What happened to July?

Nathan working on his bags skills. Joel and I working on getting Nathan ready for Valpo.

All of a sudden it's the end of July. Before we know it fall will be here. So I guess that means we'll be making the most of the rest of the summer. We have a few more trips planned, but for the most part we'll be home. I just went on my first Nathan-less trip with my best friends. It was great to get away, but nice to come home to my boys. It is amazing how fast Nathan is growing up. He talks all the time! His new favorite word that he learned this weekend is "boy" as in the boys weekend.

Iowa road trip.

A Turkish bath with Thomas.

All the kids! Gloria, Adrienne, Benjamin, Thomas, Anna, Isaiah, Micah, Joshua and Nathan.
Sarah, after the shoe throwing incident. Thomas threw Benjamin's shoe over the balcony (He didn't mean too).
Playing in the corn field with Micah.

We took a road trip with the May family and headed out to Grandma May's old stomping grounds - Klinger, Iowa (well, we stayed in Cedar Falls). We drove out with Paul, Heidi and the twins in their suburban. There were so many things that could have gone wrong with 3 babies on a 6 1/2 car ride, but they were all amazing on the way there and back. The wedding was fun, but Nathan decided that he didn't want to go to sleep on Saturday night so I didn't get to spend too much time at the reception. Our travels are done for a couple of weeks so now we'll enjoy being at home.

Summer Days

Playing with Isaiah.
Pushing Jamie around the house.

We've been busy playing and getting ready to travel. We put Nathan's pool that he got for his birthday between our house and our neighbors. This way it's in the shade in the afternoon. Nathan and our neighbor Jamie are becoming fast friends and bonding in the 6 feet between our houses!

NO!

Anyone who hasn't seen Nathan in a while only needs to know a few things about him.

1. He LOVES his daddy.

2. He's the crankiest guy when he's hungry.

3. He's learned the word NO.

Well, there's a lot more to our little guy, but these are a few. I knew the day was coming, but I didn't think it would be here so soon! Nathan now says NO and it really makes me laugh which is NOT a good thing. He'll point at something he knows he shouldn't do/touch/go by and will say NO and then proceeds to do what he shouldn't. For a little guy he sure talks a lot. The other day at dinner Joel told Nathan to sit. Nathan said "walk". Joel said sit. He said walk. This went on a few times until Joel said sit and Nathan said NO. I had to turn the other way so he wouldn't see me laugh. This little one is trouble. What goes around comes around...

We're back!

Feeling the wind in my face.
Not really enjoying the life vest.
Grumpy Grandpa with Nathan's hat and happy Grandma
Walking with Great Grandma May
Driving Great Grandma Warneke

After our fun in the great state of Indiana, things are finally starting to settle down - only to gear into full swing again! We spent the 4th at Aunt Tooties cabin on Lake Shafer and then Nathan and I headed over to Gma and Gpa May's for a visit. Nathan also got to spend some time with Great Grandma Warneke, Great Grandma May and the Maxsons. It was amazing to me how fast the week went, but I know Joel was missing his family. This week Gma and Gpa May will be here with Great Grandma Warneke and then the Galiher's will be here the next day. Friday we will all head over to Iowa for a family wedding. Once we get back, the travel should slow down.

Nathan's B-day PARTY

The cake.
Yup, he loved it.
Tired after a long day. However, he was still able to pound away on his new favorite toy. Thanks Uncle Paul. We'll be getting you back for this one!

It has been a busy couple of days. Nathan has not been sleeping very well during the day, but I think I figured out why. I'll spare everyone the details. Nathan's birthday party was a great time. Lots of family, food and good weather. I couldn't have asked for more. This weekend we're all heading off to Aunt Tooties cabin in Indiana. From there, Nathan and I are going to Gma and Gpa May's for a visit.

We wish everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July!