Cousin Love

 

This past weekend we were able to spend 24 of the most glorious hours with 2 precious new babies.

This was the first meeting of the 5 cousins...and the love was overwhelming. 

Ryan Joseph

Allison Marie

I knew my kids were baby-crazy but the way they took turns holding them, oohed and awwed over the smallest things, and even became sad as we left was surprising to me. 

Marie loved holding Ryan and Allie. 

She changed a diaper, rocked, sang songs, wiped spit up, and even helped with the dog, Cali. 

 

She assured Liz that she was doing a great job as a new mommy. 

Bennett held the babies and preferred no blankets so he could get as close as possible to them.  

He told stories, sang "take me out to the ball game," and was ready to help if anyone needed it. 

Brooks even held the babies. He liked pointing to their head, nose, and eyes. 

 

He rubbed their tummies, read them books, and even shared his Papa and Grammy for a few minutes. 

Ryan and Allison are completely surrounded in love and there is no mistaking that!

Dance pictures

 Marie is close to her first ever dance recital.  

On Sunday, she had individual and group pictures taken with her tumbling group.

 I was never in dance, and I wasn't so sure about all the craziness that can sometimes be involved with the costumes and makeup, but I have to admit it was so much fun getting her ready on Sunday.

 

 Here she is with one of her best friends, Bridget.

The girls loved talking about their makeup and dresses together.

 

Her performance is in May to the song, "Supercalifragilisticexplialidocious."

Children's Museum-Mankato

Our calendar for spring is filling up quickly with soccer, t-ball, swimming lessons, and of course work. 

So, we took advantage of a Saturday with nothing else to do and drove to Mankato, Minnesota for a day trip

We met Uncle Nathan for the day and he spent time with the kids at the children's museum. 

Everyone had a great time...even the adults!

The kids love the construction site area...they worked together building walls and arches for the first half hour. 

 

They farm area is also a big hit with a tractor, garden, and chicken coop. 

Brooks thought the coop was a perfect hiding spot. 

 After all that farming they needed a rest. 

These two have a sweet bond and Brooks loves his big sister so much. 

I have such a helper in her.

 This photo of Bennett and Brooks made giggle out loud...they look like two boys just sitting on the porch, shooting the breeze after a long day.

 A new addition is life size games for kids and adults to play together. These were a huge hit!

 After the museum, we spent some time shopping at the mall, running around the play area, reading books in the book store and grabbing ice cream for supper!

it's finally spring!

We have been soooooo anxious for spring weather to arrive and stick around for more than one day. 

The kids are itching to spend time outdoors doing what they love.

We have definitely made up for lost time as we have spent hours and hours outside in the last few weeks: playing, biking, swinging, digging in the sand, and even doing some work on the house and yard. We even fit in our first boat ride of the season!

Papa has plenty of first mates to help him steer the course!

With more outside time comes a few injuries unfortunately...

bug bites, scraped knees, and even a collision with a handlebar resulting in some skin glue and assistance from Dr. Dad.

 Bennett is recovering nicely and looks forward to showing off his "cool scar" to people in the future!

After a lovely spring day, we are all filthy and exhausted...including the dogs!

The Muetings say, "Bring on Summer!!!"