Friends

Right before I snapped these photos, Lily spontaneously said, "Mom, we're friends."  Which prompted me to pull out the camera.  I looked over to see her with her arm around Silas.  Oh, how that touches a mama's heart.  I hope they'll forever be friends.

Avocados

Silas's first experience with avocados ended with projectile spit-up.  It wasn't a pleasant scene.  So I decided to mix it with some rice cereal and it went much better!  He's been enjoying them every day since then!

green monster! :)

The Apples of Daddy's Eye

Abby's Graduation

Last weekend we traveled to Seymour to celebrate Justin's little sister's high school graduation.

Beauty

Yep, I'd Agree

S'mores

Oh yeah, I forgot to include photos of the great ending to Mother's Day we enjoyed - s'mores by the fire pit!

What Up

Mother's Day 2013

This Mother's Day was quite memorable!  We started out the morning with Silas's dedication.  Lily's was also on Mother's Day, 3 years ago.  It is such a special moment for our family as we commit in front of our church family to raise our kids to know, love and obey Jesus.

The statement we agreed to was:

"Today, in the presence of God and the local gathering of believers at Cornerstone Church of Ankeny, we commit to fulfill our biblically established role as parents by raising our child in the training and instruction of the Lord. We submit ourselves first and foremost to Jesus Christ and his Lordship in our lives, and we also submit to the equipping, encouragement, and accountability of this local church. Today, we present our child before God, trusting the Lord to glorify Himself through our child’s life."

To this we responded - "We will!"

We were able to spend some quality time with my Mom who was there to celebrate the occasion with us -

And Justin gave me an amazing gift!  He booked a getaway for me and 2 girlfriends to go see Hillsong United in Minneapolis next month, including an overnight stay at a sweet hotel and (hopefully) permission to stop and shop at Ikea on the way home! :)

It was a remarkable day and I am so thankful!

Pony Ride

Last Saturday the Hy-Vee Drugstore here in Ankeny had an open house, complete with free pony rides for kids.  I knew Lily would love it!  She decided to pick the little pony named JJ "just like Daddy's name".

Solids!

We decided to start Silas on rice cereal earlier than we did with Lily for the simple fact that his nighttime sleeping hasn't been so great.  He had a week of consistently sleeping through a couple of months ago and then that went away.  Also, every time we eat in front of him he has been very interested and trying to reach out to grab whatever food we have.  So last night was our first "go" of it!  I'm happy to report he slept 9 hours.

First Picnic of the Year

Last week before the snow hit, we enjoyed a picnic out in the front yard.  Ever notice how kids really don't need a whole lot to get thrilled about something?  I love that.  Well, Lily thought it was the best idea since sliced bread and we didn't even venture out to the park.  Just plopped down in our ridiculous looking (from the drought last year) front yard and had a merry old time.  These simple memories with the kids are my favorite!

One Cool Dude

Earnin' His Keep

Now, c'mon...wouldn't you pay $.50 to get a picture with this guy?