Thursday, July 31, 2014

Swings!

We got back on Sunday from a 2 week vacation in Hawaii.  It was amazing and I have a LOT (1,000+) of pictures to go through before I post about it.  

We met some friends at a playground today and I almost didn't bring my camera because I didn't want to take even more pictures that I would then feel like I had to post on the blog, but I am so glad I did.  Maggie went on the swings for the first time today and she LOVED it!

Big brother Charlie helped push her!

I know I took a ridiculous amount of pictures, but she was so cute.  She couldn't stop smiling!
Of course, Charlie wanted to swing, too.
Patrick (red shirt) helped push Maggie.
Jack helped push Charlie.
I was able to hang back and take pictures.  It was a fun time!

Friday, July 11, 2014

Iowa!

At the beginning of June, we went on a family vacation to Iowa.  Our first stop was to visit Jim's Uncle Mike who lives on the bluffs above the Mississippi River.  While we were there, he rented a cabin nearby and we went there for the day.
The boys got to go fishing.

Patrick caught a fish.
I caught a fish, too.  This picture makes it look small, but I am sure it was at least 20 pounds.  ;)
For lunch, we roasted hot dogs, and then marshmallows!   
Uncle Mike got to hold his youngest great-niece.
We had more s'mores after dinner.

The view from Uncle Mike's house is pretty amazing!


Pretty sunset 


Our next stop was the town of Perry, Iowa.  We stayed at a cool hotel, Hotel Pattee. The big jacuzzi tub was a hit with the boys.
On Saturday we went to the annual Perry Kids' Fest.  
The kids got to do crafts.

Maggie was attacked with kisses.
Jack tried out the robot costume.
Even Charlie liked doing the crafts.

They also got their faces painted.  


Everyone got a balloon, too!  I was not fast enough with the camera to get a picture before Charlie's popped.
That night, I went to a wedding of my good friends, Elaine and Rosie.  Jim and the kids hung out at the hotel after a dinner of pizza, Cheetos, and beer (just Jim had the beer).
It was so great to catch up with friends from my teaching days.
On the way home, we stopped in Kirksville and I showed the family where I went to college.  We took this picture in front of my old dorm.

It was a great trip and the kids want to know when we can go back to Iowa!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Trip to the ER

What started as a fun morning at a park with friends, ended as an afternoon in the ER with my 4.5 year old.  Patrick fell off some of the playground equipment and landed on his chin.  It was bleeding a lot and there was a big opening.  My friend followed me to the ER and then took the other three kids and I stayed with Patrick.  The first thing the nurse did was put some lidocaine on it.  Patrick was feeling better already.
After another dose of lidocaine, the doctor put seven stitches in his chin. Patrick was happy to play Angry Birds on the hospital's iPad while the doctor sutured him.
Battle wound:
Luckily it is not someplace that is too visible.  He's a happy guy now.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July!