What a weekend!

If I feel lonely about being in a new city, all I will have to do is think about this weekend and it should help a lot.

It all started Saturday night, when we went to my BFFHS (best friend from high school's) home for ice cream sundaes. She lives in a town about 10 minutes from where we live and has lived there for 16 years. My grad school buddy (A.K.A. my walking buddy) and her family joined us there. About 10 years ago I realized that my BFFHS and my GS buddy had kids at the same Christian school in Des Moines. They did know each other, but didn't know I knew them both...so it was great fun then and great fun now.

On Sunday we were invited by B. and P. to join them at the Summerset Winery's Sunday Jazz Festival. It was fantastic music and we had a wonderful time. see below for details.
Here is the winery.....it was beautiful.

The bandstand is off to the left. The group played jazz as well as some songs from the radio. "Brown Eyed Girl" and "True Companion" two of my favorites.

Here are Ken and B. I should have known we would end up back in Des Moines, near B. and his wife P...... Ken and B. went to kindergarten together....then were apart when Brian went off to Catholic school....were reunited in Boy Scouts....went to different High Schools and reunited again at the University of Iowa. B. and P. have a great family and we get to see them most years when we head to Iowa City for the traditional Football gathering (often Homecoming).

B. and P. - they are a great couple, who balance each other very well.

B. took this photo, since it is rare that Ken and I get one together.

Check out the color of Anna's hands....It would match her siblings hands, legs and even Joel's nose. (purple in honor of the mulberries and black raspberries that were found)

The boys!

The girls (the tallest one actually belongs to a 3rd couple that are friends with B. and P.) They were great fun too.

We will get to see everyone again next weekend when we host our first party on the Fourth of July!

Visitors part 2

Now that you know you get to be in the blog if you visit....are you all just reaching for your calendars?

Now that the camera has been found I can share a few pictures:

Eagle Eyes Finds Again

We call Matthew Eagle Eyes, because if we lose something little, he often comes to the rescue during the search. Although the camera is not little....Matthew searched until he found his target! Way to go Matthew.

Re: the camera....this post could be called - "blame the small purse", because I just bought a smaller purse that is too small for my camera, therefore Ken put the camera in the bag that Matthew is holding, when loading the car. It was in a bag in which Carolyn was carrying her ever-present "loot". Once the camera was found (the bag had been taken to the basement), Carolyn did comment, "oh yeah, I did see that in there, but forgot". ....I can't really blame her because I had the exact same thing happen to me with Joel's baseball hat - it was in the kid's bathroom!

Just before the camera was found I was talking to my mom and she reminded me to say "Help me Jesus" and to say a prayer to St. Anthony. I am not sure that I said those things right then, but had said a prayer earlier about the camera.....Anyway, I guess Mom saying it over the phone lines helped. Now I will say a prayer of thanksgiving!

The garden, the whole garden and nothing but the garden.

On Wednesday we were able to make a side dish using everything (except radishes, which Carolyn appropriately described as "they taste like nothing and then they burn your mouth") we picked from the garden that day and NOTHING else (except cooking spray). We had basal, cilantro, onion, green pepper and 2 tiny zucchini.

Before you get impressed by how healthy we were eating - please note that Anna spit out the green pepper immediately after I put it in her mouth and kept the zucchini in long enough only to put in teeth marks.....Carolyn and Joel did their obligatory "try it, it's from your garden" bites and shared the rest of theirs with me. Matthew said, "it's super delicious", but at this point he really revels in being the "good eater" and loves to praise whatever I cook, knowing that we have 3 others at the table that aren't quiet so gracious.

