The Punts

Cameron's Photo Shoot

2012-02-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

Cameron was a baby model recently for Tammy Brice. Cameron and Tammy both did a great job!!! The pictures are adorable!!! Cameron was giggling and kind of scared at one point and that basket just about tipped over:)

My 6 Month Old!

2012-02-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

Cameron turned 6 months yesterday! We've just started him on some rice cereal and he seems to love it so far! He loves to grab for the bowl and try to shove the whole thing in his mouth. Other things he's up to right now include making noises to get our attention, giggling, rolling from his tummy to his back, and taking cat naps (he's really good at this!!!).

He looks innocent enough doesn't he? BUT the other night Kyle was holding him and somehow poop shot out of his pants onto the rug and Kyle...it was quite the event!

What We Learned This Week

2012-02-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

I had quite a bit of "school" planned for this past week. I was planning a good review of letters L, M, N, and O along with a variety of other activities. But when the weather was as nice as it was we had to take the learning outside and scrap our indoor plans! I'm learning how to be flexible! We had the time to explore, imagine, and learn OUTSIDE!! The kids planted manna (preschooler's imaginations never cease to amaze me) and had very interesting conversations on the swings about women being girls (Caleb) and men being humans (Chloe).

Caleb spent most of his time digging!

We "gardened" in February!

Cameron loved the outdoor swing as much as he does his inside swing! He supervised the gardening.

Laughter is Contagious!

2012-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

I love watching Chloe interact with her baby brother!

My Little Photographer

2012-01-26T19:24:00.001-08:00

Chloe received a camera for Christmas. She loves taking pictures and really does a pretty decent job. Yesterday she said (with exasperation), "Mommy, WHEN can I unload my pictures on to the computer and our blog?" Like mother like daughter I guess! Here is a sampling of her pictures...

My favorite!

She is learning about the days of the week and the months/seasons so I guess she found the calendar interesting!

Many of the pictures are pretty blurry. We won't have a shortage of pictures of me anymore with her behind the camera!

She likes taking pictures of the sunset. Not bad!

Her favorite person to run after and torment with the camera: Caleb (At least he's smiling in this one...that's not always the case!!!)

Water Park Fun

2012-01-23T19:45:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we stayed in a hotel with a water park. The kids had a blast of course!

The funniest moment happened the first night we were there. Kyle got wet with the kids and we watched him shiver (didn't make me want to get in too bad!!). Caleb's teeth were chattering and his fingers were literally blue at the end of the night. I dried him off and cuddled with him trying to warm him up a bit and he said, "Mommy, you didn't know that my fingers could turn colors!!"

My little fish! Chloe absolutely loves water. She spent most of her time going down the slide. When she wasn't in the water she was playing UNO...and winning!!

Taking a break from swimming. We enjoyed some Bananagrams, chatting and shopping:)

Cameron was such a little trooper! Thank you Mom & Dad for giving him lots of attention!! He liked watching all the action (probably dreaming of the day when he can turn blue too!)

Kyle went down that slide with the kids WAY more times than I did...thanks for being a FUN DADDY Kyle!! He also enjoyed the big kid slides and the hot tub whenever he got a little break from Daddy duty.

Chloe's Quote Of The Day

2012-01-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've posted a good Chloe quote. Today I was checking some of her preschool work and I was pleasantly surprised by how well she did.

Me: "Chloe, this is awesome!"
Chloe: "I know Mom. I'm a genius!"

Just what we needed!!!

2012-01-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today is proof AGAIN that my loving Lord knows just what I need and when. We have been dealing with the stomach flu for the past week with no outings. As any Mommy knows, the stomach flu is horrible (especially while nursing!) and the isolation that comes with it is almost as bad. Today's sunshine was such a blessing to all of us. The kids and I basked in the sunshine on our "4 season deck" this afternoon. The fresh air did WONDERS for all of our attitudes...including the happy little man in the bumbo chair who giggled at his sister over and over as she "prepared" food for me. Thank you Lord for this 62 degree day!!!

The Boys

2011-12-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

The boys had their well child exams today. Here are their stats!

Caleb's 3 yr old stats:
Weight: 35.5# (84%)
Height: 39 in. (86%)
Caleb had a tractor birthday party. It was a hard decision for him--it was between tractors and Lightening McQueen:) He is such a fun little guy. Some of his favorite things to say are:
"I sure can!"
"Mommy I love you"
"Chloe's being mean and I'm nice!"
"Daddy come play with me"
"I love Baby Cameron"

He also loves talking about anything related to cars, trucks, tractors, or equipment of any kind. He's just recently began counting everything he can--he counts up to 12 and then starts over again! He still sleeps with his beloved "froggie" but moved from his toddler bed into the bunk bed this past summer. He isn't in big boy "pants" yet but hopefully that'll come soon!

Cameron's 4 month stats:
Weight: 14# 8oz (27%)
Height: 25.25 in. (46%)
Head Circ: 16.25 in. (16%)

Cameron is definitely our smallest kiddo! Both Chloe & Caleb were 90th% for everything! Cameron is a happy, content little guy & loves watching all of the action here. Other things he likes: his swing, attention from his big brother & big sister, riding in a carrier with mom or dad, and getting his neck tickled!

Christmas

2011-12-19T14:42:00.000-08:00

I loved this video from Ann Voskamp's blog. Enjoy!

the cross in christmas from tammi dryden on Vimeo.

Chloe's Debut in Church

2011-12-19T12:21:00.001-08:00

Chloe sang in church for the first time yesterday. She did an awesome job!! She did all of the actions and we were so proud of her! Caleb voiced concern that she was holding hands with a boy on the way out of church. I think he is going to be a little protector!! Thanks to Angie for getting this awesome picture...we were sitting WAY in the back!!!

Caleb is 3!!!

2011-12-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

Caleb turned 3 yesterday! We had a day at home (my only day at home all week!!!) and then went out later to celebrate. Here is how my little guy celebrated...

Breakfast in his PJs....a homemade cinnamon roll (Thanks Aunt Tasha!!) complete with a candle. During the morning I had to laugh because I looked around and this was such a typical day for us that I had to get it on camera...what Caleb's life is like as a 3 year old...

His little brother Cameron in the swing watching everybody...

His big sister Chloe reading books...

The birthday boy playing with his trucks and cars...

His Mommy folding laundry...

Now the pictures of his birthday that aren't a typical day for us...let the celebration begin! He wanted Subway to eat (he chose this over McDonalds!!)

Then we headed to the Fun Factory where he and Chloe had a blast!

Even Cameron liked the Fun Factory!!
Then back home where he opened a few presents. What a great day!!

We had Caleb's birthday party a few weekends ago...I'll post pictures of that soon!!!

The Punt Family 2011

2011-12-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

We took some pictures today...click on the link to see our slide show!

The Punt Family 2011

The First Sunday of Advent!!

2011-11-27T18:22:00.001-08:00

The kids have been really excited to put up the Christmas tree. We also put some lights outside and they enjoyed "helping" us decorate! I was pretty pumped to use our advent candles and found a devotional for us to do tonight. You can use the link below if you'd like a free advent devotional download for children. Tonight we read about Jesus being the light of the world and that Christmas lights represent this. A few minutes later I asked the kids- "So why do we put up Christmas lights?" Caleb answered-"For Santa Claus to see." We have some work to do...

http://www.pghpresbytery.org/news/pdfs/advent_devotional.pdf

Here is Chloe's little "tree" that she decorated. She is really proud:) She said that she doesn't mind if the gifts under it are big...hmmm...

The Magic Wand That Doesn't Work

2011-11-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from today. I guess Chloe decided that her magic wand that doesn't work is still good enough to play with!!

