Planter boxes

Keith and I have been talking for years about starting a garden for our little zoo. With Cohen being such a picky eater we thought maybe if he had a hand in growing it he may be willing to try some of his "hard work." Plus groceries are so expensive so if I can cut any of that out of my budget I am all in!! But our yard is all clay - which means it would take a lot of work to get a garden up and started. So I began researching different ideas. I am addicted to Pinterest and found a couple of ideas on growing gardens in planter boxes. I showed Keith my ideas and he ran with it. Keith works for a company that has access to lots of palates so we took advantage!! We decided to make them community boxes between our neighbors - and they were a big help in pulling this off!!

OH BOY!! What were we thinking?!!

Stripping down the boards

Calling in help!!

It's beginning to come together!!

Don't they look AWESOME?!!!!

And the dirt arrives!!

The finished product!!!

A big thanks to everyone who helped!! Can't wait to see how green our thumbs are!!

With love from the zoo

A day at the beach

We have a very dear friend who's family has a place on Lake Michigan. The other day I took the kids out there to visit and spend time on the beach. It was our first visit of the summer and as we sat on the beach it really felt like summer was here!! I am always so grateful for where we live - that the beach is only 30-45 min away!! The kids had such a good time!! We love the Hoekwater girls :)

All packed up---- 31 style!!

Cohen ran straight in - 58 degrees couldn't stop him!!

Fun with sand

Awwww... Summer!!!

What?!!! Sand ISN'T for eating?

Kirsten loved the beach!!

Being silly at lunch time!!

Thanks so much Hoekwaters for letting us come play! We had a lot of fun!!!

with love from the zoo

Father's day 2013

We celebrated Father's day with both families this year. We started our celebration with a card (picked out by Cohen and shown to everyone who comes to our house) and gift for our amazing dad - Keith. He is a great daddy and we are blessed to have him!!! We went to the early service and then drove out to Green Lake to celebrate with my family. We even got to take the boat out!! It really felt like summer!!!

Yeah for Poppy's boat!

Stacy and Kendall

WE LOVE OUR DADDY!!!!!

Daddy's Girl

The afternoon was spent with the Gregory's. They came over and we spent time in the pool and grilling out. 

Cohen and Jenna

Cousins :)

Dessert :)

 Fun with Grandpa

It was a perfect day celebrating some amazing men!! We are truly grateful for them all!!

with love from the zoo 

Kirsten is 10 MONTHS!

Sorry my dear Kirsten - time has slipped past me .... again! I can't believe you are 10 months - which means your first birthday is coming up fast!!!

Look at this little face!!!

Had to give her a snack so she would sit

Hey - where did that snack go?

Ok - this will do!!

This is her favorite thing to do these days - stand all by herself!!

Kirsten at 10 months

2 teeth on the bottom and 4 on top

EATS EVERYTHING - will let you know when we need more

Morning and afternoon naps unless we are out

Bedtime is 7:30 and sleeps til 8 :)

Loves to watch other kids

Gives kisses

Crawling maniac!!

Everything goes in her mouth so watch out!!

with love from the zoo