July 2009 Archives

Strike a pose!

By Kelly on July 30, 2009 8:35 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Carter got to do dance camps this summer: cartwheel camp two weeks ago, and hip hop camp tonight (not to push the skills of her being a dancer, but to keep Miss Evie and Encore fresh in her mind, so she could continue in the fall successfully).

She got to "get funky" like the big girls. They watched clips from the recital video, and they worked on hip hop moves. At the end of the class, they had a Pose Off. The two class assistants (including Miss Kalie, who Carter adores!) did their poses, and the little girls voted on who was the best. The winner stayed to face off against another poser; the loser sat down. I thought it would be disastrous, so I didn't go too far from the door. But at Carter's face-off turn, she struck her pose with attitude, and sat gracefully when she didn't win.

Maybe there's hope yet!

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Strike a pose, girl!!!

Happy 30th, 2!

By Kelly on July 29, 2009 8:31 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Today ends a century (sort of). It's a dark, dark day.

"Andy 2" turns 30 Thursday. We had dinner this evening - who knew I really was capable of cooking?!? We also enjoyed cake and catching up.

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Andy's so old, it took 3 of them to light all of the candles! Andy, Andy and Rory take to the copious task of lighting ... and lighting ... and lighting!

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Happy birthday, 2! Hope you're not farting dust just yet!
(It's funny, cause you'll always be older than me! Love ya!)

Splish, splash x3!

By Kelly on July 29, 2009 8:19 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Kelsey, Grant and Collin came up for our weekly summer adventure (WHAT are we going to DO next month when we only get to see them once every so often!??). It couldn't have been a more beautiful day: big, poofy summer clouds and a bight sunny sky, and cool, but not too cool. Perfect for an afternoon at the splash park!

The kids had a great time, as did I! It was nice being able to hang out with my bestie, neither of our pregnant selves having to chase or yell at anyone (the park is fenced in, thankfully!).

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Summer science experiment: what happens when you put a bucket over the fountain that just disappeared???

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It blows sky-high! Grant was amazed, Collin was in fits of giggles, and Carter thought it was a complete hoot!

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Then the 3 of them, in true team effort, took to figuring things out!

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Worn out, but totally worth it!

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Last stop: ice cream! Best day ever!

Park'ing

By Kelly on July 29, 2009 8:10 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

This morning we tried to branch out and explore another park. The park I wanted to go to "was boring looking," so we went to the park along 1st Street, near the school, that Carter wanted to go to. It was bigger than she's used to, but we still had fun!

Her favorite part: the old-school bubble (the metal kind, where you could really do some dental damage if you weren't careful. Ahhh ... the good ol' days!). The spaces between the bars were pretty distant, but that didn't slow down our spider monkey! She was all excited to climb higher and higher. When she reached the top, she was suddenly very concerned: "I don't think this is a very good idea." Truthfully, I was a little too, because I couldn't reach her very well! But when she swung down, in true monkey form, I grabbed her, she giggled, and squealed, "Let's do that again!"

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Attempting to slide, but the sun had made the plastic hot. All the way down, she chanted, "burning butt! Burning butt!"

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Bubble monkey!

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Sunny smile

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"Soda makes me burp!" And, apparently, makes you make funny faces!

"Water balloons are no fun"

By Kelly on July 28, 2009 8:05 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

This afternoon, I filled up a bunch of water balloons to play with in the yard. Andy likes them. Carter likes them. Perfect afternoon activity!

Wrong!

Apparently Carter only likes hitting others with the balloons. She really likes that part! But she's very much not a fan of being soaked herself (blame her?). She tried desperately to get Andy to toss his balloons at the swing set, not her. In her best efforts to avoid getting hit, she turned her back to high-tail it behind me ... and Andy nailed her. Not hard, but she did get soaked. And she was mad!

