A visit from the Banes

Two weeks ago we had the privilege of seeing Brian and Jillian and their kids.  We hadn't seen them in a while, in fact they'd never met Lauren.  Our kids hit it off right away, and played the days away!  Karlee and Aubrey are just a few months apart in age, as are Tyler and Cameron.  Jake and Lauren are farther apart in age, but just hung out wherever they were allowed.  We did a few fun outings, the Raptor Center and the Children's Museum (it was the longest we've every stayed, maybe that had to do with the fact that Ryan and Brian took the youngest back home for a nap).

The kids enjoyed the posts for our soon to come patio.

At the Raptor Center:  Tyler, Aubrey, Cameron, Karlee, Jake and Lauren

Going for a ride

Karlee and Aubrey relaxing

Cameron and Tyler making mud soup

Cameron and Tyler riding bikes.  Tyler learned to ride without training wheels while they were here.

Now we look forward to visiting them in Mississippi.  We were thrilled with their visit, they are such good friends and it's hard to be so far apart, but we'll just have to visit often!

Cat Hunters

My parents have lots of outside cats at their house.  Cameron has gotten over his fear of them and now plays outside there very well.  Yesterday he was playing pirate and he had a gun.  We told him to go outside and shoot the cats (with the toy gun).  He loved the idea and went to the kitchen.  He said to Kyle, "Do you want to go outside and shoot cats with me?  We can take turns!"  How sweet.  Kyle obliged him and they went out hunting for cats.  It was hilarious!

Local News

Farmer's Hen House is featured in a front page article in the Kalona News this week. To read the article, follow this link: kalonanews.com

Artwork

Today during nap I discovered a new piece of artwork in Cameron's room.  It is hand drawn. "How nice" one might say.  I however, don't appreciate artwork that wasn't sanctioned by Mom or Dad.  I guess he'll be scrubbing for awhile.  Thankfully I believe it was only done in pencil.

No More Binky

Last week we went to a friend's house on Thursday night and I forgot to take Lauren's binky.  I decided to try putting her to bed without it and she didn't even cry!  Ryan and I thought that if we could get through one night, we might as well try for more.  So, the following night we did it again; again without a problem.  Thankfully it's been that way since!  Who knew it would be so easy?  She has asked for it, but we just tell her no and then she usually fusses a little and is done.  Another milestone behind us.

4th of July

We had a busy, but fun, weekend filled with all kinds of 4th of July celebrations.  We made a quick trip to Missouri on Saturday; I won't disclose why, but if you know my husband's annual tradition for the 4th, you will probably figure it out.  Saturday night we went to fireworks at Shiloh, near Kalona, with my family.  It was a good show.  I'm not sure Aubrey would agree, but it was.  She likes to watch them, but she doesn't like the noise.  I have to admit that it was rather loud since we were very close.  Oh well, I guess it's just not her thing.  Sunday we went to the Coralville parade with Mark and Melanie and Shannon and Scotty.  The kids loved it and Lauren was running out to get the candy.  That is so different than our other kids, they did not do this at her age.  I guess we've known for quite some time that she is more outgoing, so this should be no surprise.  Sunday evening we were going to go to fireworks, but because it poured, we decided to skip them.  We did see some on the way home that night though.  Monday we were in the Wellman parade for the Hen House again.  Of course the kids loved that.  Last night we went to my parent's to shoot off fireworks, it was a spectacular show!  (Aubrey stayed inside by herself, I guess she found that better than the loud noises outside.)  It was a fun weekend, but we are ready for normalcy once again.

Here are the kids in their 4th outfits