Story City, Iowa

We found a great city park to stop at on our drive to Council Bluffs.  This time, Ken found craw-dads to show the kids.  They slowly got over being terrified!  It's a beautiful spot.

Strawberry Picking!

 I think their favorite part might have been the tractor ride and the strawberry donuts, but at least we also have lots in our freezer! 

Butterfly Catching

 We love to catch butterflies and moths!

Cocoa

 We have a new pet.  Or maybe I should say child.  His name is "Cocoa" and he is 54 inches.  We went to Costco with Grandpa Mike a couple of weekends ago.  I saw someone leaving with such a bear and thought "Hmm, who buys those?"  Little did I know, I would soon be the proud owner of a "Cocoa".  Needless to say, we do have a lonely cave in the basement that has been just waiting for a inhabitant.  That is a shopping trip the kids and I (and Grandma :) )  will never forget.  Grandpa carrying the said bear over his shoulder and us trying to get it in the car.  Cocoa now takes turns sleeping in rooms.  Evelyn still isn't sure about the new family member (she does like being the youngest...)

Mulch!

Ken called me at work the other day to ask if I thought we should get a dump truck load full of mulch for the yard.  The kids are glad I was distracted enough to say-uh, okay.

Hobbies?!

 Just in case you think that having kids made us forget about our hobbies...think again!  Ken got to build with toys and I ran a race with a friend.  Fun!

Following Dad through the rain...

Ken and Evelyn love the rain.  This is the second time I found them outside in a downpour.

Nora turns 7!

 We had great fun celebrating Nora's 7th Birthday!  The kid loved the "ice cream cone" cupcakes. 

Camper Cabin

 We enjoyed a night at a camper cabin at William O'Brien State Park last weekend.  The kids were thrilled to be outside, sleep in the same room, play on the bunk beds, roast marshmallows, and climb trees!
It is a really beautiful park. 

Chickens!! (Round 2)

Easter Bike Ride!

Evelyn's First Haircut (and Nora's second)

 I finally decided it was worth it to pay for a haircut with Evelyn's lack of hair.  I couldn't hold back my laughter when the stylist told me to use some of my husband's gel or pomenade on it.  Was also surprised to find out that haircuts now involve suckers-but the kids were thrilled.

Owen is 5!!!

Owen turned 5 early this month. He has been sure to remind us how big he is now and how un-surprised he is that he can do "anything now that I'm 5". Just think what we should be able to do with all these years?!
He loved his new dino lego set and clothes for his doll, "miles".
Ken is thrilled to have him finally into dinosaurs, as he has been trying for years.

Best buds. That includes the stuffed dog affectionately named "gurtsy".

Let's go walking

Taking their animals "for a walk". Good thing a hard hat is involved...you never can tell with these three.

Car Ramps

The kids are happy that Dad likes to work with wood. This is what he made (maybe this is why the bench for our table is taking so long?)

Reading in the Warm Spot

This is the vent in our bedroom...a favorite spot for all! Owen is making up a great story and Evelyn is thrilled to be a part of it.