A Magic Wand

2011-11-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

My conversation with Chloe earlier today:

Chloe: Mommy, I want a magic wand for Christmas.
Me: Honey, you already have a princess wand in our dress up bin.
Chloe: No, Mommy I want a REAL wand...one that REALLY works!
Me: Oh, well, those don't really exist. Magic is just for fun, just with your imagination...what would you do if you had a magic wand that really did work??
Chloe: I'd turn you into a kangaroo and put you outside.

I'm pretty thankful that magic wands aren't actually magic...

2 Different Prayers

2011-11-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

Today at lunch Chloe wanted to say the prayer...it went like this...

"Dear God,
Thank you for the beautiful trees. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for us. Amen"

Then Caleb wanted to pray...it went like this...

"Dear God,
Don't bother me. Amen"

Wow...

Cameron is 3 months!

2011-11-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Cameron just turned 3 months! He doesn't sleep a lot but he is REALLY content for the most part! He smiles a lot and really enjoys his swing.

A picture on his 3 month birthday in his bouncy seat.

The happy little guy

Big brother Caleb when he was 3 months old...gotta love those cheeks!!!

Sure Signs of The Season!

2011-11-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

A fun filled pumpkin carving/costume party with friends

Horseback riding at the fall festival

A smiling baby (not a sign of the season but definitely cute!)

A boat cake for Daddy's birthday

Gifts for Daddy

A "Happy Birthday" banner for Daddy

The pumpkin farm!

Feeding goats at the pumpkin farm

A tire swing at the pumpkin farm

All smiles!!

The John Deere trike course at the pumpkin farm!!

Fall is a great time to...

2011-10-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Be a Hawkeye (yeah, I know about last week's game...the outfit was just too cute!). Oh, and also a great time to have your 2 month check up. Cameron weighed 12# 5oz (75%) and was 23 inches long (65%).

Color a picture and say that she looks just like Mommy (really Chloe?!?)

Ride in the combine with Grandpa!

View the beauty of the trees from the lookout tower

Ride your tricycle as fast as you can.

Eat your snack OUTSIDE!!!

October 6th

2011-10-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

I continue to count my blessings....I struggle with consistency...it truly is a discipline!!! Here are some of today's...

#174 Time spent with cousins

#175 A smiling 2 month old (it's his 2 month Bday today!!)

#176 A baby brother to love on

#177 The excitement of gathering fallen leaves

#178 "Mommy, isn't this one pretty?"

Cameron is 2 months old today. I can't believe it! He is smiling more and is a pretty content baby for the most part. He has slept through the night twice, but it was just a teaser because it didn't last:) He is already wearing 3-6 month clothing and has his appt next week for his first immunizations...boo, hiss!!!

A wedding, turkeys & preschool...

2011-09-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

That's what we've been up to lately!!! We went to a wedding a few weekends ago (Brandon and Andrea Vos) and the kids had a blast! We needed to be on our best behavior because we were sitting with a bunch of Brandon's dental professors from the U of I. I was so thankful that the kids were so good!!! Even Cameron...he slept through almost the entire reception!!

We have a family of turkeys that like our backyard lately. We like watching all the wildlife here but I don't like what it does to our garden!!

We have started our preschool at home again. Chloe is really enjoying it and Caleb is joining right in too!! Cameron could care less and really prefers to sabotage all attempts:) Chloe and Caleb really liked last week when we had the letter "C". We made Candy C's, studied crabs and castles, and read the story of Creation. What could be better than a letter that begins words like candy and cookies?!?

A Fun Visit

2011-09-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

Thank you Grandpa Rog and Grandma Judy for a very fun visit!! We had a great time! Here are a few pics from our weekend together!

All dressed up for church

Playing with Grandpa at the beach

Playing in the sand!

Meeting Cameron for the first time!

Playing "Baby"

2011-08-30T13:06:00.001-07:00

We have a 3 week old at our house. I nurse him every 2-3 hours. Yesterday Chloe and Caleb were playing "baby". Caleb was the baby. Chloe was the mommy. Caleb cried. Chloe told him to come over. She proceeded to lift up her shirt to pretend to feed him from her "muffs". Kyle and I watched in horror and the "baby" game was abruptly put to an end! Someday Caleb will be mortified by this story...

My Big Girl

2011-08-30T12:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I realized what a big girl my little Chloe is becoming. On Saturday she helped peel approximately 70 tomatoes to help Beth and I can salsa. She was a HUGE help!

On Sunday we had a "Chloe Stopped Sucking Her Thumb Party." Kyle and I gave her the choice of anywhere to eat and she chose McDonalds. She also wanted to go to the park and we were able to make that happen too! Her determination with this has amazed me. She pretty much just decided she was going to quit her thumb and she did it...I'm so very proud of her. I'm also a little sad...she always loved sucking her thumb when I would hold her or read to her...my little girl is growing up....sigh...:)

Caleb enjoyed the party too!

Rolling

2011-08-24T10:28:00.000-07:00

Cameron rolled over yesterday...and again today! Both times I laid him on his tummy (which makes him extremely angry!) and without any hesitation he rolled to his back. Caleb was an early roller too (at 3 weeks) so I guess he's taking after his big brother!

Quotes from our home...

2011-08-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

"I don't know Kyle...this one could be the milkman's" - Grandpa Dennis
"I want to hold her"- Caleb
"Him, Caleb...your brother is a boy"- Kyle
"He has a tiny head!"-Mason Gaulke
"His complexion is sure good!" - Great Grandpa James
"I've never had a baby this tiny!" - Grandma Melanie
"His toes are so cute!" - Chloe
And my personal favorite..."Mommy, your big tummy is gone!"- Caleb

Cameron James!

2011-08-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

He's here! Cameron James decided he could't wait until the end of August. He joined us on Saturday night at 11:20, weighing in at 6 lbs 11 oz and he was 20 inches long. Sheila and Cameron are doing well.

Fish!!

2011-08-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

I titled this post "Fish" for 2 reasons:
1. We went to a "Go Fish" concert
2. My kids have transformed into little fish!!

Chloe kicking up her heels at the concert!

Resting by Malik & Greg

"Guppies 1" swim lessons

Showing off for Daddy in our pool

Chloe's last day of summer swim lessons!

Kicking with the kick board

I'm ready to jump in!!

Come On Over...

2011-07-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Come On Over To Adventureland!

There is something in my Mommy heart that gets great JOY in seeing my kids experience some of the same things I enjoyed as a child. That was the case when we took them to Adventureland a few days ago. As a child I would countdown the days and play "pretend" Adventureland in our living room. And now, as a Mommy I was able to see my own kids' excitement over many of the same rides that I used to frequent! As Caleb's arms waved in excitement when he was in line to get on the semi-truck ride, Tasha commented "See, your kids ARE like you!!!" Here is a taste of what we did...

Chloe and Caleb rode the airplanes...

A Mommy fave for sure!

The bumper cars with Grandpa

Caleb talked about riding this from the moment he woke up!

Waterslides!!

Swimming in the pool was awesome relief from the heat!

Chloe showed off her new skills to Aunt Tasha...she jumped in about 25 times or so!!!

Dill pickles on a stick...thanks Grandpa!

I couldn't believe some of the "Big Kid" rides that Chloe went on!!!

Caleb loved the dragons!

3 times on the ladybugs!

Driving the boat like Daddy!

Caleb wanted to try out every vehicle on this ride!

Chloe's eyes were HUGE the first time the Frog Hopper dropped!

What I'm hearing from the backseat...

2011-07-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

The kids both got haircuts today and did awesome. Caleb sat in the chair by himself for the first time (although he still wanted Mommy to stand nearby and hold his hand:) This is the conversation that I heard from the backseat on the way home...

