Weekend With Cousins

We enjoyed Father's Day weekend with family.  Cousins Clara, Ellsy and Maryn (and Uncle Ben and Aunt Jenna of course) came to Iowa to visit.  We had been anticipating their visit for several weeks, and Greta especially was thrilled when the day finally arrived.  On Friday we all pitched in with cleaning and food prep, preparing for the weekend festivities.  Shortly after the gang arrived to Papa and Nana's house we headed to Adel to enjoy an afternoon swim at the Tiger Pool. 

This girl is just full of spunk these days.  

Ben and Jenna brought a large piece of brisket and Roy had the job of smoking it in his smoker for our family picnic.  He woke up at 2:00am on Saturday to get it started and to his surprise, it was done by 11:00am, but he thought it was going to take 12 hours to smoke.  

The boys went to Redfield breakfast at the Legion Hall on Saturday morning.  

And the girls ate breakfast at home.  

It was a picture perfect summer morning so we enjoyed outside play time on the driveway.  

Papa Ed put the boys to work.  They scooped corn and then took out an old fence.  Hudson seems so grown up these days, doing stuff like the big boys do.  

We spent some time with Louise, which is always a blessing.  

We headed to Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale for an evening picnic.  We celebrated Nana, Mylo and Ellsy's June birthdays.    

Cousin Milly really enjoyed the watermelon.  

Brothers showing off their brisket.  

Greta adores Ellsy, she talks about her daily.  But I'm not so sure Ellsy feels the same excitement about Greta wanting to be right next to her at all times.  

Papa and Nana with their 8 grandkids.  Full hands and full hearts, blessed.  

Making Memories at Papa & Nana's House

Our days living with Papa Ed and Nana Sue are drawing to a close.  We have officially been living with them for one month and we have about 2 weeks left.  Our time has been SO blessed and we are so very GRATEFUL for the chance to make memories together.  

Hudson has been doing LOTS of farming with his Papa Ed.  He loves every minute of it and I can't seem to keep him inside when he sees what Papa is doing outside.  

This little lady is full of preferences and personality.  So thankful for this baby girl of mine.  

Popcorn and popsicles outside after Greta's nap has been our afternoon routine.  

We have thoroughly been enjoying the time to relax and refresh before the busyness of moving and unpacking begins.  

After popcorn and popsicles, the kids get on their swimming suits and play in the pool/sprinkler.  They have gotten several hours of fun out of this mini swimming pool.  Hudson's buddy Jonah came over for an afternoon playdate a few weeks ago.    

Greta girl likes to ride on Papa Ed's green machines.  

Nana taught Hudson how to operate her vacuum.  Good thinking, Nana!   

Hudson continues to keep up with his reading.  

Papa offered to take us to the Dairy Shoppe in town.  Greta got her usual, ice cream with sprinkles.  

Every day is a good day for ice cream.  

A rainy morning called for some play dough fun.  

Hudson and Nana shared a love for Almond Creme AE Greek Yogurt.  They have stopped making/selling it so they shared and savored the last container.    

We took in a few activities of the small town celebration, Old Settlers Day, in Redfield.   

We have enjoyed a few lunches on the patio with neighbor Louise.  She makes the most delicious smoothies for dessert, which the kids just devour.   

Hudson and Louise working together to make the smoothies.

Hudson "helped" Papa Ed haul several loads of corn and they stopped at McDonalds for a special lunch.  What is it about McDonalds that kids love so much?!    

Hudson has gotten good exercise out here on the farm, running around the yard and riding his bike all over the place.  

Daddy decided to take out the old photo albums one evening and took a walk down memory lane.  

Taking a few moments to relax with Papa Ed.  

VBS 2017 - Maker Fun Factory

Its that time of year again...Vacation Bible School.  June 11-15 Hudson attended Maker Fun Factory VBS at Westview Church in Waukee.  This is one of Hudson's most anticipated weeks of the summer (and quite possibly of the year) so he was all smiles when the big day arrived.  

Every evening the kids enjoyed singing (which Hudson said was his favorite part), crafts, games, a visit to the Snack Factory, and time to explore at the imagination station with sciency-fun gizmos.   

The Bible Points for each day were...

Sunday - God made you.  

Monday - God is for you. 

Tuesday - God is always with you. 

Wednesday - God will always love you. 

Thursday - God made you for a reason.  

The kids met a different Bible Buddy each night, who helped them remember the Bible Point.  The Bible Buddies are displayed on posters on the stage.   

Hudson requested to take a photo with the two song leaders.  He has been singing his heart out to the songs ever since.  

Greta girl got in on the singing on the last night because there was a closing slide show with singing.  She will be able to attend next year, and it can't come soon enough (in her mind).    

A video of a segment of the theme song, Made For This.  

Mrs. Angie is the VBS coordinator and she does an amazing job creating a welcoming and safe environment for the children.  Many are blessed because of her hard work and dedication.  

Is this a robot?  No...its Hudson!  

Sunday morning the VBS kids were invited to sing on stage during worship.  Even though it was Father's Day and we had family in town, Hudson insisted he must go to Westview to sing.  How can I say no to that?  So we drove 50 minutes for a 10 minute performance.  Hudson happened to be pretty much front and center, he knew all the words and actions and loved every minute of it.  Proud of this kid!  

Time with Bapa & Mimi

Earlier this month the kids and I spent about 5 days with my parents.  Summer provides great flexibility in schedule, which we all love.  Hudson did quite a bit of farming with my dad.  They especially like to feed cattle together.  We got to see two loads of cattle go out to market and a new load of cattle come in.   

We made an outing to the small town of Hull, where we grabbed a bakery treat and played in the "castle park."  We also went to Rock Valley to do some shopping and pick out flowers, which we helped Mimi plant.  

We enjoyed an afternoon playdate with friends.  

We went swimming at the Orange City pool with Cousin Ainsley.  

Hudson is all smiles when it comes to farming.  Between living with Roy's parents this month and visiting my parents, this little guy is in farm heaven.  

Hudson is learning to play the game Quirkel, which is a family favorite.  Greta likes to think she can play too.  

Saturday morning we got Casey's Bakery treats, like we always do.  Same sweet face and same deliciously big donut you have seen before.    

And for documenting purposes...I did a few projects while we were there.  I went through all my old classroom books.  I started with 23 tubs of books and got it down to 13 tubs of books.  I got a good start on Hudson's Kindergarten Portfolio and also went through my teacher files, tossing old lesson plans and project templates I no longer have a need for.  Organization is my friend, but it sure takes some time.  

I made a trip to Okoboji for the afternoon/evening to spend some time by the water, in the sun and with my aunts and uncle.  It was a restful and relaxing day and I'm thankful for mom and dad's willingness to care for the kids so I could get away.    

Celebrating Mr. Mylo

Sunday, June 4th was Cousin Mylo's 2nd birthday.  We headed to Melbourne to celebrate with him.  It was a perfect summer night, there was plenty of food, the kids had a blast and got to bed super late.  Here are a few pictures from the celebration.    

Hudson and Mylo hold the title of "Boy Cousins."

Greta spent a majority of the evening in this swing.  

Lynn made Mylo this huge birthday cake.  It was decorated so cute and tasted delicious.  Milly was just as excited and expressive about all the birthday festivities. 

The cake and homemade ice cream got an A+ from this girl.  

Miss Milly is a sweet little lady.  

This boy has a love for birthday parties and desserts. 

Mylo got a water table for a gift and all the "big kids" pretty much took it over.