Backyard Smores.

Last weekend was the 1st weekend (in a long time) that we have had NO obligations! At first I panicked and tried to plan an overnight trip wondering what we would do with ourselves. Luckily I talked myself out of it and we ended up with a great little weekend at home.

First I have to brag on my husband, Thursday night he put together the most wonderful event as a customer appreciation night for the Patterson dentists of Springfield. He hosted around 100 people. The food was great, the beer was cold, the band was fun and the "give aways" were the best. I was so proud of him!

Friday night we had the Larsen Clan over for some pizza and back yard activities. The girls are getting so big and had so much fun with Charlie. We can't wait to get them in the neighborhood for more nights like that one.

Saturday morning Josh left early to golf and Charlie and I slept in and worked around the house. We managed to squeeze in a trip to farmer's market, Sam's, lunch, swimming, a pedi for me and some grilling on Saturday night. I thought it would be fun to do some smores as well - and it was... HOT but fun.

Sunday we had church and then headed to Aunt B's pool with Summer and Davis. Charlie is just enamered by any and everything Davis says and does. He loves being with "big kids."

This week has been pretty quiet. Mom and dad stopped through last night on their way home from the river. A few months back my dad handed over the keys to his 1956 Willy's Jeep Truck to Josh. He had "tried" to sell it but never was able to close a deal - secretly wanting to give it to Josh anyway I think. Anyway, it made it's way to Springfield this winter and our sweet friend Justin taken it in and nursed her back to health. It's up and RUNNING... and well I think. I loved that my dad was able to be here when Justin brought it over last night. So we are now the proud owners of a working truck and Josh is OVER the moon!

I snapped a few shots of the house as well.. I am very proud of how far it has come in ONE year. I remember walking in the 4th of July parade last year and looking over at our yard and being overwhelmed. I love the way it is starting to take shape. We met with an architect last night for new plans on the back yard - can't wait to see what he is able to come up with!

Looking forward to a fun family filled weekend that is LONG overdue. Planning on laughing and eating my way through a wonderful holiday weekend! Happy 4th everyone!

Father's Day Fun Weekend.

I think I have the best two dad's in my life ----

My own of course (drumroll please) Mr. Dan Armstrong who taught me to be a leader above anything else and always let me be my own person with more support than any first born daughter could ever ask for! Just for that I blessed him with what he has REALLY always wanted ... a GRANDSON! As good as he is at being a father, he is an EVEN better "baba" and we love him for everything he does on a daily basis to keep this family chugging along. He is my HERO, always has been and always will be!

And then there is the man I chose to be the father of my children (another drumroll) Mr. Josh Habel. My constant day to day partner and the glue that holds this little family together. There is no mistaking the smile on that chubby babies face when he sees his "dada, dada, dada." The love I have for this man as a husband and now as a dad is unconditional and grows more and more each day! Just for that I will carry a few more babies for him. Love you babe.

Here are some pics of how we celebrated our Father's Day Weekend. We love our dads so much and tried to do several special things for them to show them!

Friday night my dad was in town for MSU's basketball camp so we loaded Charlie up for his first basketball game. He was mesmerized watching Baba coach and really seemed to enjoy himself.

Saturday morning we all headed out to breakfast and then over to the farmer's market. It was a sunny hot Saturday so we made our way home for some backyard pool time.

We sent Grandpa on is way that afternoon and geared up for our 1st annual Habel Fish Fry. It was a HOT one but so much fun. The backyard was set up like a romper room and the kids seemed to love every minute of it.

We did fish, onion rings, corn fritters, hush puppies and lots of great salads and dips! Topped off with two fabulous summer desserts. It was the highlight of our summer so far for sure.

Busted..

Waiting on the ice cream man

Lessons from Uncle Justin

All the Kiddos.

Such a fun night - can't wait to do it again.

I took Charlie to Firehouse Pottery here in town a few weeks ago to paint a grilling platter for Josh. It turned out great and he seemed really proud to pass it over to his dad.

Playing in the ice from the emptied coolers from the night before.

A father and his son ... We love you dear!

Baby Shower

Sunday of last weekend my mom and I made a trip to Sedalia to co-host a shower with some old friends (and family). It was to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Molly's baby girl. It was a fun party! It's always so fun to get together with this group since we have all been friends FOREVER, literally - our moms were all so close when they were our age! It's always a good time. My mom and I were able to stay overnight and take Grandma Alice to dinner which also topped it off as a great trip!

Iowa Visitors

Last weekend we were lucky to have four special visitors from Iowa. Josh's mom and Joe, Grandma Rosie and Grandpa Gordie made the trip on Friday and brought lots of fun things, including an awesome new pool for Charlie (pix to come soon ). It was a great weekend to be outside and that's where we spent most our time! Here are a few pics. Such Fun!