Revival of the BLOG!!!

Somehow, and can hardly believe I am saying this, summer has come and almost gone! How did that happen? This is going to be my very LONG attempt at reviving this blog and documenting what we did this summer. We have been busy keeping our busy bodies on the move and of course, as expected, I have the pictures to prove it!
Much of this summer has been spent shirtless and dirty! What more did you expect right? Our neighbors all seem to be very clean all the time. How do they do that? Maybe its the farm blood in us. We like to be in the dirt (or if your Ava, eating dirt...and as it appears in this picture Kale may have had a big bite as well. Either that or it's chocolate. I'm betting on chocolate!) By sunset, if we aren't a little grubby with a few stains on the clothes we actually ARE wearing, we have been TOO lazy! :) (when I say "we" I mean "the kids" I am fully clothed :))

Over the Fourth (having to jog my memory of what even went on back then) we had the Schueller family join us down here. Kale loved having those babies around. He could hold a baby for hours. And the smaller the baby, the more he wants to snuggle. He was particularly fond of Macie this weekend. Ava, gave the babies no attention....

Note to all parents of young children: A backyard little blowup pool is worth EVERY penny. (Even if the water does get a ..whats the word Cole? Stagnant or something? Cole's paranoid about it..lighten up! :)) We spent hours and hour jumping in this thing! With or without water! with or without safety goggles as well! expect nothing less from kale!

This is my absolute favorite picture from the Fourth weekend. Apparently, our fireworks didn't even leave the ground. Landyn wanted nothing to do with pictures. All of his shouting was too loud for Macie who showed her disgust with that sweet lil' pouty lip, Ava was easily distracted and off to the races.... and then there was Kale, who wanted nothing more than to get this picture over with so he could leave, trying to hold the crew together with all his might. Needless to say, we called it a wrap... no picture of happy little angels in matching Fourth of July shirts. Maybe next year!

Our neighbors, Jill and Jeremy, kindly allowed the kids and I to crash their party with their family. Kale LOVED running around with all those kids. Here are some of the kids waiting for fireworks. They were more impressed by the dollar laser lights! It was a perfect night (minus the fact that Joe had to work but don't worry he joined after hours!)

Sweetie corn Ava! Big girls eat corn right off the cob and ...shirtless, of course!

And her pretty pink toenails! So, she won't let me put anything in her hair and I was feeling a little more girly than normal and I decided to take on the task of painting Ava's toenails. I knew my little busy bee would NEVER sit still long enough for me to accomplish this task under normal circumstances....SOOO I put her in the highchair and distracted her with a yummy ice cream treat. It wasn't graceful by any means but I haggled and wrestled and we got those suckers painted and you better believe they looked pretty! :)

Kale has made several successful attempts at this no training wheel thing. He can go straight on his own and is quite proud. However, his bike is never actually and "bike" to him. Its many other things. (i.e. motorcycle, crop sprayer, tractor, A+ lawncare treatment applicator, etc.) Those types of machines have a lot of work to do on a daily basis. So, it isn't long before he needs to make of for lost time of only going straight and get those training wheels back on so he can get his work done!

We spent a few days in Okoboji with the Goeken's! Mom and Dad rented a gorgeous condo (which we are trying to convince them of gettting one of their own..... it only seems logical right?). The kids all had a great time swimming, boating, fishing and catching fireflies. How wonderful!

Ava enjoyed the park there, as always. She loves to swing, slide and climb! And look at that sweet lil smirk.

Kale loved playing captain Kale in the boat and learning how to fish with Papa.

All the kids and Nana and Papa ready to go for a late afternoon cruise. It worked out perfectly and turned out to be a nice relaxing vacation with everyone.

Drake has been exhausted this summer. The neighbors got a dog, Max. They like to chase each other back and forth from their opposing sides of the fence. It makes for great exercise. In fact, Drake is down 2 pounds (which is a miracle considering all the foods Ava proudly feeds him during mealtime.) Our vet commended us for keeping him in great shape... :) Thanks Max for making us look good!

Hours in the sandbox. Lots of repeated phrases like, "Not in your mouth Ava." "No, Ava. Don't eat the sand." "Mom, Ava just ate all my sand!".... yep people, the girl loves dirt. we're talking not a tiny bit of sand..A WHOLE MOUTHFUL of sand...and shes sneaky about it!! Little stinker. Will she be on TLC's my stange addiction?..please, no!

Note #2 to parents of young children... Halloween costume are worth EVERY penny! Lots and lots of superheros, cops, firefighters and farmers at our house (just wait for the fairy princess costumes to join the collection!)

Kale got to go to VBS for the first time this summer. Here he is at church in his Wild For Jesus shirt. Overall success!

Ava has joined Kale in the love of books (which makes this teacher momma very happy :)). And again, in the underwear... don't judge people, less laundry!

