Summer Bucket List

I'm a lister. It shouldn't come as a shock. I have spent a couple of years in MOPS and at the end of each year, they have encouraged us to make a Summer Bucket List of things that we want to do throughout the summer because sometimes, if we don't have a visual or write it down, it just doesn't happen.

Summer itself is just so lovely and care free. Saturdays at the Farmer's Market, yes please. Throw some burgers on the grill, grab a cold one and play t-ball, done. I could spend any given day at a park, at the pool or outside on a blanket with a stack of Tyson's books and a popsicle. However, here is our wish list of things that take a little more planning:

• Strawberry Picking
• Blank Park Zoo
• Backbone State Park
• Adventure Land Trip with Friends
• An adults only dinner under the lights in our backyard (I think of fantasy Braverman meals but we'll have card tables and paper plates)
• A rainy night campout in the living room
• A day long Sunday Funday for Tyson and friends (water balloons, sprinklers, bubbles) 
• Biking - now that we have everything we need and after 4 years, Ryan and I both have usable bikes
• Movies Under the Moon (Toy Story, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The American Tale, Brave)
• St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game with Tyson
• Sunrise Picnic
• My Waterloo Days Hot Air Balloon Rally (June 12-15)

Here are some of the favorites from last year that we will be hitting up again: 

• Lost Island Waterpark where kids 3 and under are free and we go to get our feet wet. I got the season pass last year and it was such a good deal - we would go there a few times a week sometimes for an hour, other times for 3-4. There is so much for Tyson to do that it is certainly a must-do while it is so reasonable and close! 
• Cedar Valley Arboretum is our favorite play date during the summer months, the worlds largest sandbox, ha - kidding but it is big. It is full of fun activities for the kids to experiment with. 
• Our absolute favorite frozen treats! 
• Outdoor live music - when and where ever we can find it. 
• On a week day, we will go to the Splash Pad. On a weekend, we'll probably pass. :)
• On a super hot day, we will sneak into the ac at the Youth Pavillion

Sweet Summertime

It's BA-ack. Or at least it feels like it anyway. Who doesn't love the warm, carefree days of summer? And to say FINALLY after the crazy weather we had this spring. I know, technically we still have time before summer hits but it's Memorial Day weekend, doesn't that count for something?

I have been dreaming of things to do with Tyson at this age since last summer. I think he is at such a fun age. He is wobbling around, exploring and starting to put two and two together. I just love watching his curiosity grow, although I think there are somethings that make me quite nervous - a big part of being a parent that I am working on. Baby steps, people.

So... here are few fun things we've tried out this far and can't wait to continue.

Strolling - Hopefully Ry is going to hook up the bike trailer soon

Working with utensils and chewing with our mouth closed, haha

Slathering on the sunscreen and spending time outside

Playing in the water with the Sportsbrella up - thanks for the tip Bridget!

Sliding & Swinging with Dad. He's a kid at heart.

Apparently taking notes in beginning rock climbing? What!?? Note the nerves comment above. Seriously, this child is STRONG.

Playing with Tyson's new water table - thanks Derek and Jamee.

Drinking out of the scoop and then being so sweet and letting Myles do the same.

Hitting up B&N and their train table when it's raining

Taking a snooze, Maverick style

 

We are excited to go to work on our summer bucket list, you can see we've crossed a couple of things off our list. 

 (more on that later)

 

Happy Heart Day

We got to hear a little one today so the shoe fits! Yep, it is a roaring 140 bpm. Well, it took the nurse a little while to give us a number since it was moving around so much. She said it was in between 140-160 while we were listening. Usually, it has been in the range of 155-145 so it's not too far off. This is one of my favorite sounds!

This morning Ryan and I enjoyed a homemade breakfast together (a typical day is grabbing a granola bar and fruit, kiss kiss, followed by our bodies flung out the door). It was nice to get to spend that time with each other at a slower pace than we normally proceed. I think I could get used that.

You act like it hasn't been a month since we updated you on the haps. Ha, well here is a good 'ol recap (with pictures!) for ya. Ryan has been working with Hoss on our little room. Here is a sneak peak of just two of the items in there. You'll have to wait for more pictures once we have it all together (it's getting there).

I had a bit of an unprepared meltdown the other day. I am sure if you ask Ryan now he will find it humorous, at the time not so much. I just can't believe we are 10 weeks away from meeting this little bean. I feel like we have much to do/learn in such a little bit of time. Momentary freak out was seized by Ryan and a scoop of ice cream.

