my mini-me and me

I get all the feels when I look at this picture that Bart took of Everly and I on Memorial Day.  Let me try to put into words all the ways this picture makes my heart happy:

1) We are all dressed up in red, white, and blue watching a summertime parade.  I think this scenario might be what my dreams are made of.  We get to do it all over again in just over a week, and I cannot wait!

2) The simple fact that this is a picture of me and my daughter!  That's right, my daughter!

3) Her Minnie Mouse Tattoo

4) So many people tell me that she looks like me, and I sort of get it, but not really.  Until I look at this picture, and I can't help but agree.  I mean look!  We have the same chin, the dimples, the smile, our hair color looks about the same, our noses could be twins, and our eyes.  Twinsies, I tell you!

5)  This stage of life can be hard.  It's demanding.  It's often thankless.  I am constantly wondering if I'm doing it all wrong.  I find myself thinking about the days before we had any kids, or when we only had the twins.  Sometimes I look to the future and wonder what it will be like when I no longer have to multitask every.  single.  thing  I do.  But then I look at that smile on my face and I remember what a truly HAPPY time of life this really is.  There is just so much happiness.  And I'm happy that Bart captured it in this photo.

6) Also, the sunshine!

it's tulip time!

 At the beginning of May, we took a long weekend trip to Iowa to see some of Bart's relatives.  Our first stop was at his aunt and uncle's farmhouse.  That first morning was filled with:

 Playing on the tire swing,

 playing on the other swing, which by the way, Everly thought was the most fun thing ever!

 Seriously, pure joy right there!

Smooches from Grandpa,

Holding the tiny farm kittens,

playing on the tractor,

exploring the property,

 and holding two farm kittens at the same time!

 Our next stop was the Tulip Time Festival in Pella, Iowa, where Bart's grandparents live.

 While we waited for the parade to start, we took pictures, 

 visited with relatives,

 practiced some acrobatics,

and of course, ate some of the famous Dutch Letters!

 I had been having some serious back issues since the beginning of January.  Most of the time, it was so bad that I could hardly make it through a trip to the grocery store without being in horrible pain.  At the time of our trip, the pain was at its worst, and I couldn't walk more than 5-10 minutes without being in so much pain that I needed to sit or lie down.  So, I got to ride around town with Grandpa Bob on his motorized scooter.  I had to take a selfie to document the occasion.  (I'm happy to report that soon after we got back from this trip, a chiropractor was able to solve the problem, and I am pain free once again!)

 While we were in Pella, we went on a fun walk along the river.  (Isn't she just the cutest thing ever?)

 My boys are pretty good-looking too, right?

 The boys had a blast playing with their second cousins, running across this bridge, throwing rocks in the water, and looking for driftwood walking sticks.

The boys all got to dress up in authentic Dutch costumes and ride in the parade with their great-grandpa Bob.  

These kids are a full quarter Dutch, and look as cute as can be all dressed up!

 My little Dutch Princess!

 It was such a fun trip!  We enjoyed spending time with family, and making memories together.  Hopefully we can go again sometime!
 

spring fun

As soon as it became warm enough to play outside regularly, this little sweetie decided that is where she wants to be, all the time.  She's just so happy outside!

Everly's "double whammy" funny face that she inherited from her grandpa is too perfect!

Because Bart is allergic to cinnamon, we almost never have it in the house.  When he went out of town for a few days, we made the most delicious cinnamon rolls and ate the entire pan!