Crazy-Busy Summer

I can't believe how fast summer is going already!  It's June 25, and it seems like yesterday I was getting anxious for the lilacs to bloom and the wild asparagus to come into season.  As I look at our calendar, I realize that the rest of summer is going to go just as fast.  I guess that's part of what I like about summer, though...all the family gatherings, vacations, get-togethers with friends, etc.

The best part of the summer so far was <<drum roll>>>...



Yeah, that's right!  Pregnant!!  Or, in the world of online forums...a BFP!!

I announced it to Dad, Mom, Hannah and Brandon via text.  They were all eating supper at a restaurant together, and I sent them each a text with this picture:

After our miscarriage in March, we've been anxiously awaiting this baby.  God, in His mercy, didn't make us wait too long.  So...on to 8 months of drinking decaf coffee, debating baby names, and  relishing every moment of the amazing progress.  My first doctor appointment is on Thursday...just 5 days away!

The past week I have struggled with pure exhaustion.  Yesterday, I had a hard time making myself do the basic household chores.  Today, however, I woke to fresh air and bird songs and wanted to go walk.  So I got up and walked outside for 45 minutes before Kyla got up.  Invigorated, I came inside and made breakfast and started preparation for steak kabobs for supper.  It's gonna be a great day!!

Last weekend, we had the pleasure of helping Bryan's brother, Landon, and his beautiful bride, Trisha, celebrate their wedding day. 

Bryan's mom made the wedding cake.  Isn't it pretty?



I made the horseshoes.  They make the cake, wouldn't you agree?  ;o) 

We had to get a picture of our family, all jazzed up.



Lazy Summer Days

Ahh, Morning, how I love you!  Granted, my first view of you can be a little disconcerting.  But...once I'm up...  I wish morning could last all day!  Happy, smiling tots, energetic mommies, the fresh feel of morning all around!  Skip those blah afternoons and scoot right to evenings full of suppers together as a family, snugly fresh-smelling babies who cuddle in your lap for book time, and relaxing moments after kids are asleep.  In fact, I do believe afternoons are the result of man and not God's intention at all.  After all, "...and there was morning and there was evening the first day." (Gen 1:5)

Now we're into the full swing of summer.  At least during the summer, afternoons can be put to good use. 

Picnics and dandelions and water fun!

Taking a break from the water to munch on a cookie.

Last Friday, we went to Sioux Falls in the afternoon.  Bryan had a doctor's appointment, so Kyla and I went along.  While I was loading the Tahoe, I let Kyla wander around the yard.  Pretty soon, I looked over and saw she had found her pool and was IN it with her clothes on!!

Of course, I had to grab a quick picture before I rescued her soggy Highness from the pool.  At least it was only socks and shoes that had to be changed quickly!

While in Sioux Falls, we hit Ribfest.  We went during the late afternoon before it got very busy.  It was pretty windy, but oh the ribs were yummy!!

I had to snap a quick shot of our little Princess with her daddy!