It's a GIRL!

We have had so much fun the past several weeks sharing our "gender news" with friends and family.  I have the "need" to do something fun and special as a way to announce, its just the way I am.  We did a couple of different things, still keeping it simple, but special.  

We had a gift for Hudson, wrapped in blue and pink tissue paper with these small gifts inside to tell him about his baby SISTER.  

Roy made homemade strawberry ice cream and I made a strawberry rhubarb dessert along with the pink toppers.  

Mimi is very excited to have a granddaughter!  Bring on the pink!   

We used the strawberry ice cream and pink toppers to share with Roy's parents and some extended family too.  

I had a "ladies lunch" with some dear friends.  I snuck the toppers to the waiter and our food arrived to our table looking like this.  Everyone cheered!  :)  

We made brownies with pink icing to share with our church small group.  

Hudson and I at 20 weeks.  He looks to be a bit farther along than I am.  :)  

The baby bump is growing.  

We are so grateful for the prayers, support, and love of so many.  God is good!  

meeting baby ellsy

On Tuesday, June 10th, our precious niece, Ellsy Lucille Swinger was born.  We had been anxiously awaiting her arrival and were so grateful for the opportunity to meet her when she was just a few hours old.  We made a really quick trip, that means nearly 6 hours in the car for a 2 hour visit, to meet the little lady, give our congratulations, share our love, and give her some snuggles.  We are so glad we went and are thankful for the gift of her, a healthy baby girl.  

  

Ben and Ellsy

A beautiful baby girl, a reflection of God's goodness.  

Ellsy is named after Roy/Lynn/Ben's grandpa, Ells.    

Hudson wanted to get in on the action when big sister Clara met Ellsy.  

The new family of four…Ben, Jenna, Clara, and Ellsy.  

Seeing and holding her got me even more excited for when we get to meet our little bundle of joy in October.  :)  These two will be the cousins closest in age and I hope they can be friends and make fun memories together, amidst the miles that separate our homes.  

Emily & Ellsy = buddies

Farewell Farah

We have really enjoyed getting to know Farah and Afifa, our "adopted" Drake students from Malaysia.  We are grateful for their friendship and the many ways they have blessed our family.  Our hope and prayer has been to share God's love with them, that they would experience His grace and compassion, through our time together.  Farah graduated and had a few weeks in Iowa before returning home.  Afifa, being the great friend that she is, hung around for awhile too, so they could have some extra time together before saying farewell.  Roy and I wanted to take them out for a farewell dinner to some place special, a restaurant of their choice, before they left.  They chose Cool Basil, and it proved to be delicious dining for us all.  A relaxing and memorable evening was enjoyed by everyone.  

Afifa and Farah, ready to dive into their delicious dinner.  

 

Roy, Farah, and I all ordered Pad Tai.  It was amazing, but oh did I have heart burn the rest of the night.  :)  Farah and Roy ordered theirs "level six" (aka super spicy) and I stuck with mild.  

After dinner we headed downtown and walked across the pedestrian bridge.  

A sweet view of our little man, checking out the water below, pouring through the dam.  

Farah and Afifa posing for a picture by the dam.  

 

On Monday we had one final outing with Farah.  We picked her up, got a breakfast treat, and went to Gray's Lake.  Hudson explored and played at the park while we shared and reflected on her time at Drake.  There are many fond memories, which we are grateful for.  

We took a selfie before heading back for home.  We love you, Farah!  You will be missed!  

A Memorial Day Picnic

Roy wanted to have a picnic on Memorial Day out at his parents place under the big trees, down by the campfire.  This was a tradition of years past, so it felt like a good time to do it again.  

  

Hudson and his buddies got lots of rides in Papa's Ranger.  

Roy's parents and some extended family, along with a coworker Matt and his family, made for a fun group at  the Memorial Day picnic.  It was a blessed time!  

Sue, Irene, Ellie, and Louise enjoying the beautiful evening and the delicious food.  

And oh yes, Papa Ed was there too, telling jokes and keeping everyone on their toes.  :)    

"Mommy, this food is so yummy and I am super sweaty!"  

Owen, Hudson, and Eli entertained themselves by the gate in the green space.  

The farm is a beautiful open space to run and explore, perfect for little boys (and girls).  :)  

This little guy loves to blow the white dandelion seeds in all directions.  

Hanging out at the campfire, relaxing, chatting, and enjoying the beautiful night.  

Dam to Dam 2014

On Saturday morning, May 31st, Roy ran the Dam to Dam Half Marathon in Des Moines.  It was a hot, humid, and wet morning, but we took advantage of the opportunity to encourage him and watch all the runners.  Roy's training made for lots of early morning runs, but I am so proud of him and the hard work he put forth.  He always amazes me!   

Hudson insisted on wearing his "running shirt" and taking his cow bell to cheer the runners on.  You can tell he has done this a time or two before.  :)    

We made posters and watched the race with the Van Leeuwen crew.  We first spotted the guys near mile 8, just as the rain was starting to come down.  

Then we went it to the finish line to watch and cheer.  

Here comes Roy...finishing hot, yet confident.  

Roy and Josh have so much to be proud of.  They trained well and they trained hard.  The weather conditions on race day were not favorable, and therefore neither ran their "best race" but there is still so much to be grateful for and celebrate.  Way to go guys!  

A family picture near the finish.  

After the race we enjoyed our share of race snacks (popcorn, chocolate milk, BBQ sandwich, ice cream, nachos) and when our bellies were full we headed for home.  When walking to our car we spotted this red guy and Hudson wanted a hug, high-five, and a picture with Cy the Cyclone.  It was a fun way to end our morning.  

May iPhone Pics

Here is the collection of random pictures from the month of May.  It was another month full of blessings...

Hudson recently discovered that the bank gives out suckers when you go through the drive up.  He now loves going to the bank.  

I was given a bunch of rhubarb, my absolute favorite spring flavor, and made a batch of my Grandma Dorothy's rhubarb crisp.  

Our sweet Malaysian student from Drake University, Farah, graduated on May 18th.  We were grateful to celebrate with her.  She has been a blessing to our family and we will miss her greatly when she returns home.  

Hudson and I made a trip to NW Iowa to attend my moms annual spring piano recital.  The performers did great and it was a privilege to celebrate with them.  

We delivered 100 Scratch cupcakes for the post recital treats for the piano students and their families.  They were a delicious sweet treat for everyone.  

Hudson spent a few days at my parents house, without Roy and I, and we took advantage of some time at home to work and relax together.  Planting our flowers and garden was the first thing on our agenda.  

Let the summer water fun begin.  Hudson has been asking to "paint with water" since April.   

Silly boy...walking in Daddy's shoes.  

A cute picture of our little artist.  

Hudson loves the park and we probably go 5 times a week.  "Clive Park" is his most often requested park, which we can easily walk, bike, or drive to.  :)  

Hudson made a Mother's Day flower for me at library story time.  

We enjoyed a special playdate with Hudson's buddy Olivia, before her family moved.  She will be missed, but we hope to stay in touch.   

After dinner these two love to wrestle, play, and tickle.  Oh such fun!    

This smile warms my heart every day.  It just doesn't get much better than this.  I absolutely love him to pieces.  

We attended several high school graduation parties one weekend.  One of them was in a barn and they served green tractor cookies.  It was a perfect treat for Hudson.   

We had another playdate, complete with a breakfast treat, with buddy Sam.

I completed my 3rd year of Bible Study Fellowship in May.  We had a lovely fellowship one evening to share, celebrate, and give thanks for God's faithful answers to prayers and the new friendships developed.