Turtle Days

Today my friend Evie and I were part of the single mom's club because both of our hubbies were working all day, so we decided to load up the 4 kids and head to the metropolis of Volin for their annual Turtle Days event! I grew up in a small town so I'm used to short small-town parades, but man, this was short...a whole 20 minutes! There were probably about 10 floats, 1 tractor, 2 crop sprayers, 6 fire trucks, and 3 obnoxious lawnmowers with no mufflers. These things were awful. As most of you know, Maverick is not one to be restrained, but he had his head buried in my shoulder bc these things were so terribly loud. It seemed like they just wouldn't stop! Here are the turtles gearing up for the races. Personally, I think they're planning their escape route. As many know, I'm not a turtle fan, so I did not participate in any turtle race. Some people were holding them and touching them like crazy. Don't they know how many diseases those things carry? Not only that, but they'll bite off your toe. Seriously, they will.
This is the closest we got to racing.

Maverick and his buddy Austin. Isn't this so darn cute? It was the first time Maverick initiated a hug.

Elaine, Aden, Austin, and Maverick waiting for the parade. Needless to say, they didn't hang in their strollers for very long. Maverick is his father's son, he did a great job collecting candy. I gave his first lesson on good candy vs cheap candy! We need to do some more work. Maybe we'll practice in the yard.

Maverick's new thing is climbing up into the recliner. This time he just happened to have a book-don't let him fool you, he looked at it for about 2 seconds. At least it's a start!

This is a tribute to Jesse's grandma-you're not the only one who cuts heads off in pictures. Jesse does a really good job at it too!!

A rare picture of Maverick and me.

So, the other night before bed, I though I'd get some snapshots. Maverick has obviously figured out that he's supposed to make some kind of face when the camera comes out, but he hasn't quite figured out which one. This one is cute, but...

Can we say, "Cheesy?"

Cheesier??

When we're done, we're done!

Keating's Forest: Back to Maverick

Today we decided to head to the crazy town of Canistota and visit the Keatings and their new forest! They planted 30-some-odd number of trees around their yard. We were greeted by their dog Jasper. Maverick loved him although Jasper didn't have much interest in him. He almost got knocked over by Jasper's tail. It made him giggle! Meeting Jasper.
Maverick enjoyed sitting in his own chair by the kitchen island. He felt like a big boy.

Maverick and Jasper playing in the field. We hoped Jasper wouldn't find a snake. He's found 4 in the past couple of days.

For about 5 minutes, Maverick just giggled and giggled. We have no idea what was SO funny, but he just laughed!

I hope everyone is getting their Maverick fix! I know there haven't been pictures of him in a couple of weeks.

Still giggling!

Taking Jeromie's new Honda for a test run!
I thought this was a great picture of man and dog. It reminds me of the farmer boy picture "You been farmin' long?" Jeromie just loves his new hunting dog!

Vegas Rocked!!

So, we just returned from an awesome weekend in Vegas with Jesse's brother Seth, his wife Kari, Jesse's sister Ahna, and her boyfriend Nick. We were celebrating Ahna's 21st birthday! We had such a great time; I can't even begin to describe it. I never thought I would want to go back to Vegas after my first time, but I was proven wrong; there is just no other city in the world like Vegas. Everything is just done over the top. The buildings are huge, the shows are amazing, 4 hours of sleep or less per night, the Bellagio fountains...need I say more?
Here's the crew by the fountain outside of Paris. We were enjoying the 100 degree weather. 100 degrees in Vegas is nothing like at home. I didn't miss the humidity.

I couldn't resist putting in this picture of Ahna and Nick. What a cute couple! It's hard to believe Ahna is finally an adult in every sense! What happened to the little girl who spilled blue paint all over her white carpet? It's ok, I like her more now!

After the buffet at the Mirage, we had to take a step outside before "The Beatles, LOVE" performance. We were so full. If you ever hit Vegas, go to this buffet. It was amazing and affordable. The Dutch would approve!

We think that we are just as good or even better performers than that in the actual show; however, med school and parenting will have to come first. We truly apologize. Maybe another time. Our moves are like no other.

After walking, walking, and yes, more walking, we decided to take a rest in the Venetian. Our feet deserved it. Plus, we were thirsty. We really enjoyed the time to just relax and visit.

In the mornings, we enjoyed being poolside! We stayed at a beautiful resort called the Grandview of Las Vegas (thanks to Greg's timeshare)! It was 80 degrees by 8 AM. It was awesome. Plus, we had 3 pools and 2 hot tubs at our disposal. We would then go back to our room, have a colossal sandwich made by Ahna, then take the shuttle to the strip. We still are confused about the case of the missing sandwich. Wasn't me...

Good 'ol public transportation. Vegas actually has a great bus system. We maneuvered it quite easily. It was clean and pretty quick for the most part. Plus, it saved us many a mile on the strip. Our feet thank you, Deuce (the bus that drives the strip.) Although I was super excited to see Maverick when we returned, I was very sad the trip was over. We looked so forward to it. In the background my themesong echoed, "I hate when things are over..." Thanks for an awesome trip you guys. Happy Birthday Ahna. Love you lots.

Great Mother's Day - Scavenger Hunt Anyone?

