July 2015- Part 1

Lauren and I went on a much needed date. We painted at a park (in her Minnie Mouse coloring book) and then got vanilla ice cream cones at McDonald's. With adding a wonderful, and third child, it has been stressful. Lauren has been a trooper. She has been lately saying "I'm just like you, Mom" or "Mom, play with me!" and "Mom, we're twins." I've realized I need to spend more time with her and make sure she feels loved. 

First zucchini of the season. They both wanted to hold it. So far we've already made about 6 loaves of zucchini bread, and 2 loaves of Death by Chocolate zucchini bread (which is basically cake)

Ok, I absolutely love gardening. I bought these Strawberry Candy daylilies a year or so ago. They are all right next to my beautiful purple Russian Sage plants (I've got like 7-8). It is looking absolutely stunning this year. I have another daylily like this with lots of Russian Sage. It is my favorite side of the house right now!!!

Lincoln is constantly writing notes, making plans, drawing pictures, maps, etc. He gave me this puzzle in a plastic sandwich bag this month. It says  I love you Mom soo much. 

New hair cut for this gal. Her hair was getting so long! But it was attracting lots of peanut butter, syrup, etc. which was no fun...

Caught these boys talking one night on the front porch.

Beach day with neighbor Matt. We took him with us. It was a little chilly that day. 

After our vacation to Utah (and trying to save money by taking red eye flights with three kids both ways) meant tired kids for days. Here Lincoln is after a grocery trip with me! By the way, these kids did AMAZING on the flights. They all fell asleep for the trip. I was prepared for the worst, but it turned out to be much better.

June 2015- Part 2

Happy Father's Day to a great man. It was a low key Sunday. We made paper awards with reasons we love and appreciate you. This was something we did for my mother on Mother's Day growing up, and now it has become a tradition in our family for Father's Day. Vance is especially forgiving and patient. I am lucky to have him!

Lauren decorating a pot for art time.

Sometimes at the end of a stressful day, we just take a break and swing in the yard. One thing we love about our backyard is the space. When we moved in, we had a big fence. We took it down after a year, and it has made a great sledding hill and playing field:)

Enjoying Lick's ice cream in Excelsior at the Farmer's market. We usually go a few times each summer. Last summer, during one of our visits, Lauren fell in the 15 foot deep lake off this dock. She started sinking, and I jumped in after her and was able to get her above water. It was and still is a nightmare that I relive. It was a scary day. But anyway, this time she didn't fall in!

Sleeping Kate. Love those luscious cheeks and lips.

July- Murray reunion and random pics

Bath time for Kate

After I had Kate, I was in the worst shape ever. I made a goal to run a 10K this summer. On July 4th, I ran one in 56 minutes. It was at a 9 minute pace, so not super fast, but respectable! Was not ready for those hills!

We went to a family reunion on the Murray side of the family. Here are some group pics. Not all could make it, we missed you!

Hiking in Zion National Park

Vance, Lincoln, and Lauren went to a Twins game this July. The Twins played the Atlanta Braves. They ended up losing 0-2, but still had fun! Vance said that more than the game, they enjoyed the mini donuts!

We celebrated my mom's birthday when family came to MN for Kate's blessing

Both of our kids got to go on the four wheeler with Dad

Vance went golfing with his dad and brothers

June 2015-Part 1

Splash pad

My two girls

I love this little Kate

They loved getting soaked in the rain. Brings back memories of my childhood when we played in the rain for what seemed to be hours, and splashed in the largest puddles we could find.

On June 12th, Vance gave Kate a father's blessing. My parents and brother came from Wisconsin. Jeremy, Janessa, and their kids (Kayla, Avely, Preston, and Hazel) came to church with us for the blessing, and then joined us for dinner afterwards.

 Peter, Mom, me and my dad

Cousin Avely and Lauren

Sweet baby Hazel

Lauren, Avely, Kayla, Hazel, Preston, and Lincoln

Hazel with Jeremy and Janessa

Swimming lessons. Both kids had lessons, and I think they made some good progress. Next step is getting that head under the water:)

Reading books in the playset with neighbor Matt.

May 2015

Dinner picnic at a park with Vance and the kids. 

Lauren had the courage to ask these older boys if she could play with them. I was so proud of her.

Had best friend Ethan over. They loved reading The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak. They giggled through the whole book.

Preschool graduation

We were all dressed up, so we went with friends to Culver's after the preschool graduation. This was a hard two weeks for me. Vance was in India so I was going solo for two weeks. Not only did I miss him, but the relief of having a spouse brings. 

Lauren got these cool glasses and ears/hat from her church Sunbeam class. They learned about being thankful for eyes and ears. It was so cute and funny.