Kitchen Remodel

Boys will be Boys

Jude and I took an afternood stroll to the park. He was totally curious about the dandilions. He posed nicely for a few pictures, but it didn't last long...........Poor dandelion.

Dear Greta Rae....

Thank you so much for my cool birthday chairs. I had so much fun when you came to visit and I really miss you. My mom and dad told me I get to see you in Colorado in just a few weeks. I have been practicing my dance moves so that I can dance with you this time. Are you going to bring your monkey shoes and your pink sunglasses? I will bring the bubbles and my sand buckets.

I love you,

Jude

Family Convoy

It is that time of year again. The annual family trip to the Black Hills. Four cars, fifteen people, eight kids, and a lot of coffee mugs hit the road early for the 6 hour family convoy across South Dakota. After Wall Drug, ice cream, mini golf and many rounds of Jude's silly songs cd we made it to my parents cabin. Ahhhhhhhhh. We had fantastic time playing golf, hiking Harney Peak, driving through Custer State Park, enjoying the beauty of the cabin near lake Pactola and lake Sheridan, and visiting Great Grandma.

Walking Talking Fishing

He has done it! We officially have a walker on our hands. Jude took his first steps at his great Uncle Ger's house a few weeks ago while on a fishing trip with Gma and Papa Meendering. It was fasinating to see the little lightbulb go on when he took more than one step before falling and realized he was walking. Now there is no stopping him. He loves to toddle around the house while saying "walking, walking, walking".

Jude's Birthday Continued...

Jude with his birthday cards. My mom always used to take these pictures and I love looking back at them and recognizing gifts and cards. Hope Jude will enjoy that some day too. He was so proud to stand by his cards!

Jude and Olive. Our friends Grant and Nicole (below) came to visit for Jude's birthday party and brought their baby olive. Jude was enamoured with the puppy!

Yes, we have been slacking on the blog. Summer has hit and although I would like to say we have slipped into a more relaxed summer pace, we have been crazy trying to wrap up the school year, taking classes, writing grants, doing house projects and landscaping projects, and taking care of a little boy who has been sick sick sick..... Although I can't offer you and pictures in real time, here are a few more pictures from Jude's birthday weekend.

Jude's Birthday Bash

We celebrated Jude's 1st birthday last weekend with a small gathering of family and friends. Thanks to everyone who came to help us celebrate and those who sent their birthday wishes from afar. You all made the day special. He may not remember it, but it really meant a lot to Jon and I. Here are a few photos from the big day.....

Jude playing with rocks outside after the party...
Jude all smiles with his new wagon......

Fish cupcakes......

Tissue paper pom poms and floating fish (will give more how to details on these later).......

Jude so excited after tasting the chocolate frosting!

Easter Flashback Part 1

We took Jude to an Easter Egg Hung with his cousins and he came up empty handed. We got there waited about 10 minutes for the hunt to start and then in a flash it was over. It literally lasted 1-2 minutes max! The kids covered that green space picking up the eggs in a flash. Jude's cousin Ava shared one egg with Jude so he could pick one up. Was a fun day. More Easter pictures to come....

Work Work Work

The toy computer won't cut it anymore. We are in love with the real deal.

Happy Thursday....... The weekend is near!

Happy 1st Birthday Jude

Dear Jude,
Today you turn 1 year old. You have done so much in just one year. You are walking around furniture, eating with a spoon, learning to drink out of a sippy cup but truly wanting your bottle, pulling all of the baby wipes out of the container and pretending to blow your nose in each one, snuggling with your blanket and any pillows you can get your sticky hands on, crawling in laundry baskets and throwing the clothes out one item at a time, giving kisses, and laughing contagiously when we tickle you. You have taught us so much about patience, priorities, and happiness and your dad and I can not imagine our lives without you. It seems cliche, but the time does go so fast. It feels like yesterday we were anxiously driving to the hospital not knowing what to expect or what an amazing ride were in for when you arrived.
We love you,
XOXO
Mom and Dad