Swimming!

We were able to spend the day with my sister and her family in Davenport.

We spent a few hours in the afternoon in their neighborhood pool!

Gracie with Cousin Kyle...

Fun with pool toys!

Cousin Noelle!
Grace loved getting thrown in the air by Daddy!
Pool Train! Where's Gracie??
She learned how to close her eyes and mouth to get dunked in the water!

She loved it!

Jumping In!

And again!
Grace joined in the fun too!

Cousin Adam watching everything with a smile...

Eli loved the pool too!

She did this over and over again! :)

Relaxin'

Lounging...

Smith for Senate

Our brother-in-law Roby is running for Iowa Senate.

Today was the day of the primary.

You can check out Roby's website below...

http://www.robysmith.com/

Our trip out to Indiana worked out perfectly for us to be there for Roby's big day.

Voting booths closed at 9:00 PM.

We arrived just shortly before.

Frequently checking for election results...

Also watching the news for the latest results...

Shortly before 11:00 PM Roby received a call from a reporter that he had won the election against the current incumbent. Soon after...the news was confirmed. :)

Everyone was thrilled!

(Especially the kiddos! :)

Noelle was so excited her daddy had won...

Above all, Roby stating that he couldn't have done this without God...and will continue to depend on Him in the months ahead...

We're proud of you Roby!

Praying for you!

Diggin' Away

Birthday Party

We celebrated Grace's birthday today at Aunt Kimmy's house! :)

After lunch Grace opened her presents and enjoyed a yummy Elmo cake too!

Grace with Cousin Maddie...trying to decide which present to open first?? :)

Checking out her fun new cards!

Help from Daddy...

A new bath toy!

Couldn't decide between a George or Elmo cake...

Grace loves them both.

But decided on Elmo...

YUM!

Grace couldn't wait to dig in... :)But first...the candles!

The boys decided she needed a little help :)

Aunt Tammy showed Grace how to sample the frosting...

Didn't take Grace long to catch on... :)

The cousins got to try it too! :)
Happy Birthday Gracie! :)

Growing Fast!

Eli just got his first tooth!

He's sitting up all by himself now too!

Birthday Lunch!

Today Marlene and Dennis invited us over for a little birthday lunch for Grace!

Blowing out TWO candles!

Yay! :)
Thanks for making this such a special day for Grace! :)

Grace's Birthday

We had a fun day celebrating Grace's 2nd birthday!

Grace started the day by sleeping in (until like 9:30!) Daddy was able to join us for lunch at Pizza Ranch and then Grace, Eli, and I spent the rest of the day doing some of our favorite things! (Being outside...going to the park, and spending time in the pool/sprinkler!) Grace even got to spend a few hours with Marlene in Dennis (she LOVES going over there!) while mom & dad went to 8th grade graduation at Trinity.

Friends from church gave us their swing set that their children have outgrown.

What a perfect day for it to arrive! :)

The swing set us over the old garden we had last year (notice the dirt!) We decided not to do one this year...(lack of time). But we do plan to put in a nice big sandbox under the swing set.

Here's Grace checking out the swing set for the first time!

All strapped in and ready to swing...
Trying out the slide...
Trying out the "big kid" swing!
With a nice cheesy grin! :)
Inside to open a package from Grandma and Grandpa Larson...
She wasted no time...
Lots of oohs and ahhs! :)
Enjoying the new sprinkler from Emily!
Guess she was thirsty... :)

Grace was sooo excited to see Elmo on her card from Eden, Larry, and Joy!

(She liked her new outfit too! :)

We look forward to celebrating even more this weekend! :)