Papa Visit

Because we don't get to see my dad very often, we always have to pack it in when he's in town! I just love this picture of Kyler's first fish ever!

The girls got in on the action.

There was no shortage of fish caught that day!

 

I was grateful to Papa that I didn't have to deal with the baiting and removing of fish.

The kids had been begging to see the remodeled Underwater Aquarium at the Mall. Grammy and Papa are good at making these types of things happen!

 

And for some final fun at the bowling alley!

True to form, Teyah ended up on the floor after nearly each throw! She even crossed the line once and slipped on the oiled lane! But I think she still had fun.

 

Kyler wanted to do it himself, of course. We think Kyler inherited his Papa's confident strut and his ability to work a room and win everyone over. We'll see if these are traits Kyler carries with him as he gets older. Thank you Papa and Grammy for all the fun times and memories!

Teyah's 5th birthday

Sweet Teyah turned 5 this summer! She knew for months that she wanted a 'butterfly birthday party."

These cute 5 friends helped her celebrate.

I'm not sure if catching the fake butterflies or Daddy catching a real frog (outside) was the bigger highlight.

Teyah and Emily have been buddies a long time.

Annika is our new neighbor.

Daddy had to give Teyah a singing Justin Bieber doll -- the girls just thought that was too funny.

Some things about Teyah:
-She is sweet, loving, and a great friend. She is not shy and needs her friend time or she gets grumpy!
-Since the day she was born, she has been petite and beautiful! This year we cut her hair short, and it fits her dainty face perfectly.
-Teyah spent a lot of time in therapy this year for speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy. But with all her physical struggles, she is able to fit in surprisingly well. Unfortunately, some things are just much harder for her than they are for others her age.
-She tries to keep up with her sisters and plays well with them and also with Kyler. Cleaning up, however, is not her forte.
-Teyah loves to travel. This year we went on a Disney Cruise and a trip to Chicago that when she returned she told all about both trips to everybody and anybody who would listen.

We love our little Teyah and our family would not be the same without her!

A sad farewell

Our favorite aspect of living where we do is the wonderful friends we have had to share our lives with. After finally putting down some roots, and living here for 7 years, these friends are dear. This picture is of me and my great friend Jamie and her twins almost 7 years ago.

Fast forward seven years and these kiddos are all grown up and best buds. But after all this time, our dear friends are moving to another state. This has been hard!

Our kids exchanged gifts and cards.

And Jamie's kids made special cards that included candy in the message! Ellie and Aubrie were super excited about these!

Everyone posed for a final picture.

Abby was Aubrie's first close friend here in MN. When we moved here, they were both just two and so cute. Soon, they did Joy School together, then started Kindergarten at the same school. We share many memories with this great family!

And, eventually these two were added to the mix.

Teyah, of course, can't let her buddy leave without a big smooch.

And did I mention that Jamie now has a second set of twins, who are just about the same age as her first set of twins when we moved here?

She is my hero! Jamie has been one of the greatest friends I could ever have. There were times when I couldn't stand, and she held me up. I remember when Kyler was so sick, and I was extremely exhausted, she watched my kids and filled my cupboards with groceries. The hours of service and love she has given me and my family will never be able to be repaid. Her positive, 'can-do' attitude and her heart of pure gold is infectious.

This picture is missing Kate's twin Sam and Kyler, but together we now have 10 kids! I sure love these kiddos! We miss our dear friends but are so happy for them with their big move. We miss you guys!

Daddy's B-Day

Happy, Happy Birthday, Daddy dear!

Happy days of firepits for us all year! (His present from Grandma T.).

If I had a wish for my birthday this year...It would be to drive to Minneapolis for Benihana cheer!

Teyah also got this cat mug thing for it being her birthday month.

The kids loved the cooking show and Daddy loved the food!

We got another special treat on Daddy's b-day...Grandma had an extended layover in MN!

The kids LOVED the opportunity to care of Winston in MN for a few hours.

These kids think they are so deprived without a dog, but Winston sure fills their pet cravings and especially with the chance to take care of him here instead of only at Grandma's.

Even Kyler wanted in on some of that!

Did we mention how beautiful MN is this time of year? Dave is lucky he gets to enjoy his b-day in the summer!

A Special Treat

There is nothing better than sharing an enormous ice cream with your little sis on a beautiful summer day in Stillwater. At the end of May, we got a call from Lauren that she was craving a getaway to Minnesota. A few days later she was in town to hang out! And just for the record, my icecream fed my whole family and cost only $5! We love Nelson's Ice Cream!

When Kyler first saw Lauren walk into our house, we thought he was going to pee his pants he was so excited. He squeezed and squeezed her. Then he would walk away and decided he needed a few more hugs and would come back for seconds, thirds, and fourths. He just couldn't get enough and kept saying: "Lauren, you're here!"

Lauren's visit was just the right medicine for all of us!

We wish she could have stayed longer! These kids LOVE their Auntie!