Spring has finally sprung.

What a long cool March we had. I feel like I have been hibernating, which explains the lack of blog entries. We are still settled in at my parents' house, almost 8 weeks in to our 10 week stay. Unfortunately our house will not be ready for our return for 8 more weeks beyond that. The news was deflating, to say the least, but I did have a haunch that that was the news we would get. We found a furnished rental that will take all of us, including Kenzie, so all is good. The time away has gone fast and there is definitely forward progress at the house, so that feels good, too. We decided to have the builder finish a second room in the attic which will serve as a bedroom in the future if we need it. They have also uncovered some house weaknesses (mismatched floorboards and headers, a sagging ceiling related to an inadequate header in the foyer, etc) that they are correcting since they are in there. Many of the major decisions have been made and things are starting to happen. The cabinets go in to production this week, marble has been selected for the master bathroom and kitchen, all appliance have been picked out, etc. Between meetings and appointments, I feel like I have a second (err, third) job. I will be grateful for downtime when we get it.

I was able to go to St. Louis a few weekends ago and spent some much needed time with my favorite St. Louis family. The time goes so fast when Im there, and it feels so good to be there. Im already excited for my next trip in May. I also went to Des Moines this last weekend with High School girl friends (yes, Dave won the husband of the year award). We had a great visit. Lots of chatting, even more eating, some shopping, manis and pedis, and that about wraps it up. Six of the 12 girls showed up. We really have a great time together, it is so comfortable.

Sully is officially in a big boy bed. He decided to crawl out of his pack and play, so we packed it up and moved him to the bed in my parents' master bedroom. The first night he came in at 1:30 and the following night he came in at 4:30. We are hoping that trend follows and he can make it all of the way through tonight. Fingers crossed. Either way, he loves talking about he sleeps in Grandpa Paul's 'big boy bed.' Greta is as crazy as ever. She is obsessed with robots and being outside. As soon as she steps foot out there, she squeals and screams and laughs with delight. We are so glad to have warm weather.

Dave's niece, Sarah announced on Sunday that she and her boyfriend, Troy, got engaged over the weekend. Amazing and exciting news for a really great couple. They will get married in November. We are so happy for them.

Fun with the Olivers. 

Sully's first movie outing with Maggie, Anna and Grandma.  

Tubby fun. 

Night night time on Grandma's table. 

Prebedtime fun. The best part about this photo is Dave's and my reflection.
That is the drama we create to get two smiles ;).

Des Moines fun. 

The newest Oliver, Greta is not convinced.  

Backyard fun. 

Following my 'stay on the deck' rule so well.

A staycation and a birthday girl.

Its been weeks since my last blog entry. I don't even have a good excuse for my absence, life has been busy. But not nearly as busy as Greta is. Oh my goodness, I don't remember Sully ever being as busy as she is. She is nonstop. She looks here and there, climbs this and that while antagonizing Sully, who usually gets the blame for it. She is sweet and smiley, but gosh does she keep me on my toes.

Sully is his mild mannered self. He is the sweetest little boy who definitely pushes the limits. I can't believe he will be three in two months, and...he has mastered potty training! We are so proud of him. He is in undies full time except during his nap and at bedtime. This was honestly not part of my plan, I originally thought we would do it this summer, after he was three. Apparently he showed me who was in charge ;).

Dave was on vacation this last week and we spent it mostly in Sioux Falls, although the two of us were able to get away to Minneapolis for one night. We had originally planned to look at some things for the house project, but those things fell through. We went anyway and had dinner with Leanne and her family. It was great to see them. The kids had a great time back home with Courtney. Otherwise we took it easy, Dave had his share of Mr. Mom duties and is ready to get back to work tomorrow.

Yesterday was my 35th birthday (and was also week 4 of 10 in my parents' house). We had a very mellow day which included a trip to the fitness center, naps, and take out. It was perfect. We had brunch with Dave's family this morning and will celebrate with my family when Maggie and her family gets back to town (next week).

All in all, life is good. Enjoy some photos below.

Sully and Greta before church.

Peek-a-boo with Greta. 

Breakfast smile. 

Park fun with Sully.
The park matches his coat and mittens :).

Puddle jumping. 

Ice cream with the Oliver kids. 

Farris Wheel ride at Scheels. 

Cozy Kenzie. 

New robot jammies.
Sully says "I LOVE them mommy!".