Weekend Fishing

Before we set off on the next leg our weekend adventure we ahd to explore the farm some more and be sad to leave. These are such farm kids. their daddy would be proud. 

We headed to Grandpa and Grandma Judy's house. Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Kim and Xander came over too for a cookout. So it was fun to see Xander and play with the cousins. 

Bella wanted to go fishing on a boat, so Grandpa got out the boat and we headed to the Mississippi River. We struggled to find fish, but Bella still had a great time. 

max on the other hand was tired

We spent most of the time like this.. whatever makes them happy right?

these two caught all the fishes

the one keeper. 

The rest of the night was a blur with getting home from boating, gettng cleaned up for church, resting because it was hot, walking to get supper and then church. Bedtime was hard as the kids were all wound up. But we made it.. Then Bella decided she was going fishing at 5am with Grandpa and Grandma Judy.. so off she went to fish. 

I heard back that she did great. She went to the spill way which is a location i hadn't been to since i was pregnat with Bella. But at age almost 8, she was finally ready for it . I guess she didn't complain or whine and caught baby fishes. :)

This guy and i walked to the park to play before it got too hot. Well  it was already hot but we hung out for a bit anyhow. 

We did a cookout with the whole family at noon but left around 1pm to head back home to go visit the guy these kids made a father. 

A visit from Grandma &,house update

Grandma came to celebrate Mother's day a little later since we were traveling the weekend before. We went out to eat at Pizza hut, visited Josh's grave and then hung out at home. The kids enjoyed the attention. 

House update: The staked out the house and garage after they moved all the dirt away. Then pulled the sample for the septic test. It came back that we can do a traditional septic system. 

having fun at Gilda's :)

Cole got a hair cut

A little boys dream!

They either brought in dirt or stole it from somewhere!

Marble run on  rainy day

Final Christmas celebration of 2015

So the beginning of Jan and the end of winter break brought about the last family gathering for Christmas. We celebrate with some of Josh's siblings and mom. 

it was a crazy morning for us, as i had choir at church and church before everyone was suppose to arrive around noon. Somehow it all worked out.  The kids were pretty shy with everyone suddenly at their house. Max was also tired and never did get a nap. 

We had just enough food for lunch for everyone, then open presents. The kids loved this part, as Max has been asking to open more gifts. Poor boy was so spoiled this year. 

The youngest at the party gets the bow! 

Quilt made by Josh's sister

playing with uncle ben

Grandma got the kids hats, only max wouldn't wear his. LOL

it was a good time, but hard at the same time. Once everyone left we were all wiped out and just scrambled to get ready for school the next day. 

Cookie making

Sunday was a crazy day it seems. I had choir practice at 9, so i left the house with the kids ready to go and Josh setting his alarm to make sure he was ready to leave on time.  Practice went well. I'm kind of bummed i won't get to see on Christmas Eve, but Bella wants to be an Angel. Unfortunately those are two different masses. It's ok since I'll have many more chances where there are only a few for Bella to be an Angel.
Josh and the kids made it just in time for church even getting seats since it was pretty packed up in the choir loft. After church we put the kids in my car and drove to the park and ride to drop of Josh's car. Then headed off to my sister's.
The day went by quickly there. The kids were all over the place.. all of them! I think we made about 7 different types of cookies. My sister's kids were in and out too, so it seemed to be people doing something different all the time. Josh was attempting to rest and be pain free. It's a good thing that my brother in law has had so many back problems as he had a bunch of good ideas for Josh. Around 2 Josh and I left the kids with my mom and sister and headed to Target.  We have quite a few Angels living on this earth that are looking out for us. One of them sent us a gift card to target so we used it to get some new pants for Josh, nightgown for me,  food for all of us and water
bottles for the kids. The only problem was target was crazy since it was the last weekend before Christmas. But we made it back to my sister's just in time for Josh to be able to watch the packer game with Andy, who was watching it on delay.  The kids continued to play and spent the time catching up with my sister.
We left at halftime, which was probably long enough for Josh. We had to stop and get his car at the park and ride and arrived back home around 630pm.

These two are the next generation of Peanut Butter Ball makers. Both Tracey and I have failed.  (ps i' not that upset that i can't make them, i'm just happy to eat them. )

Cut out Cookie decorating! 

Aunt Tracey found a cookie that's made with candy to get Max to make. I think he ate more then he made

Drew and Bella made a gingerbread house..only got drews though

Sara came home from work and got put to work decorating gingerbread

This girl and her godmother! 

A boy and his godfather

One guess who didn't want his picture taken?

She loves her cousins!