Fire Station

We had another Fun Friday activity at the Waukee Fire Station. This is one of Cole's favorite things to do, so we were really excited! Cole had to wear his fire truck shirt and his orange fire fighter gloves. (I have no idea why the gloves are fire fighter gloves but he is convinced that they are). I didn't think Elise would really care, but she loved it as well. She pushed everyone out of the way and climbed up into the fire trucks with a big smile :) Ellie and Brigham were all smiles and not afraid the whole time!

We got to look inside an ambulance and a few fire trucks. Then the firefighters gave a short fire safety demonstration and modeled their protective fire gear for us.

We got to go for a ride in one of the fire trucks today as well! Cole had ridden on one before, but this was a first for El and me.

We are so lucky to have such nice fire fighters here who love us to come visit. They always tell us to drop in whenever we are in the area. We love to go and you can bet we will be back soon!

Mom's Day

It was Mom's Day at Cole's preschool today. So, I donned his backpack, Cole took a picture, and we headed off to preschool where I got to spend the whole morning in Cole's world. We had a great time playing, making crafts, meeting friends, and reading stories. Cole even made me the cutest rainbow bracelet I have ever seen, and I love it :)

In honor of the moms visiting school all of the kids answered some questions to spotlight their mom. Here is what cole said about me:

I laughed so hard I cried when I heard this. I also realized a lot from this:

*In Cole's eyes I am a huge 3 yr old. A giraffe? Really Cole? At least he didn't say I weigh just like a hippo. And his teacher was nice enough to cross out "pounds" :)

*Cole doesn't constantly think about himself. He was the only kid to realize that moms don't love all of the same things their kids do, and he thought about his answers. All of the other kids put their own favorite food and colors, not their moms. Cole's answers to the food and color are not accurate, but at least they aren't his own.

*I must play more than I work. The majority of the kids said their moms like to clean or do laundry, probably because that is what they do all day.

*I knew Cole was a goof, but "a frog and ladybugs"? Miss Stacy said "You must have a problem with frogs and ladybugs at your house." Everyone laughed. And then I realized, we do get frogs and ladybugs in our house, but if you know Cole he will not go near a bug so that is not what he helps me with. This proves he will say anything to get a laugh :)

*Cole must misinterpret everything I tell him. I'm pretty sure I have never asked Cole to hold a caterpillar or told him that I like it. In fact I remember telling him NOT to touch the caterpillars this summer when his cousins were smashing them with their fingers.

*Cole doesn't hold grudges. I'm pretty sure I get mad at Cole on a daily basis and he couldn't think of ANYTHING that I don't like him too do? He is either very forgiving or very forgetful :) I guess I shouldn't get mad that I have to lecture him on the same things over and over.

*Cole is the sweetest, most loving, and hilarious little guy! I am so lucky to have him!

Thanks for letting me go to school with you today Cole. I had so much fun and you took such good care of me so I wasn't nervous :) I love you so much and I am glad that you are my little buddy!

This week...

We danced,

We were patient,

We snuggled,

And we broke in our winter coats,

All while I was sick. We should have sick weeks more often :)

Thanks for letting me rest and recooperate this week my cute kiddos.

Happy Birthday Ben!

Ben is 28 today! I was so excited his birthday was on a Saturday this year...until he told me that he had signed up to volunteer all morning and had a lot of studying to do. Darn medical school is always getting in the way! Oh well. He got to open presents when he got home from volunteering and we get to go on a date to Texas Roadhouse tonight, so hopefully it's still a good birthday for him.

Ben, you are the best daddy and husband! I don't deserve you, but I am so glad that I have you :) Love you babe!

Maple Grove

When our Maple Grove Branch was organized President Pence came up with the idea to plant an actual Maple Grove that would grow along with us. We didn't get it done before he was released, but he still came through with his plan. A few of us from our branch went to his house where he had prepared some land to plant the Maple trees. He showed us what to do and we went to work. Even the kids were able to help. Our family planted 4 trees tonight, one for each of us.

Elise was a really big helper because she loves to play in the dirt...Cole quickly deserted us to play on the "tractor"

After the planting we had a huge bonfire to get warm. We roasted hot dogs and ate them in the Pence's cute barn.

We had such a fun night. It was neat to be a part of such a special project and to be able to do it as a family. Hopefully we can watch this maple grove grow, and be able to come visit in the future and remember our amazing time here in Iowa with our branch. Thanks President Pence!