Pat-a-cake

We put our kids to bed early. Like in the 6 o'clock hour kind of early. It's amazing and I love it.

But Kyle has this little fun streak in him and instead of putting Avery to bed when she typically goes to sleep, he decided to make cookies with her while I was away one night.

Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man.

Bake me some cookies as fast as you can;

Roll it, Pat it and mark it with an A,

And put it in the oven

for Avery today.

And a few cookies later, this sweet thing was laid to bed.

Every little girl deserves some one on one time with her daddy.

Hodge Podge

How are we adjusting to Bloomington?

Well...if you ask Kyle he'll say, "Great," but Avery isn't so sure...

Just kidding, we really love it...even Avery.

Our town home is nice. We are on the very end of the row, so we only share one wall with neighbors.

Avery and Sawyer have LOTS of cupboard at their height to crawl in and out of (and snacks at their height too...I'll have to think about moving those.)



And Avery has taken to watching movies not just on the couch,

but between the cushions and the back frame of the couch. Maybe it makes Tangled an even more delightful experience to watch that way?

Sawyer is Captain Safety at the park with his feet first technique on the slide,

while Avery channels her inner orangtan and shouts "Avery SO strong!"

We really do love all the parks here.

 

Or, to be more specific, we really love the swings. More often than not, there is only one child swing available, so Sawyer and Avery are getting really good at sucking it in.

Which makes my job in the pushing department that much easier. Unless it's one of these crazy kind of swings.

   

I've never seen a swing like this in my entire life. I'm not even sure if it is meant for children to get on. 

Maybe it's some sort of table to eat your picnic on...or a spare tire for your truck...

Speaking of weird playground equipment, has anyone ever seen these bowl contraptions (I'm pretty sure that's their official name by the way)?

 

 Avery loves them with all the enthusiasm of a two year old.

So, overall, Bloomington has been good for Sawyer and I,

and for Kyle, Sawyer (again!), and Avery.

Hoosiers Outrun Cancer

A few weeks ago Sawyer and Avery embarked on their first race.

Well, technically it was a mile walk they did with Kyle, but they got shirts and bib numbers. Pretty sure those are the only two qualifications for a race.

Well that and the free food after the race too. Can't forget about that!

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

The race was called "Hoosiers Outrun Cancer" and all the proceeds went to cancer research, which having previously worked on an oncology floor warmed my little RN heart. They had everyone who had/was battling cancer let off balloons at the start of the festivities.

It was great Avery clapped to the music,

Sawyer stole my wallet and crawled on more asphalt than a one year old should be allowed to,

I was tired before I even began running,

and Kyle was excited to take on the kiddos by himself.

I ran my first 5k race since high school cross country.

It was incredible to be in this race environment with people running in memory of family,

or running for friends who were currently in the fight,

or people running for a brighter future for the upcoming generation.

I ran this race for a childhood friend's mom that passed away from breast cancer and my Grandpa who has battled three different types of cancer. I know, it's a bit sappy of me, but I have a love for running that goes clear down to my bones. I find something so therapeutic, meaningful, raw, spiritual, and beautiful about it. And anytime I can couple this passion with a cause, I'm all over it.

Pure Michigan

I'm not one to get homesick.

Not in college, not on my mission, not really ever.

But moving to a new place and trying to get settled is always hard. Even if it is a great place and you KNOW this is where you are suppose to be, transitions are just so not fun. Am I right people?

So here's to feeling like nostalgic for Michigan,

Picking Michigan blueberries. The are divine!

 

 and more importantly, to all the people I love up there.

Jesica

Scott

Andrew

Kimber

Ben

Kelsey

And Kyle. Not that he is still up in Michigan...

but he was picking blueberries too so he deserved a picture.

It's just nice to be part of the little things that go on in day to day life.

Like seeing Andrew be an all star on his first baseball team.

Or playing catch with Scott.

And having people make memories with my family too. Like when Avery donned a "Princess Leah" look during the baseball game and Jesica witnessed it.       

But, at least I still have family here in Bloomington. And having the company of Kyle, Avery, and Sawyer (unfortunately he didn't make it to the baseball game due to his bedtime) is incredible.

 

Just makes those holiday visits and family reunions all the more important!