Gretas vocabulary

So I've know that Greta is smart and knows a lot works... But last night at dinner she used the word "literally" and she used it correctly. 

I can't remember what she said but I looked at Ryan sbd started laughing. Greta then asked what was so funny. And I said, I'm very proud of you for using that word and correctly. 

Then I asked if mommy says that a lot and she said yes. So they do listen. Haha! 

Alicia fun

I miss Alicia! And even more after she comes for a visit. This time we got to spend 2 days and nights together. The kids had as much fun as we did. It was so fun watching Greta try to be like the big kids. They played outside from sun up to sun down. 

We also realized how much times have changed and how our conversations are now mostly about kids, husbands, and all those adult things. Shopping is in 2 cars because we have too many car seats. But we did reminisce about college and the older days - many good laughs!! 

Such great memories. But bummed no picture of Alicia and I. 

Garden surplus

Our garden has tons in it! Lots if zucchini so I decided to start making bread and freezing it. With help from Alicia... It was a success and tastes so yummy! 

8 loaves and lots of muffins!

And help from my little assistant. 

Failed photo shoot

I tried and then gave up - but captured this great picture if Greta trying to help Lola smile. 

My little monkey

I'm pretty sure Lola is part monkey. Again - no memories of Greta doing anything like this. 

I turn my back for seconds and find this. 

Or this... 

Predicting she'll be the first to need stitches or a cast or something.

Greta swimming

Greta has turned into a fish. She loves the water and swimming - with no life jacket. She's also working on her cannon ball, which she proudly announces every time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JWFTP445nY

The biting

Oh my! Greta was never this bad... Lola bites when she's mad. Lola bites when she's happy. And when Lola bites... It hurts!! I have multiple marks to prove it. 

Unionville detour

Inside of driving home from up north, we stopped in Unionville for a couple nights.

And lots more memories! 

Lots of swimming and Greta is getting really good. Can easily swim about 10 feet under water. 

Lots of farming. Greta even let Lola and I ride once, although it took lots of convincing. 

Zoom in on their faces - pure love and joy

First trip to the dairy barn for the girls and Lola's first ice cream cone - which she devoured! 

First time meeting Hunter - Julie and Jason's new puppy. So cute! 

And more! 

Come ya back to RKD

Arcadia... A peaceful place on Lake Michigan to relax.

Haha! Whoever said that didnt have kids. 

But fun we had. Beach. Camp. Sparklers. Horseback riding. Craft show. Play grounds. The ark. Camp fires. And mosquitoes!!

Despite not being peaceful or really relaxing, we made lots of memories! 

Heres some highlights 

Yes - we rode on the horse like that.

Kahle such a great cousin - he made that bracelet for Greta.  She loved it.  And I loved how hard he worked on it and how proud he was to give it to her.

Although no picture... Mary and I also went swimming!

Nasty

Lola has been throwing fits when getting her diaper changed. Screams. Won't lay on her back. And usually sends up crawling away. 

So this morning I let her go no diaper did a bit... Result - poop on the floor. 

Then last night in the bathtub - it happened. Poop in the bathtub! Nasty! And of course it wasn't totally solid. (Maybe too much info there). 

But we cleaned up. Rinsed off. Sanitized the toys. And survived! 

Lola 11 months

Wow! In just a month, Lola will be 1! How did that happen. She's such a happy baby and I can't remember life without her.

1. Has 4 teeth and know how to use them

2. Bites and hard

3. Crawls at top speed every where she goes. 

4. Loves food. Haven't found many she doesn't like. And eats lots. Sometimes more than Greta and I 

5. Is almost always happy

6. Hates laying still to get her diaper changes or get dressed

7. Loves playing in the sand or dirt and even enjoys eating it occasionally 

8. Is a monmy's girl

9. Tries so hard to keep up with Greta 

10. First trip to the cottage 

11. First time riding a horse with mommy

12. Has an alter ego we call "Mad Lola"

Check out the twinkle in her eye... Can't wait to see what God has in store for this one! 

Amazing time up north

So grateful to be able to take a few days off work and go up north to Ruth Lakke cabin. Despite Lola being a little under the weather, a great time was had by all.

Greta is just in heaven following "her papa" around. and I think my dad loves it maybe more. They went on deer hunts (which meant driving around in the gator looking for deer) and saw lots including a newborn fawn. Fed the fish. Went on boat rides. Played. Cuddle. And had lots of laughs. They are two peas in a pod!

This was my favorite picture... 

We also got to spend time with Julie snd Jason. And the girls both loved their time with them. Wish I had taken done video but I think Lola and Jason played with the balls for 10 minutes. Lola throwing them in the water and Jason handing them back to her. And if he wasn't doing it fast enough, she yelled at him. So sweet! 

A definite highlight... Ryan saw a bear about 20 yards out. He was pretty excited. 

Some more pictures...

Playing on the little pool Aunt Jukie and Uncle Jason bought. So worth the $8!

We also celebrated Father's Day while there. I was definitely blessed with the best dad out there. I wouldn't be who I am with out him. He has and continues to be such a wonderful role model.

And I'm so glad my girls have the best dad also. They love him. Lola's entire face lights up when Ryan entered the room (doesn't always want to go to him- lol- but you can feel the love for miles! And Greta can't wait for him to get him and is always wanting to go for rides and go fast! 

So here's to family and fun times!!