Sit, roll over, fetch.

Another video post by a doting parent. 

The good life on Lake Julia

While Scott was away on a fishing trip we headed up north for a long weekend.  We had great weather and after an early morning canoe ride with my dad and a late afternoon ski session I realized just how out of shape I am.  Aside from trying to stop Nathan from eating sand and dealing with a couple of major 4 year old tantrums (these are always so tough without Scott around) we had plenty of time for relaxing and enjoying the company of Mom, Dad, Becky and plenty of loons and flies.  

It was hot but we stayed cool on the water and Jacob had a ball swimming in his lifejacket.  This was quite exciting because he has never swam with a lifejacket before.  He is getting very close to doing the front float in swimming lessons and the life jacket gave him the freedom to do it himself.  He told us about 30 times that it was SO MUCH FUN!

If I could invent a safe, non-toxic deer fly repellent we could move north and enjoy every evening on the lake.  Until then we'll be counting down the days until our next trip.

Cousins

 I suspect he has no idea as to whether she is a baby or a dog.  He loves her none the less. 

A little help from my big brother

In the backyard...

Sweet corn!

4th of July in America's Hometown

On the ground running as soon as he stepped out of the car.

The cool kids.

Jacob getting the milk ready for the baby cows.

Hayden and Jacob found the kitties...

caught fireflies...

and Jacob had his first slumber party with Noah and Hayden out at the farm.

While Nathan got some snuggles in with Uncle Brent.

Despite the heat, we made it to the parade.

Aren't 4 year olds too young to be too cool for pictures with Mom?

Noah tolerating Nathan's silly antics.

The fire trucks were loud.

Wonder what he's thinking?

Linde and Nathan.

Nathan loves dogs.  So much that he could just eat them!

Kisses

from

Abby!

We had a great time in Charles City celebrating the 4th.  We enjoyed letting the boys feed the calves, catching up with cousins, watching the parade, and cooling off in the pool two days in a row.  Jacob got to have a slumber party with Noah and Hayden at Vicky and Larry's.  Based on the complete meltdown we had when it was time to leave the pool, I suspect there wasn't a whole lot of sleeping going on.  Thanks Doug and Lin for hosting.  We'll be back sooner than later for some kayaking down the river!  

Charlie and Mona

Letter to Lydia

Dear Lydia Rose,

I had the honor of being with your mom and dad on your birthday.  What a fabulous day it was!  You and your mommy worked together so well...you two made childbirth look easy!  (You and I both know it is not easy...to give birth OR to be born.)  I hope you inherit your mom's pain tolerance and focus.  She was amazing.   Your dad was awesome, too.  He was calm, cool, and collected.  Remind him of this the first time you go out on a date.   He was so supportive and encouraging and didn't leave your mom's side for one minute.

I was so anxious to find out if you were a boy or a girl!   I have 2 boys (well, 3 if you count Scott) and they are very excited that you have arrived.  Even though you are a girl, Jacob and Nathan will more than more than likely want you to play catch and drive trucks...but early on I had a hunch that I would be leaving the boys at home to come shopping with you and your mom.

I was privileged to hold you while the doctor was getting your mom ready and your dad was working on sending out a birth announcement via text.  I'm sure by the time you read this texting will so outdated!  

You have the most beautiful brown eyes.  Just minutes old and I could tell you are graceful, sweet, and calm.  You are definitely going to know how to hold your own though.  May God bless you in this beautiful life ahead.  You have two wonderful parents perfect for you. Know that you are loved and prayed for in all your days.  I am honored and full of joy to be your aunt.

Love, 

Aunt Nikki

Proof

We do get out now and again.  Thanks Marie and Jake for your great company, as always.  And thank you Muddy Waters for your beautiful deck, good food, and lovely refreshments.  

Carousel

This musical carousel is one of my favorite things from my childhood.  It was given to me by my Grandma Sue.  Nathan loves it - it sits high on a shelf and every now and again I catch Dad letting him play with it.  Supervised, of course.