammy surprised us with eggs ready to be dyed - fun!!!

2008-03-12T18:27:00.001-05:00

this is an older pic from Sawyer's baby dedication

Daddy's little helpers

2008-03-10T11:47:00.004-05:00

Andie and Wyatt were helping Shane fix the dish washer the other day. Andie exchanged her skirt for her little tool belt. :)

Making Meatballs

2008-03-10T05:37:00.007-05:00

About once a year, Shane gets an idea to cook something in MASSIVE quantities...in years past it has been fried tacos, cooked ham, or bean burritos. I am usually enlisted to help in these projects while casually suggesting we only do, maybe, 10 batches instead of 20. (I also help to minimize the damage to my kitchen - Ha!) Anyway, this time he wanted many meatballs, so here we are! They are very tasty - an ancient Italian recipe from his Great Aunt Rose Gueli.
Oh, this is the fun baby sling that Steph (my sister in law) gave me for Christmas. Her friend Paula creates them in different fabrics/patterns. To get more info, contact her at paulahess@gmail.com

2008-03-06T21:44:00.003-06:00

Push the Play button!

Strike Up the Band!

2008-03-06T20:56:00.004-06:00

2008-03-06T20:29:00.003-06:00

Andie wanted Sawyer to take a nap with her today. :)
You can really see his poor hair line - I could literally see the hair falling off the top of his head the last couple of days. Oh, well, there are new little hairs already coming in, I guess!

Nap

2008-02-28T01:14:00.001-06:00

Shane has been catching up on sleep after plowing through the night during the last snowfall a couple of days ago... my poor man, but it made for a favorite pic!

Sissy's little hair buns are suffering from post-nap/post-jumping around. Her hair WAS fixed today, I promise! :)

Tiny Snowmen & Tiniest Sawyer

2008-02-25T02:52:00.000-06:00

I was feeling a little guilty that I couldn't go out and play in the snow with the kids because of a brand new baby - and it was below zero, anyway. So, we tried making some mini snowmen inside (so I could still keep an eye on everyone :) They actually loved it! (Wyatt is pantless due to potty training... he is doing SUPER!!) Yea! Only one in diapers!

Andie has been calling Sawyer "tiniest Sawyer", which we think is cute. Of course, we think just about everything she says is cute :) She is constantly giving Sawyer kisses and saying "I love you". (I'm pretty sure that is how Sawyer has his first stuffy nose/cold). And here is Wyatt, my other little helper. He has actually surprised me with how well he has handled the adjustment to a new baby because he has been somewhat of a mamas boy.

more pics...

2008-02-17T16:35:00.000-06:00

Welcome Baby Sawyer! 9 days early!

2008-02-14T14:13:00.000-06:00

1 week old

I love this expression on Andie - excited, but a little unsure...

Kisses from big brother

Things are going well - we are so happy to have Sawyer here! Andie and Wyatt seem to be taking it all in stride so far. I am so proud of them! (And, meals from mom and our community group from church have been SO appreciated!) THANK YOU!!! We are so blessed with this new little one and friends and family to share him with.