Seaworld 2017

Seaworld might be one of my favoritest places. I remember going there as a kid and watching in amazement as the dolphins and shamu swam, splashed and did tricks. And my many years later - it still bring me the same amazement. And it was even better watching through Greta and Lola's eyes. They sat as still as can be, watching each move. And when the shows ended, there was tears and they wanted to watch more. 

We also got to see and touch sting rays, watch sharks, boluga whales, fish, sea lions and more. 

And Greta rode her first roller coaster with Ryan.

That is them in the last car - Greta picked it - didn't realize the was the fasted seat on the roller coaster. 

Girls got to play in the splash area. 

We stood and watched Shamu swim for like 20 minutes talking to one of the trainers.  They are such beautiful, fascinating creatures. It was just memorizing watching them.

Genius idea!!  Sleeping baby parking. Lola only feel asleep for about 30. 

Greta enjoying a little alone time as Lola slept. 

What a great day!!!

Smith Family Reunion

Labor Day weekend, we packed up the Expedition and drove to Iowa for the Smith Family Reunion.  A barn in the family was turning 100!  Something I love - farms and family traditions.  We also got to see lots of sites and sounds of Dubuque, Iowa - where Ryan's dad is from.

Field of Dreams

Antique Farm Museum

Aquarium and Museum

Smith Family Reunion

Fun at the hotel with cousins

Just have to try

Last night while reading books, Greta decided that she didn't want to wear a pull-up to bed. I've been encouraging her for a while to try it, but she didn't want to. So I was super proud when she finally decided to.

She went to the bathroom before bed. She drink no water because she was worried. And then at 4:30 I got the wake up.

I wasn't too worried, because we have really good waterproof mattress protectors. The only problem is that greta sleeps in the crack of her bed against the wall and that is it protected. So she literally Peed down the side of the mattress, and then it went under the mattress. 

So I immediately start blabbing. Then Google it. And start dumping baking soda on it. And then while doing this, I start hearing a wrestling noise under the bed. I start freaking out and thinking oh my there are mice under the bed. I wait until like 530, before I text Ryan and tell him he needs to come in there and check under the bed. Luckily he comes in and doesn't see any. But does hear the noise.on the other side of Brad's room is my closet and there he discovers I chewed up hole. So now we have mice.

And all this before 6 AM.

Good news for the mattress, I let the baking soda sit all day and then vacuumed it up this evening. And no smell and no stain. Another google search Success!!

Lola's First Hair Cut

Poor Lola - she still have very little hair.  She keeps saying - "More Hair.  More Hair."  So when we were getting our hair cut (Greta and me) - Lola was adamant that she also get her hair cut... so I left my hair stylist cut a few of the long ones. It wasn't even enough to say some hair from her first cut.  But there are picture proof.

Registering fun

So Julie invited us all to come baby registering with her. I was super excited! I love that stuff. And because this is such a joyful and exciting time, I also decided we needed shirts to wear. 

So I got to work and designed us a logo... fitting for a baby with the last name Ruth. Snd bought shirts and Joanns... did done printing and ironing and tada!! 

We looked awesome. And Julie especially with her little belly. After registering we celebrated with lunch and a little fabric shopping. And then some more online registering. And finally a quick look at the hall for the baby shower. 

Baby Ruth has no idea how much he's going to be loved and treasured by everyone. He truly is a miracle from God and I couldn't be a prouder aunt and sister! P

First trip to the library

So I finally decided I needed to find a library to belong to. So after 2 calls, I finally find ours... in Milan.

Greta was super excited after I told her what the library was. When we got there we signed up for library cards. Greta even got her own.

And then we spent the next 45 minutes looking at books. There were so many happy squeals and laughs and  joy - it made my heart happy. It was also a bit overwhelming but we eventually found some good ones t bring home. Including 3 movies. I also got a book only to realize that I had already read it. Seriously?? 

So very happy we went. I see many more trips in our near future. 

Playset is back

We've been without a playset since the big wind storm. Seems like forever ago and I honestly have no clue when it was. Then we bought a new used one and couldn't put it up yet. So we made do all summer with the top of the old playhouse as a house and the sand box. 

But finally.... finally... it's back!! And the girls couldn't be happier! Me too. They love it. I can see lots of playing on this over the years just like we did on ours. Hours of fun and joy it will bring.