Furry kids

I love my evenings on the couch with these furry feline kiddos.

Wild Women of the Woods

My mom and I spent the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend in Warren County, kayaking, learning to ID trees with a DNR forester, getting a crash course in Dutch oven cooking and throwing atlatl atlayls. It was very fun and a special way to spend  Mother's Day weekend.

On Mother's Day we hosted my parents, Mike's parents and grandmother for a nice lunch. It was a great weekend all around.

Another one bites the dust

He's got another hole in his mouth

Garden planted!

By a cute little future gardener and his parents

Cinco de Mayo

Brought a planning meeting with Polk County & Warren County Conservation friends for the next Trash and Tacos ride. Those naturalists know how to plan a volunteer event!

Benji turns 7

My effervescent, determined, especially unique middle baby turned seven. He celebrated with a "friend" party + donations for the animal shelter in place of gifts at the park nature lodge, and a "family" party + gifts at our house the following day. He summed it all up by losing a tooth while laying in bed the night of his birthday. Grandma informed him that if you lose a tooth on your birthday you get a whopping $5 bonus. Too bad grandma didn't check the tooth fairy's wallet to see if there was a $5 bill handy....

Betsy the turtle making a tour of the party

Butters the rabbit meeting the kids

Trevor, Ashley, Benji, Skyler, Jack, Gavin, and William celebrate Benjamin's 7th birthday

Benj opening up the donation gifts for the animal shelter

Lizard cake

#7 pancake!!

Benji requested at "soccer-Minecraft" party for his family party. We all put on "Enderman" eyes for the Minecraft bit...

And made a soccer cake 

Showing off the very loose top tooth

Fun with Friends

I've gotten the chance lately to spend quite a few enjoyable days and evenings with friends. I am so grateful for all the wonderful buddies in my life.

Trying out Blue Tomato Pizza

Lael, me and Colleen at 515 Brewing Company 

Emily and I at Haiku-- best sushi in Des Moines!

Buddy Jon and I at the Mucky Duck in Ames. Umm, bangers & mash and fish & chips. Oh yeah, and beer!

It's the little things

I'm in love with my new Fair Trade laundry basket! Thank you, Work of Our Hands in Pella.

Tulips

Ahh, the sweet scent and beauty of Pella's springtime tulips. What a beautiful day to spend with two of my favorite guys in this little Dutch paradise.

Picnicking under the blossoms

Gavin has been asking when we could picnic under spring blossoming trees. I was happy to make that wish come true at Water Works park today.