Not sure how I feel about that Mom!

So, I let Finley try my fudgesicle (I know bad mom). I figure a little lick wouldn't hurt. Her expression wasn't exactly the kind you get when you really love something so I guess no more for her for now. Bummer!

Finley loves playtime with Grandpa

Welcome Home Ryan!!!

We couldn't have had a better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend than with my brother, Ryan coming home after being overseas for the past 10 months. It was so great to see him and Finley was so excited to meet her uncle Ryan for the very first time. We're so proud of our soldier!

Another year gone by

Today was Casey and Ally's last day of school. They are officially entering 4th and 2nd grade respectively. Boy how fast the years go by. If you really want to see how much they've changed click on the August 2006 archive folder and see them on their first day of school.

Parties and naptime!

Casey and Ally had an awesome time at my cousin, Kelsey's, high school graduation party. Why? Because they got to drive a tractor! Well, okay, a lawn mower but whatever it's a tractor to them. And Finley just took a snooze with great grandma Dorothy.

Katie and Carter, Finley's long day of shopping

Katie and Carter came up to the big town of Maquoketa on Friday to visit Finley and I. We had so much fun. Katie got to enjoy all the sites including going to lunch with Grandma and Grandpa Meinecke at the local family restaurant and we even took a stroll through town. Did you know that sidewalks were meant for walking on? Apparently the nice police officer didn't think we knew that but he was a guy and didn't uderstand our need to chat while walking because he made us walk on the sidewalk instead of the street. Fun hater! Sunday, Finley, Ally and I had a girls day with Grandma Vicki and went shopping and had ice cream at DQ. It was a long day but Finley made the best of it on the way home posing for the camera.

Happy Mother's Day!

My first official Mother's Day! We had an awesome brunch at Granity City with my side of the family and spent the afternoon between Brandon's mom's and Grandma's house. The kids each gave me a ceramic flower pot that they decorated and planted flowers in. I'll post of picture of those later and Brandon is treating me to a facial at my favorite QC Spa. Can't wait for that!

2 month check-up

Finley had her two month check-up yesterday and she is a growing girl. She weight 12lbs. 4 oz and was 23 inches long. She was in the 90th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height.

What mechanics we have!

Casey and Ally got busy working on Casey's mini bike this weekend. Such a fun little project for them.

My little thumb sucker

I think we have a little thumb sucker on our hands. It takes her awhile but when she finds it, she goes to town. You can't see it but her onesie says "Perfect, Just like mommy!" Duh, like that wasn't obvious but it was too cute to pass up.

Daddy's girl

Out like a light.

Finley and big sis

I think they both had just woken up. So cute together though!

Finley's first dip and Ally's BFF!

The three girls got to enjoy Sunday at Grand Harbor Resort for Ally's Girl Scout troop. Finley took her very first dip in the water. No reaction really. Ally had an awesome time. Here she is with one of her BFF's, Sydney.

A different 'do for everyday!

It's hard to believe how much hair can change a look but this just proves that it really can!

Is this Iowa or what?

Casey did his first ever mud bog on Sunday. If you don't know what that is, don't worry, I didn't either. Basically it's a bunch of "macho" men(and women) trying to prove their four wheeler is bigger and better than the others. At least that's the way I see it. The little kids get to go through a smaller pit and then the big kids go through a much bigger one. It's a great way to get covered in mud if that's what you're in to. Our cousin, Matt, got first place in his category. Brandon enjoyed helping (that's him in the red shirt). Casey's little four wheeler didn't quite make it through but he sure gave it a good run and had a super good time doing it.

A couple smiles and one BIG stretch

I can't believe Finley is 7 weeks old already. Where does the time go? Her boyfriend Carter gave her the adorable onesie in the top picture. He knows her so well already!

Vintage Baby

Here are some more pictures that Carter's mom, Katie, took. Doesn't she just look so 1940's?

A little smile for the world!

"I didn't do it"

Finley loves her new onesie from Auntie Heidi. It looks like we caught her in the act of something.

Happy Easter

All that Easter candy was totally exhausting. Thank goodness for Grandma Goat. She gave Finley a great shoulder to sleep on.

Uncle Keenan

Keenan tried to pull off the whole, "aren't we cute sleeping here look" but I caught him. They're still super cute though!

I love my daddy!

Brandon doesn't LOVE getting his picture taken so many times you'll notice he's looking away from the camera. Finley loves to snuggle and she's becoming so much more aware of her surroundings it's crazy.

Mommy and Daughter

Finley had a play date yesterday with her boyfriend Carter so while we were there, Carter's mom snapped some photos of Finley with mom ... Thanks Katie! You did awesome!