May in pictures

May was filled with traveling, seeing friends and family, and making the BIG move to a mini-van in addition to the everyday blessing and joy our two little ones bring us. 

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Family:

For one Saturday evening we actually had three little ones and it was so very fun. Tenley joined us for a few hours while her mommy and daddy went to a wedding. She couldn't have been easier and she operates pretty much like clock work really. I'm not sure who loved having her here the most...it's a toss up. It's no secret she's pretty popular and VERY squishy.

Gwendolyn adores her and did such a good job giving her one of her bottles. The love between them is absolutely 100% adorable and unposed. 

I mean, seriously?

And then there's Conrad, who also thinks Tenley is pretty fun. Look at the determination on his face to get in there next to her...

Hi Tenny Toots!

These two. Kill me. 

"Hey Sis, whatcha eating?"

Lots and lots of swinging and park time.

Mother's Day was very special. Notice my beautiful painting and flowers and yummy breakfast. So blessed!

Tom with his beloved Honda Civic before he said good-bye forever. It was a great car! But all good things must eventually come to an end. 

It's safe to say I much prefer our new (to us) Toyota Sienna. And so does Gwendolyn! She's still talking about our new van and loves watching movies on road trips. I love doors that open with a push of a button. And heated seats (yes, they've been used.) And having my new car remember my seat settings after Tom has messed changed them. And having more than enough room for all of our stuff on road trips. And built-in shades on the kid's windows. And lumbar support. It's all just wonderful. I had no idea what we were missing. 

Did I mention Tom drove 2.5 hours to get the new van? There's nothing that guy won't do for a great deal. And we're so thankful!

Getting a new van was the perfect reason to get Trisha and John out to our garage. Little did they know big brother Greg was hiding in the back seat. SURPRISE! He was in town for a work meeting and got to meet Tenley for the first time!

For those who love a good surprise video...Trisha never disappoints.

We enjoyed a family wedding down in Clear Lake. My cousin Jeff married Rachael, and it was great to see cousins I hadn't seen in awhile and introduce Conrad to everyone! I love a good family wedding! Although I will say....weddings are much different with two kids in tow. I think Gwendolyn had to go potty three times during dinner. And it was all the way across the reception hall. But I'm here to serve. 

:)

Lydia and Conrad are the newest Stauffer cousins.

Oh these four....love this pic.

Dancing up a storm.

This group of little people are all of my second cousin's children. Which makes them Gwendolyn's favorite dancing partners and.....her third cousins? Crazy.

Kathy, Jeff, me, and Gabe. We were four peas growing up and even made the boys marry us. Probably multiple times. They're amazing men!

Awwwwww. So sweet!

Conrad was tie.erd. What a trooper. It was his first time riding in his new car seat in the car and he was too excited to sleep on our way down to Iowa.

I think we had to pick out flowers in the rain last year too. Makes for an interesting and QUICK trip at least!

When one "wants out" they both want out.

New favorite pictures of.all.time.

I wish he could wear a pink polo, plaid shorts, and white Nike's every.single.day.of.his.baby.life. OMG.

Our attempt at sibling pics for Gwendolyn's 3 year and Conrad's 1 year session. We missed our window of opportunity. So hard when little ones still take two naps a day!

(I do love her face though...she grits her teeth together out of love just like her mama.)

Gwendolyn:

Swimmin' with Uncle Robert at our hotel in Clear Lake.

She wrapped up another 5-class dance session. This one was definitely advance for her as it included tap, which she had never done before. Seems simple, but it's actually quite confusing for a newly turned 3 year old.

I will admit I'm super proud of this moment. They were supposed to sit with their eyes closed as they waited patiently to receive their surprise (which appears to be a wand.) She took the directions very seriously and kept her eyes closed until she was told to open them. 

My view on Mother's Day. I love her bedhead.

She took a spill over Memorial Day...that girl has gotten lots of scraps and bruises this summer!

Gwendolyn and Serena when they were babes and then again at Serena's 3rd birthday party. 

She used to do this "collecting" all the time...and then thankfully stopped....and now has started again. I wish I knew what went through her head. She told me she was having a party.

Conrad:

View from both sides. Good thing I had just cleaned the glass! He had just started pulling himself up on things, which is very, very exciting.

Enjoying his new tunnel.

This was back when we were adjusting to having a newly crawling baby. Can you spot my exploring son? Gone are my days of sitting and talking with friends. Ha.

We had a play date at Perpetual Motion. I'm thinking he'll be jumping in the foam pit very soon.

Only one child would take a picture with me on Mother's Day. It's fiiiine.

LOVE him in summer clothes. The more skin to squish and kiss the better.

After my arm went numb while out shopping, I came home and Tom immediately went out and installed the new car seat. It was time.

Just chilling during small group as people share.

Love this kid.

We also took our first road trip out to Ohio for Memorial Day. It was an exciting adventure and all went relatively smoothly. So many great pics from that trip, it definitely deserves it's own post. Coming soon!

Happy 4th of July friends!!