Daddy's golfing buddies

As most of you know Ben likes to golf.  Although I enjoy a round of golf as well it is no secret that I stink.  Thus, we have decided to start the girls early so that they can one day keep up with their dad!  Audra always asks if she can go golfing with Ben when she gets "bigger" and Phoebe is already a force to be reckoned with when holding a golf club. I just hope she learns to control her powerful swing!

Great Grandpa Boese

Audra and Phoebe's Great Grandpa Warren Boese (Ben's Mother's Dad) passed away on May 31st.  We were able to travel home to Kansas to attend the funeral and spend time with the extended family. Warren was a very quiet man but his love for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was evident through his actions.  He will be deeply missed by family and friends.  Although we are disappointed that Phoebe was not able to meet her great grandfather we are glad that we have several pictures of Audra with Warren so that we can share his memory with both our girls. 

Family

Although the reason for our impromptu family reunion was a sad one it was really nice to see the extended Boese clan.  Audra and Phoebe enjoyed spending time with their great grandmother, grandmother, and great aunts.  We are looking forward to seeing the family again the near future both when we return to Kansas for vacation next week and when the family gets together at Suzanne's in Iowa for Leah's birthday in October.  

They're Back! (Well at least for a day or two)

Our long time friends the Townsend Family were in town for a few days and were able to stop by before we headed out to Kansas.  Audra had a great time playing with Jansyn and Jaxson.
She especially enjoyed wearing a pair of my old glasses so that she could look just like her friend.  In fact she would not take them off even after Jansyn left the house.  
Phoebe also enjoyed her new friends. I think Jansyn got a kick out of Phoebe as well.

8 months and growing...

I can't believe that Phoebe is already 8 months old.  Where has all of the time gone.  Audra always says that she is "growing and growing everyday" and while I don't necessarily see the daily changes in Audra I often look at Phoebe and wonder if she grew during her sleep, the changes seem to be happening just that fast.  Being able to see the little ways she grows everyday makes me appreciate that I am able to stay home with her.  Even when the days are long and challenging.  For a little perspective I can always turn on Jon and Kate plus 8.  That show always puts me in my place and reminds me that my life is simple after all.  

My first big Boo Boo

Although it is very faint if you look closely you can see Phoebe's first big bruise. I know it does not look like much but I swear it looks worse in person.  Poor thing fell yesterday while her older sister was being a "big helper" and trying to help Phoebe stand with the play gym.  I am sure it is first of many scars of sisterly love.  

All by myself!

Phoebe has learned to stand on her own (while holding on to something of course).  She enjoys practicing all day every day! If you happen to be anywhere in a two foot radius of where Phoebe is sitting she will reach for your hands and "insist" that you pull her into a standing position.  Unfortunately, she has yet to learn how to fall gracefully =)

Who doesn't love a parade?

Anne and Brad's nephews (Max and Aidan) were in town for memorial day weekend so we all decided to attend the annual Onalaska Sunfish Days Parade.  The kids had a great time catching candy, waving to the "pretty ladies", and dancing to the marching bands.  Audra is already talking about the boys coming back for the "biggest parade" aka Oktoberfest at the end of September.  

The Garden

Here is a picture of our garden plot this year.  Ben did a lot of work redoing the bed and actually expanded it quite a bit from last year.  I know it is not too exciting now but just wait 60 to 75 days and boy will things be interesting then =).  In case you were wondering we did our typical salsa garden (tomatoes and hot peppers) with the addition of tomatillos, eggplant, yellow squash, purple peppers, and spaghetti squash.  Audra helped me plant this year (which basically means she dumped dirt all over everything including my head).  What a great helper! 

Happy Mother's Day

The girls and I had a fabulous Mother's day.  Since Ben was out of down my dear friend Anne took us out to lunch along with her mother-in-law.  We went to the restaurant above our local food co-op.  The brunch was fantastic and they even serve Gluten free bread, so I was of course thrilled.  In case you are wondering Ben made up for missing Mother's day by surprising me with a customized banner for my jewelry business. I am getting more and more professional every day.  Now the only thing I need is a website oh and more time to devote to my "hobby".  

You Decide

After many, many comments regarding just how alike the girls look I decided to post a picture of each of the girls in the same outfit taken at roughly the same age. Who is who?

I love Hilton Head

Audra had a great time in Hilton Head.  Although she did not want me to take her picture I was able to sneak in a few candid shots.  The last picture is of Audra posing (with a balloon under her nightgown) as her Auntie Laura who is very pregnant.

Family Fun in Hilton Head, SC

Last week the family traveled to Hilton Head South Carolina for Ben's national conference. His parents and brother's family were able to drive down from Virginia and spend the week with us.  We had a great time playing at the beach, swimming in our backyard pool, and soaking up the sun.  It was a nice break from cold Wisconsin and a great opportunity to spend some time with family.

Phoebe LOVES the Beach!

While in Hilton Head we took several trips to the nearby beach.  Assuming the "Yoder cleanliness" was a genetic trait I thought Phoebe would take after Audra and hate to have her hands get dirty but I put her in the sand anyway. Much to my great surprise Phoebe LOVED the sand.  While we built sand castles Phoebe was content to sit next to us and dig in the sand. As you can see she enjoyed a lovely "sand snack" as well!

My Friend Cousin Eleanor

Audra and Phoebe had a great time playing with their cousin Eleanor!