Day 8 (Tuesday)

I have been able to talk to BK a few times, but usually very late in the evening, when the boys are in bed. Tonight he surprised us and called early while he was on a break. Russell was asleep but Quint was just laying down to bed. I brought the phone to him and asked if he wanted to talk to daddy....he almost jumped out of the bed! We did a lot of things today, but nothing could top talking to Daddy.

Day 7

Day 7

Aunt Doreen brought a few kids down to play for their last day of Daycare.

Quint observed the children for a while but eventually he was right in the mix!

After nap we ran through the sprinkler!

Quint also played one a water slide!

Day 6

Day 6

Papa and Quint read the paper early in the morning

Quint and Russell colored pictures (while admiring my gorgeous flowers!)

Bedtime is going smoother, which means more sunsets.

Flowers

Quint smelling my flowers!

Wow, today the doorbell rang, and it was a lady with flowers. BK has never sent me flowers, he is very frugal. So, even though it was our anniversary, I did not think they were for me. BUT, THEY WERE!!! BK sent me flowers and a nice card from Texas! It was the greatest surprise. I know it probably killed him to spend money on something that will inevitably die in a week, but it was so thoughtful. I love them.

Five Years Today

I don't know if it is like this for everyone but I felt I knew BK was my match from almost the moment I met him. Our courtship was a whirlwind, and I practically ran to the alter. A few minutes before we got married I remember thinking "just don't change your mind!" Today it is five years, I am back at the lake, but this time not in a pretty dress eager to see my groom, I am in sweats chasing around our two boys, and BK is away. We have lived in 6 cities in 4 states and are chasing a crazy dream. We have grown a lot, and I am proud to say we have grown together, but it has taken work. All relationships do.

Today, we are five years wiser, but inside I am still that girl running to the alter, BK is still my match, he challenges me, laughs with me, is weird like me, and I am so grateful that he chose me. Thank you BK for being my husband. I am so proud to be your wife.

Day 4

DAY FOUR....WE MISS BK

Quint and Grammy gardened

It was warm enough for the diaper only stroller ride:)

Russell showing his shy side (this is how he hides his face from the camera!)

we got him to warm up eventually!

1st Grandchildren are always spoiled

Quint went for a boat ride alone with Grammy and Papa!

Day 3

Today it was a hot, humid, summer day. Erin and the twins came over and we enjoyed the lake together. In the late afternoon, a roaring thunderstorm came through. Storms at the lake are always spectacular. Early evening it cleared up, and we BBQ'd and there were swing rides with Papa. Bedtime was brutal, but beside that, it was a super day! Here are some photos of our day.

Quint was very busy, didn't want to pause for a picture....I think he was thinking

"hurry up mom, I want to play"

Erin and Ella take a dip

I finally caught Russell's eye twinkle

Quint convinced Uncle Dave to share his retro (retired) Hess Trucks!

This one is from 1991, Quint was in heaven.

Thank you Uncle Dave

Papa gave swing rides after work

Uncle Dave and Quint BBQ'd (yummy)

Day 2

We went up to the country to visit Aunt Doreen, but I forget the camera:( We picked strawberries and ran over this hills. The boys were exhausted and fell asleep in the car ride home. It was a toasty afternoon so we played in the water. We got out the whale pool and both the boys enjoyed it. We missed you Daddy

Russell had a snack (he is an eater!)

Yummy!

Russell was clingy today, maybe teething?

Quint loves the Whale Pool

He learned he could redirect the spout spray....danger!

He was great at hitting the whale tail. Maybe he will become a decorated water spout carnival game winner! I see very large stuff animals in our future!

Day One at the Lake

BK is gone to Texas for the next 27 days. It is a lofty goal but I hope to post some pics and videos each day of what is happening here. We are missing him, and want BK to share in our moments. We are counting down till he returns.

Here is Day One

We played, took a walk, but the most significant activity was the sprinkler. Quint learned to jump through it, and Russell just loved cruising around outside. Here is a short clip.

Flashback Friday

UNCLE DAVE

Right now we are at my parents house while BK is going to military training in Texas. Dave is here too, and he is an amazing Uncle. This picture is a flash back to when Dave first met is nephew (Quint). He has been a nature all along, but now that Quint is 2 1/2 he plays with him, teaches him, and spends quality time... just because. This flashback Friday is a shout out to our favorite "Uncle Dave"
We are so glad you are here this summer, thanks for being such a fabulous Uncle!

animal sounds

We are at Grammy and Papa's house. Bedtime has been a little more challenging because it is very exciting here. Anyways, Quint was in bed working on falling asleep and I was in rocking Russell. Then out of nowhere I heard a sound, it was a cross between a bird sound and a growl:) What was it? I could not tell if it came from Quint or outside. When I heard it the second time I was pretty confident it was from Quint. As I continued to rock Russell, I thought to myself I guess we can cross animal sounds off Quint's "need to learn" list.

Russell Turns One!

Today our Russell turns one! It is amazing how fast the time goes. Just a little bit about Russell these days:

Loves to laugh
Sleeps 11-12 hours:)
Four teeth, but not a biter
Loves people
Very tough, we call him bruiser because he will take a tumble or bump and just keep on charging
18 month-24 month clothing
Loves to snuggle
Fearless
Loves carbohydrates, not a big fan of meat or veggies....could be a problem later!
Three ear infections and tubes in his ears
Very verbal but no words yet
Stairclimber
Loves attention from his big brother
Actually, just loves attention
Nicknames: RussRob, Russ the Bus, Bruiser, Russell the Muscle.

We couldn't imagine a better addition to our family! We love our little Russell.

Russell gets Tubes

This morning Russell and I left early for the outpatient surgery center. Russell was continuing the family tradition of tubes in the ears. He has had three consecutive ear infections and the doctors decided tubes were the best option. Anytime your baby has to go to the hospital it is a little scary but as far as surgery goes, tubes are the best. The whole surgery takes 10 minutes. I was very excited because I was able to go in the OR with Russell and hold him as they put him under. It was very cool. BK was jealous! Russell was awake and in recovery with me in only 20 minutes. He did great. I think his biggest complaint was he had to delay breakfast (food is important to Russ!) We think his balance is better and hopefully he is feeling better. Here are some pics from out day.

This is our Quint

BK snapped this picture from across the yard, and as soon as we saw it we said "that is our Quint". It captures his thriving independence!