Tonight, Ken is going to come home early (aiming for 5:30 :), which I think is reasonable since he had a VERY full week - after a meeting in D.M., driving to Cedar Falls then Minneapolis to fly to Atlanta in one day and after a full day of meetings in Atlanta, flying back to Minneapolis the next. I figure he put in at least 17 hours on each day. So 5:30 really isn't being a slacker! Anyway, the point is....after he gets home the big kids (minus Anna) and I are going swimming. Without her, we can really work on getting Carolyn and Joel to be stronger swimmers. I may have mentioned this before, but when I tried to sign them up for classes, they were full. The Ankeny pool is super crowded at times, so they have to stay in the wadding section until they get MUCH better at swimming. (of course the wadding section is gigantic and has lots of fun spray toys)

After the pool, I want to go to the garden (again a much easier task w/out our little Anna). I bet we have more zucchini, and the yellow squash might be ready. Carolyn says she saw a tomato turning orange, but I think it was optimism.

Maybe I'll go search for my camera again....these posts are so much better w/ pictures!

2 days, 4 friends, priceless

The kids and I took a trip to Omaha this week. The main reason was to have Anna's speech evaluated by my 2 SLP (speech language pathologist) friends, but we were lucky to also visit old friends from a time when "Playdate" was still in my vocabulary. We also got to visit the Omaha zoo, which really is fantastic w/ a Desert Dome, Aquarium, Butterfly House and indoor jungle....of course pictures were not an option on this trip (see other blog about missing camera and throw in a prayer if you so desire :).

We saw Miss K., who visited us last week and the R. family, who came to Newburgh to visit us years ago. In years past we also were able to see them at Worlds of Fun and Six Flags during the times when we were away from the Iowa/Nebraska area.

Anna's speech eval. went well. Miss D. and Miss C. have been helping me via email to figure out Anna's speech. Today they got to see her live and in person. They believe her errors aren't developmental, which means that her speech isn't just delayed. She actually says some later developing sounds, while skipping most initial consonants and very early developing sounds. Miss D. indicated that she thinks the it is a "motor-articulation" issue and was pleased with how well Anna would work with her given her young age. There was a consensus that this is a speech issue, not a language one, and that Anna's receptive language shows great indicators. The end result is that we are going to start speech therapy, probably privately, since the school uses Early Childhood Educators rather than Speech Language Pathologists with the youngest kids and Anna needs someone who understands motor artic. issues.

Although our goal for today was to have Anna's speech evaluated, I really just enjoyed being around Miss D and Miss C. and their children. I have met Miss D's oldest child, but she was a baby at the time (now 6 years old). The rest of the kids I have only seen in pictures. Both ladies are great moms and it was wonderful to watch them with their kids. And again, it is great to have lasting friendships carry on over the years. Miss D. and I were talking about how we haven't seen each other in almost 4 years and yet it doesn't seem to matter. I actually realized that Miss D. started working at Boys Town less than a month before I left for Indiana, so most of our relationship has been via work over the internet and phone. It is amazing how well you can admire someone without even being in the same room all that much.

Father's Day Reunion (and golf outing)

We had a nice trip to Burlington to help celebrate Father's Day. All my brothers and sister made it home. It was special for Ken because GOLF was involved and that always makes a weekend special (no I didn't play, but my sister did...I figure I have about 20 years to learn so I can golf some in retirement). Unfortunately for Ken, golf is now rare (free time is rather precious around here) and often only happens w/ my brothers or dad.
Grandma and Grandpa with all grandkids who were present. (7 oldest were missing....they are now either college grads or working to pay for college!)

The whole crew, with my brother Paul leaving his grill duties for a moment to jump into the shot!

All 6 kids w/ mom and dad. (from back left, Mike (2nd oldest), Mary (3rd oldest), Paul (13 mo older than me), Steve (oldest), Joe (4th oldest), me (youngest).

Excuse....I did say to Ken on the car trip home from Burlington, "When we get home let's take a picture of you with the kids".....but as luck would have it we decided to clean out the car and were just happy to get that done and the kids put to bed. Perhaps we can get a delayed Father's Day picture this weekend, because we have a fun outing planned to a winery nearby with friends.

BTW, my sister-in-law emailed me these photos, bless her!

