Weekend Wrap Up - Blank Park Zoo (9.26.15-9.27.15)

Wow, where did this past weekend go? It was a productive, yet busy weekend with beautiful weather. On Saturday, I taught cycling at the Ankeny Y then we spent time with neighbors grilling. It's great to live in such a young and vibrant community! I love that we can step out our backdoor and chat with our neighbors while the kids play.

On Sunday, we attended the 8:30 mass at OLIH. We instructed each of the kids that they need to behave if they wanted to go to the zoo after mass. Little-C was an angel, but not R-man. He's a typical boy who can't stay confined to a small area and be quiet for 1-hour. He threw colors in the aisle and screamed. We had a long talk once we got into the car and headed home. He's a typical boy who has more energy than I do!

They both begged to see the giraffe's and lion's so off we went to the Blank Park Zoo. We stopped by the first exhibit to see the frogs. Little-C kept saying they were dead because they didn't move.

Weekend wrap up (Nothing Compares to the Iowa State Fair) 8.20.15-8.23.15

Our weekend began on Thursday when we headed to the Iowa State Fair as a family. We weren't sure how long we'd make it since our kids are small, but we made it 6 1/2 hours! As you can see from the photos, we had a fabulous day with beautiful weather.

On the way to the fair, we dressed the kids in warm clothes because it was a bit chilly that morning. 

Super thrilled to be going to the fair.

Wondering where we are taking him again.

Our son is 2 - Where did the time go?

A week ago, we had R-man's 2nd birthday party. Dave and I are seriously wondering where the last two years went. I can remember when I was pregnant with him and wondering when he was going to arrive after my due date came and went!

His actual birthday was July 30. We celebrated by getting his photos taken in the morning by Kari Bruck Photography, and then donuts at Main Street Cafe & Bakery because they both smiled good.

R-man's 2nd birthday - his sister got a photo opportunity too!

Time with Cousins

Last week, I took a few days off to spend with my older sister and her three kids. As younger siblings, we fought a lot because we are so close in age - 16 months to be exact. Let's hope this doesn't reflect the same upon my children when they get older since they are only 19 1/2 months apart!

On Thursday, we went to The Playground for Kids in Ankeny. Kids ages 12 and under can play on the playground and jump in the bounce houses. All of the kids had a great time and R-man tried to keep up with the big kids. Sometimes scaring me a bit too much.

Our weekend wrap up - Trip to Galena, IL (8.7.15-8.9.15)

This weekend, we went to Galena, IL and it was our first family trip with the four of us. The kids had a great time and so did Dave and I.

On Friday evening, we had to can some corn and black bean salsa so the tomatoes were awaiting us when we got back on Sunday. We got twelve jars! Even though it is a lot of work cutting up the peppers, onions and tomatoes - it is well worth it when the slow is flying and we're eating the food we canned.

Corn and Black Bean Salas that we canned.

Weekend Wrap Up (7.24.15 - 7.26.15)

Wow, it's Monday and I already feel like I'm in need of another weekend to relax. It was go, go, go all weekend, but it was a good one.

On Friday evening, we hung out with a few of our neighbors. We are very thankful we live in a neighborhood with a ton of small children and awesome parents. Everyone get's along really well and it's nice to just crack open a beverage and enjoy some good conversations while the kids play.

The kids enjoying the water table.

Weekend Wrap Up (7.10.15 - 7.12.15)

This past weekend was exhausting. I was literally ready for bed at 8 p.m., but I knew I had to get this blog post written and the photos edited or it wouldn't get done.

On Friday morning, we headed to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo with the kids. We were excited about this trip before we left, but the trip home made us rethink our idea. Both kids were awake the entire ride and they screamed, fought over their toys, made us stop twice for the bathroom, and many other things. But, we thought these are the things they will remember so we kept on going.

We arrived at the zoo around 10:30 a.m. and both kids were excited. They wanted to see the gorilla's, giraffe's, monkey's, and elephants. But, come to find out, they don't have elephants at the zoo right now. We left around 4 p.m. and were completely exhausted. Dave and I both needed a nap after the long day.