Speaking of the bean... I have picked up a few things here and there. Some for the nursery (which goes either way).

Some clothing/accessory items that are gender specific. It is so hard not to get a few things you like but imagine if we knew what we were having, I would be going crazy.

What do you think? Do we have a boy that will be styling these?

Or a girl (don't worry there is more where that came from but much of it is far too cute to waste a picture of the clothing without a little one in it)?

This past weekend, the O'Sheas came to visit from Iowa City. We love having company (if you ever get the urge!) and it was a very laid back Saturday. We took a stroll around a few shops on Main Street. Andrea and I did anyway. The men quickly abandoned us and sank into the Pump Haus for beer and wings instead, which was probably a wise decision for all involved. We then hit up Tony's for an afternoon pizza. We came home hung out until we were ready to gear up for the evening. We had to show Brendan (a true Irishman) Jameson’s so we stopped there (and let me tell you the waitress was beside herself talking to Brendan) before heading to Newton's for dinner. Our final stop of the evening was at the ever famous Beer Hall (Ryan and I always met here after work on Fridays to unwind, it's super low key and has quite the array of beverages if you are the adventurous type). It was a fun little day. We didn't really have much on the agenda so we just rolled with the punches and ate a little more than intended. I think we may have convinced them to make the journey back for Irishfest this August - we are keeping our fingers crossed. Thanks for coming up to visit!

And for tonight, it's just us. I am getting ready for a work trip (don't worry it's a quick one and doctor approved) to San Diego sprinkled with entertainment from my lovely hubby in the form of stand-up. He is incredible works his day job Monday through Friday and then does this gig 7 days a week. Am I lucky or what? Anyway, we plan to get most of the heavy lifting done earlier this evening so we can relax and hang out with each other for the rest of the night.

I'll end with my favorite facebook quote from my friend Tim for Valentine's day. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for all things festive but this was just right on.

"Ladies, on this day do not be jealous of other ladies receiving flowers because it's standard protocol. Be jealous of the ones getting flowers in the middle of October for no reason."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Diversity's Symphony

I love our church. This morning we took a look at diversity and community. This video was played. I can't stop thinking about it. It's powerful.

Wanna know what we're up to on Mondays?

Bring it suckas!

Snow Day

This week has been cold and Mother Nature said, "Winter is not yet over my friends". I actually had a snow day from work on Wednesday - although it wasn't too bad here in the Cedar Valley, I think further south was hit much harder, but I'll take it! I feel like the cold weather just makes you take time to s.l.o.w. down. It forces you to stay in and bake, cuddle, watch a movie you haven't had time to watch, play banana-grams (and win - well, only if puniche or something like that is a word, ha).

Anyway, the roads are clear for driving but this weekend feels like a good 'snow day'. We are running a couple of errands, cooking, going to a Super Bowl party, heading to a movie and spending time with friends and family. Ah, just as it should be.

Stay Warm and Enjoy!

PS - Here are some of the goodies we are whipping up in the near future:

-Thai Chicken Pizza (Rachel Ray's recipe, a long lost love)
-Mushroom and Swiss Burgers
-Fajita Nachos (Pioneer Woman - This looks delish)
-Cranberry and White Chocolate Cookies (the recipe can be found on the back of OceanSpray Crasins)
-Bruschetta
-Hawaiian Ham Sandwiches
-White Chili (if we are lucky)

Wing Ding

Tonight we went to Wing Ding, stuffed ourselves full of wings from buffalo. Different vendors from the community participated in this community event. Our vote for best wings...(blog drum-roll)..... TOADS

PS - Love me some cuuuunnntry music right now. enjoy <3

long overdue...

July and er, half of August took us through the Waterloo Open, weddings, Ryan rode a day of Ragbrai and we have spent much needed time at home with our little guy, Myles. I apologize for the lack of elaborate captions or details, I am getting a little sleepy (ya, I know it's 9pm) and this may be a longer post anyway.

Without further ado, here is a short video of the Waterloo Open, we had a lot of fun watching Derek compete, the weather was nice and Mom and Dad had a nice little BBQ afterwards. Notice all of the awesome Build-A-Heads. Thanks to everyone who purchased a D-Bo head. Also, keep in mind these are pretty cool for graduation, a big birthday, maybe Halloween or just to have around. They are very festive, two thumbs up. Click here to visit their site.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We also got to hang out with the Metz boys (Braden, Ethan and Nolan) for a night. They stayed at our place while their parents were in Minnesota. We had so much fun with them, we would take them any night. And you better believe the older boys were showing Ryan up in guitar hero, big time!













