Fishing After The Rain?

I am no fishing guide, but even I know that fishing after a good rain like what we had this morning is probably not the best idea, especially on the spring streams of southwestern Wisconsin. So, when I called my best friend in the world to go fishing, he was quick to tell me I was foolish, but after some convincing he agreed to humor me and give it a go. What can I say - when you work like a dog, you have to fish when you can - despite the conditions. So, despite the rain this morning, the tall grass, mosquitoes, beavers, and thick canopy, I was able to take this 12 inch brown near sundown on a white elk hair caddis. God is good to me.

5 years of wedded bliss

For our 5 year anniversary, July 17, David planned a family canoe trip down the Plover River in Stevens Point. I was going to college at UWSP when David proposed to me on a bridge at Iverson Park, where we canoed. I mentioned to him how fun it would be to have a family photo and play at the beach there someday and he remembered that and arranged this fun outing for us all. I am so blessed to be married to such a thoughtful and sweet man. It's been a good five years.Natalie helping Daddy "peddle" the canoe."Mommy, can I hold Garrett, I promise I won't squeeze him!" umm yeah right.Me with the kidlets. I don't necessarily love how I look in photos, but I don't want to look back and have no pictures of me and my family (since I'm usually the picture taker), so here I am in all my squinty eyed, ponytailed glory.

Garrett, shortly after he threw our keys in the river. Thankfully the river was shallow, David's remote didn't work anyway and the van wasn't locked! Oh, the joy of boys!

The whole "fambly" on the bridge where he proposed, so sweet!!!

Here's the proposal story, for those who are interested. August 29, 2003 my good friend was getting married back in Appleton. I was supposed to drive back in the morning to get there early to help, David was going to meet me later in the day (He was living in Madison). Instead he showed up at my door at 5 am at my apartment in Stevens Point (I was between year 4 and 5 of college, he had just graduated from Madison). He told me to get in the truck because he had a surprise for me. We drove to Iverson and walked around until the sun was rising, then we went to the bridge and he told me how he knew life would take us through some hard times but he knew it would also hold beauty and promise just like the sunrise and he asked me to marry him with a gorgeous ring he designed for me! I said yes right away!! We originally planned to get married summer of '05 but we decided we didn't want to wait that long and instead we got married July 17, 2004. Afterward, we celebrated our engagement at Perkins!! Looking back on five years of marriage, all I have to say is, he's right...it isn't always easy, but my life is wonderful and I wouldn't want it any other way, I have truly been blessed. Here's a pic from our "engagement day". (The date on the photo is wrong!!)

July

Here's a few random post fourth of July pics.
Natalie asleep in the Chariot, she no longer takes naps during the day in the interest of going to sleep better at night, but that doesn't mean she doesn't doze off in a stroller, boat, or carseat now and then!
Natalie and Garrett playing with the John Deere tractor David insisted that Garrett NEEDED for his birthday!
He likes to hold on to the back while she scoots around, as long as she doesn't scoot too fast, we're good!

Little B

The life group girls threw a little shower to welcome Adam and Andrea's baby, Little B, as we affectionately call him. 23 days to go 'til the little one arrives, we are so excited for you Barnes', you are about to embark on the ride of your life!Andrea, Me, Garrett and Marcy
Cute (and tasty!) cake
Garrett enjoying the blue moon ice cream punch, mmmmm!

Garrett's Real Birthday

On Garrett's actual first birthday, June 28th, we went to Culver's and Devil's Lake State Park to celebrate, what an awesome day!Getting every last crumb of his cupcake, he was really quite efficient with all of his cake...no need to waste any of that good stuff!
Lovin' the birthday fun at Culver's!
His new John Deere tractor from David and I, his Daddy insisted he needed this!
G playing with his toy and Daddy and Natalie sunbathing in the background.
Natalie wants YOU! (for what I'm not sure...do you have any juice or m&m's??)
The whole family hiking at Parfrey's Glen in Devil's Lake
Not posing at all!
Mommy and the kiddos, who needs a workout when you can wear your kid and hike!!

Cute Kiddos

A few extra shots from the party weekend back at my parents July 4th and 5th.Garrett 12 months, Kaya 8 months, Cate 6 months. The three youngest grandbabies.
3 of the 4 girls...Natalie, Kaya, and Cate
Kaya is such a happy baby!! Don't know where she gets it from =)

Fourth of July Party

My mom and dad hosted a great party on the Fourth of July back home in Sherwood. Everyone had a blast with swimming, eating, playing, and fireworks, but most importantly the whole family was together!
Natalie and Garrett blowing bubbles with my Dad on the big pond raft...Garrett was actually doing more eating of bubbles than blowing.
Loving the popsicles on the front porch at Grammy's house.
My Dad really knows how to throw a good party!!
Beautiful baby Kaya in my Mom's garden, she is SO cute when she scrunches up her nose! It was great to see her (and her mom and dad) for a week, but so sad when they left to go back to Montana.
Daddy and Natalie on the big pond raft/trampoline.
Garrett enjoying a Fourth of July cupcake.
My whole entire family in one photo, not an easy task. Mom, Dad, four daughters, four husbands, 7 kids.
My mom and dad with all 7 grandkids.
My wonderful little family!!

Garrett's First Birthday Party

We had a party to celebrate Garrett's first birthday on July 5 at my sister's house in Sherwood. (His real birthday was June 28) It was a great celebration with the whole family on both sides! I can't believe my sweet little boy is one year old.Garrett has taken quite a few independent steps (since about a week before his birthday), but here he is with Daddy helping him out.
Is it 1 or 21 when you can drink??
Mommy, Daddy and baby G
His cute baseball cake...he's all boy, that one!
Doing an excellent job eating his yummy cake.