Chloe: "Caleb, you look kinda handsome with your new haircut."
Caleb: "NO!"
Chloe: "Handsome, handsome, handsome"
Caleb: "NO, NO, NO!!!"
Chloe: Singing to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas": "You are so handsome, handsome, handsome..."
Caleb: Now screaming and shaking his head violently: "NO!!!!!"

The simultaneous singing and screaming continued for most of the way home...
THE END.

July Fun!

2011-07-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

July is speeding by and I haven't been keeping up with posting pictures of our fun!
Caleb is enjoying his blueberry popsicle in this picture. I don't know if his Daddy enjoyed it much...his word to describe these pops was "organic"....hmmm...

Watching the parade on the 4th of July.

They didn't stay seated for long! There was too much to see and WAY too much candy to retrieve!

Enjoying the barrel rides!

Swinging in the park!

Caleb venturing down the slide with some extra help-thanks Brett!!!

Isn't this some patriotic cuteness?!?

The guys hanging out by the grill on the 4th

This picture just makes me laugh...Jordyn D. had a BLAST with the water balloons!!!

Caleb testing out the squirt gun

Grins from ear to ear from getting WET!!!

Kelly, Pete, Noah & Jacob came for a visit and we spent some time on the boat. We realized that next year we will be OVER CAPACITY for our boat...craziness!!!!

Getting their toes wet...both Chloe and Caleb wanted to sit by Noah the majority of the time!

Testing out new waters in our front yard.

Swimming with Daddy!

Now This Is Summer...

2011-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

We have a "Summer Fun List" and we've been able to check a few things off this week! I love checking things off lists so this is PERFECT!!! All of the family members contributed to the list so it's an interesting one...I still can't remember who wanted to eat at Burger King but that's on there too:) Most of these pictures aren't from the list but definitely catch the essence of SUMMER!!!

Check off #14: Eat pizza on the boat

Not on the list but isn't this picture adorable?!?

Eating sugar snap peas in the pool...never would have thought to put that on the list but the kids LOVED it! I too love sugar snap peas from the garden...I don't even have to bend over very far to pick them!!!

Watering each other

So much enjoyment from a tiny pool in the backyard!!!

Hanging with the Palins

2011-06-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

We were pretty thrilled to meet the Palins tonight and get a picture with them! (Although our photographer cut Todd out...) I think Sarah likes pregnant women...she even patted my tummy:)

Here we are getting her to sign an autograph for my Dad

Sarah talking with my friend Amanda (also pregnant). Can you find her hubby Joe looking on smiling??

A picture of the Molengracht as we waited for our food. It was a beautiful night to eat outside!

My Goofball

2011-06-27T14:26:00.000-07:00

Caleb is so incredibly funny lately. Here is his story from last night...

Caleb: (Zooming around his apple slice on the table) "Vroom, vroom"
Me: What is that Caleb?
Caleb: A boat.
Me: Yeah, it IS shaped like a boat isn't it?
Caleb: (Stopping the boat abruptly and turning it over) Mommy fall out!
Me: Oh no!
Caleb: (In reassuring voice) No whale Mommy, no whale.
Me: Who is going to rescue me?
Caleb: God. (proceeds to eat apple slice)

The End.

Camping Day

2011-06-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

We've had a lot of illness at our house (and that's just wrong in the summer!) so when Caleb was feeling a little better this past week we did one big camping day! I had Chloe give Caleb his nebulizer treatment while I packed our picnic lunch. It was just too cute...I couldn't resist taking a picture!!

We went to "Camp Creation" with some friends for the morning. The kids loved playing at the stream. They found rocks and loved getting wet!

Caleb spent most of his time in the sandbox...

Chloe spent a lot of time on the trampoline. We also visited the nature center and had a picnic lunch. Chloe's favorite part of the day: "the picnic". WOW!

Later that day we set up the tent in our backyard.

The kids had a blast going in & out of the tent...even though here they look somewhat angry!!!

Kyle had a blast burning stuff (yes, one of his favorite things!)

We topped off the day with S'mores. Kyle & Chloe spent the night in the tent while Caleb & I slept inside. He was pretty disappointed but was promised a camping night with Daddy when he's feeling 100%...I'm pretty sure I'll be camping inside the house that night too:) I take WAY too many bathroom trips these days!!

Father's Day

2011-06-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

This year for Father's Day we gave Kyle the best gift he could probably ever hope for...a day of boating!!! It was very hot!!

We promised Chloe that the next time we go boating she can get in the water (we're waiting for her burn to heal). She settled for putting her feet in the water with Daddy:)

We used a ladder to get into the boat...it worked just as well as a dock!

Little Caleb was not feeling well and fell asleep within 2 minutes of being on the boat!

Tasha and Chloe shared some cookies...always a yummy treat on the boat!

Grandma & Grandpa were great sports! They went out on the boat and provided a bed & shade for sleepy Caleb...they had to be extremely HOT!!!

He's a funny kid...

2011-06-14T05:12:00.000-07:00

We were playing hide and seek last night and we rounded the corner to find this...

Both kids hiding under our winter comforter and mattress pad (that need to be laundered & put away!!) Caleb obviously thought he was completely hidden as I had time to get the camera and take a picture!!!

And since I've got a post going here anyways I need to include some of Caleb's most recent quotes (yes, he has started speaking ALL the TIME...I think a new word comes out of his mouth on a daily basis!) Most of the things he says makes Kyle say, "He is a funny kid!"

In the van..."Me tummy hurt; me strapped in too tight."
At bedtime..."Love you!"
As I'm telling my mom that he was coughing throughout the night..."Not too loud!"
In bed..."Me need froggie."
In a public restroom when someone else comes in the door..."Whobody??" (His own unique little word:)
Before needing to go to the public restroom..."Mommy, me poopy."

As you can tell, most of his sentences start with "me":)

Minnesota Fun!

2011-06-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

We had a fun trip to MN this past weekend. Although there were a few things that didn't go as planned (like missing Rog & Judy's anniversary celebration due to the stomach flu) we had a lot of fun. We also thoroughly destroyed Grandma & Grandpa's house!!! Here is a sampling of what we did...

Went grocery shopping (At the Children's Museum)

Spent time with Great Grandma Joyce.

Washed our hands a lot (this however didn't prevent the spread of the flu!)

Played in bubbles

Tested our agility and coordination

Practiced our driving skills

Pretended to be ants in an ant hill

Yawned (this is what parents do best at the Children's Museum)

Played in water

Stuck the whole lollipop in...

Chewed up the whole lollipop...

Celebrated Erin who is headed for IA City in the fall!! Go Hawkeyes!

Watched orangutans dress themselves!!

Watched a seal show with cousins

Rode a train with Daddy

Zoomed round and round in sports cars!!

Went "spinless" on the teacups after deciding the teacup was too hot to touch...

Chloe's Alphabet Party!

2011-05-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

Last week we celebrated Chloe finishing some preschool curriculum that we've been doing at home. Grandma & Grandpa & Great Grandma & Grandpa came over and we had a lot of fun. Both kids got a few gifts (Caleb was celebrated too because he was such a good little helper and usually wanted to participate too!) The curriculum that I used was free (which is always helpful!) and can be found at http://www.letteroftheweek.com/index.html
Chloe loved that we had a different "theme" every week!!

Chloe showed off some of her artwork and the letters that she has been learning.

Here she shows her last letter...the letter Z!!

We had alphabet pasta and alphabet cookies to eat (well, we also had a lot of pickles, hamburgers and beans too:). Of course the kiddos LOVED the cookies (ok, we all did!!). They were incredibly easy and VERY good so I thought I'd include the recipe. These cookies could be used for just about anything (I put letters and numbers on top but you could do whatever you want!). The recipe is from the April edition of Parents magazine...

