Trying to Get a Good One...

Take 1...

2...

3...

and 4...

Finally got it! :-)

"Goo-kees!"

The past few days I have had some major cravings for something sweet. I usually try not to keep much junk food in the house, because I know I lack will-power when it comes to snacks. My solution to not eating junk is to just not have it around. However, yesterday I NEEDED something sweet, so after my doctor's appointment, I stopped at Wal-Mart for some Oreos.

Joshua saw the pack of Oreos on the counter and kept begging all day long, "Goo-kees, goo-kees?" Momma stayed strong, though, and made everyone wait to have their "goo-kees" until after supper.

This kid takes eating seriously. After taking bites with his first Oreo, he shoved the second one in whole...I am pretty sure I couldn't even do that!

J has been learning so many new words lately. I want to keep challenging him, so last week I bought some ABC flash cards and we have been working on his ABC's a couple times a day. He gets so excited when I get the cards out, it's his favorite new game! He can name nearly every picture on each card, but we are still working on the letters. He is very good at, "A-Apple, B-Ball, F-Fish, and P-Pizza." I am thinking I am going to have to start mixing the cards up in random order, though, because he knows which ones are coming next! Little smarty pants!

Little guy must be having another growth spurt. He has been sleeping a lot lately. Mike and I cannot get over how tall he is - he seems to have grown at least another inch since his 18-month appointment, just a month ago! We have to be very careful where we put things...nothing on the edge of the counter or kitchen table - am I wrong in thinking that a 19-month-old should not be tall enough to reach things on the counter? OY!

We woke up this morning to the sound of thunder, but sadly, it did not rain. We haven't had any rain in about 2 weeks (maybe more?), and our grass is brown. We could use just one big thunderstorm! It still looks pretty gloomy out, so maybe there is a storm yet in our future. Have a wonderful day!

Blessings,

M, K & JJ

A Visit with Great-Great Grandma

While we were in Iowa a couple weeks ago, we stopped to visit Joshua's Great-Great Grandma Rozendaal.

She gave him a ride around the nursing home on her walker, which he loved.

Grandma gives great rides!

And she shared her cookies with him...she sure does know the way to this boy's heart! What a special, dearly-loved lady!

Camping in Omaha

Last week, we headed out to Omaha for a week of camping with my parents.

It was, of course, the hottest week of the year, so Joshua got to spend lots of time in his pool!

One of the best things about camping is the food. These were my favorite, though...s'mores made with Reese's peanut butter cups instead of Hershey bars...YUMMY!

Joshy loved the food as well.

As it was so hot, we spent lots of time inside the camper playing cards. Joshua found plenty of ways to entertain himself!

Winding down with Curious George videos at the end of the day...this boy loves Curious George!

We had such a great time, and can't wait to go camping again next summer!

Henry Doorly Zoo

Last week, we took a trip to Omaha with my parents and visited the Henry Doorly Zoo. It was hot, hot, HOT, but we still had a great time!

Joshy and Grandpa and Grandma.

We took lots of breaks, drank lots of water and cooled off with these...YUM!

Despite the heat, this little man was so good! He was having a wonderful time!

After a few hours, Joshua took a short snooze. He woke up just in time for his favorite part of the day - LUNCH!

Riding the train with Grandpa and Grandma.

We had such a great time, and can't wait to visit again when Joshy is a little older!

Keisha & Richard's Wedding Weekend

My sister, Keisha, and her new husband, Richard, were married last week on July 16. It was a gorgeous weekend for a wedding!

I'll warn you ahead of time...this post has tons of pictures!

For those of you who don't know them, Keisha and Richard both love Star Wars...like, a LOT. These are the cute cookies that were served at their rehearsal dinner.

The girls in the wedding party.

Rehearsal dinner - yummy!

Snuggling his adorable bear from Keisha and Richard.

It was impossible to get this kid to look at the camera all weekend...he was too busy watching everyone else!

Conked out after a busy rehearsal evening - gotta get our rest for the big day!

Joshy & Momma all ready to head to the church to get dressed for the wedding!

Such a beautiful bride!

The girls.

The gang.

Sweet.

Madame Preggo had a tough time climbing onto that parking block, but I managed!

This is one of my favorites...aren't they just adorable?

JJ had a nice long nap on Grandpa's lap before the service started, which meant he was in a great mood for the rest of the day!

Such a handsome ring bearer!

The fam.

Preacher man and his wife.

The cake was beautiful and delicious.

Sisters!

4 generations - Mom, Me, Grandma Schnell, Keisha & Great-Grandma R.

Having a blast at the reception.

This little man was a dancing fool - he just kept running back and forth across the dance floor all night!

Like I said, Joshua would NOT look at the camera, but we still had to try! We had such a great weekend celebrating with Keisha and Richard and our families and friends - congratulations, you two!

I also have lots of great pics from our camping trip to Omaha, but those will have to wait until another day!

Enjoy your weekend!

Love and blessings,

The Hollemans