Little boys

This past weekend, Joe went to St. Loius for a "boy's weekend" with some of his college buddies. So, Meredith and I decided to meet in Kansas City for the weekend. Joe's parents graciously let us and all the kids stay at their house!

On Saturday we took the kids to a children's museum. Both Joey and Connor enjoyed all the little exhibits. It was the first time Joey has done something like this, so it was fun to watch him play with all the exhibits.

Our two little astronauts.



Of course, we can't forget sweet little Audrey. She is such a good baby and so cute.



We had fun painting her face too! (Isn't her little chin dimple adorable?!!)


Joey didn't like to hold still to let us paint his face...but he did like putting stickers on mommy's face.



Is there something on our faces???



Connor is in love with tractors. He loved Joe's parents "tractor-mower." Joe's dad put air in the front tire and got it running so he could take Connor on a ride around the yard. Connor was so serious the whole time he was "driving" the tractor...it was so cute!



Joey also got a ride on the tractor-mower with Grandpa. However, Joey was a little afraid of the loud noise of the mower, and his ride was much shorter!


It was great to see Mere and the kids this weekend. It is always so fun to see the two little boys together. And now that Joey is walking they do even better together.

I wanted to say congratulations to our friends John and Elisa Seaba. Joe grew up with John in Kansas. Elisa gave birth to their fourth child, Raegan on August 23rd. I'm always amazed at how someone as tiny as Elisa can continue to have 9 pound babies! Raegan is adorable. For pictures visit Elisa's blog. Congratulations!!

Pop a top

Looks like Joey found his daddy's stash of pop.

What...did I do something?

Bottom's up! (That seems to be a recurring theme around here...)

Don't worry, that pop wasn't opened. But it does seems like Joey has seen Joe do that a few times!

I love the phone!

The phone is one of Joey's favorite toys. And he definitely knows the difference between a real phone and a toy phone. Only the real one cuts it. I'm not sure what to make of that little pinky in the air! :)

His other most favorite thing is his blankie. Anytime he finds it he lays his head down on it. We try to only give it to him at naptime and bedtime, but he's sneaky!

I would really like to ask for prayer: We have recently found out the Joe's grandpa "Papa" has been diagnosed with cancer. This has been a very sudden thing, and is hitting the entire family very hard. Please pray for the whole family, including Papa and Grammy, as well as the doctors taking care of Papa. He is well-loved by anyone who knows him, including me!

Welcome Hannah Grace Manthe!

Congratulations to Jason and Heidi Manthe! (This is Joe's brother and his wife.) Heidi gave birth to Hannah Grace today. This is Jason and Heidi's first little one. Hannah was 8 pounds (exactly the same as Joey was!!) and 19.5 inches long. We are so excited for them.

Weekend with Grandpa and Nana

This past weekend we went to Kansas to visit Joe's parents. Joey had fun seeing his Grandpa and Nana. Grandpa taught Joey a new word..."bubba" (aka bubble). He loved chasing all the bubbles.

Joey loves to hug anything and everything...especially Simba because he's so soft and fuzzy. I think this picture is pretty cute because it looks like Joey is sleeping on Simba.

Movin' on Up

Joey is officially on the go. He is pretty adept at walking and maneuvering now. It's so cute to see him walk by!

He's pictured here with his best "friend" in the background. He loves Simba and loves to throw toys to him. Simba has been really great with Joey, too...very patient and gentle.

We are headed to Kansas this weekend to see Grandpa and Nana and for Joe's Grateful Heart concert on Sunday. I'm secretly hoping that little baby girl Manthe (Jason and Heidi's) is born tomorrow so we can be there to see her! :)

Congratulations Dad!

My dad has officially taken a job as head baseball coach at Cedarville University in Cedarville, Ohio.

This team has had a few rough seasons, but if anyone can turn them around, my dad can. You should see what he's done at the college he was at.

We are so proud of my dad. They will be moving at the end of this month...right after my brother's wedding!

Dessert?

Joey climbed in the dishwasher while I was loading it tonight. (Yes, those are DIRTY dishes!) He seemed pretty excited that he figured out how to get on top of the door.

It looks like he tasted that brush and didn't like it.

Does this look familiar to anyone...Aaron???? :)