4th of July

To celebrate the 4th of July we normally go to my uncle's house for a BBQ. However, since Dustin was working and we were worried about our dogs, we opted to BBQ at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was a lot of fun. First we ate and sat around and talked. Later we went outside to watch all of the fireworks. It was fun to hang out with just our little family! We went home because someone (Kate) was up way past her bedtime and I was worried about our dogs. They normally don't seem to mind the fireworks but this year there were a lot in our neighborhood. Once I got home and put Kate to bed, they would not leave my side and were both cuddled up under our coffee table. Poor babies! We didn't have many pictures. Miss Priss doesn't like the camera, little stinker! In the last picture, she is pouting to Grandpa so he would save her from all of the picture taking.

The Artist

Have I mentioned that Kate loves to color? Well, if not...I am now! She loves to color so much that she was occupied for almost an entire episode of Big Brother. Now that is a true love of creating! I took pictures one day of Kate coloring. You will notice Sophie in the background chewing on a bone but she was also keeping an eye on the colors. Not sure if Sophie wanted to eat the crayons or if she wanted to participate, but she was looking. Bella was in one of her many hidey holes. Bella's personality is like Eeyore, she's usually off in a hidey hole by herself.

My little artist:)


"It's owange" I love her little voice:)

Have I mentioned that I love this face? Yup, I do!

Did I also mention that taking pictures with two terriers and a toddler is nearly impossible? Sophie bailed and Kate turned to look at her...someday they all might sit still, right?:)

Father's Day 2010

On Father's Day, Kate and I made breakfast for Dustin. I was going to try to make the gravy, but Dustin intervened because he knows it would just turn out better....not a flour paste. I don't make the gravy ever, unless you need paste for paper mache or hanging wall paper:) Anyhoo, we had a family breakfast and then Dustin opened his gifts. After breakfast, Kate helped me do what she does every Sunday...look at the sales!! She likes to sit beside me and look through the sales ads. When she is done they usually end up on the floor because she throws them down. At least she helps clean up:)


Next, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house so the "Fathers" could open their presents. They loved their gifts! Then we went out to eat at Logan's. Spending time with my favorite dads was super fun!

Summer Fun at SDC!!!

On June 6th we went to Silver Dollar City! Auntie Megs went with us as well as one of Daddy's friends from work. It was hot so we tried to stick to the shade and water rides. Kate loved walking through the kids area where the water shot up from the ground. I'm not sure what the area is called, guess we'll have to see next time we go! Kate had so much fun that while Auntie Megs and Mommy rode Fire in the Hole, she fell asleep! It was a fun day with family!!

Memorial Day Weekend

For Memorial Day, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house to eat and have fun. While waiting to eat, Mommy, Daddy and Auntie Megs played Uno. We really got into playing this card game on our trip to Iowa. Kate wanted to play cards too! Grandma also showed us one of Kate's newest tricks...deciphering between a Jack, Queen and King! Suprisingly she could do it! She was right more times than not. I see a future card shark in our family:) Playing cards is something that Megan and I used to always do with Grandma and Grandpa Wiltgen and Great Grandma. I loved playing cards....and for money too! We would save up our nickels, dimes, and quarters and tote them down to Florida when we visited. {"Pennies are no good!" as Great Grandma would say:)} But I digress....here are some pictures from our fun time together!

Where Have You Been?

Dear Blog,
I am a terrible blogger. I have been a lazy blogger. I apologize and now for the real posts!

Kate's First Road Trip---9+hours!!!!!

Last weekend we (Dustin, Kate, me, Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Megs) made the long trip to Iowa for a graduation. It was in LeMars, Mom's hometown, and we were excited to go! Kate did a very good job on the car ride coming and leaving. It was very hot when we went. Because the graduation was held in the gym, there were tons of people and it was very hot! Dustin, Megan and I took Kate back to the hotel for a nap and to cool off. We cooled off but the nap was non-existent which made for an interesting evening. All in all we had a good time with each other! Here are a few pictures from our trip.

Kate's first time to stay in a hotel....she had just got done jumping on the bed:)

No cameras please....I have to fix my hair!

The alter at Mom's old church....isn't it beautiful? Wish we had a church like that around here!

Original pipe organ

After Justin's graduation....it was time to party! Kate enjoyed a purple popsicle that got all over her! This was in addition to the sidewalk chalk on her dress and her leg that she decided to color. I have to say it was VERY hard for me to watch her make a huge mess. Yes I know she is almost 2 and a kid...but I have a problem---I HATE getting dirty, obviously on this day Kate did not:)

Smiles and singing on the way back home. Kate said numerous times on the way back she wanted to "go home and see our pups".

Mother's Day Weekend

On Saturday night, Mom, Megan and I went out to eat and see the play Grease. I forgot to take pictures at dinner but it was really fun! We always eat at Jose's before a play. It is right across the street so it is very convenient. The play was fun but spending time with Mom was the best part. In a few years Kate will be old enough to join us in our annual girls night out at a play. Happy Mother's Day Mom! You are the best!

On Sunday, Dustin made breakfast for us. He is usually the breakfast maker because all I can make is bacon and eggs. Dustin makes really good biscuits and gravy and that's what I wanted for breakfast! After we were done eating, Kate came walking into the room with her card and present for me. It was a very thoughtful card and the present was a matching necklace and ring made with black and white diamonds. They are beautiful! Next, we went to War Eagle to see the craft fair and eat at the mill for lunch. Kate did very well that day, especially since we traveled during her nap time. She did tucker out on the car ride to and from War Eagle.:)

Daddy and Kate watching the wheel at the mill.

Kate was not in the mood for pictures as she was fascinated with the water!