Farmer Kale, husking our meal.

We love the pool! We are poolrats. Ava loves the water. It has been so fun to see how much they both have grown since the beginning of the summer. Ava loved the pool from the beginning but now she loves to find just the right depth so she can lay with her ears below the water and listen to the splashing. Kale, too, loved the water from the get go.... but amazingly he went from someone who THOUGHT he could swim to a someone who actually COULD swim. He swims under water like a little fish! He is so proud of himself!

Joe had to work and we were antsy, so we packed up to the state fair parade. Ava sat right beside Kale on the curb the whole time. They both seemed to be pleased. I on the other hand was thinking this was NOT worth a late bedtime. But, it wasn't about me right????? That's what I kept telling myself ;)!

Our state fair is a great state fair (insert the rest of the lyrics I don't know here)... We went to opening day of the state fair. We aren't very big fair goers (in fact, we didn't go at all last year) but the weather was absolutely gorgeous so we decided to pack up the troops! Surprisingly, it wasn't that crowded. Not even a line for the bathroom (and as it turns out we are very thankful for that...long story for another day)..phew!

We are typically very spontaneous in just about everything that we do...BUT this time i made an itinerary of what we were going to see in our visit. Way more fun, an itinerary is highly recommended! :) Kale enjoyed everything (except for when we decided to have Ava get a free eye exam. She screamed and so... Kale did too. He was "worried". Surprise surprise, his favorite part was sitting on the tractors, skidloaders and lawnmowers...hes a cheap fair date. Ava, of course, insisted on sitting on everything as well!

The big slide was fun! It IS a great state fair!

Joe has been keeping busy with work. He really likes his job and we are lucky enough to be living in an area where I don't worry. BUT you just never know. Joe has seen a lot this summer. In our relatively low key area we are occasionally reminded of us of what his job entails and the sacrifices he could and would make if he was put in a difficult situation. We just pray that he will make smart quick decisions and stay safe!

We have also been sucked into following some blogs of friends (actually friends of friends, that we don't even know personally) that are dealing with illnesses and now deaths of their sweet babies. One situation was a baby girl in, who at 7 months, was suffering from liver failure and died waiting for a donor. It is sad. It really hits home when you have young children yourself. We are now feeling guilty for our worries/stresses about Kale listening the first time, being gentle and calm, and using good table manners and Ava waking up before 6:30am, gagging herself on purpose at the table, screamign to get out of her carseat and picking her nose. We have two beautiful healthy children to be thankful for who are happy (well, most of the time). And somewhere, right now, parents are dealing with so many bigger life altering issues including the death of their precious baby. I can not even imagine! I am sure they would give anything for their child to wake them up in the middle of the night or throw a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store. My heart is so heavy for this family (again, that I don't even know but I feel like I do). Hug your babies people. Tomorrow is no guarantee. I am not going to sweat the small stuff with our kids anymore. They are just kids. Our kids. Happy and, thank God, healthy kids.

Whoa...sorry to get all spirtual and sappy and down! Let's turn this blog around now! Phew!

Kale's recent quotes:
(at raccoon river) Kale: What's a hillbilly?

Me: I don't really know how to explain it...

Kale: (quickly responding) Is it like that guy?

Me: (looking at a man with a long beard, swimming in overalls...busting out laughing) yes, I guess that would be a good example.

(Conversation stopped here...later that night getting ready for bed.)

Kale: Its funny hillbillies don't like swimming suits.

(we are mowing)

Kale: Why are you doing it that way?

Me: What?

Kale: That's not the way to do it.

Me: It's fine.

Kale: (as he stomps away) Interesting. (Really?? does he think he 16 or something?!?! :))

Ava's recent words (and lack there of but she makes up for it in busyness)

Dada

mama

Dah (Kale)

Dah (Duck)

Dah (Drake)... yep, duck,Drake AND Kale get the same name

Da En (the end)

Ah Du (all done)

NahNah (Nana)

Ahdododahdahdoo (We don't know what this is yet but she will have a full converstation with you repeating this phrase).

Look at these big baby blues.... and that beloved plug she can't get enough of! She is only to have it when resting or riding (but sometimes she suckers us into letting her have it more) but for the record she IS riding in this picture...a wagon ride counts!

Look at those big green eyes! and nope! luckily, he doesn't have a plug during resting OR riding ;). But oh does this boy give us a run for our money. But I guess I can only blame myself. From what I hear I am getting a taste of my own medicine..... and I wouldn't have it any other way (but if he could just go with the flow a little better...)

One of Ava's "looks" she has many of them... she has cute, shy, flirty,surprised and a not so nice "what the hell do you want!"... I think that would be this one. I guess her momma trys to make her smile too much for the camera. She's not taking the bait today!

