A storm looms over Osage Beach

These were the storm clouds that moved their way over the Lake. They didn't produce anything serious, but they looked threatening.

Saw this yesterday...thought it was pretty cool!

Some family fun

So on Friday, we headed to Burlington to surprise the Family. Kim and Nate moved into their new house last week, so when we got into town, we drove there to see it. It is so cute and has lots of room. Later that night, we met with everyone at Pizza Hut to celebrate Kim's birthday, which was Saturday. On Saturday Mandy and I got our haircut and then headed to Margy and Dewey's 50th Anniversary Reception. It was lots of fun and got to catch up with lots of family! It was nice to see (almost) the whole Stevens' family. After the party, Josh and Chelsea grilled some burgers at their house. I think Jayden liked having Taylor over to play. They got in the pool (for a mear second, Taylor at least), played in the sandbox, and loved the slide. I had a good time, as I think Taylor did too. Chelsea made some milk shakes after dinner and I think Colin drank more than I did, he absolutely loved it! Thanks you guys for dinner and dessert again! Sunday we went to church and met for lunch at Maid-Rite. I wanted the kids fed since I was heading home. Both kids were out by the time we got thru Fort Madison, as you can see!!







This is the only way Taylor could fall asleep on the way home Sunday. Her new seat isn't as comfortable as her old seat was. Kinda looks like you Julie...(bus trip)!!! Ha!

Colin & Papa making coffee; Peyton

Grandma & Colin

Josh, Chelsea, & Gavin

splashing in the water from the pool;

yummy milkshakes!

Sisters....

Gavin

Taylor & Colin ready for the reception

2 cute cousins...they have so much fun together; Papa and Colin

Big accomplishment for Taylor

Well, Taylor has taken a big step in potty training! Yes, folks, she has pooed on the potty. This is quite a step for her. We're getting closer.

Some of you may have seen the pictures below on my Facebook profile, but I know some haven't. Yes, Colin is wearing a headband. The kid didn't want to take it off. I'm so proud of him!! Rob and Cindy Butler (Jenny's bosses) were getting rid of many 'baby' things and the art easel was one of them. Taylor is thoroughly enjoying it. Every night at bedtime, she asks, "Mommy I want to color on that (easel) tomorrow'. She loves it. And finally, a picture of me and my little man!! Aww, how cute, huh?!!

Taylor playing mini golf

http://youtube.com/watch?v=n3NxFvcOLeY

click on the link to watch the video of Taylor playing golf! Here she comes WPGA!

Colin walking

Here are short videos of Colin walking. He is doing very well at standing up on his own and climbing up on things now. Just this evening, he had climbed up in Taylor little recliner and was standing up in it.

This last video is of Taylor. She has gotten into the habit of taking self portraits. I have no idea who she picked that up from???!!! What she didn't know is that the camera was set up on video. I thought it was kinda funny. She kept taking videos and finally asked me, "why this not working?"

Well, this has nothing to do with the pictures I've posted but...Tim took today off and we went to Big Surf Waterpark. Taylor really liked the wave pool to our surprise. She kept wanting to 'swim ' back in. Colin liked the kiddie area. However within an hour and half, he had gotten tired. So we let Taylor play...she didn't want to get out either...to our surprise again. Yes, I did forget the camera!! I wish I would have remembered it. There would have been some cute pics.
Now, with the pictures...I decided to get Colin his first haircut. The back and sides were starting to get a little long and starting to 'wing' out. So with Jen and Taylor in tow, it was done. He did really good! He just stood in the chair and we just made him laugh and wave in the mirror!

Daddy and Taylor

After Tim got home from work on Sunday, he and Taylor went swimming. She was having a blast. The water was cold, but it was still 90º out when they went at 4:00.

Jenny's Visit to Osage part II

My parents and Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jim came down Thursday thru Saturday. While they were here, we went and rode Go-Karts and played more games at Miner Mikes, and had a cook-out on Friday night. We were able to see a few fireworks displays from our house. But you could hardly hear them. We didn't go anywhere for a couple reasons, 1). traffic would be horendous and 2). Taylor had a 'terrible three's tantrum'. She fell asleep on the couch anyway....very tired little girl. Jenny and I did sparklers, whipper snappers, and party poppers. It was alot of fun!

Kids at heart!

Papa carrying the kiddos; Taylor got this bubble wand with tickets at Miner Mike's

Happy 4th!

Dinner at Chili's with everyone...even Tim was able to join us!

Fun at Miner Mike's

Go-karts were soooo much fun! I know Taylor really enjoyed them!

Poor Dad's car wouldn't speed up to catch us.

Jenny's Visit to Osage

Happy (late) 4th of July! I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend. Jenny flew out to stay with us the 28th thru the 5th. We did lots of fun things: mini golf, Bridal Cave, played games at Bagnell Dam strip and Miner Mike's, went swimming, and played around the house. Here are a few (I exaggerate just a little) pictures of our fun week!.



Entrance at Bridal Cave, and taylor and Colin playing in the (empty) tub.

Games at Miner Mike's, taylor won all of those tickets

Colin fits perfectly into Jen's suitcase!

Girls night out at El Jimador...excellent Margaritas...plus it was Happy Hour!!