Giving Thanks

When Thanksgiving comes around like most people we take time to reflect on what we are thankful for. Here is my list this year (in no particular order)

1. BK (my match in life)
2. Quint (the best surprise we ever got)
3. Russell (our rolie polie who stole our heart)
4. God's direction, provision, and grace
5. A submitted thesis
6. Old friends who have seen me though so many different stages of life
7. New friends who keep me sane in Iowa
8. University of Iowa admissions committees for believing in our team
9. Loving family members who support us and our vision
10. Our apartment with free heat and fantastic, caring, older neighbors

We have so much to be thankful for this year.

Sylvia Visits

Grandma Sylvia was able to come to Iowa for the week of Thanksgiving. It gave us a lot of time to visit and catch up. We also celebrated her birthday, which was the day before Thanksgiving. Of course, I had to make her the traditional birthday hat! It was fun to make a pink one because I usually only make ones in "boy colors". It was so nice to have family around for the holiday.

Sylvia was such a good sport! She wore her crown all around for us.

Grandma spent a lot of quality time with Quint:)

Grandma absolutely fell in love with Russell. She said, "there is just something about Russell". We have to agree, he just lights up a room.

Quint and David puree

It is such a blessing that I have started babysitting David and Elizabeth Monday mornings. Quint loves to have David over to play, and the extra money is a huge help. I was able to get both babies (Elizabeth 7 months, and Russell) to nap so we were able to do a project. Quint and David helped me puree carrots. They loved throwing them in the blender and cheered when the blender went off! It was messy and fun.

Early Morning Moments

Most mornings we are up when BK leaves for the bus. Quint loves to see Daddy in the morning and we have started watching him out the window. Just a little insight to what our family is doing most mornings around 6:30 am.

Brotherly Bond

I love this picture. To me it encompasses what I pray for in their relationship.

Aunt Rebecca comes to Iowa!

Aunt Rebecca came to visit Iowa for Quint's birthday. It was such a treat to have her here to celebrate with us:) We opened presents, ate ice cream cake, and went to a Hawkeye Volleyball game. We also managed to show her the sights which took a few minutes:) We feel very blessed that our boys have such a fabulous Aunt! They will realize it too, once they are football age:)

At the Volleyball game...Go Hawkeyes;)
Quint was a little scared of Herky the Hawkeye!

Quint Turns Two!!!

Quint turned two today! We have the new tradition of the home made birthday hat. I actually sliced my finger open making this one for Quint. BK wasn't even home to play doctor to fix it. It was a great birthday. Quint was spoiled by Grammy and Papa, Aunt Rebecca, and us. He is super cute two year old:)

Chalkboard from Grammy and Papa was a big hit!

I got into the excitement too!
Quint loved his ice cream pie as you can tell:)

Grammy and Papa visit

Grammy and Papa Taylor made it out to Iowa for a visit. It was super to see them and Quint was so happy. Quint especially loves Papa, they have a great bond, and I am so glad. Here are some pics from the visit.