Below Ava is reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. We have now read this book 8,903,451 times. I could recite it right now but I won't. She will sign "more" throughout the book until you get to the butterfly at the end. Just so she can swat it! :) She LOVES bugs...mostly because of the swatting.

Cheers to the end of summer and the start of fall! Looking foward to watching these two grow some more!

Thank you, Mr. Sun!

Now THIS is summer! The kids and I spent all morning at Raccoon River Park. So fun. Even better... we had the whole place to ourselves pretty much since we were early birds. When the crowd started flowing in, we were headed home. Perfect. Kale and Ava both LOVED digging and playing in the water. I, of course, had my camera and took about 120 pics (no joke) but got some really super cute shots. The best part was, this kids didn't even notice I was snapping a way! (usually Kale has a few complaints about the camera in his face ;)). Ava managed to bring home her share of sand (most of which was ingested) but it was so worth it. We were there for 3 hours...we could have easily stayed 3 more! Here are some snapshots of the morning!


Ava could hardly get those purple crocs of fast enough to get down to the water!






Kale has been working on mastering the art of the back float. I think he's got it! Now, if we could just work on the ineffective doggy paddle.


Monkey see.....



Monkey do.....


Homeward bound, what a great start to a beautiful day!

Summer!

Summer time has arrived but it does NOT feel like it! Good thing we bought pool passes this year..grrr! We did manage to squeeze in 2 trips to the pool before this arctic rush. Ava, just as suspected, is a fearless potential poolrat (I say potential because who knows if we will get back to the pool this summer at this rate with the rain and cool temps). She was jumping, splashing, practicing her strokes and dives (this two times I had to pull her under both times she looked at me laughed). Needless, to say, Ava is NOT satified with the pool from the 0 depth area. She perfers the deep end which makes for one busy momma! Here she is sporting the suit!



I love my job during the school year and also for this incredible summer break to spend with my family. Joe has been working at Character Building Academy since school got out. It's official, he could have never been in the teaching profession. However, I think he does see the impact he could have on young lives in such a short amount of time. Mostly though from the scheduling prospective we LOVE character camp because of his "normal" hours. But, I think he is itching to get back out "on the road." That's cop talk for out on the streets fighting crime.. :)!
We met Shannon, Sheldon and Jake at the Omaha Zoo. The boys had a great time together. Ava did great until she faceplanted on the concrete. Ooops.. Poor thing. The weather was perfect!




Adventureland with the Lust family was a blast as well! Kale hit up all the rides with Addison and Camille. I think it helped to have these two fearless leaders along to help the confidence! Mom and Dad (ok mom) did not give him enough credit! (I have never been a rides fan..). We sent Ava on a couple rides as well. Dad won the apprehensive award for her...Ava loved, of course! Joe paced nervously watching like a hawk. :) Good times had by all. Ava was asleep before we left the parking lot! (rare for her to even nod off in the car!)





We have made it back to see the Grandmas and Grandpas once this summer. It was Great Grandma and Grandpa Goekens big 65th wedding anniversary party. We had a celebration at the Community Center in Everly. It was very special.

I have a new found hobby that I can't seem to get enough of (but I think my kids have had enough ;), Photography! Lots of the camera in the face. Kale has been playing right along. He has claimed my old camera as his own and has added photographer to his long list of jobs. Here are a few: Calling all cute kids! My kids would loved to be replaced as the guinea pigs so let me know if you want to be in a photo shoot with me ;)





Can't wait to see what the rest of summer brings! Mr. Sun, Please shine down on me!!!!

Wet, rainy, miserable! This weather has been putting a damper on our outdoor fun. Kale's "sheep" and "horses" are not enjoying it either and are probably starving since Kale has not been out to do "chores" much lately!
We had a wonderful Easter weekend and the sun even managed to make an appearance on Sunday allowing Kale to get his traditional tractor ride and Ava on her first of many! She loved it. I FORGOT my camera, which I CANNOT believe but don't worry-- I borrowed Grandma's I just don't have any to post right now!
We celebrated Jake's third birthday. Buzz Lightyear is quite popular this year along with the rest of the Toy Story gang. Jake and Kale really do have a lot of fun together. But they act like brothers rather than cousins. We parents find ourselves refereeing alot. Things go much better if we leave the room and hope for the best! We enjoyed helping him celebrate although Kale is really hoping his birthday will come quickly! Here is a funny Jake conversation.
Me: (we were just about to leave to go outside) Jake, have you gone to the bathroom?
Jake: Ya, last reek.
Me: Last Week?
Jake: Ya
Me: Okay, you're good.
Here are the two michevious ones.... love these pictures. I can see in their eyes they have an agenda!