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In the beginning, when water balloons were still good

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Carter's toss at Daddy. Note: the look of "I'm gonna get ya!" on Andy's face

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Water balloons "are no fun, Mama!" She retreated behind my chair on the deck, knowing Andy knew better than to hit me!

Canoing at Big Creek State Park

By Kelly on July 26, 2009 7:22 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

After a busy week and weekend, we decided to do something very laid back and peaceful. We took Carter out to Big Creek State Park, 10 minutes north near Polk City. We packed a picnic lunch and Carter's swim suit, too. We had a tasty lunch in the beautiful, sunny day. Then we rented a canoe and hit the water. Carter loved it! She really did a great job listening to our rules to stay safe. She was very interested in paddling and observing the lake. She was all smiles! We came back to dry land, and Carter got to swim in the lake for a bit. She did great ... until it was time to leave. Her listening ears must have had water in them!

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Carter was all sorts of crazy when we left home. But, somehow, being at the lake totally brought on this great, peaceful calm. Even she noticed: "Mommy, I'm really being calm." Insightful!

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Daddy and Carter out on the lake

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Carter and Mommy, boating fools

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Playing in the sand - is it any surprise she loves this?!

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Having a great time at the lake

2nd Annual BBQ

By Kelly on July 25, 2009 7:18 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

This evening, Andy, Carter and I hosted our 2nd annual BBQ for the development. It's hard to believe that a year ago we hosted our first. In a year, our "neighbors" have been our friends! We doubled in size (if not more so!), and we had a great time catching up, meeting new friends and eating great food!

Andy, my beloved grill master!

Neighborhood pals Stella (2 next week) and Zane (3).

Carter, our gracious and adorable hostess

Me and Andy

The adults met one another and played catch up while the kiddos ran, played and had a good time with the rocket! Great turn out, great food and great neighbors!

Friday Fun Night at the Zoo

By Kelly on July 24, 2009 2:44 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Carter and I attended our first Friday Fun Night at the zoo. They are open until 8pm, which makes it cooler (like that's been an issue this year!), and all the animals are more active and on the move. We had a great time!

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"petting" the animals

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Up close and a little too personal with the tiger

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HAPPILY feeding the fish!

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Hanging out by the waterfall

Dear Grant Bumsted,

By Kelly on July 24, 2009 2:41 PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks

Dear Grant Bumsted,

First off, let me start by reminding you that we love you. However, the next 15 years of your crazy little life will, no doubt, be full of wildness and excitement. I'm sure you will be the cause of a few gray hairs for you mother, and possibly myself!
So, when you graduate, please know that I fully intend to blow this picture up to life-size form and share your childhood antics with everyone. Pays backs, my little friend, pay backs.

Love, Kelly

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Carter in her angle attire, and Grant, full on Hannah Montana with a princess wand!

Continued work on the baby room

By Kelly on July 23, 2009 7:34 PM | 3 Comments | No TrackBacks

Painting - check!

Next, crib and decorations.

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A, B, C's and 1, 2, 3's

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The brown and green, where the crib will go and our rocker, with a view of the backyard

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The crib's spot and changing table

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Rocking chair and baby stuff

Thank you, thank you, thank you Andy! You did an awesome job! I couldn't picture it any more perfect! And thanks Andy and Rory for kickstarting the painting process!

Splash park with the 'hood

By Kelly on July 21, 2009 2:38 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

This morning we met our neighborhood pals at the splash park to play. They all went in opposite directions, but they all had fun!

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Carter wearing Pool Puppy's swimming goggles!

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Carter and buddy Noah, drying off and relaxing

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Elisa, covered in chocolate from snack!

Do-gooding

By Kelly on July 20, 2009 4:58 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

One of our New Year's Resolutions was to do something to give back to others each month. From the Food Bank of Iowa to the Animal Rescue League, we've done pretty good through the year. It slipped my mind last month, and the month before I did it without Carter's help.

