Showers and Showers

Like she has every summer since leaving Iowa for Texas, Aunt Abby recently came 'home' to visit at our parent's house. The kids and I decided to surprise her, and arrived on Wednesday afternoon. It wasn't warm the last time we were back in May, and while the rain still changed a few plans, we were finally able to enjoy the fun of summer in Iowa - fishing, sprinklers, camping in a tent, and pony rides. It was great to spend time with Abby as well as the other family we were able to see, and we also attended her bridal shower during the visit. Now we're looking forward to celebrating in Texas in August!

Papa C. brought home a new sprinkler for the kids (he enjoyed it, too). 

Nothing like a mouthful of dirt.

She was so excited to pick the 'begetables.'

Jack wanted to try a cherry.

Ella was so excited to fish!

It wasn't the best weather for fishing, but we still had fun.

Papa got a kite for Ella but we had trouble finding enough wind. Once we did, she was really more interested in digging for rocks.

Aunt Abby with her grandmas, mom, best friend, and sister at her bridal shower.

She finally found a cat that would let her pet it.

Ella and her second cousins, Briella and Blake.

Cousin hug!

Ella and Brecklyn share a love of rocks.

Pony rides with Great Grandpa P!

Tea Parties and Thunderstorms

We enjoyed a pretty quiet week, despite the intermittent thunderstorms. Ella has been very curious about thunder and lightning, so we (me included!) learned some science. Tuesday brought hot temperatures, so we took our first trip of the season to the neighborhood pool. Jack was a little more hesitant than he was last summer, but I'm sure he'll warm up soon. He's been super loving lately, giving kisses out of nowhere and rubbing his snotty little nose into my neck, just like a puppy:) The little man is also saying a few more words, including "spoon," "down," and something that resembles "thank you." Finally, he's been extremely attached to his jammies, and gets mad when I try to take them off in the morning. He's no fool - who doesn't want to live in pajamas?!

Enjoying a tea party together.

We might need to work on our hostess etiquette. 

She brought me this half-eaten grape and told me that there was a little bit of wine in it. I can't wait until she shares that during snack time at preschool.

Oh the simple joy of a balloon.

Happy Father's Day!

Ella and Jack are pretty lucky to have such an amazing dad, and today we had a great day celebrating him. To back up, this weekend was also Cousin Jace's baptism, so we were able to spend the weekend with Jeritt's side of the family two weekends in a row - the cousin fun continued! Grandma and Papa C. were also in town to celebrate Uncle Martin's graduate school graduation, so we enjoyed a lot of family time. Today, we spent the morning at a fun park we recently discovered, followed by a trip to Scooter's for ice cream and another park to end the day. We just put two very tired kids to bed - and Mom and Dad will soon follow!

Super Hero Ella helping with a salad for dinner.

"Jack, we're going to launch this rocket off the couch."

"What?! You think this is a bad idea?"

Jack wants out.

The co-captain on this rocket launch is bailing.

She kept trying to assure me that she'd be safe with the helmet on. "Mommy, it will be so fun!"

Grandma Nee-Ma cuddling with Jace.

Grandpa Rich meeting Jace!

The Bushaw boys.

Jack was so happy to be jumping with Ava.

Enjoying a beautiful Father's Day morning at a splash park. 

We didn't anticipate the water would be turned on at the park. Thus, Jack had to wear Ella's sweater home. He wasn't impressed.