Cake-Mix Cookies
1 box (18.25oz) yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup buttermilk
Sprinkles
Frosting (can make your own or buy the canned stuff)

Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Combine the cake mix, egg, oil, and buttermilk in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Shape 1 inch mounds of batter into balls and flatten slightly Place about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Top with sprinkles (optional). Bake until cookies are golden and firm, 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Frost as desired. (Can make the cookies into sandwich cookies if you want and sandwich the cookies together with frosting)

Caleb's First...

2011-05-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

In the past week Caleb has had 4 new "firsts". Here they are in order of occurrence...

1. Requested Daddy put him to bed instead of Mommy.
2. Rode his tricycle...actually pedaling forward and backward!
3. Said "Chloe".
4. Picked his nose and ate it.

Note: I was so grossed out by #4 I'm sure he'll do it again soon...

Chloe's Latest Quotes

2011-05-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

I know everyone thinks their own kids say the cutest things, but since this is my blog I guess I can say what I want...Chloe says the cutest things!!! Here are a few of her latest...

~(In a talk about who her friends are) "I need friends who understand me."

~(To a tune that was completely made up by Chloe) "I love Daddy because he has a strawberry nose!"

~(As we are approaching a bulldozer working on the marina...she is in the stroller...she asks this repeatedly) "Mommy, what are the safety rules here??"

~(After I tell her that I'm exhausted) Chloe: "Why?" Me: "The baby is making me tired." Chloe: "Just put that baby down for a nap Mommy!"

~(Last night when Kyle was out working on the trimmer around 9pm) "Mommy, go get daddy and make him come inside. The raccoons are coming out." Me: "Why do you think that?" Chloe: "The skunks are coming out too. I learned that from Curious George."

Water

2011-05-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

There is only one thing to do when the temps get this high in mid-May...bring on the water! Here is our intense "To-Do" list these past few days...

1. Wash the boat.

2. Sweep the driveway.

3. Have a blast in the pool.

4. Water the cement, rocks, grass, and Mommy.

5. Invite friends over.

6. Invite friends out on the boat.

7. Eat Oreos on the boat.

9. Drive the boat without ANY help!!

Tulip Time Through The Eyes Of My Children!

2011-05-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Who knows what children are actually thinking, but these might be some of the thoughts that went through their heads the past few days at Tulip Time!!!

If I give Grandpa lots of hugs maybe he'll give me money so I can go down that big slide I saw in the park...

It worked! Wow, this is fast!

Caleb will definitely need a little push from me to help him down this slide...

Great Grandpa is awesome...

This parade is amazing...loud but amazing...

I am totally sleep deprived and I couldn't be having more fun!

I knew it! If I stand in front of Miss Beth long enough she will share her food!

Can I fit this whole hot dog in my mouth right now??

I can't believe a real fire truck is so LOUD!

Dancing on the street to the marching bands is definitely on my list of favorite things to do...

Tractors...SWEET!

We will stay seated in these chairs for the whole parade just so that Corrina and Jordyn do not take our seats...

Cotton candy IS as good as it looks!

It's pretty fun getting dressed as Dutch kids...what is Dutch anyways?!?

"Cheese"

I know I'm cute...that lady over there just said so...

These tulips would be really fun to destroy...

I don't really know the point of Mother's Day and all of these pictures but I'm sure glad that Daddy let me buy some M&Ms for Mommy!

Klompen Classic 2011

2011-05-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful night for running at this year's Klompen!! I'm so proud of all 3 of my runners! Kyle is the first orange shirt here...he finished with his fastest 5K ever in a time of 20:45!! That's pretty good for someone his age!! (I have to make fun of him because he made himself older than what he really is on his entry form...I guess when you get this age you tend to be forgetful!!)

Here is fast little Caleb...Daddy ran with him in the Kid's Klompen Classic. Unfortunately I don't have pics of him running because I missed the WHOLE thing trying to find Chloe at the finish line!! I couldn't believe he was already done! He ran the full two blocks!!

Chloe getting ready to run!

Chloe took off slow but she made up ground quickly! After the race I told her how well I thought
she did and she said, "But Mommy, there were a lot of girls in front of me!" And then she asked me when the next race is...she is indeed my girl!!

Chloe is displaying her ribbon. I think she was more pumped about her popsicle at the finish line than her ribbon!

Bring on the park!

2011-05-02T14:07:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what 6 months can do...we took advantage of this gorgeous weather and went to the park the other night. Chloe is now pumped to go down the "big" slides. Last year she was petrified of them!! Caleb can actually go down the slides without a hand...hooray!!!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Our kiddos are coming down from their Easter sugar high as expected today...completely exhausted and CRANKY!!! I can't believe the amount of candy that we brought home this weekend!! Here are some pictures of our Easter fun. It's difficult to teach kids the REAL meaning of Easter when they're surrounded by Easter bunnies (see below), dyed eggs (also below), and candy. Those things are fun and I don't want to completely skip them, but I don't want them to become the focus. This year though I felt like I didn't even have to try very hard. For the past few weeks or so Chloe has been somewhat obsessed with the story of Jesus' death and resurrection in her Beginner Bible...isn't that amazing?? The story is so awesome and so powerful that no preaching is even necessary...she just wants to hear the story over and over again. Ok, I'll let you get to the pictures...

Caleb does not waste time looking at a camera when he is hunting for eggs. One word to describe Caleb lately...intense.

Chloe was able to distinguish which eggs had her name on them...yeah!

She got a little help searching...

Our newest family portrait...don't the men in ties look stunning?? And I love how Chloe is posing:)

Daddy took the kiddos to the city wide Easter Egg Hunt and even had a chance to get a few pictures...he's awesome!!!

I was surprised to see that Chloe had sat on the Easter Bunny!!

We dyed eggs without shirts...makes for better pictures...and fewer stains!

Chloe was so proud of her eggs!

A Fun Easter Treat

2011-04-21T12:19:00.001-07:00

I heard about a fun Easter idea that I just had to share. A patient of mine gave me two of these "nests" for my kiddos. They are so cute! It's a nest (pretzel sticks) complete with eggs (small jelly beans) and a chick (a peep) on top. It's all held together by white almond bark. My kids thought they were super yummy!!!

Our Trip to Florida!

2011-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I went to Florida to celebrate our 8 year anniversary last week. I can't believe we've been married that long!! Every trip we take we make a list of our most memorable moments. It's really fun to look back on the lists that we've made. Here is the shortened version of our "80 Most Memorable Moments on St Pete Beach"...

#23~Delicious Mahi Mahi at Bubba Gumps

#76~The Candy Kitchen--candy cigarettes (didn't know they still made those things) and the biggest jawbreakers we'd ever seen!! The ice cream was delicious too!!

#74~We both scored a hole in one...on the same hole!!!! We both got 2 hole in ones!!!

#66~Seeing the live alligators at the mini-golf course.

#55 & 56~Paddleboating at our resort--First we ticked off this swan. Then we got stuck sideways in a narrow channel and was rescued by a young foreign kid.

#40~The atmosphere at Paddy O'Sullivans (complete with loud, hard Scottish rock music). Kyle liked his burger though:)

#19~Lying on the beach in our cabana--LOVED IT!!! Note Kyle's burnt feet!!

#29~Meeting up with good friends Brent and Beth and eating by the water at Bubba Gumps.

#39~Relaxing and reading "1000 Gifts" on the beach.

Just to give you an idea of how quirky this "memorable moments list" really is, here are a few that I don't have pics to go along with...

#10~ 2 for 1 Raisin Bran
#13~ Saying goodbye to our 2 little chubby cheeked kiddos and Chloe asking "Where's the plane?" when mom and dad picked them up at our house.
#15~Wondering what really goes on at the "Adult Only Pools" at our resort
#23~Cheetos with the Gaulkes on the beach
#31~Realizing that SPF 30 was NOT enough!
#49~Pizza Hut Express on the beach with grape gatorade-yummy!
#50~Seeing people catch fish on the pier
#54~Hanging out at the "Adult Only Pool"
#63~ Eating approximately 10 Oreos on the beach

Garage Sale Season Has Begun

2011-04-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Chloe and Caleb are both "under the weather" today so Chloe wasn't able to attend dance class this morning. These are pictures from last week's class with Chloe wearing her new princess dress that she got for her birthday.

