sunflower fields and windmills

that's where you find the dove.
or at least that's what i hear.  :)

a happy boy and a proud dad.
they had a wonderful time.
and of course, they did have a little noise "practice" for ben before heading out.

father's day

it was still a busy day for us,
but we did our best to give dad a day of relaxing, time with family,
and most importantly - no "honey do projects".

we made jake's favorite breakfast - biscuits & sausage gravy.
then we surprised him with some favorite treats and a special gift from ben.

i copied this idea from pinterest,
and it's really special to read what ben thinks about his dad.

happy father's day!

 we love you.

fast forward

it's sure felt like we've been moving at the speed of light this past week.
so just to do a quick recap of some of our happenings...

last weekend we spent with jake's folks - celebrating their 40th anniversary!
our trip was cut shorter than we had planned due to jake traveling for work,
but we still had a great time.
lots of grandma & grandpa time for the kids,
fun with cousins,
visiting with friends,
yummy food,
great spirits,
and lots of laughs.

happy anniversary grandma & grandpa!

ben had his second t-ball clinic,
and this time julia and i came along to watch.
it was so fun to see him out on the field.
i really enjoy watching ben start doing more "big kid" things.
and at the same time i realize just how quickly he his growing-up.
the bittersweetness of being a parent!

we got out ben's old swing for julia.

but it turns out the ben still thinks it's his.
we're going to have to figure this out -
julia has only been in the swing twice.

no more baby bathtub!

lots of cooking with new groceries from grandma.

lots of thomas adventures.

and lots of trying to keep up with big brother.

it takes a lot of work to get hair like this!

spending time together.

good night.

dear santa

Christmas is a very exciting time for us this year.
with a newborn and a three year old we were lucky to get our tree -
and get it decorated over the course of an entire week.
but somehow we also managed to find a little time to type (ben preferred to use the computer)
a letter to santa.

we'll be spending our week at home -
more getting ready for Christmas, trying to keep up with laundry and dishes,
and doing our best to care for big brother and baby sister.

and how could i not share just a few more baby pics???

hope your week is off to a good start!

we celebrated today with a 32nd birthday...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!

you are the most wonderful father and husband.

we love you - kristin, ben and julia