This month, we picked out school supplies for local drives. We took our $50 to Wal-Mart, and Carter got to pick out what she thought other kids would need. In the end, we ended up with about 10 packages of crayons, markers, and glue sticks, 10 rulers and protractors, 20 folders and notebooks. $35 goes a long way when you're buying crayons and glue (we were shy of our $50 mark, which just means more shopping will be in our future!).

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Carter, the Do-Gooder! "Helping kids is good for your heart, right Mama?" How do you even begin to teach that?!? Mission accomplished!

It's finally time!!!

By Kelly on July 19, 2009 8:51 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Today, we started painting the baby room!

I have been dying to get this underway for a couple weeks. I just feel like this time around, we're just playing the waiting game. I guess with Carter, everything was new and we knew nothing. This time around, we have supplies and a tentative game plan.

Andy and Rory came to help (it sounds like Rory took a snooze instead of helping, but that's okay!), and Carter was on the back-up crew. Andy had prepped everything nicely, so it was cans open and rollers rolling!

At the end of Sunday, all walls are painted up to the point of needing cut in along the corners and ceiling. Andy is going to tape off again this week and finish a little each night. So look for pictures to come of the painted walls and finished room.

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Carter "helping." She may be a terrible painter, but she enjoyed helping, and got to have a part in the big project!

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The colors: brown and green. The brown is not that dark, and the green is not the Exorcist-puke looking!

Kickin' it with Stephanie and Issac

By Kelly on July 18, 2009 7:47 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

This morning, our friends Stephanie and Isaac came to play. We'd planned to go the pool, but at a not-so-warm 68 degrees at 10:30am, we nixed the idea and played around the house and yard. Both kiddo's enjoyed one another's company, and it's always great to catch up with Stephanie! And we had lunch at Chili's, complete with chocolate cake!

GREAT day!

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Isaac and Carter, totally cute little cheesers!

Summer nights

By Kelly on July 18, 2009 8:44 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Who knew we'd be able to light up the fire pit in July, in Iowa, and not painfully regret it?!!

We lit up the pit to roast marshmallows (because all Carter has talked about lately is her desire to go camping. We figured we'd start small, and work up to the tent!). She liked the idea of roasting marshmallows, but wasn't really a big fan of them (my burnt way or Andy's toasted way). She preferred eating them straight from the bag!

She also got to play with some (more!) sparklers. She's amazed by them, and seems to want to light the grass on fire. I guess it's all part of pre-schooler experimentation, but I'd like my lawn to remain green and alive!

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Marshmallows roasting on the open fire ...

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Mallow-face!

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Lovin' sparklers

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Firebugs :)

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Trying to write her name

North Liberty pool with our pals

By Kelly on July 16, 2009 7:40 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Today, even in the abnormal summer temperatures, we ventured to see our pals, Kelsey, Grant and Collin in Coralville. We had lunch and then went to the North Liberty pool. It started out well, but got a little chilly as the day progressed. Collin wanted nothing to do with the chilliness, and hung out on his towel, a happy observer of al lthat was pool. Grant and Carter, on the other hand, were all about splashing and going down the big slide. When both began to shiver and Grant's lips turned blue, we headed in doors to the pool for a bit!

Chilly or not, it was still a great time with great friends!

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Be-goggled Carter Kay

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Grant, Collin and Carter: they're OFF!

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Collin, Grant and Carter, three tired fishy's

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BFF's: Carter, Grant and Collin

Splash park

By Kelly on July 14, 2009 7:36 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

This afternoon, between lunch and dance camp, we found time to hang out with our buddies, Joselyn and Zada, at the splash park. It was sunny and not too breezy and finally warm. It was a great day to hang out and play with our buddies!

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A new "friend," Katie, we just met (and fell in love with!) at the park

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Joselyn, Carter and Zada - swimmy little fish!

Summerfest '09

By Kelly on July 12, 2009 7:17 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

We got home in just in time for Summerfest. Aside from being late to the parade, all was good (good thing we always sit at the end, so we didn't miss a thing!).

