More Cabin Fun

After arriving home early Monday evening from a few days of cabin fun in Nebraska, we emptied our bags to repacked them with new clothes to leave early Tuesday morning for some more cabin fun. We headed north back to what Elyse calls, "Aiden's cabin" for a 24 hour trip to the Kuphal/Jorgenson's family cabins. Everything about the trip was perfect, especially the weather and company. We spent the day on jet skis and playing in the water, it was beautiful. I didn't think Elyse would enjoy the water and the feeling of the sand, but she loved it. She was jumping off the dock, kicking her feet and constantly sitting down in it. I guess she isn't a city girl like I thought she would be. Can't wait to do it again soon.
Elyse and Aiden playing together like normal. Attached at the hip.

Appropriate or questionable? You decide. I think adorable.

Again, special thanks to the Kuphal and Jorgenson families!

Fourth of July Weekend

We were super busy this past fourth of July. We hopped into the car on Friday with my mom and drove south to Nebraska to celebrate my mom's family's reunion. We went to a log cabin resort and it was super great to see everyone. The only bummer is we didn't take a lot of pictures and it rained on Sunday. We were able to play lots of games, go to a great look out tower, mini golf, feed horses and even Elyse got to play in the big indoor playground. (If I can get some pictures from my mom and sister-in-law I will upload those later.)

Although one of my favorite things to do was help my mom host a surprise baby shower for my brother and sister-in-law who are expecting in late September. It was so fun and we can't wait to meet our new nephew or niece soon.

Swimming, Park, Picnic, Oh What FUN!

Late this afternoon and early evening, Elyse and I had the privilege to hang out with two of our favorite people, Jenny and Aiden. Jenny had a great idea to take the kiddos to a kiddy pool, play at the connected park and eat a picnic dinner. Well that's exactly what we did and had a blast doing it. Elyse LOVED and I mean loved the pool. That's probably because whether she was sitting, walking or laying down, her head was always above water. I have a feeling we will be going there a lot more the rest of the summer. I didn't get any pictures of the two at the park or during their picnic, but you'll have to take my word, they are so attached to one another. At one point they began holding hands while walking without Jenny or I having to even suggest it. I can't get over how perfect the time was today. Thank you Jenny and Aiden for a great time and we look forward to seeing you both again REAL SOON.

Can It Really Be That Easy?

A few weeks ago Nate finished Elyse's toddler bed by making a side rail. I think it turned out really nice. Who would have ever guessed her bed cost NOTHING?!?! Anyway, everyday we have asked Elyse if she wants to sleep in her new big girl bed or crib. Her response has been crib every time, however today was totally different. While asking today I told her she could keep her paces. After saying "paci" she voluntarily jumped in and laid down. I told her when she wakes up she had to stay in bed until she said "Mama" and I open the door. Well her nap was just over 1.5 hours (30 minutes shy of normal) but she did it. She got up, said "Mama", I left her in there for 5 minutes to see what she would do, opened the door and found her sitting up waiting patiently. I then gave her books and ran to the get the camera to capture my baby's first nap out of her crib. I don't know if it was a one time occurrence, but we aren't pushing her right now. Just praising her for making the first step on her own today. In fact, I believe it was harder for me than her, as I found myself shedding a few tears when the nursery was empty at 1:30. Although as I have said it before, my baby is no longer a baby.

Grandpa and Grandma Visit

This past weekend Nate's parents headed north to visit us. We are so thankful they came and had a really nice and relaxing weekend. The weather was beautiful so we took many opportunities to get outdoors. We went to the zoo, played with bubbles, went for walks, saw the Coon Rapids' Dam and most importantly for Elyse, spent sometime at the park. Time just flew by and we look forward to doing it again soon. Thanks for everything you two, we love you guys!

Happy Father's Day

I love you Dada! Thank you for being silly, gentle, and my Dada.
Hope you have a Happy Father's Day.
love you always, Elyse

Below is Elyse's special Father's Day gift to Nate:


Hope all Dads reading this have a great and blessed Father's Day too.

Bubble Fun

Elyse loves bubbles, period. Hence, I am so thankful that I spent a whopping $0.25 last year at a garage sale for this bubble machine. She just loves to watch them fly, and with it being so windy today, it's perfect. All I need now is to go stock up at Sam's Club for dish soap and batteries. I am refilling it constantly (soap and water is all it requires). The simple joys of summer.