Great Weekend

We had a fun busy weekend! It all started on Friday night after having pizza at my parents house. Jeremy and I took a trip to see a van we might like. It turned out to be exactly what we were looking for! Right car right price! We traded in Jeremy's Taurus and surprised the kids with our new used van (2002 Oldsmobile Silhouette).

Saturday morning we took a little trip in the car in which the kids didn't want to get out. Aaron is very proud of "his" van.

We had friends come in from Mishawaka around 3 and we headed for the zoo. It was fun and hot. We enjoyed dinner at the Olive Garden and a game of Euchre before they headed home. I don't remember who won the game which probably meant the boys did. Their 2 kids were great with Sammie and Aaron. Samantha loved the attention Elizabeth (9) gave her along with two stuffed puppy dogs she wouldn't put down.

Sunday morning we took a long family bike ride. We rode probably about 10 miles. The kids did great and enjoyed pointing out the birds, barns and muddy river. We were hot and hungry when we got back so we headed to the Cracker Barrel for a great lunch. I highly recommend the chicken pineapple salad!

After naps Aaron helped Jeremy wash the car. He took his job very seriously.

We ended the night playing with toys and flying Buzz and Woody around the house (It was priceless watching the kids run around the house with Jeremy with their dolls.)

It was a great weekend!

Playdate

Yesterday we headed out into the country (Grabil) for a play date at Rachel's house. Rain threatened the whole time but we still got a chance to run around outside and feed some horses next door. Sammie enjoyed watching and pointing at them but Aaron went right up and fed them carrots. He was sad when all the carrots were gone. It was a nice time had by all.

After the kids went to bed Jeremy and I got Dairy Queen (me I got the Fudge Temptation Waffle Bowl Sundae and Jeremy got his usual m&m blizzard.) We enjoyed our treat then turned out the lights and watched as a storm rolled in. I love summer storms, especially when I'm inside!

Daddy's Little Helper

Samantha helped Jeremy mow the lawn last night. She stopped long enough to strike a few poses!

Yesterday I went to another doc appointment and everything seems well with baby! Aaron asked if the baby would come to his birthday party. Aww! I told him mommy wouldn't be ready by then. It was a hot day outside so the kids and I spent a little time outside then would cool off in our nicely air conditioned house.

Below are some more pics from Father's Day at my parents house.

Sammie and Papa

Aaron and Brandon showing off what they learned at swimming lessons

Fathers Day Weekend

This has been a fun weekend! Yesterday we took my dad out to breakfast and then all went to their house to swim for awhile. In the afternoon Jeremy and I brought Aaron to his first movie at the theatre (Toy Story 3)! He loved it. Besides having to sit through 21 minutes of previews it was great. I think Aaron ate over half our medium popcorn! He was so excited and played Toy Story the rest of the night when we got home.

Today was a nice relaxing morning. We went to putt putt and had a blast. Aaron loves getting the ball in the hole. Sammie was content to walk around with her putter and ball and even tried to swing a couple of times. Jeremy beat me as usual but I won $20 when he bet me I couldn't make 2 putts(: Victory in and of itself. We ate lunch outside and will head to my parents for more swimming and a cookout tonight.

Aaron helped me make a cheese cake for Jeremy, his favorite!

Happy Father's Day Jeremy. I couldn't ask for a better daddy for our kids!

Today Katie and I took the kids to the zoo. It was about 80 at 9am. Hot hot hot but also fun fun fun! They got to see all of their favorite animals and imitated the lion after they heard him roar. the boys highlight was the sharks in the aquarium. The girls really enjoyed the monkeys. After a little over an hour we headed back and got ready for lunch at the pizza hut buffet. It was a fun morning had by all. Now hopefully everyone is tired out enough for a good nap!! Why do we even bother bringing a stroller?
Aaron is King of this Rock

Kayla and Samantha enjoying the ride
Aaron and Brandon posing in front of their favorite waterfall

Pool Time

Today I got together with Alison at her parents pool. I've known Alison since we were both about 3 and we've remained close friends throughout the years. Now we both have 2 kids with number 3 on the way. Swimming in the pool brought back memories of summers past when I was little spending my summer days there. Samantha wanted nothing to do with the water but was overjoyed when Alison's mom Pam brought her 2 Popsicles! She looks so relaxed in this pic!