Saturday morning we watched the parade. The candy, of course, was the big hit. But Carter also liked the marching band and groups with dancers or performers.

Sunday we went to the carnival. Carter and Andy rode the carousel, and Carter got to pick a few rides to do on her own. She choose the cars and airplane, both which she enjoyed. We encouraged her to ride the tiny dragon kids-coaster, which she all jazzed about ... until it started. Then she wasn't so good with it. As she rounded each corner, she had this smiley/terrified look on her face, like she wasn't sure if she should giggle or scream. We just kept smiling and clapping, and she made it through! We also played the Lucky Ducky game, where she won a humongous inflatable bat (neat) that doubles as a weapon. And, of course, we had our traditional Sunday afternoon treats: nachos and funnel cake.

Sunday evening we went to the sports complex to watch fireworks. We've always watched them from home, but this year Andy promised to take Carter to see them first hand. I thought that was dumb. I was wrong. People were everywhere, and it was really neat! We snuggled on the blanket, shared candy and giggled while we waited, then watched in excitement as the fireworks exploded. I concede Andy: it was really neat!

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Carter, Queen of Candy!

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Watching the cheerleaders do flips and jumps

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She chose her very own horse!

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Riding the Tiny Dragon Kids-Coaster ... all is well ...

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... all is no longer all well!

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MUCH HAPPIER riding the sweet little cars!

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Playing "batter," Daddy being the ball, with her new bat she won (again ... neat!)

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Us enjoying fireworks

Chicago 2009

By Kelly on July 6, 2009 2:32 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Bottom line: Chicago rules!

We left the farm Sunday morning for the Windy City. Between Sunday afternoon when we arrived to Thursday morning when we headed back to Iowa, we did everything we could think of, and had a great time!

Sunday, we headed to play in Lake Michigan. It was a little chilly, and Andy and I weren't sure what to expect, so we just went down to explore. Carter had the best time! The lake was easily her favorite part of the trip!

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Carter and Daddy, walking to Lake Michigan

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Mommy and Carter, exploring the water

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Running from the waves!

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Carter wrote her own name in the sand :)

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Greetings from Lake Shore!

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Splish, splash

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Carter and Daddy, with buried toes

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Carter buried Mommy's feet

Enjoying Shedd Aquarium

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Carter-penguin

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Riding the turtle

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Carter, Daddy and the monkies at Lincoln Park

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Our monkey-family, ready for a nap!

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The beautiful view of the Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park Zoo

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After a nice nap, we found some treasures along Michigan Avenue, including princess shoes from the Disney store and mama clothes from H & M for me

Tuesday was our relaxing day. We finished up shopping and visited the Hancock Building. Tuesday evening Andy went to the Braves/Cubs game (which they lost!), and Carter and I went for the best pizza in Chicago: Pizza Deu. Daddy got to have his beer and brats, and Carter and I had a silly girl's only night!

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Carter enjoyed the view from the Hancock Building, but she didn't want to stay too long!

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Daddy, Carter and Mommy outside the Hancock Building along Michigan Avenue

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Little Sassy, doing some shopping

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After a lot of walking, we were all tired!

Wednesday, after sleeping in, we returned to Lake Michigan. We never did get a warm, sunny day, but Carter didn't mind! We returned to the hotel, changed for the game, and were off to Wrigley Field. We took our first train ride, which was actually much safer and less scary than I'd imagined! We enjoyed nachos and ballpark hot dogs as the rain tarp was finally rolled back and the game began. Carter did a pretty good job at the game, but she began to get sleepy, and couldn't sleep because "the people were too loud." So we snuggled, which is always better anyway! We stayed to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame at the 7th inning stretch, then headed out. Good thing we did, because the 8th inning brought 3 more runs for the Braves, ending in a Cubs loss.

