Arriving at the Cousins . . .

We made it to Kansas and the cousin reuniting was sweet. Caleb had a baseball game an hour and a half away so our adventure started quickly. Bev and I were left at home in charge of the kids, while everyone else adventured to the game. We had a fun plan to go to a night swim after some dinner, but our plan quickly was disrupted when we arrived at the swmig pool at 7pm and found that the night swim didn't start till 9pm.   So we walked back home to try to find some fun with the water hose. Bev had stayed home with Callie and Ethan, so when I got back home Callie needed me and Bev took over with the big kids.  Unfortunately Bev and I both realized the kids were just fighting all the time while playing so the night couldn't end soon enough. Bev did a great job of getting them down to bed. Though the kids are cousins, they are he best of friends, which also makes them as close as siblings. And with siblings comes fighting. I try hard to let the kids work it out, but sometimes I just have to step in and let them know how they are talking is wrong. It is hard to know that line. 

On to Kansas ...

On Wednesday morning I went to Des Moines to meet Curtis who had traveled west with Ton, Bev, Anna, and Aly. I picked up Curtis, and the rest I the car traveled on to Kansas. Curtis came with me north and we went to pick up Cade from camp in the afternoon. 

After pick up, we headed south to Chariton to visit my Grandma and Uncle Dan (who was back from Oregon to visit for a bit). We spent the evening visiting and then got up early to get on the road to Sterling, Kansas. We had a nice visit. It wasn't long, but it is always wonderful to visit my Grandma and the farm that has precious memories of my childhood. 

On the road ( well this is a resting break, hence forth Callie being out of her car seat)!

Callie got an early driving lesson from Daddy!

Callie at Grandma and Grandpa's

Traveling isn't easy with a baby, but Callie doesn't do too bad. She is pleasant, but definitely more clingy and doesn't enjoy sleeping on her own in strange places. She slowly gets use to new people and starts to trusts others. 

I know that I am a bit protective with my babies, and I don't do a great job of sharing them with others. I know my days of baby holding are few, so I want to eat them all up and take them in as long as possible. Therefore, I prefer to have my baby with me. It does make it hard for Callie then when I am not in the picture. She makes it, but does have a whine when mommy is out of sight. 

She gets more and more use mom and dad the longer we are with them. She is one sweet girl. 

Joel and Mommy Adventures

While Cade was at camp, Joel, Mommy, and Callie stayed at Grandma Glenna and Grandpa Bill's home. 

On Monday we took the Cy Ride downtown to the toy store (Pumpkin Patch) in Ames. It was Joel's first city bus ride! He had so much fun. The ride wasn't long but it was an adventure. It was kind of a rainy day so we had our umbrella with us too. We got a few sprinkles on us on our adventure, but it wasn't bad at all. The big storm rolled in just a few minutes after we got home. An it was a big storm - rain, hail, tornadoes. It last Monday afternoon and into Tuesday. It was quite nerve racking especially with Cade at camp!

Joel loves the toy store in Ames. He could stay there all day. Schelich knights, marbles, books, trinkets, Legos. A dream! It was fun to hunt around and play!

After the rain cleared on Tuesday, the kids and I made our way out to Uncle Jeremy's and Aunt Katie's. The kids played inside for a bit and then ventured their way out to the ditch to play in the water. They had a blast. It was fun to see their youth in action!

Though we didn't get to go swimming at the pool in Grandma's "world" (town) or go back to the Science Center of Iowa, Joel still had a good time. The big rain and flooding put a damper on our plans, we made the best with what we had!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!

We love going to Sterling for the 4th of July because of the great Sterling Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration! It is a fun way to celebrate with our family. I believe this is our third or fourth year living out this tradition!

Our morning started out at the Silver Dollar Sand Pile! The kids (grades PreK - 5th) get the opportunity to dig through the sand to find nickles. It is a great way to start out the day because the kids get a little spending money for treats or to save at the start of the day. I think each of the boys got close to $2.00 at the sandpile. 

We headed back to Kim and Chuck's for awhile before heading a couple blocks back to the swimming pool for the pool games! Again, the children are in age groups and participate in games at the pool. Games like, biggest splash or swimming the farthest under water. At te end of the games, the staff throws coins into the pool that the kids dive for. What fun! The kids got another $2-3 at the pool!

We quickly left the pool to catch Curtis at the Pizza Eating contest! This was the second year of the contest and Curtis was the winner last year. He had a title to defend, and he represented well by winning again this year! Two year grand champ! And this year they stepped up the grand prize from a $5 gift card to $10!

In the afternoon we hung out with family at Kim and Chuck's. We enjoyed the parade and the kids got lots of candy (oh mommy hates candy!!) I took the big kids swimming and Curtis stayed back with a resting Callie. 

Unfortunately Cade got a sliver in his foot Thursday evening and had been limping all day Friday. We had to get it out because of the swelling in his foot and the pain. He wouldn't let Curtis try to pull it out, and it wouldn't come out very easily. After an hour, Curtis got part of it out to relieve some pressure. Unfortunately Cade got so worked up that he started to run a fever. Our time at Andy and Betsy's was cut short because we needed to get Cade back to Kim and Chuck's to rest.

Bev stayed with Callie, Cade, and myself while the rest of the group walked over to the lake for fireworks. Cade slept through all of the booms and was out all night. I put a number of essentials oils on him to bring his fever down and get rid of the infection. In the morning he was feeling all better. It was amazing.  

Joel absolutely loves the fireworks. He was so fun to listen to when he came home and was telling me about the different colors and shapes. He is one cool kid. 

Off to Camp!

