Summer is almost over

It's been a very fun summer with both of the kids. Despite not taking a major family vacation, we did spend many days by the pool and doing as much outdoors as the stifling summer heat would allow. This weekend has been no different.

While Holly ventured off to a state-wide farmer's market extravaganza with Pam and Natalie, Dad and the kiddos took off to the local farmer's market and a trip to Prophetstown State Park. Yes, not vastly innovative treks, but ones I knew Kari would enjoy (and let's be honest, she's the one I needed to keep happy all day!).

The farmer's market trip was short as we simply needed to pick up some Kettle Korn and see if there was anything else that caught our eye. After that, we wandered out to the park and got to see Kari's favorite animals - horses.

The horses pull a trolley that can hold up to 20 people and it's driven by Kari's favorite park employee - Megan. Kari talks about Megan often and had a great time on the trolley. In fact, Megan asked Kari to sit up on the driver's seat with her and help steer the horses back to the main entrance.

Kari and Megan

When we got home, there was a special visitor - Grandmo - waiting. After lunch and a quick nap, we all headed to Purdue to play in the fountains. We're hoping this will be the last weekend that includes 90-plus degree temperatures.

Today we went to the pool for perhaps our last time this year. Kari finished with a bang, being thrown around the pool by dad, swimming with mom and even one last dive off the diving board.

Thursday Morning Smiles

Bucket Hats

I stumbled across a super, super easy pattern for a reversible child's bucket hat. I was scared out of my mind the first go-round, particularly sewing in a circle, but it went much better than I could have imagined.

I just finished a second one this afternoon. I finished the brim off a bit differently and left the raw edges showing because I liked the frayed look- it gives it a bit of a weathered and worn look. Although it's a bit big now, Bryce should be able to wear it for a couple years. Next I'm going to attempt to modify the pattern so I can make a matching one for Kari.

Squid Dogs For Dinner

Oh, and she got her hair cut this morning, too. 3 inches lobbed right off.

Friday Night Summer Fun

Cute or...

possible future blackmail photo?

The Triple B

Bryce.
Baptism.
Birthday.
Yesterday was nicknamed The Triple B.
We are so fortunate that all the grandparents were able to come witness and celebrate Bryce's baptism yesterday. Bryce did really well during the baptism- he never once cried while both ministers took turns holding him and walking him up and down the pew aisles. Kari was included, too, promising that she would be a good big sister and helpful to her parents. She affirmed with a high five to the minister.


Afterwards, we returned home to prepare for lunch. Bryce took a fairly good nap, considering all the action going on downstairs without him. We snacked on wonderful appetizers and took our time catching up on everyone's latest vacations and travel plans. Kevin grilled up salmon on cedar planks for a late lunch served with watermelon, fruit salad, corn on the cob, and a corn and avocado salad. For dessert we had cake and sugar cookies. We remembered Uncle Lee yesterday with his favorite flowers, gladiolas, and his sugar cookies. We finished the afternoon opening gifts; they were all so thoughtful and practical.

Bryce ate his first namesake sugar cookie like a pro.


Like Kari, Bryce received a pair of Crocs for his birthday.

Milwaukee Comes To Indiana

We had somewhat of a surprise visit by my cousin Allison and her family. As they were heading back to Wisconsin from a family trip in Gatlinburg, TN, they decided to make West Lafayette their stopping point for the evening. Allison, Nick, Evan, Alex and Ella came to our house for pizza and watermelon. It was a beautiful evening- not too hot which allowed the kids to burn off some pent up energy from sitting in the car most of the day.



After dinner, we all trekked up to the fire station to check out the trucks. Everyone had a great time. Kari and Alex (4 1/2) got along famously. Evan mostly stuck by the adults- he is so mature for his age! And little Ella was such a sweetheart, and definitely a mommy's girl. It was so great to visit Allison, Nick and the kids after just recently seeing them at the end of June.


We're so glad they stopped in and made WL their pit stop for the evening. We hope that we can get together more often in the future.

Turning One Is Fun!

Hard to believe our little guy turned one today. Happy Birthday, Bryce!