Even though the kids are coughing a lot, I knew we still really needed to go to Walmart. Chloe kept telling me that she was "too sick" to go. I also told her that there was a garage sale that we could go to if we got done in Walmart in time. We made it to the garage sale and I realized that taking the kids to garage sales by myself this year might be even harder than last year. Both of my kiddos are going to be smarter than me in no time. Chloe was picking out multiple toys and saying "But Mom, this is only one dollar!" Or, "But Mom, this is only three dollars!" She is apparently very good at reading garage sale pricing. She also seems to know that a dollar is not very much and therefore means we should buy all toy items priced $1. Wow, I didn't see this coming...

We don't get out much...

2011-03-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took the kids out to lunch today. We walked into the restaurant and before we knew it Caleb had sat down, removed his coat, and was working on removing his shoes on the rug right in front of the door. We do this all the time at home so I guess he just assumed that we need to take our shoes off at the door everywhere we go...My mom and I could not stop laughing!!!

Chloe's latest!

2011-03-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Chloe had another fun dance class today! I shouldn't be surprised by this but she absolutely LOVES it! She received a Fancy Nancy tutu for her birthday and wore it today for the first time. She told me that she looked beautiful:) Here is one of her favorite things to do at dance class...dance with ribbons! Even Caleb got excited about this!!

And one more story that might entertain a few of you (especially the Grandmas:) Chloe and Caleb were fighting yesterday over a recycled box from the bakery (quite the thing to fight over right?!?) and I told them to stop fighting and that neither mommy nor Jesus likes it when they fight. I went back to preparing supper. Pretty soon I see Chloe sitting in front of Caleb with her little Beginner's Bible open to a random page acting like she is teaching him. Here is what she is saying, "See Caleb, Jesus does not like it when you fight. You aren't supposed to fight. It says it right here!" And she points to her random page. He listened quietly to her teaching. She continued to "teach" until I told Caleb he could play again. Poor Caleb...the poor kid gets told what to do by me and his second Mommy (Chloe)!

A lot to Celebrate!!

2011-03-22T13:42:00.001-07:00

We have celebrated a lot of birthdays this past week! Chloe and Corrina turned 4 and my Grandpa Renaud turned 90!
First are a few more pictures of Chloe's birthday. I just couldn't resist!

She was so pumped to receive this house from cousin Brooke. Thank you Brooke, Shaun and Kristy for MAKING her day!! (And Grandma and Grandpa for hauling it here!)

You know it's a good birthday when one of your gifts shows up in a trailer!

Chloe showing off her new wheels!

Chloe and Corrina playing in the new outdoor house!

We got to eat more cake at Grandpa's party! It was great to see everybody at his party. The great-grandkids had a blast together.

And a reminder to celebrate the small, seemingly insignificant things as well...
Today just as we were heading outside to play it started to rain. Chloe's response to this was "This is the greatest day EVER! Now I can get my new umbrella!!" She was so pumped to use her new butterfly umbrella...of course she continued to use it even when the small rain shower passed:)

Happy Birthday Chloe!

2011-03-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Chloe turns 4 today! She doesn't quite understand why today is her birthday but her party was this past weekend. In fact, when I walked into her room today and said "Happy Birthday!" her response was: "When are the party guests going to arrive??" Wow, I had to disappoint the birthday girl pretty quickly when I told her that we're not actually having a big party today. She did however get a stack of birthday chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast (her favorite)! Her meal request for tonight was Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and hotdogs. I think Kyle and Caleb are pretty pumped about dinner tonight too! Here are a few of Chloe's other favorites...

Favorite TV show: Max and Ruby (hence the Max and Ruby themed Birthday Party)
Favorite outdoor activity: Riding her tricycle on the chalk-drawn road on the driveway.
Favorite indoor activities: Reading, playing with play-dough, painting, playing pretend waterpark with Daddy and Caleb, buying and selling her toys in our pretend store.
Favorite kind of pizza: Pepperoni
Favorite clothes: Pajamas...she'd wear them all day if I'd let her!
Favorite New Word: Metamorphosis (she LOVED the book "Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly")
Favorite hobby (can kids this age have hobbies?? Doubtful but I needed another category:): Singing. She is always singing a song. Many times she tells me "Mommy that one is stuck in my head!" And then it gets stuck in my head and today I'm singing "Do your ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro...etc, etc...!!!!
Favorite pre-bedtime ritual: Daddy writing words on her back.

Here are some highlights from her party this past weekend and a few of our fun today.

She really beat on the homemade pinata that my mom made!! If I have time I may have to post a video of it later...it's pretty funny!!!

She LOVED her Max and Ruby cake. As I was making it she kept telling me how "Beautiful" it was...I'm glad she is easy to please!!!

She played pin the tail on Max and won (she was the only one who wanted to play but still, she won!!)

She got to eat at her picnic table with friend Malik and Caleb dressed up as Max in bib overalls. She picked out this dress to wear for the party. She said, "This is a great party dress!!"

Her stack of birthday pancakes!

Blowing out the candle

Enjoying the awesome weather outside on her birthday!!!

Chloe's Big Day

2011-03-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

Today Chloe went to her informal dance class with Miss Jill ("Mom, it's ballet!!"). It's so cute to watch the little ballerinas...I just had to share a few photos! Then she had her first haircut. She had told me that she really didn't want her hair cut ("I want long hair mom!") but she did great once we got there.

Happy 1st of March!

2011-03-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

It is absolutely beautiful outside again today. Since we got a some snow late last week Caleb again spent his time throwing snowballs at Chloe and I. He absolutely loves pelting somebody in the head with a snowball...takes after his daddy...

When Chloe escaped to the outdoors she just ran around the driveway as fast as she could....takes after her mommy...
I look out the window now and the snow is pretty much all melted again....crazy!

I decided that for the first day of March (Chloe's Birthday month) I would give her a small present. She received a Max and Ruby Birthday DVD. She was pumped and since she is having a Max and Ruby party later this month I found it extremely appropriate:) Later though she asked me if she gets a present tomorrow too...hmmm...smart Mommy hadn't thought of that. I said "Nope, no more presents until your party." Thankfully she was fine with that!

Thoughts of Spring

2011-02-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

Last week was so refreshing with the WARMTH and SUNSHINE. We played outside every chance we had! Chloe said, "Mommy, it's so boring when we have to be inside all the time." I can tell she takes after her mommy and daddy with her love for the outdoors!! The kids had a blast after being cooped up. They played on the swingset, ran all over the yard, and got out all their summer toys. Here are a few pictures of them riding their trikes...they were very focused!!

Chloe riding her trike in her snow boots and spring jacket...what a combination!!

They ventured over to the neighbor's yard to shovel the last remaining snow they could find.

Check out the look on Caleb's face!!

What we've been up to...

2011-02-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

Building big lego towers in the living room!

Giving Caleb nebulizer treatments...UGHHH!!!!

Making a huge mess in the kitchen (I did this...not Chloe or Caleb...or Kyle!!)

Shopping at Lowe's

Celebrating Tasha's 30th Birthday at the Incredible Pizza Company

The Birthday Girl, her cake, and the baker:)

The kids having a blast at the birthday party!!

Kyle enjoying the games

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

Celebrating Tasha and Grandma's Birthdays yesterday

Meeting Jetta...mom and dad's new little puppy...isn't she adorable?!?

What is there to do when the weather is frightful??

2011-02-02T12:57:00.000-08:00

Make a fort under the card table...

