15 Months Come and Gone!

Kyler turned 15 months old on July 12th! As you can see, I'm way behind on getting this posted. Two big things Kyler did this past month was attend Sturgis Falls and go to Minnesota for vacation. For Sturgis Falls, we headed down on Friday night to watch the talent show. Kyler enjoyed watching all of the people in the park and being outside. On Saturday, we walked in the parade for Walt Rogers, who is running for Iowa House. It was VERY hot but we made it and Kyler finally fell asleep at the end of the parade. We then headed to Price Lab for the alumni and friends picnic for lunch. Saturday afternoon we came home for a while, then went back later that night to listen to the Marine Band play. Kyler enjoyed using two straws as sticks and waiving them around in the air while the band played. He was also entertained by our friends Joel Ochoa and Mason Reisetter.

For our trip to Minnesota, see the previous post. :)

Some things about Kyler this past month:

*Walking: Kyler still isn't walking but did take some steps by himself while we were in Minnesota. It took a lot of coaxing and encouragement for him to take some steps, but I think the most he took was 5.

*Eating: Kyler LOVES any type of noodles, especially mac & cheese.

*Talking: He has really been signing "more" and "please" this past month a lot more.

*Teeth: Kyler almost has all 8 of his front teeth, I'm not sure if the last two are through yet, and he is working on all four of his molars.

Here are some pictures from the last month:

Hanging out in the grass outside

Standing in the back of dad's truck

Crawling around with dad's shorts on

Swinging his golf club...I have since hid these because it was becoming more of a weapon when he was swinging these around :)

Trying to crawl between dad and the couch...he loves to try and fit through small spaces

Snoozing on mom's lap :)

4th Of July In Minnesota

For the past three years, we have spent the 4th of July up at Ashley's parent's cabin in northern Minnesota. This year, we left the Wednesday before the 4th and came back the Thursday after. We had a great week relaxing, celebrating our anniversary, tubing, water skiing, taking boat rides, sitting by the campfire, and enjoying the lake! Ashley's parents bought the cabin in the spring of 2006. When they bought the place, there was no indoor bathroom, running water, or sewer system. They added on to the cabin the first summer to first and foremost put in a bathroom and have done various other projects each year to get the cabin to where it is today. This summer, they put carpet in the loft and downstairs bedroom and got a speed boat! We always enjoy our time up there and can't wait to go back again later in August! Here are some things we did while we were gone...

Kyler in the truck about 5 minutes before we left...he looks thrilled doesn't he? :)

Playing on the beach with dad! Kyler enjoyed the sand, especially the shovels and rakes, and didn't try to eat too much of it. :)

Erik and I on our anniversary! Ashley's parents took all of us out to eat to celebrate.

Ashley's dad, Kyler, and Erik working on one of the four new 10 ft dock sections that had to be built in order to make the water deep enough so that the boat could be in the water.

Bath time in the sink! There is just a shower at the cabin, so Kyler enjoyed his baths in the kitchen sink while we were there.

Hanging out by the lake. We love the lake up there, the water is so clear you can see the bottom. It depended on Kyler's mood for the day whether or not he wanted to go in the lake or not. :)

Taking a ride in the new boat!

Breakfast at the pot! You can't go to the cabin and not have breakfast around the big pot down at the neighbor's cabin. This is an annual 4th of July tradition. Eggs and bacon are cooked in cast iron skillets over the open fire and many other goodies are brought to share-fruit, cinnamon rolls, and coffee cake are just a few!

S'mores! Kyler got to have his first s'more over the campfire while we were there, and he loved it! He kept signing "more", and this is what his face looked like afterwards. :)

Playing in the lake!

Riding the paddle boat with Grandma and Grandpa! Kyler enjoyed this a lot because he didn't have to wear his life jacket. This paddle boat is a story all in its own...Kimbo, Erik, and I drug it half way across the lake one Labor Day weekend....good thing it was free! :)

Driving the boat with Uncle Ben :)

Playing with daddy in the shelves! These are the frames for some shelves that Ashley's uncle built. Ashley's mom was painting them while we were there and these were already done. Kyler loved to climb inside where the drawers go and play...Erik joined in one day. :)

Happy 4-Year Anniversary!

Four years ago today, I got the privilege of walking down the isle and marrying my awesome husband!! Erik, I'm so thankful for you every single day. You are such a wonderful husband and an awesome father to Kyler. I can't believe that it has been for years since we said "I do", but I have enjoyed every single day! I love you so much, Happy Anniversary!!

Erik and I dancing on our wedding night