Visitors from Down Under

Jeanine and Marty have been living in Australia for five years now, so we were thrilled when we heard they were bringing their family back for a visit. We were fortunate to get to spend some time with them since they stayed here as their schedule to see friends/family was quite crazy.

Friends since grade school!

We invited some friends over for a BBQ and chance to catch up with the Engels- here are all the kids together except for Tyler.

Adam, Jaisa, and Tyler put on several performances for us.

The Engel Family! Great to see you all!! We miss you guys.

Aunt Kate Comes to Visit

Kate arrived just in time for the Schmucker reunion planned by Great-Grandma Elsie. We met Kate in New Ulm on a very HOT day!

Adam checking out the view from the Herman the German tower.

Soren and Adam enjoying the breeze from the fan.

There was a nice park next to the picnic shelter

Elsie planned a wonderful lunch for all of us.

Evan wasn't tolerating the heat very well. I kept bringing him to splash in the water fountain or sit in the car with the AC on in an attempt to cool him off.

Sisters

The heat wave continued so we filled up a pool at our house for the kids the following day.

It entertained the kids for a long time and kept them cool!

Kate and the goofballs:)

Nicole hosted lunch for the Schmucker ladies, Carol, and Dana. It was great catching up with everyone!

Kate, we hope you can make it back again in August!

Monique's Visit

We had long been anticipating Monique's visit to Minnesota with her family. Monique, Sara, Laura, and I spent a day together with kids and a day together with just the girls. It was fabulous!

Here is a picture of the kids minus Sophia who was feeling a little under the weather. I think Ashley was a little overwhelmed by all the "chicos":) Beth wasn't able to join us or there would have been two more boys!

Girls Day - pedicures, shopping, dinner & drinks, ice, cream, and a walk on the pier. It was so relaxing and so fun to catch up. Sara even brought a photo album from college.

Let's start planning the next one!

Iowa

We headed south to celebrate the 4th of July. We packed a lot into a long weekend considering the long drive, but it was so much fun seeing family.

Adam enjoying the hotel pool with Daddy and Bubba.

A quick change out of swim clothes and into golf gear.

Team Red

Adam was an honorary member and played three or four holes with the guys.

After golf, we enjoyed some of our favorite foods from Bob's and some yard games at Dan/Toni's.

Adam and Mitchell. Adam LOVED Mitchell. We stayed at their house and he wanted to do everything with him.

Smooches from Grandpa

We had to make one last stop at Nancy and Kenny's before leaving town. Kenny has the best toy collection with walls and walls of trucks.

We made it to the parade, which was short and sweet.

Great-grandma Rita came along too.

It was her first time meeting Evan.

And we couldn't leave LeMars without a stop at the Ice Cream Museum.

Evan - 10 months

Evan is getting into more things each day:) Here is what he is up to at 10 months:

• He now has six teeth. The four on top all came at once and are through the gum, but still have some moving to do.
• He is still a great eater. He will try anything and he seems to like most of it too. Chase always sits right under his high chair while he eats and Evan is always willing to share.
• Evan loves Chase. Chase is very good at tolerating Evan too, especially because he has not quite mastered "gentle hands" and tries to pull fur or bang on him like a drum. Evan is often found being mischievious in Chase's water bowl and/or food dish.
• Evan enjoys playing peek-a-boo, getting tickled, and playing rough with Daddy and Adam. His laugh is the best sound and is very contagious. He also gets VERY excited when I take the vacuum cleaner out.
• Evan is getting busier each day. He is a speedy crawler, cruises furniture with ease, and practically runs if holding onto our hands. It is exciting (and exhausting) to watch him explore. He still will give us snuggles, but they are quick and he is on to the next thing.

Cooling off with Adam

Anyone want a kiss?

All smiles

Hanging with Jenn and Bubba

A quick snuggle for Adam

Check out those teeth!