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Carter with a mermaid tail

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We started with buried toes, then buried legs, then she finally was okay with being buried. She didn't exactly LOVE it, but she tolerated it!

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Carter Kay, the only girl to accessorize her swimwear with a pink head bow!

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Welcome to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field!

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Daddy, Carter and Mommy in the way back, being silly and having fun!

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A Cubbies cutie!

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"Or it's 1, 2, 3 strikes you're out at the old ballgame!"

It was the PERFECT vacation .. with only one exception: THIS. We were driving home Thursday morning, all was well. We got just outside of Iowa City, maybe a mile from the first Iowa City exit along I-80, and the service engine light came on, the engine revved and dropped, revved and dropped, and the brakes were non-responsive. Luckily, it'd been a construction area and we were slowed anyway. Andy got us to the exit, coasted to a parking spot at the Holiday Inn, and stopped us with the emergency brake. We called Campus Towing to take the car to Boubon, and Duane and Linda to come pick us up. Turns out that during the helpful tune up I'd had on July 1st at home, one of the mechanics must have bumped a vaccum hose. After a long drive to Chicago and back, it finally jarred loose, going haywire. $147 later, we were back on the rode to Ankeny. Home Sweet, Home!

Happy 4th of July!

By Kelly on July 4, 2009 2:19 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

We celebrated the 4th with food, friends, and of course FIREWORKS! We had a delicious pot luck at the farm, followed by sparklers and small fireworks the kids picked out. Then we settled in for the "big show," presented by Andy and Shane. The kids had a great time; so did the adults!

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Dinner at the kid's table: Carter, Collin and Grant

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The Really Big Show! Kelsey and I did good!

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The start: Grant, Collin and Carter watching snakes ...

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... and Collin watching with interest as Carter and Grant play with sparklers, OR try to light each other and the grass on fire!

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Carter and I, enjoy daddy's show

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Carter and Grant, crazy wild children!

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Carter, Me and Andy, just about done for the night!

Kickin' off the 4th of July - Bumsted style!

By Kelly on July 3, 2009 6:21 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Kelsey and Shane hosted a backyard BBQ for the 4th. Friends and family came to hang out, and the kids got to play in the yard. We had to leave and missed BBQ (which totally sucks!), but we had a great time anyway!

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Andy, official bubble holder to the kids

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Collin scores a big ol' bubble!

Kicking off a great week!

By Kelly on July 3, 2009 6:17 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

After the doctor's appointment, we headed to Brighton to spend some time with Grandma and Poppy, because Carter, "just missed Grama and Poppy" - can you just hear her sad little voice, and see her pouty lip?!

Friday morning, we headed to the park I used to play at. I'm sure it was always fun, but Carter had a blast! She loved the tire swing. She giggled like a crazy woman as it spun 'round and 'round!

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After she'd monkied herself up on the peck of the bubble, she said, "I don't think this is a very good idea!" Too late now, kiddo!

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"Wheee!" The tire swing totally rules!

Happy 4th of July!!!

By Kelly on July 2, 2009 10:31 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

We are spending some time with our beloved families for the 4th, but still wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe day/evening. Remember to "light the fuse and run like hell," eat a little too much good food, enjoy every second spent with your loved ones, and appreciate all that our brave soldiers, past and present, have done for us.

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Road trip! Grant, Collin, and Carter hanging out in the Explorer watching The Jungle Book. They couldn't be any happier!

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BEST SIGN EVER: "No fireworks discharged within 100 feet." Really?! I'd be happier and feel a whole lot safer if we just didn't discharge any fireworks near the tent of explosives. You know you've crossed the boarder when ....

