Mommy and Kids

Sylvia
Erickson

Sylvia (2.5 years) and Erickson (3 months)

Sylvia and Erickson had their pictures taken at Sears a couple of weeks ago. We got quite a few good pictures even though Sylvia had a little trouble cooperating. My mom came along again which was a huge help. She helped out during the photo shoot and took the kids to the playland while I ordered pictures.

Piano Duet

While I was pregnant with Sylvia, Dan and I drove to Illinois to pick up my aunt and uncle's old piano. It sat on cinder blocks during the flood and stayed mostly out of the water. Now it sits in our living room and is often being played by Sylvia. When Nana comes over they like to play piano together. Sylvia used to like riding her rocking horse while Nana played the piano. I wonder if piano lessons will be in our future.

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Dan! Thanks for being such a great Daddy (and husband).





Dan has been diligently studying and taking his architecture licensing tests this past year. He took his sixth test yesterday and still made time to spend with us over the weekend. We took a hike with the kids out at Squire Point. His final test is scheduled for July 6th and we're looking forward to having more time together.

Father's Day Boating

I took the kids out on the boat with my parents on Saturday to celebrate Father's Day with my dad. Sylvia got to drive the boat last time we were out and she tried insisting that she could drive the boat "all by mineself."

Sylvia loves the water but it took a little coaxing to get her in the lake this time. She was also hesitant about riding on the tube for the first time this year. Last summer she really liked it but she didn't want to go too fast this weekend.



Erickson has done a great job on the boat this year. He's already been out three times. By law, the kids have to wear life jackets. Sylvia does good with hers but it's sometimes hard to keep Eric comfortable with his on...especially when he's sleeping.

This guy had a lot to say about being on the boat. He's really starting to talk a lot...just like his big sister.

Saying Goodbye

If you couldn't tell from the majority of my recent posts, we were doing as many things as possible with our good friends, the O'Briens, before they headed off to New York. We've since made it a week here without them and so far we're all still alive.

We attempted a couple of group photo shoots.



Henry and Sylvia colored on shirts for each other. We used fabric markers which is the reason they are not wearing any clothes while making them. Sylvia loves to wear her "marker shirt."



Henry went to Build-A-Bear before moving and made a little dog for Sylvia. He is wearing plaid shorts, a sweater vest, and a little hat. The outfit could have come right out of Henry's closet! Sylvia loves her dog and sleeps with him at nap and bedtime most days.



Not a day has gone by where Sylvia hasn't talked about Henry or asked to play with him. It's making things a little harder on mommy. I now know how difficult it must have been for my parents when many of my childhood friends moved away throughout the years.

Erickson Swimming

Ready for his first dip in the backyard pool.

Eric enjoyed the pool once I added some warmer water.

He's a good eater...if you couldn't tell by that belly.


So content.

Summer Activities

Summer Library Activities
Monday at 10:30 (ICPL) Toddler Storytime
Tuesday at 10:30 (ICPL) Toddler Storytime
Tuesday at 10:30 (Coralville Library) Preschool Storytime
Wednesday at 10:30 (Willow Creek Park) Stories in the Park
Thursday at 10:30 (ICPL) Preschool Storytime
Thursday at 10:15 & 11:15 (Coralville Library) Wee Read
Thursday at 3:00 (ICPL) Preschool Play Program
Friday at 10:30 (Mercer) Stories in the Park

Parties in the Park (6:30-8:00)
Tuesday, June 8 - Wetherby Park
Thursday, June 10 - Kiwanis Park
Tuesday, June 15 - Scott Park
Thursday, June 17 - Pheasant Hill Park
Tuesday, June 22 - Willow Creek Park
Thursday, June 24 - Court Hill Park
Tuesday, June 29 - Mercer Park
Thursday, July 1 - Benton Hill Park
Tuesday, July 6 - Reno Park
Thurday, July 8 - Oak Grove Park
Tuesday, July 13 - Brookland Park
Thursday, July 15 - Creekside Park
Tuesday, July 20 - Hunter's Run Park
Thursday, July 22 - Happy Hollow Park
Tuesday, July 27 - Hickory Hill Park South
Thursday, July 29 - Fairmeadows Park
Tuesday, August 3 - College Green Park
Thursday, August 5 - Highland Park

Farmers Market
Monday 5:00-8:00 (Coralville Outdoor Pool)
Tuesday 3:00-6:30 (Sycamore Mall)
Wednesday 5:00-7:00 (Chauncey Swan)
Saturday 7:30-12:00 (Chauncey Swan)
Sunday 1:00-4:00 (North Liberty Rec-Center)

Applebees Family Night

We've recently gone to Applebees Family Night a couple of times. Sylvia enjoyed the balloon guy on our first trip. He made this cute little ladybug with a wrist band so she could wear it around.

Last time we went they had face painting. Sylvia picked out the butterfly and sat very patiently while getting her face painted. I can't believe how grown up she looks in this picture.

She enjoyed admiring herself and making funny faces in the mirror. During her bath that evening she thought I was washing her butterfly...not washing it off.

Memorial Day

Our extended small group family got together at Lake MacBride on Memorial Day to celebrate the long awaited arrival of our friend's adopted daughter, Karuna. Welcome home Karuna!

The baby boys in the group.

Sylvia enjoyed her first rice crispy treat.

The kids enjoyed running around, playing with balls, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, stickers, rocks, and dirt.


Group Photo

Boating with the O'Briens

We took the O'Briens out on my parent's boat a few weeks ago to celebrate Calvin's first birthday. Henry and Sylvia enjoyed the boat ride much more than the birthday boy. Calvin was not a fan of the life jacket.

Dinner and cake on the boat.



Calvin enjoyed opening a couple of presents.

I think the lifejackets make us look much cooler.

The water was much warmer than the first time I took Sylvia in back in May. Both kids loved swimming in the lake and splashing water on us moms.


Drying off and warming up after a swim in the lake.

Sylvia and Henry enjoyed taking turns driving the boat.


Playing with their party gifts at the end of the boat ride.