A weekend with Nini

We are settling back in at home after a weekend spent with my mom at her new home in Dubuque, Iowa. What a beautiful town! The boys were troopers during the 6 hour drive +/-, each way. Thank God for laptop computers with DVD players, noisy toys, silly books, and lots of snacks! Once we arrived in Eastern Iowa, we enjoyed time spent with Nini and a marvelous day spent in Madison with my Uncle Jim, brother Jim, sister-in-law Ann, and their fabulous kids Wesley and Ashley...or as Porter calls her, "Lally". Uncle in Porter lingo is "gunko". It was a terrific time. Then another 6 or so hours on the road...and here we are. I'm working on some stories for FOX 42 and the boys are mentally preparing for their ear tube surgery on friday. Just kidding, it'll be a breeze.

Prayers Needed...
I want to beg anyone reading this to say a prayer for our good friend Darcy Esparza. She is 22 weeks pregnant with her second baby, a healthy little boy, and was just diagnosed with a serious illness. It's called Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura. I'm trying to do some research to learn more. But I hope you will all send some encouraging thoughts her way.

Enjoy the pics!!!

Ride em' cowboys!!!! 

The smile says it all. Porter and Max love to saddle up and ride the rocking horses I made them for Christmas. By the way...the handpainted horses make wonderful gifts and I'm currently taking orders for them. We're in the process of getting together some flyers etc. to help advertise my creations.  

Such the artists! 

These photos were taken by our sweet, sweet babysitter Megan. She is absolutely devoted to our little boys. It does a parents heart and mind so much good to know there is someone else loving your child as much as you do. This girl is amazing!!! We've been truly blessed with the greatest sitters and nannies!! Anyway...the snapshots catch the artists, chalk in hand, at their canvas...our patio!!!