I love Ellie's hair. I have decided not to cut it for a while. I don't want to lose those curls!

This is Elle look when she knows she is in trouble. She then decides if she is going to cry. This is the method she uses so you don't get mad at her. She is starting to learn that is doesn't work anymore. Mark and I are on to her!

Anna came over to bring Hans and Elle's b-day gifts. We were supposed to go to the zoo with her, but we had to be on Grandma duty, and I forgot the double stroller.

Happy Birthday Grandma Judy!!! We went out to eat at J Alexanders. It was much more eventful then I expected. Hans is potty trained, but I usually put a pull up on him before we go to out to eat. Well I was out picking out a wardrobe for Luke and Levi for school, so no one knew to put Hans in a pull up. We were sitting there eating and all of the sudden Hans says "Mommy!!" He had started to go poo pies. I was running with him but unfortunately we didn't make it. He had to take an immediate bath. Man did he stink!! Hopefully we don't have anymore accidents on our adventures coming up.

Grandma was amazed how capable Elle is. She opens the fridge and lets you know what she wants.

Hans has become a master baker although it doesn't hurt he has me to teach him. This week he made cookies and we all agreed they were the best cookies we have ever had. Now we have to work on his cooking skills.

Elle grabbed Hanzie's bib and cleaned off the mixer.

Elle's new activity is coloring. She is so content when she gets to draw.

Happy Fourth of July! We spent the day home Luke, Levi, Elle and I came down with something so we left Lake Geneva.

We went to the donut shop before we headed to Lake Geneva. We ate breakfast at the park on the fox river. While we were in Lake Geneva I got to see a house we are interested in. It is so adorable. We were supposed to go back on the fourth, but I was sick so Mark didn't get to see it.

We had a week of firsts. Elle's first ride on a train, Luke and Levi's first visit to the jelly belly factory, and bounces r us.

Waiting for the train tour to start.

We walked into bounces r us and all they said is awesome. Then they ran in all directions. We had such a blast and if was fun taking the boys to the place we go on Friday family fun night.

I took pictures of all of us on the batman slide and had to take one of myself as I was going down.

They boys had fun playing xbox together. They also like netflix streaming live.

Hans and I had a great time swimming at the hotel intercontinental. I haven't been there since I was younger and did some modeling there so it was nice to go back and see it.

Mark took a picture next to Nathan Hale because he went to Nathan Hale high school. We also went to Millennium Park. I also was able to get the cutest dress. I was excited!

We went to hear bare naked ladies. We danced and jumped around it was just the best time. I think Hans will be ready for Toby Mac next week.

The boys at the fountain

Ellie had so much to eat. She loved tasting everything, where as Hans only ate cheese fries and ice cream.

Hans got a sucker so he was entertained the whole ride. Although he asked 200x if he was going to see Levi.

Ellie's first ride on a train. It was entertaining!?

On Monday the kids decided it had been to long since they had seen Derek and Kyle so we had to go and play with them.

We went back down by Grandma's house for Jodie and Brent's engagement party. Jodie is my cousin-cous and Brent is a good friend from college. About this time last year Jodie was looking to date someone. I asked Brent and he was interested. They started to talk and now a year later are getting married. They had such a beautiful party! Now I am getting asked by so many people to find them a match. It was definitely a God thing.
Hanzie was in time out. Elle decided she had to sit with him. He needed to say sorry to her and give her a hug.

Hans and Christian go to day camp together, so Ethelyn and I carpool. Next year Ellie will be able to go too.

I had to come and be the relief pitcher for Kirsten. Grandma and Grandpa needs are tiring for one person. I am more than willing to help. I want my children to learn how to treat people, and the best way is to show by example. It was so hot so we took out the splash pool at Grandma's.

Ellie had her first experience at Mc Donalds playland. She climbed through all the tunnels and had the best time. Levi was so worried about her being in the tunnels, but she was amazing. It was a first experience where it was all boys and Elle. It was great for all the boys because we didn't have to worry about all the whiny girls mothers. Then we went swimming at Shirls with Brenda and her kids.

Mark and I did some projects around the house and this was the first one he did all on his own. I was working on installing rain barrels that look like rocks and he put together the fountain. (Uncle Adam still doesn't believe Mark did by himself.) All the kids love it. Today Hans, Derek, Kyle and Christian were playing with the water boat set in it.

Hans helped clean up at Grandma's request.

We headed out to Brandy's graduation. Elle got in her first girl fight, and came crying to everyone. The other girls sure got in trouble.

Elle ate all the watermelon off of the table. She was completely covered in juice.

Elle is a shoe girl like me and now becoming a flower girl too. We made our first bouquets of the season.