Marie's Spring Program

 Tonight was Marie's school spring concert so we took a few pictures of the kids in clean clothes...I feel like it is rare anymore to have all 3 clean at the same time.

 They turned out so precious.

 

 Marie was lucky to have Grandma Nel, Papa, and Grammy all there to watch her!

She did a great job with the songs and loved getting all that attention.

It's hard to believe that springtime is here!

Blessed with Family

 This weekend was full of family, fun, and not much sleep.

We spent our days with both sides of our family and we had a blast doing so.

We started out Friday night in Spencer with Grammy, Papa, Uncle Nathan, Uncle Andrew & Aunt Liz. We watched basketball, wrestled, and had a belated birthday cake for Papa.

All 3 kids loved the attention, especially Brooks who was smiling and talking like crazy.

in the midst of all the basketball, we fit in a game of tackle football. Marie and Bennett were right in the mix running touchdowns and tackling too!

 On Sunday we headed to Sheldon to celebrate Anneke's birthday. 

Once again we were busy from the get-go with tractor rides, playing, and more cake & ice cream!

Brooks had lots of cuddles again!

 

 It was an exhausting weekend as you can see, but so much fun!

Brooks - 3 months

How time flies...you are already 3 months!

Brooks, you have done so much growing in this past month. 

You love to giggle, smile really big, and play with your toys by kicking and hitting at them. 

You are a cuddler with Mom, but you are already liking to play a little rough...you boys are going to cause trouble for Mommy, you know that?!

You love to eat...which is why your 6 month clothes are fitting so snugly.

You are usually a good sleeper but have some rough nights now and then....which is why Mommy's eyes are so puffy and dark.

You chew on your hands...which is why your arm is always dripping in drool.

You tolerate the dogs...which is why they "pin" you down to give you kisses and protect you.

You love your brother and sister...which is why you are already rolling over and trying to get closer to the action!

You make everyone smile...which is why we are so thankful you are in our family.

We are starting to hear your voice much more in the last month. 

It is quiet until you feel you are not being heard, then you know just how to get attention!

You love to be talked to, especially when you are lying on the floor kicking your legs.

Tummy time is actually fun for you and you are really good at holding your head up when we practice that on the floor. You especially like the sun room because it is so bright and full of windows.

It's hard to believe you are already this old...Slow down little buddy, life is moving too fast!

 

weekend wrap up

 look how cute and cooperative they are...

oh, wait- that's more like it!

with the warm weather this past weekend, we spent much of our time outside. 

Andy was on call so I put the kids to work to keep them from fighting/bickering in that loving sister/brother kind of way.

 we also introduced some "potty time" to Bennett.

Stay tuned...this could be a long story with many chapters involved...

 He has had some success but we are not quite ready to be completely away from diapers.

At least he is trying!

Rolling already?!

Well he did it, Brooks rolled from his tummy to his back!

We have been practicing his tummy time a lot lately and he actually enjoys it.

Yesterday while playing with Bennett, Brooks rolled over like he had done it a million times!

He is getting way too big, way too fast!

Life in the iPhone

 Lately it seems like my phone has been capturing more snapshots than my camera.

Here's what has been happening:

Marie was sitting on her rocking chair and wiggling a little too much - so much that she got stuck!

It took the "Jaws of Daddy" to get her out.

 

 Our friend, Kevin, stopped in on his way to California. He is a genius chemist who is moving to California with his new company, yadda, yadda, yadda.

He cooked us tacos with homemade shells...yum!

 The boys had a day of basketball with Papa so the girls spent a day together too.

Lunch, a little shopping, and a snack was just what we needed.

Marie and I made our own frozen yogurt bar at home with our own ingredients.

It was delicious and we were stuffed!

 The boys watching Basketball in Sioux Falls.

They even spotted Papa in one of the photos from when he was a Coyote!

 Marie had her best friend, Nina, from school over to play.

They have such a sweet friendship that will be hard to leave at the end of the school year.

Park, here we come!

 Yeah, it's almost spring!

The weather was GORGEOUS this weekend and we couldn't wait to get outside and enjoy.

Of course, we headed to our favorite park for kids and dogs.

 We all put on our mud boots and enjoyed every second of our playtime.

It felt so good to breathe in the fresh air, even for Brooks!

 

 The kids chose to play hide and seek.

The dogs made it tough to hide for long!

 Our favorite room in our Sioux City house is the sun room.

Warm spring days mean we get to open up the doors and spend time out there.

After the park, Brooks was ready to lay on the floor and enjoy the sun.

We are so anxious to be outside more - Bring on the sunshine!