More fun to come! Be safe and have fun! Love, the Chalupa's

Baby update: week 24

By Kelly on July 2, 2009 3:20 PM | 1 Comment | No TrackBacks

I had my 4-week appointment with Dr. Hoight this afternoon. I did not get sternly spoken to, as I thought I might, for weight. I'd only gained 3 pounds. After some measurements of my uterus and belly button, Dr. Hoight and I had the following conversation:
Dr. Hoight, with a frowny face, "How big was your first baby?"
I answered, "8 pounds, 4 ounces."
A concerned Dr. Hoight, "And she was late, right?"
Me: "No, she was 10 days early."
A very sympathetic Dr. Hoight, "Oh, you have big babies!"
That's never a good sign! At the first contraction, I'm heading to the hospital with the DVD player and Jon & Kate + 8, season 1 for drugs. I'll just hang out until the action begins!!

"The Cradle's" weekly update for the baby:

Your baby's environment is becoming more crowded as it is growing and filling up the
space inside the uterus.

     Throughout this month, changes in the appearance of your baby's skin will take place.
     Right now, the skin is wrinkled. When more fat is deposited and more muscle
     development takes place, it will begin to look smooth.

     The baby's skin is not only wrinkled but is also transparent because it's so thin. Thus, at
     this time, if you could see your baby, the bones, organs, and blood vessels would be
     visible, as they lie just beneath the skin.

     Your baby continues to grow at a steady pace. More than 6 ounces (168 g) of weight will
     be gained during this week alone. This growth spurt helps your baby prepare for life
     outside your uterus.

     Your baby weighs just under 1½ lbs., the equivalent of three 8-ounce cups of water. Most
     of the weight gained during this time in your baby's development is muscle and bone
     mass and weight increases from growing organs and tissues. Very little fat is being
     manufactured right now. Ultimately, most of the muscles involved in movement develop
     before birth, and all those that remain are formed by baby's first birthday. Muscles
     increase in length and width in order to grow with the skeleton. Their ultimate size
     depends on how much exercise baby gives them.

Between now and the baby's expected date of delivery, his feet will almost double in size,
from about 1.8 inches (45 mm) to 3.3 inches (83 cm).

I'm feeling great, and the baby is doing wonderfully. Heartburn, but I expected that. We may save money with this one, most likely not having to pay for tap and ballet classes, but what we save will have to be spent on soccer fees. We have a kicker. Not just a baby who likes to give "love taps." This one likes to give "love beatings," generally beginning around 8:30pm and lasting on and off through the night! It's cute, until it wakes me out of a stone-cold sleep at 2am! A forecast of things to come from Baby #2???

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Baby Bump, week 24

"Junkin'"

By Kelly on July 1, 2009 9:31 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Today, Andy 2 and I road tripped to Iowa City to go "junkin," or in search of pyrex treasures. We scoured the Iowa City area, hitting not one but two Stuff's, The Cluttered Closet, both Goodwill's and a cute antique store. But my favorite stop was "House Wares," or something like that, which was a medium-sized space jam-packed with crap. Absolutely anything you could imagine was crammed in this store: ice cube trays, furniture, a wood burning kit from 1983, curling irons ... it was amazing! And, kinda cool! Thanks for taking me "junkin'" 2! I had a great day!

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This is pretty much the entire store: organized into labeled tubs. Need a funnel? Or 12?!?

"Babysitting" our pals

By Kelly on July 1, 2009 9:20 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Our neighbor, Mindy, asked if we'd "babysit" her daughters Elisa (4) and Ally (2). It's not really babysitting when you love 'em and have a ball with them!

We checked the mail (cause I'd just gotten home). Ally and I took the wagon while Carter and BFF Elisa held hands. Then we played in the yard. Ally chased bubbles with Carter while Elisa played on the swings. Then the older girls took turns (politely and kindly!!) playing with the bouncy ball. They were great!

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Carter blowing bubbles (right after getting a bath ... she pushes her hair out of her face and covers herself with icky, sticky bubble mix!)

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Carter and Ally, and Elisa and Carter playing and chasing bubbles

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The Ring Leader

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Besties, Elisa and Carter

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