Summer is here!

I have been so excited for summer this year. For many reasons. And I will list them all right now. Just kidding. But I am going to tell you about a few.

#1: Tobias is now old enough to run around and actually enjoy the outdoors. And he seriously does love it. He never wants to come in. He even likes playing in the rain. It's truly adorable. Plus I am determined to take him to the pool. We have an awesome aquatic center that have some toddler-friendly spots that we need to take advantage of. If anyone wants a pool buddy, you let us know!

Tobias playing in the rain with his Mimi :-)

#2. We have big vacations/family reunions planned for this summer. A lot of Trey's extended family have not met Tobias yet (they live on the east coast) so we're super excited to introduce them all to each other :-) Plus my mom's side of the family is having a reunion this summer. They have all met Tobias (except for 2 cousins) but it's been about a year since most last saw him. So we are excited to see lots of family!!!

Tobias with my Grandpa and Mom on our way back from a family vacation in Kentucky last year.

Hanging out with Trey's fam at a beach house in North Carolina about 4 years ago...I think?

#3. I'm finally in my second trimester. Yes, I'm preggers (17ish weeks) and due November 2nd!!! We're super excited but also very humbled as well. We have friends who have gone through miscarriages and infertility issues and it just reminds us what a blessing and miracle pregnancy and children are. Having gone through similar situations ourselves, we can definitely empathize and grieve with our friends. Its never easy having to go through those trials. And many times there's nothing anyone can say to help. We just want them to know that we're here for them. We're praying for them and we understand if you need your space and distance. We love you so much! And know that God is right by your side.

Me 6ish months pregnant with Tobias.

#4. One of my bestest friends in the whole world is getting married!!! I am super giddy about this if you can't tell :-) I am anticipating this wedding so much that I have dreams about it (seriously Jenna, it's true). I am the Matron of Honor and am so proud :-) Jenna is a world traveler, history buff and Harry Potter fanatic and I sometimes live vicariously through her. She is currently living in New York but I am begging her to move back to Iowa. She can't live in New York forever...but I'm patient ;-) Love you sweetie!

Jenna and I at an annual Christmas cookie party a couple of years ago.

So that is our summer plans. What are you guys up to this summer? Anything exciting or special going on? Or just goals to get some things done? We have those too...but that's another post :-)

My Mom's 50th Birthday

My mom, Kim, turned 50 this year. And let me tell you, she does not look 50. At all. We've had people ask us if we were sisters...yeah, she's a young thang :-)  To celebrate her birthday, we went to her favorite restaurant called the Brown Bottle. And since 50 is a big milestone, my sister and I threw her a surprise party a couple of days later (so she wouldn't get suspicious)...and she was definitely surprised! It was awesome! She's a pretty observant person, so I was glad she never found out. So here are some fun pictures. Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Her "red and gold" cake that my grandparents got her.

"Happy Birthday to You!"

Good job grandma and grandpa for creating a wonderful woman!

Yay! The whole fam :-)

My other grandparents also came! Heehee...they were giggling ;-) 

SURPRISE!!!

Haha, she was shocked!

My mom's best friends and my grandma enjoying some food. I was so glad they could make it :-)

So there you have it! I'm so glad we were able to make it a special couple of days for her! We also got everyone to write down their favorite memory of her, which was really special. 


And I promise I'll post on a more regular basis...the holiday season always just seems so crazy :-) Have a wonderful Friday!


Kristin

Oh Christmas Tree

My family has this awesome tradition for Black Friday.  We get our Christmas Tree! We go to Wapsie Pines Tree Farm and love it. They are so sweet and nice and have wonderful trees. It's a great way to start off the Christmas season.  Plus we have a lot of fun goofing off and running around the place.  

My mom, checking out a tree...is it good enough? Hmmmm...

Ashley giggling...like she always does :-)

My dad and sister hidden within the trees.

"Now what about this one?"

Always have to take some sister pics.

I was giggling like Ashley does whenever she takes a picture - it means you get a more natural smile...I don't think it worked for me ;-)

Ahhh, kisses.

This is our tradition - to take a picture of me trying to eat Ashley's head...at the tree farm.

My dad ready with the saw.

My mom marking a tree in case we don't find one we like better.

Part of the tree farm. Isn't it pretty?!?

My mom and I.

The girls :-) 

My mom and sister laughing at my dad - who is on the ground. Poor guy never had a chance.

Nice work Fathero!

My dad and sister carrying the tree. My mom and I get the tough job of over-seeing.

Ashley's tree! With some floating head...haha.

Yes, she is very proud of that tree.

Family picture :-) (Minus Trey...he was hunting).

The main building with all of the shaken and bailed trees in front to be claimed by their owners.

Mmmmm...cookies and peanuts!

The inside of the building.

They sell candles and scented waxes...

...plus some ornaments...

...and wreaths and garland.

A picture of the side of the building. I thought the wood had great texture.

After the tree farm, we went back to my parents house to clear out the living room and put the tree up...and prep it for decorating!  

Zoe, my sisters cat, hanging out with the little Santa. They're buddies.

My parents cat, Timber. I'm his favorite. He's getting old though, he's 17. That's about 119 in people years.

The tree set in place, getting ready to put on some lights.

It's beautiful! Now for the ornaments!

Trey - he wasn't feeling well, poor guy.

The finished product, all of the ornaments and garland were lovingly placed on the tree.

One of my favorite ornaments.

Putting the star on the top. I've been doing that since I was...5? Maybe? I don't remember...a long time.

The glowing lights. Love it :-)

There you have it. Our family tradition. One of my favorite memories of the Christmas season.  Have you put up your tree yet? Do you have any fun family traditions for the Thanksgiving/Christmas season? Please do share :-) And have a wonderful Wednesday!


Kristin

Thankful Turkey Day

Obviously I'm a little bit behind, but I still thought I would share a bit of our Thanksgiving day.


We started off at my parents house, where my mom's parents and some of my aunts, uncles and cousins were celebrating with us.  And lots of delicious food. Oh, and a lovely squirrel (yes grandma Shirley, this one is for you).

A squirrel sitting on my parent's porch. Grandma's best friend :-) Heehee

The "kids" table...do 20-somethings count?

The "adult" table...

Grandma talking with my uncle Mike.

Watching the parade.

Some goodies we could snack on. Ginger snaps are my favorite!

My uncle Jeff and my grandpa.

My grandpa and I ready for some turkey!

Uncle Jeff and I...with grandpa photo-bombing in the background :-)

Our meal!!! It looks sooooo good! Thanks Mom! and Grandma!

Next, we went to Trey's parents house and celebrated with more delicious food and a crazy Ravens vs. 49-ers football game! (the coaches of both those teams are brothers...so that was fun to watch).

Trey had to work a little bit. Thank goodness he can take his work just about anywhere.
It's a blessing and a curse.

The table set, almost ready for our meal!

Trey's parents :-) The meal was delish, thanks T and T!

The humongo turkey...hmmmmmm!

Travis, all ready to eat.

Happy Thanksgiving! Now let's watch the Ravens kick some 49-er's...well you know what I mean :-)

Trey and Travis pumped for the game!

Amanda surrounded by the dogs :-) She was a good sport, they can get kind of crazy. Especially with us screaming at the tv :-)  And they both look deranged with their eyes glowing...

There you have it! Our fun-filled, food packed Thanksgiving day :-) We had such a blast with everyone! I wish we could get together more often.  Love you all! Happy Thanksgiving!


Kristin