Sunday, July 15, 2012

Catching Up!

Well once again I'm behind in catching up with the blog... At least you are all used to it by now!

The past few weeks have been filled with trying to keep the kids entertained indoors or outdoors if water is available to play in thanks to the high temperatures.  We've done pretty good but are not looking forward to another week of warm temps!  My mom also had her back surgery at the end of June and the last week of the month a lot of time was spent at the hospital in Shakopee.  Luckily all went great and although she has a not so fun summer of recuperating the pain she was experiencing beforehand is a lot better.  We spent most of the week of the 4th of July in Red Wing to make sure she wasn't over doing it.  This is usually the one week off I get in the summer and although it wasn't as relaxing as I would've liked it was fun to be home!  And right before heading out of town we finally closed on our house in Robbinsdale!!!  A big relief!!  Next we dentist appointments/cleanings for the 3 older Hempler's and Izzy will get her first treat of the dentist this coming week...hoping for the best!  Izzy is also now officially in a big girl bed.  We started her in the toddler bed making sure it was a good fit and then picked up a bed set we'd been storing at my mom's over the 4th and finished decorating her room this past week.  She loves the independence and so far still waits in her bed for us to come open the door in the mornings and after naps!  Robert is enjoying coming to work with me each morning to take swim lessons!  He is great in class until it is time to leave...then we get a little sad and have had a few meltdowns.  As the one directing the program I really do not enjoy this but I think all of the other parents are happy to know my kids are no different than theres!  The hardest part for Robert is that he can't stay and "help" me the rest of the morning.  Daddy and Izzy pick him up each day and so far the kids have only conned Eric into stopping for breakfast once!  Okay I think that is about all of our updates but enjoy the pictures we've taken over the last few weeks!

Playing at a splash pad in Apple Valley
Eric wanted to get in on the fun and helped encourage Robert to get wet!
No he's got it!
Iz preferred the dryer options the park provided!

All dressed up to see Grandma!
Found her!!
Please note I was not in favor of the kids climbing on
her after a back fusion but she felt differently!

Breaking up taking care of my mom with a trip to see the Twins!
Twins even WON!  Thanks to Uncle Tom for the tickets!
Lots of Nachos...and a new hat for Robert
 Playing at Grandma's House


Nick took this picture and did the editing!  One of my new favorites!!
Robert...cool dude at the dentist!
So Robert got to pick a toy out after the dentist...
he chose a mustache
SWIM LESSONS!!!
Finally forward facing in her car seat! 

Silly Kids
 Izzy's Newly Decorated Room and New Bed!
My BED Robert!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day!!

For Father's Day Eric got the gift below along with his 2nd Boy's Weekend of the summer.  He did ask if I would mind him being gone on Father's Day weekend but since the weekend is really about him, and it meant less for me to plan, who was I to say no.  So he was able to escape and had better weather than we did in the cities.  He came home more refreshed and ready to celebrate the day all about him in his most important role...Daddy!  The kids were excited to have him home and we celebrated over dinner with Larry & Mary.  All in all it was a great day and once again reinforced that I definitely enjoy co-parenting over solo-parenting. 

The nice part about having Eric gone this weekend is that it did allow me a chance to make his father's day gift.  We picked up a small wood frame from Michaels, painted it blue, then added a few stickers and pictures and he now has a cute decoration for his office.  To add a little more to it we filled some containers with his favorite treats/snacks, added more stickers and a few cokes and we have the perfect gift.  I just love getting ideas from Pinterest!!





Thanks for being such an amazing and fun father to our children. 

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Starting the Summer off Right!!

We are off to a great start this summer and having lots of fun.  We are starting to make progress with potty training for Robert and Izzy loves to try and go potty too.  I'd love to have no diapers in the house by the end of summer but will be happy to just have 1 child out of them...preferably Robert.  When the kids aren't inside sitting on the potties they are begging to go outside and play.  Whether it be riding their bikes, eating at their picnic table, watering the plants, swimming in the little pool, or just running around they are happiest outside making us thankful for the new house!!



Loves wearing her Easter bonnet at all times!  Even takes it to bed!!
She used to be so scared of Vegas but now loves having him around.  Good thing too as he'll be with us for a week at the end of the month when my mom goes in for another back fusion. 

Dining Alfresco
They do like each other at times!!
3 in the wagon!!!
Time to go Swimming!!!


Mommy's lil' helper!
My baby is no longer a baby... :(
Who says a dollar wood mask and some paint can't provide endless fun?!
 Looking forward to more fun this summer!!!

A trip to MOA!

Earlier this month we took an evening trip to the Mall of America with Grandma Cheri, Uncle Nick and Tori.  The kids each created a new pet at Build a Bear and then we hit up Nickelodeon Universe.  The kids loved walking around and seeing some of their favorite Nick Jr characters and trying out some rides and we'll definitely have to make a trip back sometime soon!!

Robert's new puppy...Uncle Nick helped him name it Big Bear (Nick forgot it was a puppy!!)
Izzy grooming her bear named Lulu
Robert driving the boat!
 

Wheeeeee!!!
 


The Boots Ride (Robert loves Boots...it's never Dora just Boots!)
Nick, Grandma, Robert and Izzy way up high!
Train Ride with G'ma
We left them with the camera while we went on the Merry-go-Round...this was 1 of about 25 pictures they took!

At least they got some pictures of the kids too!
Definitely a great night filled with wonderful memories!