Happy Anniversary!

Happy 7th Anniversary to my hubby!

Almost Spring!!

Thank goodness for the burst of warm weather this week. We were just about to lose our minds inside! We had a busy week with family night at Zoie's school, long walks in the evening, several family birthdays (Happy Birthday Gramsy and Ty!) and, of course, eating corndogs to remind us of the warm State Fair!

(Kai-man at 18 months playing at Zo's school playground)

(My babies...who both love to say "cheese" repeatedly anytime a camera is near)

Need I say more??



We sent Nana Janet and Tom "Iowa food" for their birthdays. You can't get any more Iowa than corn dogs and fried tenderloins. On another note, Ryan and I are off to spend the day together in Des Moines Saturday to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. I'm sure we will have a great time...Happy Anniversary to us!

My sissy?? I guess she's okay....

I am the big sister in my family so I haven't really witnessed the awe in which little siblings view their bigger siblings. I will say, I am deeply grateful for the relationship Zoie and Kai typically share. I say typically because, face it, it isn't always roses. But for the most part, my babies love each other. Kai is in that really fun stage where he wants to imitate those around him. None more than his big sis.......

(same cup, same snack, same time)

I mean, really, he must love her to smile while dressed in a bunny suit. Note the Christmas pj's and Easter outfit. We are on top of things around here if you can't tell!

The super hero cape Santa gave Kai has evolved into a Zoie cape and, of course, a matching dolly/polar bear cape. If anyone is interested a gal at my work makes them for only $15 bucks. Worth every cent when you hear them flying around playing superhero in their pj's.

We got desperate this weekend for some warm weather. Enough so that we broke out the blankets and the Tigger and Pooh one was the beach while the blue one was water. Zoie pulled out the long lost swim suits and googles, although poor Kai could barely squeeze into his. We apparently need a size 18 months "husky" next time.

Two wonderful kids who smile most of the time. How lucky am I?

My sincere apologies.....

I am catching some grief for the lack of recent posts so I feel compelled to offer some sort of update on our household the past few weeks. First, however, I must offer my sincere apologies to my sweet little boy. To whom I accused, publicly of course, of squirreling away my precious camera. To my surprise yesterday I discovered the camera in my coat pocket. Whoops. Surely not the last time he will be accused of something he did not actually do. He does have a big sister you know.

Me: I have been working about three days a week and enjoying the rest of my days at home with the kids. Granted my clients have suffered through more than one phone call with a child talking (or screaming) in the background but most don't seem to care. In fact, I dare say that parenting and having balance in my life seems to make me better at my job. I appreciate things just a bit more....

Other highlights for me: Last week a client gave me a massage as a token of thanks. It was AWESOME!! I mean it. I was long overdue for some Shannon time. My friend, Gayla, is on her last week of radiation treatments. Yeah for G!! We are planning a fun celebration in her honor. She deserves it. Zach, Julie and their kiddos came over Friday night for some pizza and playtime. We had a great time. We miss them dearly! And last, but not least, another box from Nana Janet came. Seriously--this is a highlight because her boxes are so full of random things. We love getting them. We are thankful that Nana Janet is a shopaholic!

Ryan: Ryan has been busy with work. Basketball season ended last week and he had parent/teacher conferences this week so life hasn't slowed down much for him yet. But next week will be an eagerly anticipated lull in the athletic seasons, which translates into some evenings at home with us. He had a snow day last week and the Schwan man randomly stopped by. I think it made his whole week. He thinks the Schwan man is the greatest guy ever. Mostly because he comes with mini-tacos and other fantastic fried goodies that mom doesn't usually buy.

Zoie: Zo's conference was last night. Her teacher said she is doing awesome. She loves to draw and write her letters, which she does all the time at home. She can count to 49, write the entire alphabet and can write some words. We are pretty proud of her. I continue to be amazed at how much she is learning at preschool. Yesterday I was home in time to pick her up from school. She was less than thrilled. She told me that the fun part of school is getting to ride the school bus. Just another gentle reminder that Mom isn't always so cool. I made it up to her by making masks after Kai went to bed. She loves to make them and last night it was a black cat mask. She rocked it...her kitty even had whiskers.

Kai: Wow....he continues to move faster and faster every week. Last Saturday he intently watched Ryan scrub the toilet. (Yes, yeah for me that my hubby will do such a task on his day off!) Now his favorite thing is to take Q-tips and swirl them around in the potty. He thinks he is cleaning it. Such a great little helper. He also routinely pushes the buttons on the dishwasher (which means he stops it mid-cleaning), drags the toilet plunger around (gross I know but I can't keep him away from it!), unfolds any laundry that is around and brings you a roll of toilet paper while you are in the bathroom. I love the little guy but I am looking forward to actually getting to use the bathroom alone someday. He sings constantly. And I mean constantly. Mostly the ABC song and Twinkle, Twinkle. It makes my heart smile to hear him.

Now that I have found my camera I will get back to posting pictures again. Until then...enjoy the rest of your week!