Isn't this the coolest snowman? We had people stopping by our house taking pictures- literally people turning around at the school...it was wild! We had a blast and hopefully will do this every year. Was so much fun to make such a festive and colorful snowman! Afterwards, we all had hot cocoa (which I made from scratch...literally cutting the vanilla bean and everything). Note to self, marshmallows have blue food dye so even though I was trying to make the most healthy (ha ha healthy) hot cocoa mix...poor Holtz went super crazy from the food dye- darn!
Although it's only been several months since my last post, the pictures go back to February! I'm sorry I'm behind...I know it must be frustrating for all of my family members who live far away. I'm not going to put a lot of info in this post...mostly pictures. The pictures will tell our story for the past 6 months. As Dave says, "I'm going to make this as short as possible." I mean it though (because Dave's short is 45 minutes of reading- ha ha ha- now Dave...don't get all huffy...I love your blog posts!)...this will be short and sweet!
Grace has been active in her first year of Girl Scouts as a Daisy. Here is a Girl Scout Sock Hop we all went to...Holtz held his ears the entire time because the music was 'too loud' but it was FUN!
Evan and I went out for Mardi Gras this year...this was at the end of the evening...as you can tell, I wasn't lacking the ability to have fun! The badge is my buddy Tim's who is a retired Lt. for the fire department. I felt very cool to have his badge (smile)! (After this was taken, I totally started doing the sprinkler- ha ha- watch out, Jen's outta control!).
Just a silly picture of Holtz...he loves to wear his pants up REALLY HIGH!
We did an overnight with our friend's, the Wedekings, at Pirate's Bay just south of Louisville. It had an indoor water park that was perfect for our aged kiddos. It was tons of fun but, unfortunately, all of our kids got really sick afterwards. So gross knowing it probably came from an improperly chlorinated pool. YUCK!
Holtz moved into his big boy bed on Feb. 24th and he's been trying to get out of bed ever since!
Except for the first night...he stayed in bed the first night! So sweet!
My brother is a pilot and he gave me a stack of airline maps so I made this wall mural. It's not finished. I have a huge red airplane that I'm going to hang on it and then frame it with a wood frame. This took forever, though, so I'm pleased with my accomplishment!
Grace did her first Girl Scout cookie booth this year too. It was freezing outside...maybe in the 30's!
This was at the UK Art Museum. They had a family day with a petting zoo, a demonstration from a lady from the humane society on what to do if a dog comes up to you- not on a leash, and crafts. Was lots of fun!
Another Girl Scout event...Grace and Holtz went roller skating for the first time on. Well, Holtz wore his skates for about 5 minutes. Grace, though, kept working and working and finally got it! She even got a brand new pair of white roller skates for her birthday.
Holtz learned how to write his name!
Yogi being playful... Although, Yogi is 'spirited', he has calmed down a ton and is such a good boy now! I couldn't live without him!
Downtown for the St. Patrick's Day parade...
Another Girl Scout event...it was a Daddy/ Daughter dance.
Here are Grace's 7th birthday invites made by me (grin)...was a blast! Was a cooking party!
Yogi's 1st birthday cake. It consisted of his normal dog food covered in peanut butter and treats- lucky lucky dog!
I painted over my painting that was hanging over our fireplace and decided it would be fun to have the kid's display their artwork so Holtz did the smaller canvas while Grace did the larger one.
Here is the finished product...I love it!
For Easter, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house. So glad the Easter Bunny remembered that Holtz couldn't have food dye...that was an adventure in itself (grin). After lunch, the Easter Bunny again hid eggs outside for the kids! Later, we went to Rural King to look at real baby chicks. Grace was so funny, she would reach down in the bins and just swipe one right out...they weren't too fast for her!
Took a trip to Newport Aquarium!
Evan and I took the CPA (Citizen's Police Academy). It's offered to the citizens of Lexington to teach us about the police department. Here, Holtz and I went to help decorate for a dinner for the officers. Later that night, we went and served them food- we really have a lot of respect for them.
I tried to get the kids to wear these in to the dinner because the theme was Taste of Mexico so thought it would be funny. They weren't having it but at least I got this priceless picture!
Grace turned 7!!
Her party was a cooking party at Wild Thyme. The kids made homemade pizza from scratch and decorated their own cupcakes.
The best treat was, not only were my parents there, but my grandparents were in town and were able to take part in the festivities! My Grandad here was 96 (is 97 now- wow) and my Gram is 86. They look great don't you think?
Holtz eating his cupcake!
This is just a random picture that I LOVE! I mean seriously, Yogi, do you have to rest your nose on the crate like that? If you aren't laughing...let me know...how could you not?
