Matthew West- The Motions

This song struck me recently and I wanted to share it.

Dads Helper

Micah did some work in the yard today. Isaiah grabbed his tools and put them in his shirt pocket and headed outside.

A Day To Stay Inside

It is rainy out today for the first time in a week or so. We have been so busy staying outside that we needed a day just to stay in and do some chores. Th house was getting very neglected. The kids have been covered in sunscreen, dirt, and sweat for a week. One night it was late and I did not want to give baths just thinking that we would take them first thing in the morning. (We have gotten home later than normal most evenings.) Isaiah yelled that there was something on his pillow after he layed down. I went in and found sand all over it from coming out of his hair! He also fell out of the bed two nights this week and did not even wake up! I heard the thuds. Now that is what I like to see! A tired and dirty kid. That way you know they had a great day!

In other news, Isaiah is happy that he learned how to snap his pants this week and has taken an interest in making his own breakfast which is the same every morning...toast. The kid loves toast. Naomi has proved herself to be much more daring in the pool (or in any water) than Isaiah ever was so we have not made it to the pool much. We have been sticking to parks, baby pools in the yard, and slip and slides with friends. Naomi has also been talking alot more and therefore making us laugh quite a bit.

Naomi Sings her ABC's

Mom Visits and The Galena Balloon Race

Mom came for a visit this past weekend and it was such fun. We went to the pool, the farmer's market, out to eat, shopping and to get pedicures (sans kids of course!). On Saturday night we went to the Galena Balloon race and it was a hit with the kids. Our dear friends the Wood's went also. They are fellow North Carolinian's who relocated to Dubuque not too long ago.

The Farmer's Market

We love to go to the Farmer's Market which is only open on Saturday mornings in our town. We love to support our local farmers and try to learn how to enjoy and prepare new foods (anyone know anything about what to do with radishes?) Isaiah rides his bike through the rows of vendors and Naomi happily walks along or rides in the stroller. They have bands there and the kids love to stop and listen and dance a little. Here they are listening to a band and hanging out on the street corner with dad.

Fathers Day

Gwen took this picture on Fathers Day. Isaiah made this tie for Micah in Sunday school on Saturday night and Micah wore it to preach on Sunday.

First 'dive'

Milestone for Isaiah today

Nomi and Mim

Here are the cuties eating grapes together. We had so much fun laughing at them this weekend.

The 2008 Grandview Gallop

Rick, Gwen, Joel, Steph, Mim, Cora, Hannah, and Emmet came to visit this weekend because it is Micah's birthday, the Steele's anniversary, and Father's Day of course. Joel, Steph, Micah, and I ran in the Gallop this morning and had a good time. Here we are before the race.

Unbelieveable Weather

Looking at the pictures of our neighboring towns makes us sad and the rain keeps coming even as I type...

From an AP article:

"We are seeing a historic hydrological event taking place with unprecedented river levels occurring," said Brian Pierce, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Davenport. "We're in uncharted territory — this is an event beyond what anybody could even imagine."
Gov. Chet Culver has declared 55 of the state's 99 counties as state disaster areas.

Swim Lesson

Water Slide

Here is the fun I rigged up in the backyard today. We were bored and it was hot...

A Visit From Friends

Today Lindsay, Griffin, and Gable Eekhoff came to visit. We had a great time with them. Here are the buddies today...
And here they are three years ago...

Swim Lessons

Today was Isaiah's first day of swim lessons and he did so well. He went with his teacher as soon as he met her. He did everything they asked in the water and then when he was done he ran up to me and said "Mom, I did it!" He was so proud of himself. We have two weeks of going everyday so I'm sure I will post more pics. Here he is with his friend Logan.

Stormy Spring

The tornado sirens are getting a good workout around here lately. Our basement is getting some use as well! This is what it has looked like here most of the time recently. I love a good storm but it's getting kinda crazy. Our back yard was ankle deep in water last night. The Mississippi is an inch from record flood level in Dubuque. Naomi's new word is "windy!".

Oh So Big!

Isaiah picked out this outfit for today. I think he looks just like his dad. He is such a cool kid! I'm having trouble imagining him ever leaving me for school. These days are precious!

Random Cuteness

Isaiah sitting at our front door waiting for our babysitter, Danielle, to arrive. He loves her!
Naomi refuses to sit in her highchair anymore so here she is sitting at the bar. She wants to feel big like her brother.