What's Ava up to? Well she has ALOT to say and we have no idea what she is talking about. The conversations used to be entertaining but now we are getting to the point where our responses back to her must not be relevant to the message she is attempting to convey. She can become irritable with you rather quickly if you don't do what she asks. Now, if we only knew what she wanted! She IS starting to point at things when she blabs about them so there is now a very small chance you just might have an idea of where the conversation is headed but usually not... She recently has developed and new hobby. screaming...loud screaming. This is a hilarious activity that we at one time found quite comical as well. Not so much anymore. :)
She is also up and down the stairs several times a day. She has mastered the art of bringing things with her to different levels of the house and hiding them...making it a crap shoot to find any missing item. Yesterday, however, I lost HER. This is where I found her. Kale thought it was so funny he had to join the fun!

Hey at least she found the pink plug I had been looking for... maybe it was in the dryer?!?!
And FINALLY, at 14 months, I can say she sleeps like a champ! Usually around 13 hours straight making for a much more well rested family!
Kale (aka, Bill, as he would prefer to be called) has been working on using a kind voice and saying "ok". I will keep you posted on that progress :). He keeps us very very busy and engages in many insightful conversations. Here is one I had with him in the car today:

Kale: Was I in your uterus when you played with your basketball team? (referring to high school)
Me: No.
Kale: (gasp) Where was I?
Me: You weren't created yet.
Kale: (LONG pause) well...talk to me about that?
Me: You were just a twinkle in my eye.
Kale: What? your eye? I thought I started like an egg.
Me: what?
Kale: Did I start like a little chicken in a egg?
Me: No. Remember mammals don't lay eggs.
Kale: I wasn't an egg (in a confused voice).
Me: (thinking omg where is this conversation going I am NOT ready for this) actually yes there is an egg involved but not like a chicken egg... its....uh.. uh
Kale: (interrupting) is there milk in coconuts?
Me: YES! Lets talk about coconuts!

He also continues to be very interested in being different kinds of "workermen" throughout the day. This results in at least 6-8 FULL wardrobe changes and a lot of laundry. He has been trained to but his dirty clothes (that was one he wore one outfit a day) straight into the hamper.... just can't win, can I? :)
Joe brought Kale and Ava to visit my classroom today. We happened to have inside recess because of the lovely weather and Kale got to stay and play. Kale didn't want to leave and it was neat to see some of my students being some "brotherly" to Kale and showing him around. I was glad Kale could make it while there were kids there. He always asks about the kids I teach. I did tell Joe to bathe them both in hand sanitizer as they left though! :)

Spring!

Things have been hopping around here. Since I last blogged (sorry it's been awhile for those following our action packed life ;)) I had spring break. It was a nice relaxing week with the kids. We were planning on a trip to Minneapolis but it would've been rushed AND judging by how much Ava likes her carseat, we decided a relaxing week at home would be just as enjoyable. Instead, I took Kale to his first live producation, Madagascar. He loved it.


We did make a trip back to Northwest Iowa, but that was about the extent of our travels. Our nephew, Landyn, was baptized and we got to meet the newest Schueller, Macie! This is the best I could do for a picture. Hopefully, a better one next time everyone is together.


The following weekend was Joe's birthday. I decided I was going to attempt to pull off a surprise. I knew he was suspicious (i guess, anyone in law enforcement who was any good at their job would be, right?)but, apparently, he knew from the first day I started inviting people. I guess, in the madness of sending facebook messages and emails I ended up inviting him to his own party! ugh! Oh well, he acted surprised...so I am counting it as successful. Lots of running around for me though..still sweating! And with all that work..no pictures! Can you believe it?! But here is one of the yummy Birthday cake!


The kids have been LOVING the weather we have been having. Today it was 82! Even busted out the sunblock today! We have been going on LOTS of walks, picnics in the backyard, grilling, and bike rides. I can almost taste summer!
Ava hates her carseat....and i mean really hates...BUT we have discovered she loves it with the windows down. So, if we can drive 3 hours with the windows down it should make for a much more pleasant trip to Grandma and Grandpa's! The warm weather MUST stay!
She was laughing and screaming in this picture!

Along with springtime come the owies! Ava got her first wound on the driveway. She is pretty sure-footed these days.... except for when it comes to running down inclined driveways. Poor babe! There were tears at first. But with a little distraction she forgot about it and hasn't complained since. Tough cookie.

Kale has been enjoying just being able to walk outside without getting all bundled too. Lately he has been feeding his "sheep" and "horses" every morning in the backyard right after breakfast. If he waits any longer than that they get too "frisky" and next week he is going to start "shearing". And we all know "that's a really tough job." He's even has been dressing the part lately. It is not surprising to see Cowboy Kale in our front yard, chaps and all. ( I tell you what, Halloween costumes are worth EVERY penny! Just buy them big enough the can wear them for years! Kale has worn all of his many many many times and would wear them to church if we let him!) People used to ask about them "whats the occassion?" "costume party?"... now no one bats an eye! It's almost expected! :)