Residency Graduation Celebrations - Friday

Andy had a few seminars to attend on Friday, so the kids and I stayed busy by meeting up with Nina, Marie's best friend from Holy Cross School in Sioux City.

We played at a park and had a picnic at the "Big Pencil" aka Floyd Monument.

They were so happy to play with each other again.

We were all ready for some resting that afternoon.

After a nap, more swimming of course!  

Then it was time to get dressed up for Andy's Graduation Ceremony.

Grammy, Papa, and Grandma Nel joined us for the evening. 

Andy did a great job with his speech and he also accepted 2 awards - 1 for being the Chief Resident for 2014-2015, and 1 for his teaching of medical students when they rotate through the residency program. 

 Marie and Bennett went home with Grammy and Papa while Brooks stayed back with Grandma Nel at hotel. Andy and I enjoyed an evening out with our friends to celebrate his big accomplishment.

We are so proud of Andy and it's unbelievable to think that we are completely done with his medical school journey.

It was rough and bumpy but it has brought our family even closer. Andy works so hard at his career choice and I know he is such a good and passionate physician.

Residency Graduation Celebrations-Thursday

Thursday morning the kids and I packed up and headed to Sioux City to start our celebrations for Andy's graduation from the Siouxland Medical Education Foundation Residency Program.

Thanks to Aunt Liz, we made it out the door in time!

The boys had their final appointment at the clinic that morning, followed by lunch with Mara - our friend who was Andy's junior chief resident this past year.

It was a beautiful day, so after the check in at the hotel, we all went swimming!

Brooks loved his first adventure in the pool! He was splashing right along with his big brother and sister.

That evening was the annual picnic at Leif Erickson Park. 

The kids ran until they couldn't even walk anymore...they had a great time with their friends from the residency. It was a great way to say goodbye to them!

Community Heroes

The kids and I have been enjoying our summer library program in Spirit Lake. The theme was "Community Heroes."

We have been able to meet the police dog, doctors, nurses, firemen, and men & women in the armed forces.

The culmination was a Community Hero fair where the kids were able to tour and have hands-on experiences with the heroes themselves.

The firetruck was a huge hit!

Fathers Day

 On Sunday we enjoyed a low key family day at home to celebrate our super Dad.

We went to church, made him breakfast in bed and brunch, and took a little rest.

Then, when everyone was ready to roll, we played on the slip 'n slide for hours!

 It was a hot and sunny day so enjoyed the refreshing water.

The dogs even took a little dip, too.

 It wasn't all fun though, Dad took some time to build a sandbox under our new swing set. The kids love the added room for sand play and the shade provided by the swing set.

Great job, Dad!

We love you so much and are so proud of all your hard work...you are so close to being done with residency.  We can't wait to see you and play all month long in July!

Ahoy, Matee - Bennett is Three!

We continued our month of celebrations with Bennett's birthday. 

Somehow, he is already 3 years old!

We started the day off with a trip to a local donut shop. 

The kids love these donuts and had fun picking out the kind they wanted.

Bennett was showered with gifts and so many people came to help us celebrate.

We had tacos and chips - just what the birthday boy asked for!

 We have had a lot of fun playing with his new toys already: golf clubs, tractors, remote control car, slip 'n slide, and water guns too!

In the evening we had a Jake the Neverland Pirate Birthday party for our Pirate, Benny Boy.

He loved the theme and was so excited over the smallest part....treasure map napkins.

Andy and I worked hard on his pirate ship cake.

Unfortunately by party time the ship had run into some bad weather, but it still tasted good!

At three years old, Bennett is quite the comedian.

He keeps us all laughing most of the day with the things he says. 

Many things are not blog appropriate, so you'll just have to imagine!

He is tall, athletic, independent, spirited, and all boy. 

He has a sensitive side which leads to his feelings being hurt easily. 

His eyes are my downfall...he will get away with so many things because of those beauties. 

He loves his sister and brother, aunts, uncles, Grandmas, and Papa. 

Lately he has developed an interest in golf. He loves wearing his hunting boots, playing on the swing set, pretend fighting, wrestling, and riding his bike.

Bennett, you are a boy who changes all the time. Just when we think we have you figured out, you decide to be a little bit different which keeps us on our toes.

We love you so much and are so thankful for the boy you are growing up to be!

Happy Birthday!

Brooks - 6 months

This month has been a big one for you Brooks!

You have moved into your 2nd home, you now have your own room, and you are eating so many new foods.

 

 You love to be outside, especially when you are watching your brother, sister, and dogs running around.

You talk all the time and love playing with your voice. 

You are saying "dada" and lots of silly sounds too.

 

 You are not rolling over from your back to your tummy yet but that's ok...you are really good at rolling from your tummy to your back. You love books and toys that make noise.
You weigh 23 lbs and are such a big boy!  Many people comment on your size.

 No teeth have arrived, but you are chewing on everything and drooling a lot so teeth are close.

Your giggle is contagious and everywhere we go we hear comments about how happy you are.

You rarely cry because you are so content and happy.

 The dogs are much more interesting to you now and you often reach for them. Gus and Maya are patient and love having you pet them, especially Gus.

He tends to look out for you often.

 I am so thankful you are content, laid back, and relaxed because this past month has been such a busy one for our family. But you have adjusted so well.

What a blessing you are, Brooks Richard.
Slow down, life is moving too fast!

Uncle Nathan is Here!

 With Andy finishing his residency in Sioux City, the kids and I are needing to find ways to fill our time. Thankfully we have lots of family around to help us out!

This past week, Uncle Nathan came to play!

A little rain didn't slow us down.

Trips to the Maritime museum and Arnold's Park passed the time until the sunshine came!

 We enjoyed time on the boat with plenty of swimming and even tubing.

 Bennett enjoyed his first tube ride...constantly saying, 'faster faster faster!'

 Brooks loved spending the hot afternoon on the floor of the boat.

He had snacks, Papa, and plenty of attention.

Thanks Uncle Nathan - it was such a great weekend!