Put on a too-small diaper over your pants...

Bond with Daddy as he spends quality time on the couch...

Hide behind Daddy...where are you Chloe??

Practice writing letters in messy flour...

"Make" pizza...

Wear your snowboots everywhere (Caleb can put on his own boots and he wears them around the house constantly!)

That's what we do when the weather is frightful!

Fun with shoes and hats

2011-01-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

The kids drag out Kyle's shoes and my shoes daily. It is so funny to watch them stomp around in our shoes. The only drawback to this fine form of entertainment is actually finding my shoes when I need to go somewhere. For now I think I need to add about 5 minutes to my "getting ready" just to find a matched pair:)

Did I mention they also like to wear our hats?
o

How can he see or walk???

It's rough being 2!

2011-01-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

Today at breakfast Caleb's Nutrigrain breakfast bar broke in two.
His response...

Today at lunch his cracker broke in two.
His similar response...

What should we have for dinner??!!

Christmas

2011-01-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

We have so many fun pictures of Christmas that I decided to make a slideshow. We had 6 celebrations and I'm still recovering this week! Good thing that the kids are tired too!

Fun at the table

2010-12-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

This time of year can get so mundane staying in the house all the time so I've decided that I'll try to plan some daily activities for a break during our day. Here are the two that we have done this week that have been picture worthy. The first pictures are of the kids playing with rice. This kept them entertained for a LONG time...just scooping, measuring, and filling up the trucks. I'd recommend it to all of you moms out there!!!

Too busy to look at the camera.

The mess wasn't even all that bad!! Caleb did try to eat quite a bit (I'm thankful that uncooked rice isn't toxic!!)

Chloe's Playdough snowmen!

Chloe is turning into quite the little artist. She made the Playdough "snowmen" all by herself and has also now been drawing faces complete with eyes, a nose, and a mouth!

Happy 2nd Birthday Caleb!

2010-12-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

Caleb turns 2 today! We had a small truck themed birthday party for him the other night (on my Birthday!!) and he had a blast! Here are some pictures from the night and just a little insight into my little guy's world...

Caleb's favorites...
Food-Macaroni and Cheese (the box version is better than mom's homemade!!)
Candy-M&Ms
Toy-Trucks of any kind.
Real Truck-Grandpa's feed truck
Playmate-His sister...he doesn't know what to do with himself when she isn't around!!
TV show-Clifford or Curious George
Words-"No me" or "M&M"
Game-Hide and Seek...he is actually really good at this game!!
Outdoor activity-Hauling rocks
Book-This changes but currently the favorite is "My Big Truck Book"
Naughty activity-drinking hand sanitizer (yesterday) Yes, I called poison control and yes, he's still alive...

He wore a hard hat at his party

Showing off one of his new trucks

Presents!

Another truck??

A garbage truck!

The activity of the night was piling on Uncle Jared

I love cake!

SWAT team Mason

Why use a fork??

Daddy grilling hamburgers on the deck in 5 degree weather!!!

The cake

He blew out one of his candles!

I never would have dreamed before I became a mom how fun it would be to celebrate my Bday with a truck party!!

The new truck filled with dirt, rocks, and worms. (Ok, dirt dessert made up of pudding, cream cheese, and cool whip, candy rocks, and gummi worms:)

Playing inside is fun...

2010-12-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

But playing outside on a sunny day in December is WAY FUN too!!!

I'm so thankful for this weather! I know it's going to change but I'm treasuring today!!!!

Chloe Quotes From Today

2010-12-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

At lunch...
Chloe (with much enthusiasm): "It's a great day to eat!"

Before naptime we were reading in her Clubhouse Jr magazine and it asked the question, "What's the best thing about your mom?"
Chloe: "You cook."

Obviously the way to Chloe's heart is through her tummy!!!

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-11-29T05:51:00.000-08:00

We just returned home from a fun weekend in Minnesota with Kyle's family. I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I would have liked but here is a sampling of what we spent our time doing...

Played with guns (doesn't she look like a natural?!?)

Rearranged toys

Ran around the house with a rope playing Thomas the Train...

Gave rides to Noah

Played with Baby Jacob

Checked out the really cold pig at the MN vs IA game

Cheered for the Hawkeyes with Pete and Kelly (wait, I think Pete was cheering for MN but he had to be pretty tame considering we were sitting in a fairly hostile Hawkeye section)

Took in the coldest football game I have ever gone to (a balmy 24 degrees) to witness a Hawkeye loss to my alma mater. It was really fun to see the stadium and here we are in front of it posing for a picture....me and some strange man who looks like he could have just robbed a gas station.

Father Abraham Had Many Sons...

2010-11-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

I've been debating about the appropriateness of this post but here it goes...

Chloe and I were in a public restroom this past weekend. She makes me stand outside of the stall as she goes. Here is what I heard...

Chloe: (Singing) Father Abraham had many sons, had many sons had Father Abraham...
Another person enters the bathroom...
Chloe: Mommy who is pottying??
Me: I don't know sweetie...
Chloe: (Singing) Father Abraham had many sons, had many sons had Father Abraham...
Another person enters the bathroom (total of two other persons now)
Chloe: I have to take a big, long poop Mommy!
Me: Ok...
Other ladies smiling at me and trying to stay composed as they wash their hands...
Chloe: (Singing) Father Abraham had many sons, had many sons had Father Abraham...

The End

Our Walk Along the Beach

2010-11-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

With the Lake being so low right now we decided to go for a walk along the beach
and see what we could find. We found this big rock...

We found rocks to throw into the water...

Caleb found a really long stick...

Chloe found this rock to sit on and clam shells (not shown) She was pumped to find "seashells"...

We found a really pretty sunset too!!

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This...

2010-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

There was so much crying this morning I just eventually had to take a few pictures. I told myself I might look back and laugh...it's already getting more humorous...

Go Hawkeyes!

2010-11-01T13:32:00.001-07:00

A big thanks to Mom and Dad for the tickets to the game on Saturday and watching the kiddos. It was Kyle's Birthday gift and we had a blast. GO HAWKEYES!!!

I'm getting caught up here...

2010-10-28T14:35:00.001-07:00

I have so many fun pictures to post and I'm catching up today. I should be cooking the pounds of ground beef that are in my fridge but this is way more fun!!! We enjoyed a visit from Kelly, Noah, Jacob, and Judy last week, then we had a fun pumpkin carving party, and then we rode the scenic train in Boone. We have been busy!! I'm thankful for the fun times, pictures and memories!! To top of our crazy week....Caleb went potty on the potty chair!! He was so proud and Chloe was so excited for him!! I hope this is the beginning of the end of diapers!!!!

Jacob with a Hawkeye bib!

We learned how much Noah likes to eat! (just like our kiddos!!)

Carving the pumpkins

and coloring them...

Kyle's hat and ponytail...he better be hiding that thing cuz I'd like to burn it!!!

It was so fun seeing everyone all dressed up!!!

I was a crazy daisy, Chloe a princess, Caleb a puppy, and Kyle...well, I guess he was a farmer with a ponytail...

Look at this cute little dalmation!!!

Here is my mom and Chloe on the train!

Tasha and Jared enjoying the scenic ride...

Caleb was super excited to be on a train! The excitement didn't last the whole 2 hour ride though....:)

The Pumpkin Farm!!!

2010-10-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at the pumpkin farm last week!! We went on Kyle's Birthday and his mom and sister joined us for the fun as well as my parents. It was a big celebration!!!

Caleb loved scooping corn!

Chloe "fed" the "horses"

Chloe had been talking about the "house" at the pumpkin farm for weeks before we went...she was super excited to cook in there. She also gave Noah the broom and told him that he could clean the bathroom. (Yes, I had just said the same thing to Kyle the day before!!!)

