Baby Piper

Once again we packed everything but the kitchen sink for a weekend get-away.

This time, Grandma Nel joined me and Marie for a visit to Peoria to see Piper, Molly, and Bryant.

Marie was always asking to hold Piper: "my hold her?" was a question we all heard over and over again. As we drove away on Sunday, Marie was sad to say goodbye to her new friend. She was saying, "my Piper." No worries Rie, we will see her again very soon!
Thanks to the VanMeeteren's for letting us come visit!

Minnesota Getaway

We were able to get away for a long weekend in Minnesota.
Our time was well spent with family and new adventures.

We ate at the Rainforest Cafe in the Mall of America.Uncle Nate was big hit...especially after the Dora purchase.

We went to the Children's Museum.Marie & Aunt Jean became fast friends.

Marie was always asking, "where's Jean?"

Although I don't have any pictures, Charlie and Bella became best friends as well. The two of them would chase each other, wrestle, and then collapse.

We look forward to visiting again soon!

the four of us

After this week, I think we can get through just about anything.
Although it may be small stuff to some, this week was a trial for us. Many things collided into a mishmash of craziness, fussiness, sadness, messiness, grossness, and tiredness.

I will just let you imagine what that all was...

As I write this, Marie is asleep with a temperature of 98.6 - that alone is a miracle, the final load of laundry is in the washer, my carpet has been somewhat cleaned with a bottle of Resolve, Charlie has been walked, and I am about to take a loooooong hot shower and collapse into bed

But, tomorrow will be a brand new day.

We are going to spend our weekend just being the four of us. And of course, celebrating Father's Day.
We have such a great Daddy at our house. He is funny, kind, smart, spontaneous, handy, and really good at making our house a home.

So, Charlie, Marie, and I made this little video to say thanks.
The three of us are so lucky to have him.

2 Year Pictures

We took advantage of a local photographer and got some great shots of our little family to celebrate Marie turning 2.

Although the morning was full of rain showers, we ended up with a great afternoon for pictures.

She is 2!

Happy Birthday Marie!

Daddy & I can't believe how much you have grown in the last year!

You continue to be independent, funny, caring, kind, challenging, silly, and curious.

We never know what you are going to say next and you always keep us on the move.

We are so blessed to have you as our little girl.

We love you!

Mommy, Daddy, & Charlie

Early Birthday Celebrations

Once again Marie is having many different birthday celebrations.

She was able to spend time with both sides of the family this past weekend up in N'West Iowa.

Not only was she showered with lots of love, hugs, kisses, and playtime, but also with gifts, ice cream cake, a Dora cake, and much more.
We were able to go on the boat with Papa & Grammy....
Watch Alissa dance in her recital...and Play with almost all her cousins.

What a fun way to start celebrating Marie's 2nd birthday!

Summer has started...

A BIG thank-you to our Ladybug friends: Wilma, JoJo, and Barb. You were VERY special to Marie! Now, onto the Butterfly Gang!

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Summer is officially here for the Mueting clan!

I am done with work, Marie is currently at her last day in the Ladybug room, Andy is wishing he had the summer off, Charlie is hot and bothered by the humidity, and we enjoyed our 1st bonfire of the season.

Marie was much more interested in hitting things with her long marshmallow stick than actually eating the marshmallow, but she had a good time!
And as promised, here is a pictures of the beautiful steps Andy built from scratch.
We are pretty impressed with his skills and Marie loves climbing up and down!