Happy Labor Day

Does this mean it is officially the end of summer? You wouldn't guess it by the weather here...low 90's. I have to admit, I'm ready for fall, I love that time of year.

This past week my folks visited from Iowa, we had a really nice visit. They watched the kids while we went to Chicago for a few days. The kids enjoy the time with Grandma and Papa and vice versa. I know it can be exhausting but mom and dad hang in there pretty well.

We found out yesterday that we won't be going to Iowa for awhile...we went to Bloomington (2 1/2 hour drive) to visit our friends Jen and Michelle and the kids screamed most of the way there and ALL the way back. Needless to say I had a breakdown after the kids went to bed (first ever but I'm sure more to come).

We took away pacifiers two weeks ago and the kids are doing great without them, thank God! Karly has now taken to pulling her hair when she's going to sleep. She has a bald spot on the left side of her head...hoping she'll grow out of it soon! Come to find out she's taking after Aunt Mandi who also pulled her hair as a toddler.

The kiddos are doing great otherwise. They continue to make us laugh and fill our hearts with joy. Dad made me a disc of some old photos, I've posted some here and there are some new photos as well. The kids wanted to look like Papa so they tried out the doo-rag, as you can see Nathan didn't enjoy his as much as the girls. Yes...we are going to try out the leashes...as much as I don't want to I think there are certain situations for us that they'd come in handy...so the kiddos wear the backpacks around the house to get used to them. Karly in pigtails looking much older than she is. Nathan chillin' looking for trouble as always. Anna and her curled tongue sitting by the bush taking everything in as usual.

Happy 5th Anniversary Trav!

We celebrated our 5th Anniversary with a trip to Chicago, kid free! We had a really nice time but were ready to get home. We were able to catch up with an old friend of mine from high school and enjoy time just the two of us, taking walks and naps...gotta love those naps! We enjoyed a fun filled day at Six Flags...made us realize we're not that young anymore, but with the help of Ibuprofen we made it through the day. I have to say Travis is a wonderful husband and a tremendous daddy to our children, I couldn't have asked for a better person to share my life with. To many more years babe! (the 2005 photo is the oldest one I have on my computer, and the newest one is of us in Chicago at my friend Sean's place)

Summer Fun

As much as we love summer, we're waiting for cooler days. Heat index has been 110 which keeps us inside with crazy, wild toddlers! The kiddos are doing great. We have so much fun with them...we are the ones that get entertained daily. Lately we feel like referees as one of the kids is always taking something away from another one. Karly likes to hit and Anna likes to bite. Nathan just gets into everything he shouldn't. In the past week Karly has taken a great interest in "reading" books. She'll bring one and expect to sit on your lap while she turns the pages. The kids are working on their animal noises and today we took them to see the ducks...well, as you will see in the photo, the ducks swarmed us when we walked towards the pond. Travis had the girls, I had Nathan and we RAN back to our van to keep from getting pecked! It was hilarious. The kids enjoyed throwing bread to the ducks from inside the van.

Here are the latest numbers on the kiddos: Anna is 18.2 pounds and 29 3/4" tall. Karly is 20.6 pounds and 30 3/4" tall. Nathan is 24.8 pounds and 32 1/2" tall. Here are some photos from the last month, hope you enjoy. Descriptions: Karly on the horse; Nathan having a sad moment; Karly's snot nose; Anna giving Apollo a hug; the kids "riding" in the blanket; Little Cardinals' fans; Karly and daddy reading; Anna in her dress and handsome Nathan.