Sarah and Mike's friends weekend

After a week at Hidden Haven resort (stay tuned...that post coming soon!) we made a pit stop on Lower Hay lake for the weekend to join Sarah, Mike and friends to relax and hang out.  We had great food, great fun, and great company.  Thanks Sarah and Mike for a great weekend and a special thank you to Denny and Lynne for once again sharing your beautiful home with us. 

Look who's smiling!

Sleepy

Rough week for Jacob

All better!

Nathan - 6 wks old.  Charles City Track T-shirt - 20 years old.

After pulling our first "all-nighter"

Famine in Eastern Africa

Although lately I have been all consumed with my two boys, yesterday I caught a segment on Dateline that another famine has been declared in Africa.  The images stopped me in my tracks and instead of thinking about how tired I am from nursing Nathan every 2 hours or less, I became immediately thankful.  Thankful that I can meet his needs.  Thankful that he is thriving.  Thankful that although I have mastitis, that I have antibiotics.  Thankful that although tired, I have a comfortable bed.  Thankful that Jacob is strong and healthy.  Thankful that we have a home, running water, and more food than we need.  Although famine is not uncommon in these parts, it really caught my attention this time.  My heart breaks for these people. 

Contemplation

Family visit

Posing with Grandma

Meeting Great Aunt Becky

Cooling off

Mom, watch this.

Monkey see, monkey do.

No comment.  Other than he was supposed to be coming upstairs to take his bath.  He got distracted. 

Great great Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Gene

Three generations of Aunts!

Snuggling with Cindy

Posing with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Jake

Grandma, Grandpa, and Becky all came down for the weekend.  It is so awesome to have them here.  Not that we don't enjoy their company in itself, but at this stage of the game it is so nice that Jacob has someone to play with him and give him attention all day long, Nathan gets passed around and snuggled in between feedings, Mom gets a nap, her laundry folded (thanks, Mom!) and time to re-group.  Yay!  Are you sure you guys don't want to move closer to Hastings?

Gene, Carolyn, Cindy and Larry joined us for lunch on Saturday.  Jacob was quite excited to show them each of his trucks, his room, and at one point while Carolyn was sitting at the table drinking coffee he asked her if she would come play toys.  She said as soon as she finished her coffee she would come in and play.  His response..."Well, you can play toys with one hand".

4th of July

Wyatt and Gwen

A good looking group

Perfect spot for the parade

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful 4th of July weekend!  Scott and Jake headed to Charles City on Sunday and were able to enjoy many games and activities and then on Monday went to the parade.  Before leaving town he got to ride with Uncle Larry on his tractor.  Jake had so much fun that Dad has decided we're going to make Charles City an annual 4th of July event.  Next year I will actually get to go.  I was stuck at home with what I thought might be pink eye - but I suspect I just have a scratched eye ball.  I am heading to the eye doc today so hopefully I will get it taken care of.

Last night I did get to enjoy the fireworks with Jacob though.  We had the best seat in the house...the comfy chair in Nathan's room had the perfect view of the fireworks so we enjoyed them in our pajamas right before Jacob went to bed.