Helping Grandpa

Zack has been so wanting to help mow the lawn.  All because he just wants to drive Grandpa’s “tractor” (mower).  Grandpa has mowed the grass two times since we’ve been here and unfortunately Zack has not been able to get his chance on the mower.

 

Well, the other day after mowing the grass, Grandpa came in and asked Zack if he wanted to help him.  Zack wanted to know what he needed his help with before he would give him an answer.  But once Grandpa said he needed him to drive (steer) his tractor while he towed it to a neighbor’s, Zack was all in.

As you can see, Mackenzie did not want to miss any of the action, so she followed right along the side.

Helping Grandma

Mackenzie is Grandma’s little helper when it comes to planting flowers or the garden.  While living with Grandma, Mackenzie was always helping plant the flowers and the garden and then she was really good about helping weed when needed. 

The other day, Grandma started her garden in little planters.  So there was Mackenzie ready to help.  They filled each little container with potting soil and Mackenzie was sure to put enough in every one.

Before she put the seeds in she had to make sure the dirt was moist enough.

After dropping the seeds into place, she used her finger to push them down so they could get good and dirty. 

 

Mackenzie won’t be around to be much help this year for the garden, but at least she got to help her grandmother get it started (in a way).

Music for Odie

Never too young to jam to some tunes, iTunes that is.

Our Trip so Far

Well, we left Bismarck two days early because of a winter snowstorm and a power outage.  We arrived in Iowa and spent the Easter holiday with my family for the first time in many years. Then we spent a week planning and putting the last touches on a baby shower (thanks Tiffany & Mom for all your support and assistance).  After a week in Iowa we headed to Ohio, but first we stayed at my aunt & uncle’s house.  We had a great meal (thank you Uncle John), enjoyable conversations, and entertainment for the kids (thanks Jackie & friends). 

It is hard to believe we arrived in Ohio only six days ago.  As we approached the city, we were all excited to see the skyline . . .

and believe it or not, the little bit of traffic was a welcoming home somewhat enjoyed.  I think because we know we’ll be returning to the land of no traffic, so a little bit of traffic for a short time will be or at least can be tolerated. 

The last five days have been jam packed, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.  We have been able to great our much adored mail lady, visit with friends at co-op, spend the evening at showcase to see what the co-op has accomplished during the spring session, spent invaluable time with the youngest member of the Jackson family (and his parents too), and then the kids had their own private teen gathering with an overnight (thank you Margot & Bill). 

We have so much more planned and we are looking forward to every visit and activity we have planned for the next thirteen days before we leave our home in Ohio. 

Blowing Bubbles

Cassie has always loved to blow bubbles.

She has such talent  @  @

                            \____/

Cousins

Since our arrival at Grandma Karen’s, the kids have enjoyed some quality time with their youngest cousin.  It is so hard to believe how big ‘Odie’ has gotten.  He is so comical and just plain adorable.

The kids even got the pleasure of a sleepover with their cousin.  Matter of fact, Zack is sleeping in the ABC room, which is where the crib & extra bed are, so he actually had a roommate.  I told Zack that now he’d know what it would be like if he had that little brother that he keeps asking for.  His reaction was, “OH Yeah!!”, fist pump and all. 

Apparently lil’ ‘Odie’ woke up at 12:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. so Zack got the true experience of having to share a room with a little one.  But he didn’t seem to mind it too much as he got up bright and early when ‘Odie’ woke up.

The kids had a great time playing in the sandbox.  It’s hard to believe how long that sandbox has been around and how many little ones it has entertained, and it tickles me to see my kids still playing in it, too.

Matt, Tiffany Jane, & Baby Bean's Shower

We got to come together to celebrate with my brother and his wife for their upcoming arrival.  Since they are huge Nebraska Cornhusker fans, we thought it would be fun to throw a tailgate baby shower.  We mixed it up with school colors and baby boy shower decor. 

A huge thank you to Tiffany & Chad for opening their home to all the fun.

Matt & Tiffany Jane with the shower cakes.

The cakes were white torted with raspberry mousse and buttercream icing and a red velvet with cream cheese icing.  It was a fun to make the cakes for them.

Aunt Janet, Jackie, Kenzie, Hannah, and Melissa sporting their school colors.

Grandma Linda (my mom), Tiffany Jane, and Grandma Debbie (Tiffany's mom).

Sherri and her girls, Hannah and Kayla.

We had a great time.  We played a baby shower word scramble game and a Price Is Right themed game.  Way to go Aunt Diane!!  She was only $0.03 off without going over!!

They received so many wonderful things, but this was the most appropriate.  They call their growing bundle "Baby Bean" and Aunt Janet found these adorable onesies made by Jelly Belly, and this one says "Baby Bean" on it!  How cute!! ; )

Family fun

Well, when we planned this weekend shower we were hopeful that many would come!!  The last time I saw my aunts, uncles, and cousins was Dec. 2008, which it had been seven years before that.  Unfortunately, I don't get back to the St. Louis area often so seeing my extended family is a pleasure when I get the opportunity!!  When I got word who was making the trip to my mom's I was excited and very thankful for them showing their support because it isn't a quick trip for them either. 

So here's the head count at my mom's . . . mom and dad, Aunt Denise, Aunt Diane, Sherri, Kayla, Hannah, Aunt Janet, Aunt Joan, Uncle Clem, Mindy, Garret, Cassie, Zack, Mackenzie, & me.  At Tiffany & Chad's house they are hosting Melissa & Jackie. 

When we returned from decorating Tiffany's house for the shower yesterday, the first van full had just arrived.  Here my sister is getting a massage from my cousin Sherri's little girl, Hannah.   

Matt & Tiffany Jane came over for sloppy joes, so afterwards Zack got Uncle Matt to play the Wii with him. 

Some of the family hung outside . . . Tiffany, Chad, Cassie, Melissa, Mackenzie & Jackie.

Hannah was playing with the ball when it popped, so she decided she was a "chick" in a cracked egg.  LOL - so cute!!

Mom & Dad

Twins, Aunt Diane & Aunt Denise, and Aunt Janet missing her other half (twin, Aunt Joan).

Hannah graciously performed her "Party in the USA" dance.  So afterwards, Cassie & Jackie decided to join in the fun!!

Tiffany, Mackenzie, & Melissa

A big thing that happens when we get together . . . Scrabble.  We were wating the arrival of the Radins.  The first round was Aunt Denise, Aunt Janet, my mom & dad.  Dad won - a from behind victory.  When Uncle Clem arrived it was time for the second round with mom, dad, Uncle Clem and Aunt Joan.  Apparently, dad won his second from behind victory.  We'll see who plays and wins tonight!!

Climbing a Tree

The other day my mother comes in from the backyard and says, "Angela, your daughter wants you to take a picture of her." 

"Why?" I ask.

Well, when I get out in the backyard I found her high up in a tree.  You see, Zack and Kenzie were playing with one of those cheap balls (from Wal-Mart) and it got stuck in the tree.  So, in his efforts to try and knock it out he also got a croquey ball stuck.  Cassie loves a challenge and she loves to climb trees.

She so had to pose in the tree. LOL

Then she started climbing higher to try and get the balls out.

Even though she scared the crap out of me and her grandmother, she did succeed and got both balls out.

Making her way back down.

On the ground safe and sound.