Happy Birthday Veda - Again

We spent last week in Iowa and Veda got to celebrate her birthday again with her good friends Carson and Rylie!

Overheard

Veda asked Nana how old she was. When she said 67 Veda said, "What? That's not even in the numbers!"

Corndogs, Butter Cows and Piggies

We LOVE the fair. Todd and Kelly grew up at the fair showing cattle so it's only fitting that our kids should share this experience. I'm sure this will be an annual outing for us. Fun for all ages (as you can see). Todd and I are headed back to Des Moines tonight to meet our friends Keegan and Jill for the Journey, Pat Benetar and Loverboy concert. Oh Yeah!

 It's good to have friends in the cattle business. You get to pet the VIP cattle. Thanks Cindy;)

Adele's new favorite food - corndogs. Afterwards she had a snow cone, milkshake and some cheese curds and it didn't take long before it all came out the other end. Oh well - she's a State Fair pro.

Just Swinging

School Treats

Veda brought these in to celebrate her birthday in her classroom. Found the idea on Pinterest. They are Cat in the Hat fish bowls.

Pony Cones

Veda's neighbor friends, Matt and Will, told her about this magical place called the Whippy Dip that makes creature cones. So we made a special trip for her birthday. Super cute! I want to go back just to see what else they can come up with.

Four Year Check-up

Veda had her check-up yesterday. 42 inches (90%) and 42 lbs (89%). She was thrilled to learn that she didn't have to get any shots - only the flu mist (can't believe it's that time of year again). She had her ears and eyes tested and passed with flying colors.

Here she is wearing Todd's 1980 Olympics shorts! Didi sent them in the mail and Veda LOVES them - ha ha!

Overheard

I was pleased but surprised when Veda politely requested to be excused from her lunch - a basic table manner I admittedly haven't taught her myself. I asked her if she learned that at school?

"No Mom - it's how you ask to be done - I saw it on the Sound of Music."

Winston Gone Wild

Happy Birthday Veda - We Love You SOOOOOOO Much!

17 kids and 17 adults boarded the LM&M Express for the Cat and the Hat ride and Veda's birthday celebration. We got VIP treatment from the train operators. We got the back of the train to ourselves and they wished Veda a happy birthday over the loudspeaker. It was a complete success and most importantly Veda never stopped smiling;)

Overheard

I made blueberry muffins for the birthday girl this morning while she was still sleeping. She woke up and told todd that something smelled yummy like french toast and candy. That's about right;)

Yesterday at Veda's birthday at the train there was a wedding party taking their groomsmen photos. When they were done Veda got really upset that the "presidents" were leaving and not going on the train ride with us. I asked her why she thought they were "presidents".

"They have black jackets, white shirts, ties and black shoes... so they are presidents."

Today is the day we will play!

*Invitation design by Todd Laabs*

The 12 Days of...?

Well Veda's Birthday isn't even here yet but we've been celebrating for days. In an effort to get organized before baby H arrived, Auntie Kel sent Veda an early gift. This was the first she got to open and I have to say that it was a big hit. I'm not so crazy about having live stinging ants in my house but I have promised to return the favor;) Frankly this Ant Farm is fascinating. I can't quit watching and all the neighborhood kids have loved watching the Ants build tunnels. Veda's favorite part is feeding them of course.

Math and spelling games from Uncle Ryan to make us smarter. We've already played them like a gazillion times.

A surprise gift from our friends Fraffy and Tom. Veda was so excited and she has been carrying around this musical card for a few days now.

Squishing up the Baby Bumblebee

Technically, these are the lyrics to the song.  At least she nails the chorus (with her own made up hand gestures).

I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,

Won't my mommy be so proud of me,

(Cup hands together as if holding bee)

I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,

Ouch! It stung me!

(Shake hands as if just stung)

I'm squishing up the baby bumblebee,

Won't my mommy be so proud of me,

('Squish' bee between palms of hands)

I'm squishing up a baby bumblebee,

Ooh! It's yucky!

(Open up hands to look at 'mess')

I'm wiping off the baby bumblebee,

Won't my mommy be so proud of me,

(Wipe hands off on shirt)

I'm wiping off the baby bumblebee,

Now my mommy won't be mad at me!

(Hold hands up to show they are clean)

Love - I could stare at her all day while she sleeps.

Things that make me want to scream...

Trying to be good neighbors by sprucing up our overgrown yard and Todd cuts through the DirectTV cable line with the trimmer. Not sure if it's worse going without TV or having to deal with the electricians.

Julia!

Our everyday babysitter Rebecca is out of town. The girls weren't too excited when they realized that Julia from across the street would be subbing, until... she broke out her mad balloon animal skills. I highly recommend that any prospective babysitters take the time to master this skill. It makes all the difference - later in the day Adele had a good 30 minute temper tantrum because she wanted Julia to come back.

The Cone

A picture from our last trip to the lake. There is a giant ice cream cone within walking distance to Didi and Papi's. We've made quite a few trips already this summer. Veda always knows we are close to their house when she sees the Cone come up around the corner. Winston got a small ceremonial first taste - about the same age as Veda was when Uncle Chris took her for a walk and returned to report he had given her her first ice cream -- before he knew any better;)

Entertrainment Junction

Trains aren't just for boys! I knew this train museum and playground was near our house but I had no idea how much the girls would like it. Train tables everywhere, a giant play structure and of course, train rides. Next time the Ehlers make it to Cincinnati we are bringing Owen here for sure!

Zoo Day

Ear Piercing

Today on the way home from school, Veda mentioned her friend Johanna and the fact that her little sister had her ears pierced.  The following conversation ensued:

Veda - "Dad, Johanna's little sister has her ears pierced"
Dad - "Oh yeah, how old is she?"
Veda - "She's a 5 kid"
Dad - "You mean she's 5 months old?"
Veda - "Yeah, that's what I said"
Dad - "Are they clip on earrings or does it go all the way through?"
Veda - "It clips on and goes all the way through"
Dad - "Did you know that they poked that pin through her ear and it will stay there forever, until she is dead?"
Veda - "Really?  Then I don't want earrings until I get older"
Dad - "How old is that?"
Veda - "Hmm, until I am 16 years old and I'm really old"

Well, at least I deferred the conversation for another 12 years.  Short term win.  I'll take it.

Slip 'n Slide Summer Fun

I remember when my Dad made us our first unofficial slip 'n slide on the hill next to our house... hours of fun. We don't have any hills but the girls got the hang of the "run and slide".

Park

It's sad to say but we haven't spent much time at the park this summer. It's just been too hot to have Winston outside strapped in his carseat or to carry him in the bjorn. Now that he can sit on his own he was able to enjoy the shade and chew on a frozen yougrt package. Adele - as seen above - has mastered the 5 to 12 year olds' playground - no surprise.

Whatcha doing Veda?

"I'm writing on my Facebook Mom."

Annie ~ Tomorrow

Our kids are pretty big fans of Annie.  Those long road trips to Iowa are really helping them with their show tunes...