Over the river...

And through the woods...

Pedal, pedal, pedal

H has been extremely excited about learning to ride her bike without her training wheels.
So first things, first:



Then we had a pep talk, warm up, loosen up session:

Now, let the riding begin:

And how else would you expect for a five year old to get a drink while bike riding:

 And we ended the day with success!!

Along with a smile and thumbs up!

way to go H!  We are SO PROUD of you!

My Heart Runneth Over Wednesdays

my heart runneth over with.......honor and humility.

Our family was so blessed and honored when Kitty from Heart Heroes asked if we would share EIV's story with one of the local news stations.  Heart Heroes is an amazing organization that provides superhero capes to children with CHD. 
Here's the story:


http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/Superhero-capes-offer-added-comfort-to-young-patients/-/9674510/15561162/-/13sxxnc/-/index.html


Not only were we honored to represent Heart Heroes, we were truly humbled after we watched the story.
Humbled by it all really.
Humbled and blessed that we were able to share EIV's story.
Humbled that the worst CHD/OHS days are behind us.
Humbled that we were chosen to spread awareness about CHD.
Humbled that we have this amazing family and a completely heart healthy son.
Just humbled by the miracles God has shown and blessed us with.

THANK YOU Heart Heroes....for being just that....Heroes for all of us.
Thank You....
Thank you....

we are Warriors!

Best way that we could have EVER celebrated your birthday!
Thanks for sharing it with me!  We ROCK!!!

Toot Toot Toot

The other night the kids and I were all getting ready for bed and convened in H's room to get jammies on. 
E was bouncing around the room and 'let one loose' near H's desk.

Usually we say 'excuse me', maybe giggle a little and move on......
Not this night...

H was not happy about it and said, as she walked over to a chair set up near her dresser.
"E, don't you know....this is my farting spot.  If you need to fart, come over here and sit on the chair and do it."

I about peed my pants laughing.......

And then thought, should I be proud or embarrassed that my daughter has a 'designated farting location' in her bedroom.

My Heart Runneth Over Wednesdays

my heart runneth over with....chatter...chatter, chit chatter

I LOVE baby chatter!

ooooohhhhh.....pretty!

My sister did a stellar job with her choice of decorations for her wedding. 
After we set up, I was able to snap a few shots.

And this incredibly cool display of wedding pictures going back numerous generations. 

The pictures were so neat!  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that we have these treasures of our family.

Both of my girls are now big enough that they signed the guest book themselves.

Pride and sadness combined.

The groom's grandmother made these great cakes.



It was all so beautiful.....as was their day......just perfect.

Summer

You know it's summer (and STINKING HOT!) when your family of 5 has a pile of 27 Popsicle wrappers (yes, 27!)  at their feet while they enjoy each other on the front porch!

My Heart Runneth Over Wednesdays

my heart runneth over with partiotism and love.
Love for our country that we are so blessed to live in.

Source: http://www.landeeseelandeedo.com/2011/06/fourth-of-july-printable.html

Final Salute

My final nod to my hometown's 125th celebration.

There were a dozen bounce houses (and a super economical $10/day wristband.  woo hoo!)  We literally had to RIP the girls away from them.

A food stand, snow cone stand, one that sold deep fried snickers & twinkies and kettle corn and Ed's favorite.....the funnel cake stand.

Check out the shed I found behind someone's house.  So quaint.

Where else than a small town celebration could you find a beard contest

So Happy to report that he shaved that night :)

And some fun water fights too!

And to top it all off, the celebration ended with a parade.
Didn't get a picture when the float was all decked out....but this is gonna have to do. 
Four generations of Baumerts walked/rode through the parade.  Pretty stinkin cool!

Needless to say, the weekend was full of FUN, No naps, lots of unhealthy food, sun and late, late nights.  So when we finally departed on Sunday evening, we had two very tired babies:

 

and one, "I'm so tired, I can't think, but I'm mad and disappointed we are going home and I don't want the party to end" baby

Don't worry she was sleeping within 5 minutes of getting on the road.

Thank you Howells for the celebration!

Here's to another 125!!