Okoboji Vacation

In June we went with the Newman family for a four-day trip to Okoboji. We drove up with Uncle Kyle and brought the boat along. Of course, a trip can't start with out a hiccup. Tyler was sick with some kind of 24-hour bug as he threw up Thursday night while we were packing, and then twice Friday morning before we got in the car. After a fast change of clothes, we were on our way a little later than planned. But we napped most of the way there and drove without stops.

Tyler napping on the ride up.

Once in Bjoi, we settled into the cabins and then went to a fish hatchery. Mason had a blast fishing and we all enjoyed being outdoors in the nice weather.

Mom & Tyler

The Boys! Mason, Matt, John, Kyle, Tyler, & Andrew (Johnathan is MIA!)

The Girls & Tyler! Isabelle, Ingrid, Julie, Tyler, & Allison

Grandma Julie & Tyler

Grandpa John & Tyler

Tyler has it right - drinking out of a Zorbaz cup is a MUST!

Cousin Belle is working on her babysitting skills!

We took a trip to Arnold's Park and did some shopping and sight seeing. Belle & Matt rode the roller coaster, and we all went into the mirror house. Johnathan didn't have as much fun there as the rest of us - poor guy!

Captain Mason and 1st Mate Tyler!

The Newman's

Tyler & Uncle Kyle

Tyler cuddling with Grandma Julie on our last night.

Tyler all wiped out on the way home! after a good trip!

Weekend in Stanton

In June we went to Stanton for an (early) suprise party Grandpa John. We also went to a wedding and spent some time just hanging out with family. It was a great weekend to be back home.

Tyler & Uncle Kyle

Grandma Denise & Tyler

The Newman Family

(the funny thing is that this picture was taken at like 11:30 PM -

what a night owl wehave on our hands!!!)

Great Aunt Linda & Tyler hanging out on the deck.

So there's no doubt he's related to me - M&M's & Oreos!

And my favorite - the shirt even says "Got Milk" to go with the Oreo's!

7 Months!

Better late than never! Here are some pictures of Tyler when he was 7 months old.....

I did have some great videos, but the blog isn't cooperating. Maybe next time!

Eating, Sitting, Bath Time, and Breathing

Here's a few updates for what is up at 6 months old.......

First, we LOVE our food. Our favorites are home-made squash and sweet potatoes!

As you can see, Mom let Tyler have a little fun, so in the bathtub we go. Now that we're better at sitting up on our own, we tried out the Duck bath tub. The first time he was a little hesitant, but by the 2nd bath we have totally figured out how to splash and play with ALL of our toys!

We have been struggling with a cough for a few months on and off, and we finally had a bad enough episode while in St. Louis to warrant a visit to the Dr. We have Bronchiolitis, and did breathing treatments for a few weeks. For a little boy, he did a GREAT job with them! Dad had the magic touch!

And, our big accomplishments the week we got back from St. Louis was that we began sitting up on our own, and we can roll from our tummy to back! Now that he figured it out, it's automatic the minute he's on his tummy. :)

(Yes, he is watching a Cardinals game...I like to think that it's just the red catching his attention, but I may just have to face the facts that my TV will forever be on ESPN and Fox Sports Net.)

St. Louis Vacation - part 4

On Sunday we had coffee on the deck, took a few family pictures, and all headed our separate ways back home. As the saying in Stanton goes, "And a good time was had by all!"

Since Chase and Tyler are so close in age (August 27th and November 3rd), we try to get them in pictures together as much as we can to see how they grow up together....you can see that they will be trouble on the farm sooner than we think!!!

Emma (2 1/2), Pappa Knute, Tyler (6 1/2 months), Grandma Denise, & Chase (8 1/2 months)

The Newman Family

St. Louis Vacation - part 3

Saturday found the little one's waking up early to ensure the mom's remembered that we can't party like we're still young! We spent the early morning hours just enjoying the quiet. Grandma Denise baked a great breakfast casserole (of which the smell finally arose Andrew, Carrie, and Josh!) and we all spent the day enjoying the cabin, the river view, and the great weather. In the late afternoon we played some games and Grandma again came through with a lasagne supper. After some brief hot-tubbing, we ate smores, played one last game, and headed to bed!

Chase and Emma enjoying the early view - or fighting for a spot on the couch by Grandma!
Grandpa Knute and Tyler enjoying some sun by the river!

Grandma Denise has the touch - Chase is lights out!

Emma had to try on the nice hat she found - and show Grandpa!

Allison, Tyler, and Grandpa enjoying the evening after our hot-tubbing.

Daddy and Tyler - what you can't see is that what Tyler is eating is a pretzel. He gets really mad when you take it away from him!!!

St. Louis Vacation - part 2

St. Louis...continued! While at the zoo, we found out we could now get out to the cabin (long story, don't ask!) so we very quickly checked out of the hotel and drove to the cabin. In a matter of 15 minutes or less, we dumped all our luggage and kids into the cabin, changed clothes, and the 3 young couples too off to go to a Cardinals baseball game. Poor Grandma and Grandpa - they really didn't know what they were getting into when volunteering to babysit the 3 young grandchildren! We had a great time at the game thanks to Zach's friends at Budweiser and Josh's co-workers. You will see in the following pictures how great of a time it was. :) Unfortunately, at the cabin Grandma and Grandpa were trying to figure out who's bag was who's, what food goes with what kid, etc. Grandma Denise changed a lot of dirty diapers, and then poor Emma got sick and threw up on Grandma. Needless to say they were happy when we finally got home.

This is a picture from our seats - THANKS ZACH!!!
Val and Allison enjoying the game.

Val & Zach, Allison, Josh & Carrie

The cute dating couple - Carrie and Josh

Andrew and Val - if you've seen Val's blog - what's up with the whole mouth open thing?!?

Val and Zach Hensley

Carrie - seriously, it's like 11 PM! Lose the shades!

Andrew and Allison - take a bet which one of us got up with Tyler the next morning!

Allison, Carrie, Val, and Josh