New Niece

On Friday night after school we headed over to Pella

to meet our new niece, Hannah Grace Palmer

daughter of Steve's sister Andrea and Dan.
After that, we had a quick supper at Culver's and then made it back
just in time to drop Jen off for Osky Christian's 8th grade Graduation.

She is so little and seriously so sweet!

The girls had to wait in the lounge since kids aren't allowed in the rooms.

 

Avery snooping some fruit snacks...stinker! 

 

Mommy holding Hannah

(before I set off the security alarm since I took her too close to the door-oops!)

   

 Aubrey enjoying her ipad and juice

 

the girls have loved playing outside lately, too! 

Mother's Day

We had a nice Mother's Day today as a family.

It started out with church, heading to the Palmers with a quick Papa Murphy's pizza lunch, 

then Steve, me, Andrea, Dan, and Mom K 

went to an I-Cubs game.

Even though it was a bit rainy and chilly, we still had fun.

 After the rain started coming we went back to the Palmers

for a yummy supper and playing. 

The girls posed nicely for a pic with mom before church

All the moms got a free mini manicure at the park

Outing without the girls thanks to G and G Betty watching the kids - thanks!

This is a picture of "Junior Lake" - Steve had a fun time heckling,

I mean cheering him on in left field :)

Mom K enjoyed a free massage at the park too

Gardening

Since Aubrey got a smock from my aunt and seeds from the parade...

of course we had to do some "gardening." Lol.

And then we all went to Stam Greenhouse to pick out the nice

basket of flowers for Mother's Day :)

Tulip Time

Both Steve and I both took the afternoon off from school 

to head over to Pella for the Tulip Time festivities.

The weather was coolish around 65 and warmed up to lower 70s!

PERFECT weather, if you ask me!

checking out the dutch statues

you've got big shoes to fill there, girlie!

Aubrey loved the canal and bridges

oh, Avery was along for the ride, too!

few of the tulips still in decent bloom

relaxing before the parade started

she enjoyed sitting in her princess chair from her birthday

but so did she :)

"hi, Dad!"

Jen's school was marching with all the area Christian schools

our school was in the white uniforms 

the flag girls...Aubrey's favorite part!

OMS also marched in the parade

Aubrey got to play in the park...

...while Avery napped in the stroller

Aubrey had FUN sliding down that inflatable

enjoying a goldfish snack in the cool grass

poffertjes...Aubrey woofed them before Daddy could get his share

Aubrey CRASHED in the car

No nap until 7 p.m.

(please don't report for bad carseat wear...)

the van is in the shop for the AC and this is in Daddys car

with the booster...and SO SLEEPY! ;)

Track Meet

Steve had his middle school track meet tonight in Osky.  Since it was a nice warm night, the girls packed their picnic supper and sat with Daddy from about 5-7 pm. The girls did well. Aubrey was starting to ask questions about what was going on and seemed pretty interested in some of the races and with chatting with the runners :)

Spaghetti :)

Even though I posted this to Instagram, it does deserve it's own post :)

Avery Leigh had WAY too much fun eating her spaghetti last night.

I thought ahead and took off all her clothes and she went to town.

She kept her knee up and kept wiping her dirty hands on her knee - silly girl!

Spring Fling Gymnastics

Aubrey had her Spring Fling at gymnastics today to show off
what she has been working on the last eight months.
 Grandpa and grandma Van Grouw and grandpa Craig and grandma Char
got to come and watch with us.
She did a good job and even earned a medal at the end :)
Aubrey was glad everyone came and watched her. Thanks!

stretching

jumping on the beam

hanging on the rings

jumping on the tumble track

getting her medal

ta-da!

so proud

family :)

with Coach Miss Meghan...Aubrey loves her :)