Visitors

1st of all - say a prayer that I find my camera....because blogging just isn't the same without a camera. I probably took 25 pictures of our visitors with my kids and alas have none to share. (I had the camera in the "pack it" pile at my folks this weekend and then the trail goes cold. Yes I have been losing a lot lately, but let's blame this one on the hub. since his record isn't quite as miserable as mine to date.)

About last week, let me just say (without photo evidence) that we had a great time and hope to have more visitors - you are all welcome. The family that came to visit include Miss K., who is now very much ahead of everyone else because she also visited Des Moines in January. I know, some of you might say this is related to the fact her husband's company's headquarters are in Des Moines. But I choose to just think she likes our company. We REALLY like hers. Her daughter C. was one of Matthew's earliest friends. We met K. and C. at a baby group established by the hospital where they were born and went on to form a playgroup with this family and a few others. It was a wonderful way to get out as a new mom.

Now this family also has S., who is just a bit older than Carolyn and M. who is a bit younger than Anna. These duos had a great time this week (and yesterday when we visited Omaha).

It is really great to have established lasting friendships!

Check back for pictures. (I am going to beg Miss K. to send me a few :)

Our first vegetables

First of all, my basal plant wants all to know that it too is being harvested regularly with the cilantro. (I hope it doesn't feel slighted with the lack of photographic evidence and quit producing.)

Anyway - the radishes were late into the ground and first to be picked. As predicted, the kids (even Anna) were crazy for the harvest. We tried to pick the radishes that needed to be thinned, so that their neighbors could continue to grow. We haven't tried one yet (see all the dirt?), but my guess is the kids may be disappointed, because 1/2 the time radishes are hot and the other 1/2 they are crunchy, but plain. I don't think that will stop their excitement for harvesting them next time we are at the garden.

Another "room" complete

I have always wanted a patio set. Until now we have made due with a Little Tykes kids picnic bench my sister gave us when Matthew was a baby. Now that we have a real set and I plan to have MANY lunches and dinners in the fresh air. We also got the umbrella for the hot days - which started today - almost 90. (When the kids said "It's hot", I told them, "I warned you it would come"! (They have been disappointed with our inability to swim outside yet!))

3rd week!

Life is full of peace and harmony following our first fun day at Vacation Bible School. Except when it isn't.....(Anna was trying to bite, then she was crying...but since she does love having her picture taken, she came around .... see above.)

There is a new concept I have heard of recently - it is all the rage. It is called "The Terrible Twos". Shocking concept huh? When Anna was throwing things out of the grocery cart on Saturday, I thought I could identify some of the symtoms.

This week is a jam packed week for our crew. We have Vacation Bible School all week and visitors coming on Wed - Friday from Omaha - yippee! On Saturday we will head to Burlington because my sister and all my brothers are coming to town. All the grandkids will not be there (many are college graduates already), but it will still be great to be together!

2nd week of summer

Life guard Grandpa - I actually want this picture at the bottom of the blog - does anyone know how to move it? (I accidentally deleted it when I was adding text.)---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Wednesday we went to The Iowa Living History Farms. I am not saying it is worth a 10 hour drive from Southern Indiana, but if you are closer than that - it is fantastic. In 1979 Pope John Paul said Mass at the place where the town church now exists!

There are two parts to the museum - we first went to the town, which is meant to represent approximately 1850. People are dressed in costume and act out roles (and answer questions).

The 2nd half of the museum is the farm. It is gigantic and walks you through a large forest. It starts here - representing the 1700 Ioway Indian's farm. They were some of the first farmers.

Next you wander into an 1850 farm-stead. They said all houses in this era (in Iowa territory)were this size - basically the length of the longest tree on the property.

Here is the barn from the farm reprenting the early 1900s. This barn and most of it's siding are original to 1889 when it was built.
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Appreciate their optimism. These pictures are from Friday when we joined Ken's parents at the campground where they were staying. The kids made fishing poles with sticks, twine and "hooks" that Grandpa made for them.