Last week, we celebrated Grandpa Bohlen's 79th Birthday at Texas Roadhouse. If you don't know, the tradition is for the person with the birthday to sit on the saddle while the rest of the place gives a big, yee haw. Well... our server said this was the best birthday she has seen in a long time. See for yourself and Happy Birthday Grandpa, we love you!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This past weekend, we celebrated Brian and Emily's wedding. We spent time with our wonderful group of friends (see the large family photo). Ryan and I also took a small trip down memory lane as our wedding reception took place at the same venue, I honestly can't believe it has been close to 4 years - time flies when you're in love. Anyway, off subject, Congratulations Brian and Emily!
















Oh boy, I told you this would be a long one. Finally, I really wanted to snap a quick photo of Myles. He is so sweet and cuddly right now. I am not sure if he knows we are running low on fuel or if he is affected by the heat but I am taking full advantage of having the little guy burrow his nose down and comfy up next to me. Back to the photo, you all know Myles is afraid of everything including a camera so after 10 tries, we declared the mission unsuccessful. So for now, here is an oldie but a goodie.













This week we are soaking up some time with Jamee and Derek before they head back to the desert which includes a trip with Mom and Dad to the Iowa State fair to see Sugarland and Little Big Town! Much fun to be had.

Until we get a photo of our devious little puppy,
XoXO

In the Summertime...

It's here. Summer. is. here. Not that the humidity hadn't already kicked in but I certainly love this time of year. Sorry this is going to be a quick, picture-less post (I know, lame-o) because I once again forgot to take photos of our happenings.

We have had jammed packed weekends with volunteering for My Waterloo Days, celebrating at Kinzie's Open House (congratulations graduate), playing in the mud volleyball tourney and our favorite summer sports, co-ed softball and sand volleyball (Ryan rarely blogs so of course, I am speaking for him, ha ha). Ah, we love taking advantage of the nice weather!

Last weekend we had our families over to celebrate father's day and to break out the sweet corn for the first time, mmm. It has been a while since we were able to just hang with everyone, nothing planned or no rushing off, just enjoying time together. It's the best.

Alright, we have plenty of fun coming up so I will be sure to post PHOTOS soon!

For now here are our summer favs:

o Sweet corn with lime and chili powder
o Long Nights
o Bonfires
o World Cup - USA!
o Water Balloons - I had about 200 already filled balloons from QUASH, they're in our garage and come in very handy
o Grilling
o Friends who send me a webcam so we can Skype
o Farmers' Markets
o Sunday Drives
o Our family and friends, we can't get enough of you!

So far this spring...

WOAH baby, where the heck did April and May go? I felt like I anticipated this month and season and then in a blink it was gone. I have a feeling this summer will be the same. While we are running around enjoying the days of beautiful weather, friends and family and all of the little pleasures of spring and summer, I must remind myself to breathe it all in!

We had a lovely Easter, the Sunday morning service we went to was one of the best that we have heard in a while, Ryan and I are still talking about. I have to take a minute to say how blessed Ryan and I both feel to be connected to a church that just makes us feel closer to God every step we take. We are meeting new people and growing in ways that we could not imagine. Sorry for the side note, but I had to plug. We spent the rest of Easter spending time with our families. We treasure that time. I failed to capture once again in photos.

Towards the end of April, Ryan QUASHed with my cousin, Blake. QUASH is the Quest to Unravel Alzheimer's Scavenger Hunt. This was the first time the event was held on UNI Campus. We had close to 120 people (mostly students) participate and they raised $10,000! Pretty crazy. Here's Ryan and his squad, the Dwight Schrute Army of Champions.




On May 1st, we attended Greg and Kat Durst's wedding. It was such a beautiful wedding and nice to get everyone back together. Greg was one (out of the eight) of Ryan's college roommates. Greg and Kat will be leaving soon to move to Florida. Congratulations to both of them!




