liezel

This summer, we felt so lucky that Brad's cousin Liezel
{also known as our first and pretty much only paid babysitter since Jacks was a tiny babe}
didn't have a summer job.

When she asked if she could nanny for us during the summer, we were thrilled.
The kids adore her.  And I honestly can't believe the summer is already over.
She's getting older, and I'm not quite sure what we're going to do when she goes to college.

Maybe bring our kids to her dorm room so we can sneak in a date!??
I may just do it....don't dare me.

I snapped this on Liezel's last day...in the midst of pure chaos of trying to get everyone ready for Nicky's rehearsal dinner...
and she looks cute even though she was working for a crazy Mom  :)

Reason #1001 I love this girl.

how we celebrated five...part 1

We had so much fun celebrating Jack's birthday.
I think as he gets older each year, we appreciate how far he's come, and how excited he gets. I mean, who doesn't love a good birthday!?

The night before his big day, we had the Newmans, Kas, Kip and her BF Tom over for tacos and cake.
{I know, quite the combo}

The next morning, he woke up to balloons tied to every surface {but apparently I took NO pictures of that!?} 

and his favorite breakfast. Doughnuts and sausage.

That evening, we let him pick whatever he wanted to do. Anything. Floodgates were opened. Lots of ideas were thrown out...

The park, Valleyfair, water park, pool, Chuck E Cheese {gasp} but his choice? The local hotel pool.

Seriously. Sold. Close and cheap :)

Finster loved it too...

Her first time brave enough to jump into the water....it's all downhill from here.

Happy Birthday again, Little Petey.

Birthday party pics coming soon...

bathing buddies

Oh, how these two are going to kill me some day for this.

We babysat Parker one night, and with the swimming / sandbox / swimming / sandbox action that was going on,
we threw these munchkins in for a much needed bath.

When Darcy came to get him, they were giggling like nobody's business.
Of course I ran downstairs to grab my camera.

I adore how much these two love each other.

I'll take the harassment when they see these pictures as teenagers.

Their buns are too cute not to share :)

nicky's shower

This weekend, we're going to be a busy little family celebrating Brad's sister's wedding.
My two little munchkins and my handsome husband are all in the wedding.
{so naturally I bought matching shoes...}

A couple of weeks ago, I threw Nicky a bridal shower.
It was a HOT afternoon, so I was glad we had it planned for inside :)

I've been completely obsessed with chevron for quite some time, so that was my inspiration...
although nothing but the invitations actually had chevron on them.

{toni MOH, nicky, and karli}

Brad's grandma Gail even dressed to match.

That woman is as spunky as possible - LOVE her.

Hopefully I can get at least one picture of my kiddos smiling at the wedding this weekend.
{Although I'm fairly certain I never did at their age!}

these boots

Clearly, they're made for walkin'.

And my little gal is obsessed with them.

Yesterday I came home to her wearing a tutu and these boots.

I love them, but she loves them more.

Thanks, Grandma Sandy, for the constant source of hilarity for my girlie-girl.

five

Jackson Pete Hove.
Five Years Old.

I can't believe I'm even typing those words.
Five.
Five seems so old.
I no longer have two 'babies'.
{But as Jacks tells me every day, he's SOOOOO not a baby}

But he will always be my first baby.
My first baby who grows up faster and faster every day, even if I ask him to slow down.

Sunday, we took a few pictures to capture being turning five.

We got a few good ones...

And a few that are more typical Pete.

His crazy-haired sister decided she wanted to join....

And I'm so glad she did!

Happy fifth birthday, my little stud muffin.

We love you so much!

{don't you love how you can see us in his glasses!?}

our favorites

In late June, Jess and Eric celebrated their 10th anniversary with a trip.
We celebrated by having our three favorite playmates over for a couple of days:

Finny's face in this next picture pretty much sums up how excited we were for them to stay!

The kids giggled, played, and giggled some more for two straight days.

Finster and Avery, her idol.

Learning some mad skillz....let me tell her, that girl can hit a ball!

We were only sad we couldn't have them longer....I think J&E should go away again!!