This is a picture taken before my grandparents and mom headed out of town. So here is 4 generations- such a treasure!
Holtz and his bff Lauren! They say they are brother and sister...
These are my best girls! We try to do dinner every month or two. It's always great to get out of the house and catch up! I don't know what I would do without them!
Holtz and Lauren again...picnic at the park.
Grace and Holtz dressed themselves for dinner. Luckily, it was kid's night where we went!
Silly girl...
Took some pics out back and just love all of them. Trying to keep the post short though so here are three of my favorites!
Grace's spring ballet performance was as a seahorse in The Little Mermaid. It was a fabulous production!
We love Orange Leaf!
Yogi playing fetch...- notice how thin he is when he has his hair cut?
Here is my group of friends that took the CPA with Evan and I. We had such a good time in class!
Before the building search...watch out bad guys...bang bang!
Because I went through the CPA, I got to do several police ride alongs. Check it out...real marijuana plants growing in a flower pot behind a guys house! I couldn't believe it! I felt awesome being there busting the guy who was drunk as a skunk...very memorable!
And, later that night, there was a murder! I got to witness everything happening from the house being surrounded, to the mobile command unit arriving, and the SWAT team, reporters, detectives, helicopters, bomb robots, etc. It was all very very exciting...one of the most memorable moments of my entire life. Of course, it was awful that somebody was murdered, but to be there to see the operations side of the job was incredible!
Sweet boy!
Playing out back...
Look- Holtz got new suspenders! If his waist won't grow, it's either wear suspenders or daisy dukes! We opted for suspenders!
Grace had her first sleepover at our house with one of her best friends, Megan. She had been to two previously (girls from her Girl Scout troop) and did fabulously at them. I wasn't sure if I'd get a call in the middle of the night but I didn't...she was ready to have a sleepover!
Grace bridged to Brownies. These are her two Girl Scout leaders...they are literally the best ladies. I feel so lucky that Grace is part of this troop! We are always working on Grace's confidence and I think Girl Scouts is perfect for her!
And, meet George! Our new puppy! He was born April 10th and we got him from the same breeder as Yogi. He is a little lover who aims to please. And, although Yogi was a little jealous at first, he is like a little daddy to George. They are always playing together and love to cuddle up. It is so sweet! Seems crazy that we would get another dog but poor Yogi loves to play and he just really needed a playmate. We originally were going to wait until August but then, after thinking about potty training, I didn't want to risk having to train when it's cold out so here he is...Mr. George- who is very curious :) I'm anxious for him to be old enough to be fully vaccinated so he can join us at the dog park.
All fluffed out after a bath and blow dry! Yogi will just stand in the tub for a bath- so perfect...George, not so much. So, George gets to take a shower with me- with glass doors so his squirmy butt can't get out! He is a good boy though!
My mom being silly with the kids painting a birdhouse! I adore this picture! Sorry mom- had to put it in here!
The kids loving on George!
Looking at all the new babies at Mimi and Poppy's farm.
Grace can officially ride a bike with no training wheels!
So she got a new bike!
At the dog park...Yogi is ready to run!
Holtz still adores firemen and firetrucks so I was able to bribe him to put on one of their helmets!
Our luau 2013 was a huge success...215 people. If you are on Facebook, check out all of the best pictures in my albums... if not, let me know and I'll try to create one to send you.
We bought an inflatable water slide for the luau and we've used it several times since. I need to get it out more...get our money's worth! The kids love it!
We've also been spending a lot of time at the neighborhood pool. Grace is becoming such a good little swimmer and Holtz does great too. Grace's friend Megan is on the swim team and is an incredible swimmer so has been a good influence. Hopefully Grace will join the team next summer!
Playing in the rain...
Hiking at McConnell's Springs. The kids are in front of the blue hole which is a sinkhole!
Playing Candyland...
The kids went to Charlevoix, MI to Evan's folks place with Evan for a quick mini vacation before Grace's two weeks of camps. They ate lots of ice cream, took boat rides, played at the beach, flew a kite, etc. It was great for Evan to spend alone time with them...they really enjoyed it.
Grace lost her 6th tooth while she was there- the 2nd upper tooth and the tooth fairy left $2.50! Wow! Always glad to see those teeth fall out when they get close because if you remember, they just hang there and it is GROSS!!!
This was earlier today. The weather has been beautiful so we've been trying to take advantage!
Still in the no cavity club...we love going to the dentist!
Hope you enjoyed the pictures and little notes. We've had a busy but fun last couple of months. Grace will be starting 2nd grade in several weeks...time is flying by! Love and miss you all!