Cade went to Hidden Acres Christian Center for over night camp for the first time the last week in June! He went with his cousin Corbin and stayed three nights! The boys were in the same cabin (after a slight mix up) and I think that helped calm many nerves on both mommies' ends and boys' ends. 

Cade seemed to have a wonderful time but did mention when we picked him up that he cried every night in his bed by himself. He loved swimming and carpetball. Getting all the details was a bit difficult because his greatest concern was just seeing and hugging us! He wanted to hold Callie the most and wouldn't let her go. He told me later that he was certain she was going to forget him. Cade was able to recount material from the chapel services which was encouraging. 

I am not sure if Cade will want to go back. He seemed to miss us a whole lot, but maybe in another year he will be up for it!

Following Footsteps!

I think she is following  in her brothers' footsteps! 

Aly and Anna's Visit

We spent many hours with Aly and Anna the week they came to stay with Pop and Grandma. We went bowling, to the library, swimming, running through the sprinkler, pulling weeds, throwing water balloons, sleeping over, playing at our home, and playing at Pop and Grandma's! There was fun everywhere!

International Spy Academy VBS

This year the kids attended International Spy Academy for Vacation Bible School. It was extra special because Pop and Grandma met Aunt Kim half way to get Aly and Anna for the week.  So the boys had extra fun for the week!

ISA was a big hit. The boys learned from God's Word, had fun, and help Justin and Deb Bullington raise funds to buy ply wood for their home in PNG. Each night at VBS there was an offering challenge to bring funds for the ply wood. At the beginning of the week Cade didn't want to give money for the project, but by week's end Cade was digging into his piggy bank to help win the next day's competition. It was neat to see his change of heart.  

Another highlight of the week was the boys learning the words and actions to the songs. Joel was determined to master all of the actions correctly. We spent many hours singing VBS week!

Birthday Again!

Pop and Grandma didn't have the chance to celebrate with Cade for his birthday, and we finally had a chance to get together the first night of Vacation Bible School. Dinner as cake were a bit rushed, but yummy! Camp frosting and tie dye cake! Yummy!

First Fruits!

When we returned home from our trip to Iowa, and Daddy Chattanooga, our garden had grown! The boys pulled out radishes! Daddy and I tried them, but didn't really care for them. They were woody in taste and spicey. I think the radishes got too big and over ripe. I think I am going to have to learn how to make our garden bounty taste good even if it is not in my comfort zone. Curtis' mom is so good at using all of the produce from her garden. Our family's taste buds must grow too!

Barn Party

We were in Iowa at the right time. First for Cade's birthday, then for Jeremy and Katie's barn party! 

My brother started building a barn last fall after the Iowa State Fair at his home. He did a lot if research, bought used materials, and relied on many people for guidance and help.  Jeremy spent many many hours on the barn, with his family supporting in many ways. It was an amazing amazing thing. My brother is a very hard worker and loves to dream. He loves to make his dreams come true too. And this was one of the dreams he worked to make come true. 

To celebrate the completion of the barn they had a party and invited the many people who helped, prayed, and cheered them on through this process. Jeremy and Katie were very proud of their work, and also very thankful for all of the help. 

Cade got the privilege of spending the night at their home the night of his birthday. Then he spent the whole day at their farm playing with the kids. He is an animal whisperer and enjoyed every minute with the animals. When I got to the farm I caught him in the chicken coop moving slowly trying to catch the chickens. He had much joy in his heart and on his face during the party. 

It was a privilege to be a part of their party. Though we didn't help them in the building process, it was nice they included us for the party. 

Birthday Movie

Last year we went to a movie tocelebrate both boys' birthdays. I guess it was a start of a tradition because we did the same thing this year for Cade. We wet to How to Train Your Dragon 2. The boys were so excited, and we enjoyed the movie together. 

Happy 8th Birthday Cade!

We celebrated Cade's 8th birthday with the Bents family this year! My nephew, Sage, and Cade share the same birthday, but have never spent the day together. This year was a first! We enjoyed grilled chicken, along with a yummy cinnamon raisin cookie cake (ordered special by Grandma) and ice cream. 

I brought some presents for Cade to open, as well. He received  some new iamginext action figures, books, and a Nerf gun. He didn't get any presents at our party, but did receive a card from Grandma Sparks in the mail at Grandma and Grandpa's house. 

Iowa Science Center

We visited another museum! We visited the Iowa Science Center with Grandma Glenna and Grandps Bill on Cade's 8th birthday. We had a fun day together! 

Joel's favorite activity was the rocket shooting. Cade's favorite was the bubbles. And Callie enjoyed Grandpa the most!

Off we Go!

We also took a big trip to Iowa while Daddy was gone to help pass the week more quickly! 

Unfortunately our van air conditioning went out so we had to take the Tahoe. It was not comfortable, like the van or as easy to drive, but we made it.

I surprised the boys with The Lego movie on our way to Ames. It was one of Cade's birthday presents. They were both really excited and it was a great time filler. The boys both slept the rest of the way to Ames after much argument, but it was so worth the battle to have happier kiddos in Iowa. 

Swimming Days!

While Daddy was away on the trip to Chattanooga, the kids and I played!!

On Monday and Tueaday we went to the swimming pool to pass our afternoons away!

Joel Charles

Joel Charles was 41 pounds and 3'7" in height on June 9. He is 4 years old. He is such a delight. I love his zest for life. He is laid back, full of wonder, loves cuddles, and plays with little little toys! 

Gorgeous Girl!

Callie Mae Odell. Seven and a half months old!

On June 12 Callie was 16# 8 oz and 27 inches in length.