Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday to my beautiful and loving wife.  Tonight we took her out to Red Lobster for supper which was her pick.  She got some surprise visitors when we got there. Rachel, Izzy and their two boys along with Amber and Brooke from work came out to help us celebrate.  We all enjoyed a hefty supper and sang Happy Birthday to the birthday girl before heading home for gifts.  We decided to try and spoil mommy because she spoils us all the time with her cooking, tidy house and of course her love. Thanks honey you mean the world to us and we want you to be able to spend more time with us and less with the house.  So we got her a house keeper to help her out. We also got her a cake decorating tackle box with 50 pieces of cake decorating stuff.  Alexandria will have the first custom cake by T.  Last but not least we got her a one and only Hillside Charge t-shirt to wear to the shows. Happy Birthday Mommy!!!!!

Sis helping open gifts.

No that is not the maid we found.

One beautiful band wife!!!!

Lets go fishing. fishing for cakes that is.

Pool Fun!!!

On Friday I went to a wedding reception for a girl that I work with.  Her and her husband got married out in Colorado the same weekend my bro got married and then came back home to have their reception.  It was a nice time and she looked wonderful.  It was pretty cool because during the father-daughter dance they were dancing to Butterfly Kisses and then they had some "technical" difficulties where the music switched to Thriller.  Bobbi and her dad then did the choreography to it...it was awesome!  Nobody knew that they were going to do that.  They did it again and went into a line dance and then ended with Butterfly Kisses.  It was really fun to watch! 
Saturday Mom, Grandma and Wendy stopped by for a quick visit before they headed out shopping.  That evening we went to visit Steve and Heidi Henning and their new baby girl, Joelle.  We took them supper and dessert, which I think they really appreciated.  I felt like that was one of the best gifts we could give them.  Joelle is just a sweet little punkin.  She is sooo little!  Alexandria looked humongous next to her.  Joelle was about the same size as Alexandria was when she was born, but I don't remember Alexandria being that tiny.  Oh, how I hate that I have already forgotten and it was only 10.5 months ago!  Ugh...I just want to bottle every memory up and hold on tight to it.  Everyone said that they change so fast and grow up right before your eyes and it is so true. 
Sunday we had a glimpse of the sun for awhile in between rain showers, so we took full advantage of it and got Alexandria's pool out.  Boy did she have fun in that!  She was screeching so loud at one point our neighbor had to come out and see what was going on.  Kade even got in the pool for a little while with her!  I think she is going to be a little fish!

Sissy at the Main Beach.

AL loves the bubbles.

Alexandria had her own personal life guard.

Grass.

Not only is he a life guard, Bug doubles as our garden protector.

Happy Father's Day!!!

Saturday was errand day for Alexandria and I while daddy went and worked for a couple hours.  Later that afternoon Grandma Renae and Papa Jon stopped by to show us Grandma's new car, which is very nice.  They stayed for awhile to visit and play with Alexandria.  Papa Jon even scored a couple of kisses from her, which I think melted his heart!  Daddy, Alexandria and I went out for a quick bite to eat before daddy had to leave to go play at Cornstock.  Cornstock is an all day event where there are 10-12 bands that play throughout the day.  It took place on a farm between Jewel and Randall with about 200 people.  Hillside Charge played pretty late, so sissy and I just hung at home. 
Sunday we let daddy sleep in since he got home pretty late from Cornstock.  Once he got up, he went up to Ames to get Kade so he could help us celebrate Father's Day.  Since it was pretty warm out, we decided to go to Jordan Creek and walk around just to get out of the house.  We did some minor shopping for sis' birthday party and then went to visit the Cathcarts.  Daddy decided that he wanted to eat at El Rodeo before heading home, so that's what we did. 
I hope all the dads out there had a great day!  I know my husband loves his kids with all his heart and truly enjoys being a father! I'm thankful to still have my dad and step-dad around...my heart goes out to my husband who doesn't get any more Father's Days with his.  Perry was definitely thought of today.  Happy Father's Day!

On Father's Day I woke up like this till..........

my babies cleaned me up with their love.

Mom put on another photo shoot.

Sis is becoming a very funny spirit.

Alexandria is mesmerized by Papa Jon.

Getting some love from Grandma.

Ol' brown eyes!!!!

????!!!!!

HsC @ Cornstock.

Summer Fun!

This weekend was filled with some summer fun!  On Saturday, Heath and Kade went up to Mason City to visit the Kamm family while Alexandria and I went to Hubbard for good ol' Hubbard Days.  Heath's best buddy plays and coaches in an adult men's football league and had a game on Saturday evening.  From what I hear, it was a fun time and Kade even got to be a part of the chain gang.  Alexandria and I watched the Hubbard Days parade and then headed uptown to check out the activities.  I decided to leave for a little while so she could take a nap, but that didn't happen.  We went back into town in time for the bathtub races, which were hilarious!  Then it was the annual water fights, which is always fun to watch too.  I guess my brother's team remain the champs...4 years running.  By the time all the water activities were done, sis was ready to go...she never did really sleep, not until we were on the road home.  It was fun walking around and talking with friends that I haven't seen for awhile.  I also acquired a nice sunburn...oops...and here I thought I was doing good by trying to stay in the shade most of the day. 

Update on sissy:  she had her ear tubes put in last Tues. and everything went well.  I couldn't believe how quick the whole process was.  She can definitely hear better and my oh my has her appetite improved!  Her appetite was my biggest complaint before getting tubes and I attributed her not wanting to eat to not feeling well and being on antibiotics for the past 5 months.  Well, I think the tubes have made a huge difference already!  Now we just pray that they stay in and do what there supposed to do! 

Hi!!!!!!

Bug running the chains, he did have to run a couple times.





Ralphy Balboa. How would you like to tangle with this?

