Birthday Girl!

Shay turned 1 last week and we had a great time celebrating with family! I was so busy during the party, I forgot to take any pictures. Luckily Nate's dad took some great pictures and I will get those from him to post later. Daycare made this hat for Shay on her actual birthday. They took a picture of her and sent it home. This picture is at our house at dinner.

Mary got Shay the chair in the second picture from Pottery Barn for her birthday. She looks like a big girl sitting in there by herself. She just loves to crawl in and out. Conley of course said he needed one, so we'll have to remember that come June.

Of course he can't be left out of the action, but doesn't want to look at the camera. I'm sure something fun was on tv. My kids really do wear pants, but never when I take their picture, weird???

Monster Trucks!

The boys went to the monster truck show in Cedar Rapids last night. It was a late night but well worth it. Conley had lots to say about the experience and Nate did take some pics!!! They can't wait for summer for the motocross to start at Hawkeye Downs.

Here are the monster trucks in action!

Nate and Conley in front of one of the trucks

The little dudes hanging out, watching the action!

In front of a tire on the monster trucks. You can tell they were excited to be there!!!

Blue Eyes

Shay played last night with Conley's booster seat for about 30minutes. It was so fun to watch her climb in and out. She would sit and look around waiting for someone to praise her efforts. Too funny! Love Shay's blue eyes.

Our first pony!

Shay has her first ponytail today. When I picked her up from daycare they had her hat on her, and when I pulled it off at home, I was pleasantly surprised to see her hair in a ponytail. I have been so excited for her hair to get long enough!!!! I love ponytails, pigtails and all that girly stuff. She looked so cute and so grown up!!!

All grown up in her ponytail!

Conley of course wanted his picture taken and wanted Shay to sit in his lap. She wasn't cooperating, but was laughing at the same time.

I'm Freezing!

I'm freezing! We have had some SERIOUS bills the last 2-3 months for our gas/electric. This last bill almost gave me a heart attack. Now, I understand it is winter and Iowa, my house is average size, and we have an outbuilding...but come on!!! We have now turned the thermostat down even further, and it's programmable so it goes really low when we are not here or sleeping. Nate's shop is set at 32, just to keep it above freezing for the vehicles, dog, and blind stuff.

A warning for visitors, wear your long underwear and wool sweaters, you're going to need them ;) I just had to take pics of my kids all bundled up in their beds. Shay was looking so precious asleep under her blanket.

You can barely see his little head poking out right under the stoplight sticker on the wall.

We are headed to Florida with Nate's family at the end of February and I can't wait for warmer weather. Mary gave the kids new swimsuits and "warm weather" outfits for Florida and now I'm even more excited and wishing we were leaving tomorrow!!!