Wednesday, May 16, 2012

More Fun Times at the Lake

Great-Grandpa Lane and Bowen
Great-Grandma has the special touch!
Sweet baby loves to be cuddled
We went out for another boat ride at Lake Waconda with Daddy. He wasn't able to join us the first time.
The kids love the water.
I think this picture is so funny because all you can see of my mom is her legs! Kaylee Dog and Alexa both want to sit on her lap!
Happy Girl!

It was a little chilly that evening, but we stayed warm under the blankets.



Happy Boy!

We stopped at Great-Grandpa and Grandma's dock for some hugs! How neat is that? They could just walk out of their house right onto the dock to greet us during our boat ride!

Painting

Grandma Briggs got out the paints for the kids.
Alexa is working on her rainbow masterpiece.
Mr. Drooley Pants!
Gavin's colorful artwork
Cousin Dezirae

Baby Bowen supervising from the swing

Kara's Bridal Shower in Missouri

I can't believe that my baby sister is getting married next month! I was so excited that I was able to go to a bridal shower hosted by Jared's family. Since we live in Ohio, I usually miss out on special occasions like this. The shower was in Mound City, MO which is about an hour away from where my mom and grandparents live. I offered to drive since I now have a mini van and we would all be able to ride together (once I removed some car seats). Mom, Grandma, Tianna, Masen, Alexa, Bowen, and I all rode together and it was so fun spending time with them.
The pictures below were taken after the shower at Kara's house. Sorry that I wasn't able to get any pictures from the bridal shower itself, I must have been too busy keeping track of Alexa and nursing Bowen!
Mom and I
My Mom & Sisters plus Alexa and Masen
Kara, Grandma, Mom, Me, and Tianna
Alexa and Masen had a blast! They get along so well and Alexa was so excited to see him that she's couldn't hardly wait.

My Sisters
Mom and Grandma

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Baking Cookies with Grandma Briggs

Grandma Briggs let Gavin and Alexa help make chocolate chip cookies. They love cooking and baking!


They did a great job!

Fun at Lake Waconda

This was the first time that we have been able to see my parent's new house at Lake Waconda, near Union, Nebraska. My grandparents bought a home there, too! It seems strange not to have them in my hometown of Emerson, Iowa anymore, but they are so happy! They both have adorable houses right on the lake. It seems very peaceful and relaxing.
Alexa and Great-Grandma Morse
Enjoying some lunch
Grandma Karla has the coolest "grandkids" room at her house! It is filled with toys, bunk beds, and a crib so it's always ready for when we come to visit! We had a hard time getting Gavin out of there for lunch!

And there's fun stuff outside, too! The kids had a blast in the sand box. Then Great-Grandpa Lane and Papa Calvin were able to get the boat in the water for the first time this year so they could give us a tour of the lake.
We had to keep our eyes on little Tysen! He's such a busy guy and he wanted to throw everything in the water. He did manage to throw Alexa's favorite Hello Kitty sunhat in the lake, but Papa was successful at fishing it out with the oar!
Great-Grandpa Lane driving the boat
and then with some help from Alexa!
Gavin and Papa
Great-Grandma loves to snuggle Baby Bowen! This was Bowen's first boat ride!

He wanted to throw his shoes overboard, but we saved them just in time!


After Gavin saw what happened to Alexa's hat, he wouldn't let go of his for fear that Tysen would throw his in the lake, too! He was getting pretty sleepy on the boat ride and fell asleep on Grandma Karla's lap. He never did let go of his hat!


He was so exhausted from the exciting day at the lake! We carried him in the house and he continued to sleep even with the life jacket still on.
Papa and Baby Bowen

Little Brother Bowen


 Baby Bowen fits into our family perfectly!  He's a wonderful addition.  He adores being held and snuggled, seems calm and content in noisy environments, and loves to eat and sleep.



 Alexa is a pro at being a big sister!  This is her third little brother!

 Alexa, Bowen, Tysen, and Gavin


My Little Loves!