Hubbard Pool float.



Papa Choo Choo.





Wake up Sissy there's a parade going on.



The Crew.

Didn't realize we got a new puppy.

Sis thinks she is big stuff.

Kade, Danny & Dylan.

Last but not least, Miss Loie a.k.a Lois

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Winter!!!

This whole week has been focused on getting ready to celebrate my little bros wedding.  I headed back home on Thursday hoping to be of some help with all the preparation, but came to find out that they had pretty much everything done by Thursday afternoon.  I still headed up because I was very excited to see what had been all done to get ready for this big day.  Oh my...what a beautiful site!  I couldn't believe all the work they have put into getting that place in shape.  My dad made 2 awesome signs, one is at the entrance to the driveway and the other is hanging in the barn, which was made out of a piece of wood 100 years old and came from one of the original hog buildings on the farm.  My brother (with help of family and friends) had to clean out the barn, build a bar, rig up security lights, extra outlets, do landscaping, etc. I guess if you haven't figured it out yet...the reception was at the farm...in the barn!  Yes, a true down home country bash!  The bartender for the evening is the owner of the only bar in town, so he shut his bar down for the entire day and brought his own crew to the farm.  The whole set up had to get approved by the state in order for him to do that.  Steph and I checked it all out and then sat and chatted with Brandon and Jess for awhile that evening. 
Friday during the day Mom, Steph, Brad, Jaxson, Holden and I all went over to Eldora to visit Grandma, Wendy, and Patty.  We had a nice lunch at Pizza Ranch and then headed back home to rest and get ready for rehearsal.  I was very happy when Heath and Alexandria arrived...it had been a couple days since I'd seen them.  We all headed to Kamrar for rehearsal, which was really short and sweet.  Then it was off to Pickles for supper.  By this time our kiddos were past their bedtimes, so we ate fast and had to jet out. 

Saturday was the big day!  They had beautiful weather for it and were able to get a bunch of pics outside.  The wedding was also short and sweet.  Jaxson was pretty entertaining as the ring bearer...he was trying to get Holden to laugh the whole time by playing with the ring pillow.  Holden was clapping and saying "yay" during the whole service also keeping everyone entertained.  Heath, Alexandria, and I took off right away after the wedding since we were one of the host/hostesses for the reception.  Heath ended up taking care of Alexandria while I helped get all the candles lit, tables uncovered, and lights plugged in.  Steph helped me with the hostess duties while Heath kept Alexandria entertained.  It was fun seeing tons of family, friends, and old neighbors that I haven't seen in such a long time.  It was also very entertaining to see people's expressions and hear their reactions to seeing the barn.  Many people have memories in that place and it sure did get the folks reminiscing.  I know Grandpa Winter was looking down and very proud of all the work and pride Brandon continues to put into the homestead.  The wedding party arrived on a horse drawn wagon with the Bride and Groom on the horses!  After the wedding party all entered the reception, they offered free rides in the wagon for the kids, which they all loved!  It was neat to see a bunch of people just walking around the farm...checking everything out.  Brandon and Jess have like 3 tree swings placed around the farm and I saw people sitting in all 3 swings through out the evening.  People were even walking up the lane, which was lined with lit Ball (Jess' maiden name) glasses.  There were a couple campers set up out there, which housed a lot of family through out the weekend.  It was truly a beautiful evening and a very cool reception.  I have to admit I didn't know how they were going to pull it all off, but they sure did!  It was wonderful!!  Many people thought Brandon should just keep the barn like that and rent it out for events...I have a feeling that won't be happening.  Although, I did have a cousin say that she wants her reception out there when she gets married and I think Brandon OK'd it!  I guess we will see.
Today we went back out to the farm to watch them open up their gifts.  Brandon also had a gift for Jaxson for being in the wedding...a go-cart.  He was really thrilled about it, but I think it will be a couple years before he is driving it by himself.  We didn't make it through all the gifts, little Miss Alexandria had had enough, so we took off and she was asleep before town.

 It was a very beautiful and fun time!  Congrats Brandon and Jess!!!   

Toast to the Newlyweds. 

Coming in in style!!!!

Grand entrance under the 100 yr. old board.

G&G Winter were also celebrating their 10th anniversary. Congrats!!!

Sissy at rehearsal.

Relaxing before the wedding.

Sis couldn't stop touching my flower.

I am one lucky dude-Beautiful & Beautiful!!!!

Getting ready to dance.

Alexandria couldn't stay for the dollar dance but she got to check out Bud's hat.

Mother-Son dance.

Can't tell but Bud is lifting both of the girls up.

I want to be a cowboy, baby.

Bud and Grandma Mossman. 

Al loved the saddle.

Bud got Jaxson a go-cart.

Memorial Day Weekend

Our Memorial Day weekend was pretty low key.  I wasn't feeling well and later came to find out that I have pneumonia.  I was shocked to learn that, but after coughing for 3 weeks I thought I better get it checked out.  I am getting better...but, have a feeling that this annoying cough is going to hang around for a couple more weeks.  Anyways, Saturday wasn't the best of weather so we stuck around home.  Sunday, after getting some stuff done around the house we were all ready to get out and enjoy the weather.  So, we went to Des Moines to visit Heath's dad's grave and put some pretty flowers on it.  Then we went out to eat and enjoyed some movies at home.  Well, I guess I should say that I did...1/2 way through my movie Heath left to go hang out at the firepit with Jeff.  I guess my romantic comedy was no competition to guy time around the fire.  :)  Monday ended up not being such a bad day...just a little on the windy side.  The boys got the lawn all mowed up and I FINALLY got my van all cleaned out from the winter.  Hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday!

Sis has learned to crawl and climb.

Smiles.

Sis got a new ride.

Look no hands.

Photography by Kade.