Cold?

Abigail came down from her room yesterday morning (first thing after she awoke) wearing this. When I asked her why she was wearing her rain jacket, she answered matter-of-factly, "Because I was cold." 

She did the same thing this morning. John saw her first and asked her again why she was wearing her rain jacket. Again, she said, "Because I was cold." 

Seriously - kids are so funny sometimes!

Robbie Hummel

Our property management company, Granite Management, signed Robbie Hummel for some marketing we will be doing over the next couple of years. This past Tuesday there was an extensive photo shoot with him doing some video/commercial and lots of pictures. He autographed some basketballs for the company to give out as well. John was there all day for the shoot, but the kids and I went for some pictures and just to check it all out! :) It was really fun.

Brent & Marti with Robbie

Jackson was fascinated with all the balls!

Family photo op..John gave Jackson to Robbie to hold, but it was clearly awkward for him. I guess he probably doesn't spend much time with little ones (lol). 

Again, Robbie has the kids. :)

Some of the Granite team with Robbie - Granite has the best team! God really has blessed us with great people!!!

Being Silly

John's office manager was on vacation this week. Being the middle of summer he was quite overwhelmed handling all the business without his WONDERFUL employee. So he "hired" me for a few days to fill in. I came VERY short of her abilities, but I finally got the hang of my job towards the end. It's been a while since I have done appraisal work, and they have changed so much, it took me quite some time getting used to the new systems and forms. 

Our dear friends Kari (and her son Liam - he is Jackson's age and buddy) watched Abigail and Jackson while I worked. Kari sent me this photo...too cute. :)

Zoo Run

This past weekend we participated in the annual Zoo Run here in Lafayette. We had a great time! There was a 5k that we all participated in - I pushed the kids in the stroller while John, Grandpa and cousin Ryan all ran as well. The kids did great and had a great time. Then, after the 5k there was a kids' Fun Run, that Abigail participated in. It was supposed to be a 1k, but it sure seemed shorter than that...

Morgan and Abigail on their way to the Fun Run.

As you can see, Abigail was giddy/excited, waiting at the start line.

This picture right here displays these girls' personalities so well! Braylyn stretching, while the other two ham it up. 

We could not believe how quickly these kids ran!!! I was supposed to run with Abigail, but I literally had to sprint to catch up! John, with the camera, was quite surprised as well. He had to run to try and get in some pictures. :)

Strong finish! After she finished, Abigail said, "that wasn't very long!"

Abigail and Gunnar with their post-race goodie bags.

After the run, there was a pancake breakfast provided and then the zoo was open so people could partake in that as well. This picture above is Abigail at the zoo. This girl just does NOT like animals. No matter how much we try to encourage it, she just doesn't!

Jackson, on the other hand, couldn't get enough! He just loved it!

I stayed outside the petting area with Abigail because she refused to go in. John went in with Jackson and he was all over the place!

When we got back home we took advantage of Grandma Sprunger's expertise in cosmetology. Jackson got his best hair cut ever. 

So handsome! :)

Hot evening in the sprinkler

It's been so hot here lately. I personally kind of like it, but it is difficult to be outside with the kids if we can't be in water. Thankfully, Abigail has thoroughly enjoyed the sprinkler this year. She loves it! Grace had some water balloons so that added another fun element to the water fun. John loves it all because it's a great excuse to water his lawn.

Sometimes I look around as I'm driving, and I feel like I'm in AZ. Everything is so brown! We are really having a dry, hot summer this year.

Jackson isn't as fond of the sprinkler. He managed to keep himself occupied away from the water...mostly at least. :)

It's so cold!

I couldn't believe it, but Abigail loved this. She is so funny! She just loves the water!

The kids all enjoyed the glider tonight...just before it rained - Praise God!

What a goof :)

Sweet Corn!

We love our sweet corn. Tuesday we had the privilege of freezing it, so we are able to enjoy it all through the winter. :)  Of course, any time all the Gudeman cousins get together it is somewhat chaotic, but we got a TON of corn froze - thanks to Dad, Mom, Grandma, and Tante Hermine, who had most of the corn shucked, cleaned and cut before we even got there (at 8:45 in the morning!).

Jackson is becoming so accustomed to the camera. Every time he sees me with it in my hand he stops looks at the camera, smiles and says, "cheese."

Dad fixed the steps to the playhouse. Abigail got so excited she exclaimed to her cousins, "They're safe! Grandpa fixed the steps to the playhouse, and now they are safe!!!"

Enjoying lunch :)

Gracie Specials

Gracie has a snack that she enjoys nearly every evening. John and I had the privilege of partaking after the little kiddos were in bed. Ingredients: Wheat Thins ("Big" work best), sliced ham, and colby jack cheese (or any cheese I think will do). Layer and microwave until the cheese is nicely melted. :)

Busy prepping...

Finished product...delicious :)

Grace

This week Grace (aka Gaga) is staying with us, and the kids are settled in for a week of FUN and energy! Finally, someone living with us that has the energy to keep up (ha ha)! At dinner tonight we asked Jackson to say Grace's name, and he said, "Gaga". We thought it was cute until Grace reminded us it was like "Lady Gaga." Nah - that's not Gracie - I think we'll stick with calling her Grace. 

Tonight after dinner John took the kids on a bike ride. It was quite the adventure for him, but they all came back happy (for the most part...good enough) and SWEATY. :)

So excited!

Before the trailer was even hooked up to the bike, Jackson had his helmet on and was ready to go! 

Finally, after about a half hour of switching out trailers and bikes, moving seats up and down, helmets fitted and fastened, many tears and sweat (it's so hot and humid tonight!), they are off. :)

Bathed, happy and ready for bed!