Caleb loved the swing!

He also liked feeding the goats.

This was my favorite part!!! I loved the big orange bouncy pillow!!! Even though my head is cut off (hey, I don't care....at least I finally made it into a picture!!!!) you can tell I'm pumped!!

Yes, it's quite the bouncing pillow!

Noah liked giving the goats water.

The three kids driving!

Chloe loves a good John Deere!

Caleb goes for green too!

That had to be a difficult position for my tall dad...

What a couple of cuties!

The swings were a hit!

Kyle liked his Vikings jersey cake...and Chloe did too!

Wow, it's been busy...

2010-10-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

I've been so busy I haven't even posted about running the Des Moines Half Marathon!!! Kyle, Tasha, and I ran it. It was an absolutely gorgeous day for running!!! Thanks to our faithful cheerleaders...Chloe, Caleb, Mom, Dad, Jared, Grandma, and Grandpa...it was awesome having you there! Kyle and I finished in 1:36 (our goal was 1:35)...I guess that just means we have to run another one...right Kyle?!?!

Here we are after the race!

Here we are running...why does it look like there is snow in the background??

Congrats to Tasha who PR'd that day...I'm proud of you little sis!!

Fall Festival

2010-10-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

My mom and I took Chloe to the fall festival this past weekend. She had a blast scooping corn and riding the John Deere tricycles.

She was a little leery of holding the kitten but she did it anyway!

Here are my two cuties today...Caleb is already learning how to tackle! Does this mean that there is too much football on at our house?!?!

Sleepy Caleb

2010-09-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I have always seen pictures of kids sleeping in their high chairs, but it has never happened at the Punt home until this past weekend. Caleb has croup and he was just too wiped out to even eat one of his favorite foods...lasagna. Somehow Kyle got him to wake up when he offered him an M&M!!!

Savoring September

2010-09-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

We are savoring every last bit of nice weather in September!! We took the boat out this past weekend with the Gaulke's and had a really fun time on the water. Kyle was the only one who got in the water (he wore his wet suit so it must have been chilly!!).

Is this Kyle's last chance to wakeboard in 2010??

Caleb enjoying the fun boat ride.

Chloe and Mason putting their feet in the cold water!!

Say "Cheese!!"

Another Chloe Quote

2010-09-17T12:55:00.001-07:00

Chloe and I were talking about my "Mommy Class" (that I go to on Thursday mornings) earlier today and here's how our conversation went...

Chloe: "I want you to be a good Mommy."
Me: "I want to be a good Mommy too."
Chloe: "Oh, you are a good Mommy."
Me: "Oh, good"
Chloe: "But you're grumpy sometimes."

Did she have to add that?!?

Chloe's Big Week

2010-09-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Chloe is growing up more and more every day! She has had a lot of excitement these past few weeks...check it out!

Here she is with Daddy in the tube for her FIRST
ride in the tube...can you see the excitement in her
hands?!?

Here they go!!!

Here she is before her first official day of Sunday School!
She requested that she wear a pink shirt...that's my
girl!!!

And here she is today...her first day of
Waumba Weekdays at church. Her precious
puppy did get to go along in the van, but
as Chloe says "He has sunday school in the
van!"

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-09-14T12:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad (Also known as Grandpa, BaBa, Pops)!

We think you are pretty great!!

Hope you're having a good day!!

Honeycreek Fun

2010-09-09T12:55:00.001-07:00

We went to Honeycreek a few weeks ago with my family and had a really fun time. Our cabin was spacious, the kids loved the waterpark, and Kyle got to take his boat out on a different lake for once!! Here are some pics of our fun weekend!

Caleb loves the water AND Grandma!

The Newleyweds get cozy on the boat.

A picture of me with Chloe...this is a rarity!!

Caleb is saying his classic "cheese" (head back, eyes closed, big grin)

for the camera at the waterpark.

Chloe LOVED her bunk bed at the cabin!!

You would never know that my dad dislikes the

water from these pictures. I'm not sure if it's

the grandkids affecting his brain or if it's just

that the water is only 6 inches deep...maybe

a combination of both:)

Chloe couldn't get enough of the water!!!

Chloe and Caleb slept in the same room and

thought it was pretty cool to wake up next

to each other! They slept remarkably well!

We celebrated my mom's birthday while we

were there with CAKE. That thrilled Chloe

just about as much as the bunk bed.

Breakfast on vacation is always fun...I loved the

big table and bench seat...something else to add to my

wish list!!

Posing in front of our cabin.

Caleb isn't so sure about riding this turtle

with Chloe...

but it's a blast when he's by himself!!

Caleb rode down the slide lying down...he couldn't

figure out the seated position for some reason!

Chloe conquered this slide but didn't dare the bigger

orange slide...maybe next time!

The only picture that we took of all of us...both

of the kids screaming and the rest of us with pasted

on smiles despite their obnoxious behavior...

it's a classic summer vacation photo...I LOVE it!!!

It May Be September...

2010-09-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

It may be September but it still feels like summer!! This is the first time all summer that Caleb actually kept his sunglasses on for any length of time so I deemed it picture worthy!!

We kept busy "painting" the house (with water of course:) this morning. It was a hit with both of them! Chloe said, "Daddy will say 'Who painted the house so beautifully? Oh, Chloe I'm sure!'"

Do you see the beautiful artwork?? Chloe is drawing

clouds.

Time Outs

2010-08-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Both of these adorable little Punts have had Time Outs

today...yep, put it down in the baby book....Caleb's

first official Time Out occurred on August 31st.

I know I really should have started them long before now....

but today was his first and I'm sure not his last. Both Chloe and Caleb were

stunned by the Time Out. Chloe was in shock that Caleb was in time out

instead of her (maybe I should say she was "glowing" at

her little brother's "suffering"??) Caleb cried and when I told

him that Time Out was over and he could get off the couch he refused.

I think it may have been the longest I have ever seen that kid sit still in

one spot on the couch. The only reason he eventually got over being

angry with me and got off the couch was his fascination with a fly

buzzing around his head. Wow...

Row, Row Our Boat

2010-08-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

We had a blast 2 weekends ago (yes, I'm behind in my postings...) when Pete and Kelly, Noah & Jacob came down to visit us. We spent a lot of time on the boat and kept pretty busy with 4 children under age 4. The only pics I took were on the boat...I guess that reflects what we did all weekend!!!

Kelly and the kids....a couple of blondies in the middle there!!

Caleb loves to eat...there is no question about it!!!

I don't know what Pete is driving us towards but the look

on his face is hilarious!!!

Kyle and Chloe did a lot of swimming...it was way too hot

not to get in the water!!!

Noah is such a big boy climbing up and down that ladder!!!

Chloe loves the water!!

Kelly doesn't show it but we were HOT and SWEATY holding

our little boys!!

I don't know if this picture needs any explanation?!?

Just in case you can't see what Pete and Kelly are doing...

they are rowing our boat towards our house. We had a

really fun afternoon with NO KIDS and then yep, we ran

out of gas...we eventually got a tow which was a good thing.

Rowing with skiis is no easy task!!! I was sore for the

next couple of days...I know, I know...pathetic!!!!

The State Fair!

2010-08-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

We went to the fair last weekend and had a marathon day...9:30am until 6pm!!! It was alot of fun even though it was well over 90 degrees!!!

Here are Chloe and Caleb's State Fair Favorites...

Watching the baby chicks. (There was also a cow in the process
of having a calf directly behind my dad but the kids didn't
really care much about that...)

Grandma & Grandpa

Playing on the fun chairs outside

Little Hands on the Farm!!

Apples!!

Running through the maze!!!

Driving the car in the gardens...Caleb looks as though

he's driving this thing about 100mph!

