Old World Wisconsin

A few weeks ago, we went to Old World Wisconsin with two of Ryan's fireman friends.  We had no idea what we were getting in to, but it was a really cool place!  It has actual settlements of immigrants from all different European countries, and the whole place is functioning.  So when you go to the bake house in Germany, a women is dressed in the appropriate clothing and baking something authentic.  There were gardens everywhere,  eggs to be gathered, wood to cut, sheep to feed, etc etc.  I

We rode a tram from place to place.  Parker loved it.  

He even put his hands up when we were going downhill ;)

Our dream garden.

Sweeping the porch in his clogs.

Parker gathering eggs.

Nothin like a little Father-Son wood-working.

The Inn

Oxen are HUGE!

Blacksmith

The bike-riding club.

What a great learning experience.  These types of places are kind of boring as a kid, but as an adult I just try to imagine what it was like to live like that.  I mean, they literally worked to live.  I found myself a little bit envious of the "simplicity" of that concept, but also so thankful for the many things that we have now.  I don't necessarily want to work to live, but I would love to have my own garden and some chickens or something. I love that the Dad was usually around and the sons were usually working right "be next" them (as Parker would say).  How powerful for a young man to be able to spend so much quality time working with and learning from his dad.  I'm thankful that I get to have hobbies and a car and so many luxuries, but I do like all of the homemade stuff, and the idea of praying and putting my faith in God to provide for literally my every need.  I'm trying to take all the benefits of that lifestyle long ago and apply it to this modern, techonology-crazed, everything is handed to me life.  

4 Amazing Months

Here is my Facebook status from a few weeks ago.  I'm still reflecting on how amazing those months were when we spent every single day together.  Some women asked me if I was getting sick of my husband being home everyday.  Are you kidding me?!  No way!  I loved every minute.

"God seriously does work all things for His good! Ryan had to have a reconstructive ankle surgery 4 months ago, and although that was a bummer, it has been an amazing 4 months. We have grown together so much, we have had priceless time with our children and as a family, we've gone on dates, and grown in our faith. He made me latte's every morning and supper almost every night. We had so many people over, we made great strides on our business, etc.....God is good!!! I will cherish this time forever. Today is his first day back. Let's just say my coffee was a bit...strong? I love you, Ryan!!"

Swimming Lessons and Soccer

Parker took swimming lessons at the beginning of the summer.  He didn't technically learn how to swim, but he became comfortable putting his head underwater, so bath time has improved drastically!  Money well spent!  He even jumped off the diving board the last day.

He also had soccer on Monday nights.

The first thing they did was just run back and forth to get warmed up.  I think that was his favorite part.  Not to be biased, but I think the kid is pretty fast!  

They learned the "control" position. (Foot on the ball)

Then dribbled the ball back and forth.  

Adley always wanted in on the action.

They scored a goal each week.

Then they would come get a drink before the big game.  

 Truthfully, when they would "scrimmage," he would end up having a conversation with another kid until we got his attention and encouraged him to chase after the ball =)

I get excited thinking about what sports he will play someday.  I don't care what it is, I just hope he finds something that he enjoys playing that he is good at.  (And if it happens to be track & field, I will be ecstatic, haha).  I will definitely be that crazy mom on the sidelines!

Grace Valley Corn Boil

My parent's church has an awesome corn boil every year.  We try not to miss it.

Adley's first corn on the cob experience.

Parker was 10 months at his first corn boil.  He is a pro now.

In years past, we've always tried to get Parker to ride on the ponies but he was too scared.  This year he was ready.  He even took a hand off his death grip on the saddle horn to wave 'hi.'

As soon as Adley saw the ponies, she walked to them as fast as she could.  She picked the biggest one, and she was laughing when they put her on.  Then she was waving with both hands as they went around.  What can I say, the girl loves life! (We have video).

Lena rode, too.

Most of the night was spent visiting with friends and family, and playing on the swing set.  

Gotta love the small town corn boils!

Happy Birthday, Self

I'm not going to lie, I love when it's my birthday.  I'm 27 now, so that seems a little crazy, but I'm excited to see what God has in store for this year.  Ryan let me sleep in while he and the kids made me some paleo waffles with my new waffle-maker!  They were so good!

He went for a bike ride, so my friend Kate came over and we went to Starbucks.  Starbucks is seriously a crucial part of any great day!  Then Ryan took me shopping around Wheaton to find something "country" to wear to go line dancing later that night.  

I came home to these beautiful sunflowers and the best cookie ever from my friend, Bre.  

For supper, Kate and Dan met Ian, Bre, Ryan and I at QBBQ in Naperville.  They gave me a birthday treat that consisted of a massive rice-crispie treat, a cookie, brownie, and hush puppy.  Sweets overload!

Then the rest of our BFF's met us at Saddle Up Saloon for some line dancing.  It was SO fun!  What a great day!

The next morning I cried for a good half hour about how blessed I feel and how great God is.  It was a great culmination to the birthday festivities.