Aaron was so excited about trying out all the swimming he learned in his swimming lessons that ended a few weeks ago! He did great and had a blast!

Girls Day

Every Wednesday morning my sister Katie and I pack up our kids and head to my parents house for Girls Day. It started when I moved back to Fort Wayne and we both just had the boys. Wednesday used to be my mom's day off. We have continued it now with two more and two more on the way! The kids always look forward to seeing mema and Katie and I look forward to a walk through our old neighborhood. Today after lunch the kids enjoyed time out in the sandbox since the pool was still too cool. The boys made us all kinds of foods from the sand! Sammie and Kayla enjoyed pouring the sand out of the sandbox. It was a lot of fun. This is how Sammie goes to nap and bed. Has to have her two kittens! AWW!

We had a really enjoyable weekend. From playing in the puddles from the ton of rain we've been getting to taking a trip to the toy store it was a nice long weekend. On Saturday we got lots of yard work done in the morning so after naps we took a trip to Toys R Us to look around and then headed to the mall for some chick fil a and a carousel ride.

On Sunday we had our neighbors the Biggs over for a lunch cookout. They have 2 kids as well. It was a nice get together. After naps Aaron had filled up his potty chart with stickers so we headed to Target to pick out a toy. He picked a cars racer. He kept telling me it was awesome (word Jeremy just taught him.) We ended the night reading books and singing the "Ha Ha Hallelujah song. Both Sammie and Aaron joined in and at the end when you say "I've got the joy of the Lord" they would go wild jumping all around and giggling. It's those moments you want to bottle up so you can revisit another time! Mr. Puddle Jumper

Aaron's filled out potty chart and prize!

Germanfest

Today I took the kids downtown for a good german lunch at Germanfest. We met my dad, Jeremy and Katie and Brandon. We had gorgeous weather and the kids enjoyed listening to the music and running around a bit after lunch. I tried to get Aaron to use a port a potty. He took one look and said "I'll wait till I get home!" Ha! I don't blame him in the least. He is still doing great with the whole potty training. So nice and he's so proud of himself!
I am 14 weeks pregant with Vance baby number 3. Feeling good! Loving the nice weather and trips to Dairy Queen(:

Zoo on Sunday

We hit the zoo last Sunday. Sorry I'm late in getting these posted. It was a chilly morning but the kids didn't mind. We had a nice time seeing all the animals then after naps we inflated a jump and slide that we were testing out for Aaron's party coming up next month. Both kids approved!!

Samantha Stats!

Samantha my beautiful 1 1/2 year old!Lots of teeth to smile with
Mommy's little helper
I'm 18 months old today!!

Well Samantha turned 1 1/2 last week but I just took her to the doctor today so I wanted to wait until I had her stats before posting!

Samantha is 23lbs 13 oz and 32" in height! She grew 2" in the last 3 months. She is in number 4 diapers and eats in a booster seat now like her big brother. She loves to carry around a baby doll or stuffed cat to kiss hold and even pretend feed!

Her laugh is infectious and she loves to be paid attention to. She loves to sing, dance, run and jump. When we go for walks she is eager to get out of the stroller once we get to our street so she can walk down the street to our house by herself usually stopping along the way to point out a bird, squirral or dog. Sammie knows most of her body parts and loves to tell you what different animals say. She is especially good at a duck and elephant sound.

Samantha just started really enjoying to be read to. she likes to pick out the books and will tell you if you picked the wrong one. She will always pick out a dress over shorts if you let her and enjoys having a bow in her hair if you tell her how pretty she is. She enjoys playing with Aaron's toys, especially when he's on the potty and can't get them back from her. They enjoy playing chase around the house.

One of the highlights a couple weeks ago was going to the doctor to hear the heartbeat of the newest Vance member to make their arrival in December. Both kids thought hearing the heartbeat was pretty neat.

Samantha you are so beautiful inside and out! We love you very much!