First Day of Preschool August 2014

Danny was so ready for preschool to start back up again. We LOVE his preschool and teachers! Mrs. Hales, Mrs. Keohne, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Tullis. 

Danny was 4 1/2 when the school year started. He was REALLY into Ninja Turtles, wanted to be just like daddy, loved to play outside, and absolutely adored his baby sister.

      First day of school August 2013, and August 2014

Crater Lake August 2013

For years Nick and I have talked about how it's so weird that we are from Oregon and have never been to Crater Lake. Well now we have! We had a quick get away. Just the two of us! 

 None of these pictures are edited. The lake really is that blue!

I love going on trips with just Nick. We've done it about four or five times in the last 7 years, and I just love it. We listened to Ender's Game and it was our first road trip in the Focus. We got so much time together, and we ate out every meal. It's pretty darn fun and romantic!

We rode a trolly around the lake that gave us a tour. We got to hear all about the history of Crater Lake and why it is so blue. We recommend it! It's pretty interesting, and you get to ride on a cute little red trolly.

At the end of the day we hiked up to one of the highest peeks, and of course the view was amazing! We took so many pictures along the way because it was just so beautiful everywhere.

This is the view from the very top of our hike. Very pretty! Thank you for taking me Nick! I love spending time with you. Let's do something as just the two of us again really soon!

Happy Birthday Little Lilly!

Lilly turned 1 on August 6th. First Birthdays are so special for Parents. They get to see their sweet little baby open presents and smash cake in their face for the first time, but the biggest reason to celebrate in my opinion is the fact that WE SURVIVED THE FIRST YEAR!!! The newborn stage is so challenging for me, and as sweet as it is, I'm so glad it doesn't last forever! 

I chose a watermelon theme, because watermelon cakes and cupcakes are so fun to make!

I borrowed a Cricut machine from a friend to make her birthday banner, and it was soooo fun! I love those things! Someday when I am working full time I am going to buy one and make all kinds of cute decorations for my classroom!

The cake smashing part is always so fun to watch. Lilly was very dainty and ladylike about it.

 When she finally figured out it was edible, she dug in a little more!

Danny had a great time. It's always nice having an older sibling to show you how to rip your presents open! Lilly's favorite toy she opened was a pink stuffed bear from daddy!

Another noise making toy! YAY! My mother-in-law always apologizes for buying noisy toys that will drive us crazy, but I really don't mind them : ). As long as there are not four going off at once. Now that could make me crazy!

We had such a good time with all of the grandma's and grandpa's, and of course Uncle Sam. 

We sure love our sweet Little Lilly! 

Wheat Harvest Time 2014

Riding with Uncle Sam (I still can't beleive Sam is old enough to drive the wheat truck!!)

It's really special to take Danny out to the field just like my mom took us when we were little. It's what the  guys on the farm work toward all year, so naturally it can be a stressful time. I think having visitors can help eleviate some of the tension!

In the past Danny would get pretty bored after about 30 minutes in the field, but this year he just sat and watched the wheat go into the auger for a long long time. I was the one who was getting bored. We rode with Grandpa Dave in his combine. I have lots and lots of memories sitting at my dad's feet in the combine just like Danny is here.  

Oh and Danny had his very first swim lessons this summer! I wasn't very good about taking him swimming when he was younger, so he's not very comfortable in the water yet. He is more of an "observer" than a participant ; ). We'll be working on that this summer!