We also got to swim (indoors) at the campground. We haven't used our city pool pass yet because it has been too cold. (One day was warm enough but we had plans early that afternoon.)

Here I am doing a swimming lesson with Carolyn because Grandpa was able to stand next to Anna on the steps. I wasn't able to get the kids signed up for lessons this summer, because they were full by the time I went to register. (They started registering the week we moved into the house, so I am going to forgive myself the delay!)

Here is Joel's lesson - I am wearing Ken's mother's suit because Carolyn forgot to bring her suit and I let her borrow mine. I know some might say I should have let her go without, but sometimes it is just better to be kind. I had asked the kids to "get dressed and grab your suit", but Carolyn missed it. I didn't feel like the punishment was needed, because she wasn't mean or malicious to anyone and she hasn't gotten to swim yet this summer.

Life-guard Grandpa - see above.

A week of summer in pictures

We had a fantastic first week of summer - go back in time with me!

Friday-
We are lucky enough to have a 2nd grade girl on our court - Carolyn is loving it. (I am too, because she is a nice girl with nice parents.)

Here is Anna by her little "swimming pool" - her brothers and sister filled for her (see picture above)

Thursday:

Anna's Maiden Voyage in her bicycle cart. As I promised my mother - I will only ride her on the sidewalk or bicycle paths - of which there a MANY in Ankeny! Now that the 3 big kids can ride bikes faster than I can walk - this was a good idea! Don't worry there is a cover over the top and she is belted in twice.

It may look like I am breaking my rule already, but really we are just riding in the court, so that Carolyn could take a picture. I got on the sidewalk immediately after!

We had to go Downtown (Des Moines) to file for the Homestead Exemption. I searched for 2 days for the paper that I was told to bring at the home closing, then the guy didn't even need it! After walking to the courthouse we trekked back to the Museum of Iowa History. Not as cool as the museum the day before (see below) but worth seeing a lot of old things, especially loved the Native American artifacts.

Wednesday -

On the way home from the Science Museum, Anna fell asleep, so we stopped at the garden. She snoozed in the shade while the kids did some swinging near the church that allows us to use the land. They also helped me keep the weeds at bay.

Here is Joel at the Science Museum (thing Children's Museum + really great science presentations). He was trying to wrap an egg to keep it from breaking when dropped from the top of the room. (rubber egg - thank goodness - because the sensors told us "CRACK")

Here is Anna watching the "Fire and Ice" Exhibit. She was really great about sitting in her stroller - but wasn't too thrilled when the hydrogen filled balloons exploded. The other kids especially loved that part!

Dry Ice, Liquid Nitrogen, Hydrogen balloons - it was fantastic.

Later at a different presentation, the kids got to pet a salamander, snake and turtle. We'll be back next week!

Our First Crop

OK - laugh if you want, but this cilantro added a lot of flavor to the chicken wrap I had for dinner on Sunday! (Matthew really wanted to harvest something, so we were able to take a few leaves home to celebrate the growth in the garden. He really wanted to pick the green pepper, but alas it is the size of a pecan, so we had to say no!)

Summer fun in full swing

My kids are saying "thanks Dad" for building this great swing-set with stuff for big kids (monkey rings) and little (baby swing) kids!

In our neighborhood there are lots of swing-sets and Anna would gravitate to one or the other anytime she could break free. Now that we have our own, she can go here (mostly)!

New summer adventure

Here is Carolyn at her first piano lesson! (Her teacher is my cousin's wife - and she has a great attitude about piano. She wants the kids to enjoy it!)
Here is Matthew at his first official practice. (Anna is a wannabe.)

Why does having a complete stranger coming to my house to tune my piano get me to "finish" the living room? Shouldn't I just want to make a nice home for my spouse and children. Yes - but it was the piano tuner's impending arrival that got it done.