Also in May, Angie and Caden came to visit. Most of the weather proved nice minus the thunderstorm but Angie told me she misses those so that was nice to have for her. We spent time together at Mom and Dad's had a little BBQ, the Larson's brought little Landon to introduce to the family and those who were brave played a little croquet. Here are a few pics. Thanks for spending time in the iowa. =)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Finally. this past weekend (Memorial Day) we ventured to Milwaukee for Ben and Stephanie's wedding. Ben is another roommate but Ryan worked with both Ben and Steph at Baldy's. We got in on Saturday and went to a Brewers game. The stadium and the weather were both amazing. We are nearing the end of our mid-west stadium tour and will soon need to expand our territory. Sunday was the wedding, let me rephrase, the sweet, beautiful wedding. The ceremony was held at a gorgeous church and then the reception took us downtown Milwaukee. We enjoyed delishious short ribs and sweet potato gnocchi, watched the Ben and Stephanie video reenacted by Ben's brothers and once again had quality time with good friends. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Clark!!

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Full Speed Ahead

Today is two for one day. Aren't you excited?? I know these are less detailed than if I were to write them shortly after the pictures were taken but I can't keep up. Anyway, here are a few other fun weekends we have had lately.

Draft Day:
After we got back from Arizona, Ryan had his annual baseball draft. While all of us wives/girlfriends are supportive of male bonding we thought we could find a better use of our time having our own party. (As a side note: Myles is cuddling with me right now and I just love him... he's so adorable. I'll post a new picture of him soon). We had a wine and app party. The food, I must admit, was pretty amazing. We eventually met up with the boys to see how their teams shaped up. It's always fun to see everyone and catch up. Thanks for a good night.


Charity Ball:
Matt, Amy, Ryan and I went to the Charity Ball this year. Ryan kept calling it prom, to be funny. We dressed up and went to Sunnyside for a fun little dinner and night out. We placed a few bids that were outbid but won a night at the Isle. It was snowing that night so we had to be bundled up. Here are a few pics from that night.

I think that just about catches us up. I'll get better at posting so I can elaborate a little more but that's what we have been up to. We have a pretty busy Spring. Easter and celebrations hit followed by graduations. Stay tuned.

Low Key Weekend

Ryan and I are extremely lucky to have a group of friends who we feel are an extension of our family. During the summer it is easy to go grab a bite to eat, listen to a band, go to one of the events in the community but when the weather drops, it is hard to leave the house. This time of year we spend a lot of time just hanging out at home and making our own fun.

This weekend was no exception. Friday night we went bowling. It seems like I haven't done that in a while. The couples battled it out and Matt and Amy won. Saturday we had game night which is an evening of board game Olympics. We normally have the guys vs. the girls and place a small wager such as having the losers make brunch for the winners. This time the girls lost, I am not going to attribute the loss to unfair judgement but I thought I would throw that out there to create the larger picture. On Sunday, we put our dogs in costumes and carved pumpkins (which were more advanced than last year).

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Flood of 2008

For those of you who are outside of Iowa, words cannot describe the damage that has been done. We are trying to help where we can and pray that the rain holds off enough for the water to go down.

I did not take the photos in the montage, they are put together from different e-mails and postings we have recieved.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Waterloo Open

During the summer, I am always reminded of how much I love golf. I love playing it (and trying to get better) and I love watching it (well, not as much on tv).

This weekend we watched Derek in the Waterloo Open. It was great for a couple of reasons. The first is it was very exciting. At the end of 18 holes, Derek tied for 1st place which then sent three players into a sudden death playoff. On the first hole of the playoff, one of the three was eliminated. Then on the second and the last hole Derek's opponent had an amazing shot that landed a foot from the pin allowing him to birdie the hole. Although Derek came in second, he played a great round of golf and you could tell by the end of the day he was the local favorite.


The second reason this weekend was great was that I saw my brother in a new way. He was playing a gentleman's game. There was a large crowd following him the entire day on Sunday, he carried himself so well, he played his golf game under so many eyes (and what I would think to be pressure), he was polite, he held his composure, appropriately found the words to say to the press after such a long fight and all of the sudden the realization hits me that my little brother is growing into a great young man. Derek, we are proud of you for your accomplishments this weekend, which may be more than meets the eye.

Sturgis Falls

This past weekend was Sturgis Falls. We were able to catch up with some of our friends who are no longer around the area.


Friday night we had dinner and hung out at Mulligan's. Then we went to Voodoo Lounge apparently to start our own dart tornament. Little did we know that it was going to last all night.


Saturday night we enjoyed live music by Town Crier. Ryan and I both forgot how much we love going to hear a live band play. I think we may make it our new past time.



Speaking of live music, the Nadas will be in town July 6th at the Hub if anyone would like to join us. It was great to see everyone this weekend and we can't wait until the next reunion!