Father's Day Week

I had the idea to make a list of some of Daddy's favorite things, plus ideas of how we wanted to love on him, to celebrate Father's Day all week long.  This is what the kids and I came up with.  We didn't get to all the items on the list, but most of them we did.  

Ivy's first time in Cyclone clothes.  She was pretty happy about it.  

On Tuesday we all wore our ISU clothes and grabbed ice cream together after Daddy was done with work.  

Chocolate sprinkles with ice cream for this adorable ISU cheerleader.  

Hudson is such a loving big brother and adores baby Ivy.  

We go to Van Dee's once a summer, its a tradition.  

We put together this 10 balloon activity...we each came up with a few different things we loved about Roy, typed them up and cut them in skinny strips.  We rolled them up tight and stuck each one inside a balloon before blowing it up. Daddy popped them and read what was inside.  

Daddy stayed home with the kids Friday morning while I went to "work."  He dressed Ivy in the outfit he bought for her.  Corteva Agriscience is Roy's employer.   

And while I was gone they grabbed Culver's for lunch.  

Ivy Rae dressed up and ready to see her cousins.  

Greta and Ellsy, so excited to be together again (first time since February).  

It was a lovely summer evening for a picnic in the park.  

Celebrating Ellsy's birthday with a Spirit horse cake.  

Enjoying ice cream with Miss Maryn.  

Cousins = Buddies 

Everyone took a turn holding Ivy and she was very open to everyone's loving (even though she has quite the scowl in this picture), which was such a blessing.  

Cousin Mindy asked to hold "Baby Ivy."  

How much longer will the three of them still fit on this tire swing?  

They play so well and enjoy being together.    

Sunday morning Roy made another batch of homemade rolls.  What a guy!    

Opening Father's Day cards and gifts before breakfast.  

Roy is a great Daddy to our three kids and they are so blessed to have him.  

Hudson and Clara had fun building LEGO's together on Sunday afternoon.  

Ivy and Nana are thankful to be together snuggling again.  I love how Ivy's little arm is wrapped around Sue's.    

Papa Ed tossed the Jelly Belly's out on the table and let the kids have their feast.  

Hudson's card for Papa...Yoda Best Papa!  

Sunday afternoon water fun with the cousins.  

Celebrating these great dads!  

First Days of Summer

Hudson likes to cook dinner and he made Hawaiian chicken kabobs.  Unfortunately, the chicken turned a yucky texture so we threw it all out, but the pineapple and peppers were yummy.  

This little one is always chewing on her fingers.  

A hike in the woods with friends.  

Smiles and snuggles with Daddy.  

Most nights Greta insists on holding Ivy after her bath and before I put her to bed.  

This photo is a sweet memory from this season.  Greta likes to perform, she likes to have an audience.  Ivy is completely content laying there to watch her sing and dance.  Greta is happy and Ivy is happy.  I love the sweet sister bond they share.  

Mr. Honey Do is my hero and I have been keeping him busy these days with projects around the house.  This picture documents how he (helped) install our new chandelier in the foyer, washed the window and dusted the high ledge while we had the tall ladder.  He really is the best!  

Heading out for a Sunday afternoon bike ride.  

Crazy Saturday night entertainment with the baby butt cream applicator (which happens to be one of our favorite new baby items).  We are wild over here, folks!  

Greta set up an office in her room.  She is working on her computer (its a book she opened at an angle to be like a laptop).  Love her creativity for "setting things up."  

Have I mentioned I love putting Ivy in all of Greta's old clothes?  

Hudson has been working hard on his paint by number project I got for him at Hobby Lobby (thanks to Aunt Jenna for the suggestion).  

Lazy summer morning snuggles for these three cuties.  

The neighborhood park opened up on June 1st.  We decided it was time for Ivy to try out the infant swing (in her pajamas).  As you can see she was pleased and had a grand time!  

I love that big smile!  

"Mama, my name is Greta Swinger and I love to swing."  

Greta plays next to Ivy in this floor gym on a daily basis, squeezes her and tells her she is "the best sister."  

Smiles for Daddy on "Daddy Daycare Day."  

We stopped for a picture on a lovely evening walk.  So thankful this handsome guy is mine.  

Tubby time for Ivy Rae!  

Mimi Came to Visit

It had been 2 1/2 months since we saw my mom.  That is too long for us and especially since we have Ivy who is changing all the time, that feels far too long.  We were so excited for her visit and thankful she was willing to make the trip.  The time together was so sweet and we appreciate the many ways she served and cared for us during her stay.  

Mom wore the shirt we gave her for Mother's Day.  It says..."My Favorite People Call Me Mimi."  

Also, I was preparing myself that Ivy may not want to go to mom and get sad when she held her.  I mean...she has only been around me, Roy, Hudson and Greta for the past 2 1/2 months.  But Ivy went right to my mom, she was happy and content in her care.  What a blessing!    

Ivy playing on the floor take #1.  

Ivy playing on the floor take #2.  

Ivy playing on the floor take #3.  

When Mimi was around we tackled a creative project with the kids.  I had gathered (and Papa Ed delivered) two extra large cardboard boxes.  One was a refrigerator box and the other was a washing machine box.  Our mission was to create a playhouse out of the two boxes.  I gathered ideas and inspiration from Pinterest, Mimi contributed some supplies and I used stuff I had here at home.  It came together nicely.    

Decorating the inside with markers.  

We used some old scrapbook paper to make shingles, shutters and a front door.  

They came up with the house number 950 because Hudson is 9, Greta is 5 and Ivy is 0.  

A look inside the house from the exterior.  

Before Mimi left on Thursday afternoon the ice cream truck came to our neighborhood.  She promised us treats before she hit the road.  

Summer sweetness!