Lovin' Water...

Parker is loving being outside and being wet!  He goes through multiple outfits every day because he just keeps going back to the water!  We just sit around and watch him because he is so entertaining!

From the lips of babes...

This morning while quick picking up our bedroom I found Baby Jesus (Little People's Figurine from the Nativity Scene) that has been missing for a while!  I brought him in the living room and this is the conversation that followed.

Me: Parks, look what I just found in our room!  Who is it?!?

Parker:  Baby Jesus!!

Me:  Where should I put him? (Wondering if he wanted Baby Jesus to play with on his train table)

Parker:  Put him back in the Bible.

Ha!  What a little smartie pants!

Dog Attack...

Parker has always really loved dogs but after today that might change!  While playing in the front yard I hear Parker crying and look over and the neighbor's Lab puppy has knocked Parker to the ground and is on top of him.  I ran over and tried to get the dog off...he was off for a minute but then came back again and got him.  I ended up having to hold Parker over my head until the neighbor came to get the dog.  Parker was crying and shaking and he had a large scratch on his face! 

Zeeland Memorial Day Parade...

It was a bit cooler than most Memorial Days, but we bundled up and met the Nagelkirk clan in front of North Street Church for the annual parade and then the ZCS pancake breakfast!  Parker is getting a little less scared at parades which is nice...he loved clapping for the veterans.  Great Grandpa wants to build a seat for Parker on his tractor so they can ride in the parade together next year.  I said I would supply candy...there was hardly any this year!  What kind of parade has barely any candy?!?!

The Robins Are Taking Over...

We didn't have a very warm Spring this year so when we finally did get outside we realized that some Robins had moved into the play place!  After checking out the new nest we realized there were already eggs in it...being the animal lover that I am (well not really) I convinced Joel to not get rid of the nest and let the eggs hatch first!  Fast forward 1 1/2 months...well...it actually was a slow 1 1/2 months!  We pretty much were unable to be within 20 feet of the play place without birds swooping at us!  That meant no mowing the lawn in that area and no playing on the play place or even in that section of the yard for that matter!  Joel was not happy with me!  I am happy to report that three precious little Robins were born and have moved out of the nest!  It was really fun to watch the dad and mom work to get worms every day and then to see the babies leave the nest for the first few times!  Parker now has a slight obsession with Robins though!

We weren't able to mow that section of the lawn for quite some time!

Two Wheelin' Fun...

It took a few tries to get Parker to be excited about riding his bike, but one night he just took to it and rode around the whole block!  It is so cute!  He pretty much just walks with the bike between his legs but it is a step in the right direction!  So fun!

Two Peas In A Pod...

Cohen and Parker love being together and it is so much fun to watch them talk to each other, giggle and play together!

Creative Play...

There is just something intriguing to me about watching Joel and Parker play together.  They just play so different than Parker and me...much more creative!  Tonight I hear them laughing in the back yard and go to check out what is going on.  The game for tonight is daddy throw the ball on the roof and see if Parker can catch it as it falls to the ground...or was it see if daddy can get the ball to hit Parker on the way down?!?  Either way they were both having loads of fun!

Our newest toy...

Tonight we added a new "toy" to our household...a tractor!  The thought behind it was to be able to mow the lawn more quickly and maybe alleviate some of Joel's back pain, but it occurred to me tonight that Parker thinks it is a jungle gym and Joel thinks it is a mode of transportation around the neighborhood...so maybe there were multiple intentions behind it!

Mother's Day Love...

Being a mom to Parker and Peyton is such an adventure and so much fun!  Every day I go to bed feeling very tired but blessed!  I truly look forward to waking up in the morning and spending the day with them.  At first I wasn't sure if staying home full time would be a good thing for me, but I am really enjoying it...don't get me wrong, I do love a day away as well!  Parker is at such a fun age where he is learning so much every day and I love being the one to teach him new things.  He talks non-stop and I love that I can carry on conversations with him.  Peyton is passed the really hard phase and is now just a happy little bundle!  She coos and kicks her legs all the time and loves to be talked to!  Parker and I love getting her giggling and worked up!  God really created some special little kids for us and we are cherishing every age and every stage (challenges and all)!

Parker and Peyton (with a little help from daddy) surprised me with a special Mother's Day video and a decorated chalkboard!  So adorable!

Tulip Time...

Holland Tulip Time always provides lots to do!  Joel had a half day so we skipped nap time and headed to the parade!  Parker still isn't quite sure he likes how loud parades are, but he did surprisingly well despite the noise and extreme heat!  Peyton was her typical chill self and rode around happily in the stroller!  Later in the week us girls met for a play date to watch the Dutch Dancers...we got the time wrong so we picnicked in the park instead!