We've had a busy and great couple of weeks. The sun came out for a few days after about 15 days of rain, and it was warm enough for us to play outside. It was so nice to be able to eat dinner and then head outside to play for awhile before bedtime. We are definitely enjoying the later sunsets. Unfortunately, as of yesterday we're back to colder, dreary days for a bit.

Let's see, what have we been up to?  Almost two weeks ago I was able to attend a baby shower for my friend Erin and her sweet boy Carter.  I was so happy to be able to go since I had to miss her first shower in Des Moines due to a snow storm.  It was so much fun to catch up with her, her family, and some great work friends that I don't get to see very often. 

During the week we were busy with the usual; preschool, swim lessons, ECFE, and work.  Ava had her last swim lesson and took her test.  She passed some of the skills, but not all.  So she'll be retaking that level.  I loved her teacher, Grace, and am hoping that she'll be teaching next session when I enroll Ava again.  I'm hoping to enroll her in a summer session so she doesn't forget everything that she just learned. 

Everything is starting to come to a close for the summer.  We have a few more ECFE classes, and Ava's last preschool class is Wednesday.  She was supposed to have her spring concert last night, but it was cancelled due to a tornado watch.  She will now be doing her performance on Wednesday.  I'm so thankful that I have that day off so I can go watch her, enjoy a picnic, and be there for her last day.

There's not much new to report on Grant.  He's growing like a weed, trying a few new words out every now and then, and that's about it.  He has his 18 month well child check this afternoon.  I think it's another immunization visit.  I'm sure he'll be less than pleased.  He already doesn't like going to the Dr., and clings to me like no other.  It's amazing how different two children from the same two parents can be.

This past weekend we were able to head to IA to help cousin Reece celebrate his 6th birthday, and cousin Zacky celebrate his confirmation.  It was a great weekend, surrounded by family and friends.  I didn't want to leave.  Our kids just love every minute that we spend there, playing with all of their cousins and being loved on by all of my family.  Grant spent most of Saturday outside, somehow getting somebody to take him outside to "shoot" hoops.  He's got a few skinned knees to show how much fun he had.  And whoever wasn't outside with Grant was inside with Ava playing Chutes & Ladders, CandyLand, or some pretend game like Frozen or Lion/Kitty.  That girl loves to play games.  Since we had so many people to love on our kids, Nate and I decided to take advantage of it and met up with friend Erin, Kevin, & Carter for dinner.  It was so nice to get to see them again.  Carter is growing so quickly! 

This weekend we'll be home.  I'm actually working for somebody tomorrow during the day.  Tomorrow evening Nate and I are going out.  We're having one of the neighbor girls babysit for the first time.  We're not leaving until after Grant is in bed, so it should go just fine (as long as Grant doesn't wake up).  :)  Sunday we're planning on going to church, and then having brunch with Mema, Boppa, Wes, & Janna.  I'm hoping that the afternoon will be nice so that we can go outside and do something fun together as a family. 

Wishing all of you moms a Happy Mother's Day!!!
      

Erin, Carter, & me

Renee, me, Erin, Carter, Molly, & Beth at the shower

Ava reading to Grant one morning in her bedroom

This was Grant possessed by the DVD player at 9:30 at night on the way to Des Moines.  I don't think that I had ever seen his eyes so big.  It's only 1 1/2 hours past his bedtime at this point 

Playing "trucks"

One of the Many games that Ava played that weekend

Grant and his "pup pup"

Grandpa got a good workout lifting Grant up to "shoot" many many times.

Grandma, Grandpa, & cousins

Ava is always willing to help open presents

One of Grant's best friends; cousin Sara

They went for a walk to see the horses

Grant's best friend (besides Mommy).  He loves his Grandpa!!!

Ava before confirmation

This morning we headed to the zoo.  I thought we would be one of the few there since the weather isn't real nice.  I pulled into the parking lot and was greeted by 22 school buses (not to mention the day care vans).  Not my favorite trip to the zoo!