Dutch John

 

In the middle of July I packed up the car and drove the kids to Utah.  We picked up my mom in Omaha, Nebraska and she drove the rest of the way with us.  The trip was ok.  I had a few meltdowns while driving, which included yelling the "s" word (shut up).  Hotels are by far the most stressful!  The first night I was by myself...that was insane.  Just picture a crazy lady with five kids, luggage, toddlers with bloody noses and kids fighting checking in.  Not to mention they didn't have any cribs left, so putting the twins down was 100 times more difficult.  Once my mom came, everything went much smoothier.  Thank you MOM!  We did have an incident where Ben dropped poop out of his diaper on the restaurant floor.  That was embarrassing but we made it to Utah!  We first arrived at my sister's house in Dutch John.  We spent a few days playing in the lake and of course the kids couldn't wait to fish with Uncle Ryan.    

 

cousins

2 years old

Sam loves to try on shoes and hats.

Ben love to throw, kick and catch balls.

Two years down.  It is amazing these guys are alive.  We are all raising them.  Dad, Mom , Eden, David & Ruth can appreciate them as they grow because we all have to consistently watch them.  They are our babies!

Happy July 4th

 We celebrated at the Annual Backyard of Fire at the Madsen's house. 

Best parent family night

On Monday I told the kids we were going to Monster Golf for Family Night when dad got home.  They were excited and quickly picked up their messes.  Paul came home.  I told everyone to get their shoes on and get in the car.  I took Ben out and buckled him in the car.  Then I yelled at David & Ruth to get in the car.  I took Sam and buckled him in the car.  I yelled again for the kids to get in the car.  Paul and I waited in the garage for the kids to come.  We found David playing Frisbee in the front yard.  Ruth chasing David and Eden changing her clothes (for the 3rd time).  After calling them again, we decided to cancel the activity.  We shut the garage and told everyone to go inside.

This realization lead to tears, screaming and throwing things...so, we sent them to bed.  At 7:15pm Paul and I sat on the couch in peace and quiet. 

Sam & his crazy eyes

P.S. Sam gets these crazy eyes.  Eden calls it his 'sparkle'.  When you see this look you know he is about to  get very mischievous.

Papa is 59!

Happy Birthday Papa!

My dad came in town for his birthday.  Actually, it just happened to be his birthday and he was bringing us a car.  We are now a 2 car family.  First time ever!  We really needed another car.  This past year was absolutely crazy with dance, soccer, basketball, piano, activity days, meetings, Paul's school schedule, YMCA work, preschool, etc.
 
We were so excited to have Papa come to Indiana!  We had a great weekend, full of soccer games, Silver Dipper ice cream, swimming, park, zoo, Olive Garden and hanging out.

 My dad is a wonderful grandpa.  He is so great with the kids and so helpful! I am getting cranky with age but he gets sweeter and more patient.  It's incredible.  Seeing my children with their grandparents is one of my favorite things.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

 We love you Papa.   Thank you for making the sacrifice to come and visit us.

Paul builds a slide

Paul found this green slide on the side of the road earlier this year.  One Saturday last month, we went to Menard's (his favorite home improvement store) and made the ladder and platform.  Viola!  Paul has always dreamed of making things for his kids, just like his dad did.  It makes him happy to see them play on it. 

David & Eden play soccer

 David played soccer again this spring.  He was on the Buffalo's team. 

 He did really well.  The coach complimented his ball handling skills.   

 Eden played soccer for the first time this spring.  She is a great hustler and could hold her own.

I love soccer.  It reminds me of my childhood in Alabama.  I love Saturday mornings sitting on the sidelines cheering for the kids.  However, this season we spent 90% of their games chasing the twins around.  Trying to keep them off the field, away from dangerous dogs, out of parking lots, or wondering into a ditch.  

Ruth graduates

 Ruth graduated one year of preschool from the YMCA.  She still has another year...so we'll be doing this again next year.  She had a great year.  She loves all the friends she made.  She loves to follow the preschool rules and follow the teacher.

This 4 year old is truly sweet and sour.  When she is sweet; she is the sweetest, cutest, most lovable angel on the earth.  When she is sour, she is the most...well, I'll just say sour :).  We love her and appreciate her in our family.  Don't you just love that face?! 

9 years of marriage

Lisa's wedding update

Since I didn't take any pictures myself, here are some from the photographer.  Beth & Vanessa did and amazing job.  These are some of my favorites. 

My parents.  I love them so much.  

 The whole Jay Garlock posterity

 The nieces who greeted everyone with songs, smiles and present instructions.

Josie, Avery, Eden

Sam stealing chocolate

Grandpa Bateman

Grandpa & Grandma Bateman

The luncheon

Now all my sister's are married.  It is a fun time.  My mom raised us well and we are best friends.  What a happy day a wedding is.