Day with the Dempkeys

We had a nice Sunday afternoon with the Dempkey clan. Jason and John went golfing at the Meadows while Kyler and Jackson hit the Dempkey Links. The kids found plenty of other activities to keep them busy while I got to visit with Allison.



The boys did take a short time out to relax...

while Lily introduced Taylor to a "big girl" cup:)

It was a great day! Thanks, Dempkeys!

Sunny Days

It finally feels like summer! So we spent the other morning outside playing until nap time. Taylor got to explore all new sorts of fun. The sandbox, inflatable pool and sprinkler were some of the new experiences Kyler happily introduced her to. She particularly seemed to enjoy the sand, taste and all!

A Long, Loud Night

Taylor had a rough night so I decided to try ear plugs since our rooms are close enough to be considered one (it didn't work). But Kyler found them on my nightstand the next morning and knew just what to do with them... sort of.

Frankenstein's Little Monster

Taylor thought it was as amusing as I did!

Surviving South Haven

We headed off on our second camping trip last week. We went south and had a few great days with Grammy and Grandpa Stro and a couple rainy days (accompanied by high winds and lightning). The last two days were even electricity free... too rustic for my taste. Taylor did great at night, even through the thunderstorms when I thought our trailer was going to tip over or a tree limb was going to crash down on us. Kyler is in his element in the great outdoors. Another fun family memory!

Swimming Lessons

Kyler wrapped up his 7-day swim class last Tuesday. Grandpa Stro and I were tag-teaming to take Kyler the first 6 days. On the last day of class, Kyler got to have free time. This was his favorite day by far. He wasn't really into "kicking and scooping" like his instructors suggested, so free time with daddy was the best!

Bear Wrestling

Apparently Taylor enjoys roughhousing with Kyler more than I thought. Since he was away this morning she found someone else to fill in.

Baby on Board

After a fun weekend of camping, we headed home for naps and showers and then were off to another graduation party (Kyler has enjoyed the season... he inherited my love of cake!) Next stop was Grandma and Grandpa Kuip's to borrow the boat. Taylor took her first boat ride and seemed to really enjoy it. Us ladies also enjoyed watching the boys play in the water. It was a nice day, but still not warm enough for our bodies to touch that water!

Taylor enjoyed the swing while daddy and Kyler covered the boat.

Maiden Voyage

We kicked-off our camping season this weekend and had a blast! We joined Grandpa and Grandma T and the kids as well as Aunt Sherry, her kids and Chad and Angel for our 2nd annual trip. I was a little nervous taking Taylor being her first time sleeping in a trailer. She had a lot of fun being cuddled by the girls. But the first night was a nightmare. We accidentally woke her when we went to came in for bed and the three of us barely sleep from midnight to 5am when she awoke for the day. Kyler woke just 30 minutes later and our morning began with some dvd's and coffee with Grandpa in the trailer. Kyler was in costume by 7 as you can see:)

Kyler had so much fun playing with the girls. He went to the playground, pool and bike rides like one of the big kids. During one of the rare moments of down-time, Kyler and Britlynn read a story to Taylor.

Saturday at the campground they do a hayride for the kids. Kyler was a little apprehensive at first, but he quickly got the hang of it once they stopped by one friendly campsite and got to pick out candy.

I worried about how he would handle "Scream Hill" but as you can see from his before and during face he enjoyed it!

Home Sweet Home

About a year and a half ago we started doing some remodeling to our house. We made some big changes to the outside, but some of the details had to wait. This spring we finally put some landscaping in front of the house. We waited patiently until after the frost season to have it put in and Tuesday was the big day. So... last night after the kids were sound asleep I spent a good hour outside watering each new plant as I was directed. Then as the sun set and things started to get cold outside, Jason announces there is a frost advisory. So... now we are outside at 10:30pm for a good 10 minutes covering plants up. We are considering returning everything:)

A little ridiculous?!