The biggest pumpkin! (actually I think this one received 3rd place

but it was the one that Chloe wanted her picture with:)

Corndogs!! Both kids ate a whole corndog!!! (not to mention

the ice cream and cookies!!)

Walking with Grandma and Grandpa (why did we bring

our double stroller??)

Lawnmowers

They REALLY liked the lawnmowers...

John Deere tractors are even better than lawnmowers!!

The Goats!

The BIG slide was also a favorite but since I'm having trouble

getting the video to upload I'll post that later...

Reality At Our House Today

2010-08-12T12:37:00.001-07:00

I tend to post about happy things. Who doesn't like happy?? I most certainly do! Unfortunately it's not always reality!!! Here is reality at our house today...

Chloe bit Caleb....

Completely unprovoked...

It drew blood....

Even hours later he has welts all over his right cheek in the shape of a small mouth...

The picture doesn't do it justice but he's cute so why not...

Another Chloe Quote

2010-08-09T13:54:00.001-07:00

Kyle was taking Chloe's shirt off last night as she got ready for bed and he forgot to undo the two little buttons at the top of her shirt. He pulled and pulled on the shirt and couldn't get it off.

Kyle: "I just about ripped your head off Chloe!"
Chloe: "Then there would be no more Chloe and Jesus would have to make me again."

In Mommy's Shoes

2010-08-06T13:09:00.001-07:00

Caleb likes to put on my shoes and push the stroller/grocery cart

around...this picture just cracks me up (and probably freaks Kyle out!)

It amazes me how much kids imitate their parents. Although it's SCARY to think about, it also tends to motivate me. Last night Chloe wanted to run with

me and we did for awhille...until she fell and scraped up her knee...

In between sobs she said "I just wanted to be like you Mommy!!"

You just melted my heart little one!

More boating!

2010-08-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

We went boating this past weekend and met up with my Uncle Arie and his clan. This is always a really fun time. Here are the top 7 reasons we like boating with Uncle Arie and Aunt Elaine...

1. Their boat has a bathroom...

(No picture...that would be too weird...)

2. The more the merrier!!

3. Their boat has fun treats...

Cookies, brownies, potato salad...you name it and they have it...

4. Their boat has Corinna!!!

5. They have a tube!!!!

6. Grandparents watch the kids...

While we ski and wakeboard:)

7. Did I mention Corrina?? Oh, and I don't have any pics but Chloe

thinks Brett, Kaylee, and Jordyn are pretty fun too:)

I Couldn't Resist!

2010-07-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

Chloe was very excited to mail a birthday card to Great Grandma Joyce today. She put it in the mailbox and then she sat on the driveway and said "I'll wait for the mailman to come". I told her that this could take awhille but she insisted...she was incredibly patient for the mailman. Here's how the morning went...

9:00 Waiting patiently for the mailman to take the birthday card to Great Grandma...

9:03 I'm very impressed that she is still patiently sitting there...

9:05 Getting a little restless...

9:10 Decides to give Caleb a ride and instructs me to watch for the mailman...

9:15 "When is the mailman going to come??" she asks for the 20th time...

9:55 We give up watching for the mailman and go inside to get a snack and watch Clifford. Clifford completely trumps the mailman...

AND 12:25...

I couldn't resist...

Caleb's latest new word

2010-07-27T13:54:00.001-07:00

Sometimes siblings do not teach each other well...here's just one example...

Chloe is "cooking" in her kitchen. I notice she is using Caleb's book "My first book of Animals" as a recipe book.

Chloe (Holding the animal book): "Caleb, this is a bible. Can you say Bible?"

Caleb: "Bible"

Chloe: "Good job Caleb, good job."

Boating!!!

2010-07-27T13:38:00.000-07:00

We had fun boating this past weekend with my family! These pictures show our favorite activities on the boat...mostly EATING!!!

Chloe likes to eat...And Daddy likes to prevent
too much of a mess...

My dad likes to hang out in the front...

Caleb also likes to eat...

Chloe & Daddy like to get WET!!!!

Newleyweds like to snuggle...

Laughter...what a sweet sound!!

2010-07-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

I recently posted about Chloe and Caleb fighting. Of course they fight often, but they also play together remarkably well at times too. I think this video will be a favorite of mine for years to come...the sweet, sweet sound of their laughter!!!

Our driveway

2010-07-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

Our driveway has turned into a road...or maybe more like multiple roads....Chloe drives her tricycle down the cracks in the driveway (note that in the picture she is following the "road" very well:).

Caleb doesn't understand the concept of following Chloe's "roads":)

Here Caleb is wondering why Chloe just yelled at him about "the road". The poor kid does alot of "wrong" things!!!

Fighting

2010-07-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

My kids fight...ughhh...I wish it weren't true but they do...and they fight ALOT!!! So today as I was trying to clean up after breakfast I go into the living room in the middle of a fight going like this...

Chloe steals Caleb's tractor...
Caleb screaming loudly...
Chloe saying "I'm going to be on this tractor for 40 days and 40 nights"
Caleb screaming at her loudly...
Chloe saying "Yes, 40 days and 40 nights"
More screaming...

Not exactly the moral of the story about Noah's ark Chloe but glad you retained something I guess....

Vegetables

2010-07-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have found there is one sure-fire way to get Caleb to eat a vegetable...

Feed him sweet corn!!!!

He may even eat part of the cob!!!

He's happy about eating part of the cob...

Chloe is more refined than eating the cob and when she gets too close to it

she says she is "too close to the dog part" (we're guessing she means bone??)

Oh, the wonderful tastes and quotes of summer!!!!

What I learned

2010-07-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here is what I learned this past weekend during our first time camping out in our backyard...

If I don't hold Caleb's plate

it will all get quickly get dumped on the ground...

Our friends are good sports...especially Darath...here shown sporting her wrap holding

baby Elias...what you don't see is her swatting at all the bugs that were attacking!!

Caleb likes to pretend he's driving...

It's hard to catch a fish when Chloe and Malik are throwing

sticks into the water...

Little boys like S'mores...

Little girls do too...

Kids are going to need a bath after eating S'mores...

Big kids also get messy...

My sweet 18 month old won't realize he's not partaking

in the "real deal"...

Sleeping in tents in the backyard is WAY more fun with friends!!

Sleeping in a tent with Chloe is a blast...but only until 6am...

Mini donuts for breakfast is an AWESOME treat!!!

My man loves the outdoors....and mini donuts, eggs, and bacon:)

It doesn't get much better than jumping on a trampoline

with Mason and Beth at 8am on a Saturday morning!!

Honey Nut Cheerios

2010-07-08T20:06:00.001-07:00

Went for our run today and like always I gave the kids each a snack and their sippy cup. Yes, it is a process for me to get out on the trail!! The kiddos normally don't fight while I'm running but today Chloe was trying to get Caleb's Honey Nut Cheerios and I had to intervene twice to let Caleb keep his cheerios. When we got back the little guy was sound asleep...but note he is still guarding the cheerios!!!

Went for our run today and like always I gave the kids each a snack and their sippy

cup

Caleb's new trick...

2010-07-07T20:29:00.000-07:00

I arrived home from my run tonight to find Caleb in the kitchen and Mom, Dad, Kyle, and Chloe all out on the deck. Yep, Caleb had locked them out (unintentional of course) on the deck!!! The poor little guy was upset and there was nothing anyone could do about it!! I think they were all relieved to see me! Now to figure out how to prevent this from happening again....

A few pics of the wedding and a plea...

2010-07-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

My little sister's wedding was last weekend and it was a blast. Here are a few pics of the big day! Here is my plea...if you have pictures from the wedding/reception/anything wedding related...could you forward some of those pics to me via email?? I really want some more pictures!!! I would really appreciate it!!!

A picture of Tasha and Jared seeing each other for the first time on their big day!

A pic of our family at the reception at the Linden House.