All I have to say is that I have the most wonderful husband in the world! He made my Mother's Day very special. He combined my love for scavenger hunts with the love of Maverick. The clues and pictures are so creative, that I just have to share. The hunt led us all around town on our bikes to our favorite places. In the end, I was rewarded greatly with a beautiful mother's day gift...

First clue: Swinging and sliding and playing for hours

You must use your muscles to get all the power

To fly in the trees and over the flowers

I'm so glad this place is next to ours!

This clue led me to our neighbors house where I found clue 2 taped under the slide.

Clue 2: You wish you could climb me so big and tall

It would be a tragedy if you fall

Baths and sinks, I fill them all

If you need a drink, give me a call

This clue tricked me. I knew it was the water tower, but there are two in Vermillion. Luckily Jesse had me look closer at the picture, and I saw it was the old tower. So off we went.

Clue 3: Flying frisbees in the air do battle in flight

By the old green building that is on site

God won't be found with his shining light

But if you look hard, your may find a caramel delight!!

This took me to the Girl Scout building at the park. Clue 4: Listen to the fountain of old

Smell the flowers of fragrance so bold

Romeo and Juliet may love to meet

At this place we love to eat

Of course, Shakespeare's Garden on campus!

Final letter: Your treasure has been with your all this day

It's not a little box or gift of amaze

It's the fact that Maverick and I love you in every way

So look in Maverick's coat to have a Happy Mother's Day!!

In his pocket I found a beautiful white pearl ring. I had been looking at them for awhile and was very surprised! Thanks for an awesome day!

Yesterday we ventured to Orange City to check out the tulips since we won't be there next week. We'll be in Vegas! We had a fun day and Maverick was tuckered out.

Playing on the merry-go-round!

Snoozing on the way home.

Growing Boy

Whoa...2 postings in one week?! What's going on? Well, I figured since Maverick went to the doctor today for his 15-month well check, I better keep everyone posted. He weighed in at 22# 2 oz, and is 32 1/2 " tall. He grew 2 inches in 3 months! He's still a tall skinny boy. The biggest thing we need to work on is his words. The doctor thinks that since Maverick has been so focused on physical feats (stacking blocks, using his fork), he's put talking on the back burner. I'm sure he'll be talking up a storm in no time.
Yesterday, Maverick was bound and determined to go outside even though it was chilly and 50 degrees outside. He was going crazy in the house and practically clawing at the door, so I gave in. We went and had our first excursion at the park. We had fun walking around and climbing on toys.

He really enjoyed going down the slide. It'll be fun when he can do it on his own so he can go as much as he wants. My arms were getting tired!!

Pokey and Pookey

Last weekend, Jesse's dad and Grandma came to visit us from Michigan. I think they were pretty surprised by how much Maverick had changed since Christmas. It is so fun to see Maverick play with his only great-grandma!
Grandma came up with the name Pokey for herself since she uses her cane to get around. So, there's Pokey & Pookey!!

Grandpa Greg and Maverick got the bike buggy out for the first ride of the season. They were out for over an hour and Maverick loved it! I'm excited to get out there with my bike.

Last weekend, before Greg and Grandma got here, we were in Sioux Falls for our annual Ramada water slide trip. We also celebrated my niece Joslynn's confirmation. Here we are at my sister's house. We figured we better get a good dress-up picture since we forgot on Easter...oops.

This is a picture of all of my immediate family. We had a really fun day together! Lisa made a lot of good food which we grazed on all day.

Maverick and his cousins at the pool. Maverick wasn't so into the water. It was a little chilly for him.

Maverick and his carrot. He loves those carrots!

Happy Easter!!

Today, we went to lunch at some people's house from church. We were very excited to eat meat again!! I made the ice-cream Oreo dessert which Jesse and couldn't stay out of. They also had another Easter egg hunt which was a lot of fun! On Wednesday, Maverick and I ventured to the nursing home here in Vermillion for their annual Easter egg hunt. I have never seen such a madhouse!! Man, I couldn't believe it! I could go on a rampage here about parents picking up eggs for their children...but, it's the Easter season and I'll just keep my lips sealed! Maverick tried to lift up the mask of this here Easter bunny. I don't think we'll keep him tricked long about the Easter Bunny or Santa!!
Here's Maverick and his friend Georgia. They also go to daycare together. They are so cute together-they hug when they see each other! It cracks me up.

When he's not eating candy, carrots, or turkey dogs, Maverick can be found eating the stalk of broccoli. He loves that stuff!

Last weekend the Easter Bunny visited early along with Oma Carola, Aunt Ahna and Nick. We had a great time!!

Nick, Ahna, and Carola were gracious enough to help me blow eggs for my MOPS group. Carola was a champion! I had to bring a total of 18 eggs. I would have went nuts if I had to do them on my own.

On Saturday night, Nick, Ahna, Jesse, and I went to the last Sioux City Musketeer's hockey game. We had a blast! Since it was the last game, they were cleaning house. We got 2 shirts, 2 hats, 2 little footballs, and necklaces. It was a success!

When Maverick sleeps...We play Guitar Hero. Anyone up for "Eye of the Tiger?" Carola?? Blue, Red, Green, Green...No, the other Green!!

Oma and Maverick enjoying the nice day.

Ahna, Nick and Maverick. What is that on your head Nick?? Oh, a bubble!!

Maverick and Aunt Ahna had a great time playing outside!!