Adventures in Archbold

Rides in the Cub Cadet... And rides on the Hot Wheels...

Hmm...how fast should I go...

Lots of swimming...

And a visit to Sauder Village...Unfortunately, right after this picture below was taken, Lucas stuck his finger in the cages and got it nipped by a few chickens. Poor kiddo!!! He quickly recovered though... I just hope he's not scarred for life... not that I can relate or anything (?!?)

Sophie's first horse and buggy ride...

Eddie Excavator!!!?!?!?!

A dream come true for Lucas... the real, Eddie Excavator... and believe it or not, it was parked at Great Grandma Rupp's house!!!

Look Mommy! Crawlers!

Although Grandpa offered Lucas a ride, Lucas was actually a bit scared. He didn't want to get into the cab or even the bucket. He was perfectly content at arms length.

Lucas, my Lucas...

Lucas loves musical instruments. If you remember, way back when he was barely walking, he used to turn everything into drums and guitars, which he still does. But since then, he's added a few more instruments to his repertoire. The latest: a tuba. Below, he's demonstrating how he's turned his old booster seat into...a tuba. Strutting around, playing his tuba.
I just had to include these next pics because of the pure joy in Lucas' face...

And Sophie was enjoying her dip in the pool... she beat me to it before I could get her swim suit on. :)

And this final pic, I just had to include. He looks much too old in this picture... and growing up WAY too fast.

Daddy, to the rescue!

Eric surprised the kids with a pretty sweet playset a week or so ago. Our backyard is finally complete, I'd say. We're officially never leaving the comfort of our home. :)

I actually don't have an updated picture of the playset, mostly because it's too hot outside right now and I'm much too comfortable here on the couch. Since these pictures Eric has put up a slide (which Sophie has mastered climbing UP), a fireman's pole, and we purchased a baby swing and regular swing. Pretty complete I'd say. The mosquitos are pretty nasty in the evening when we're out playing, but a tiki torch has been perfect to keep the buggers at bay.

A drawer full of fun...

Sophie has a fascination with taking things out of drawers...but she always eventually puts everything back, only after she's tried the drawer out for size.

People watching...

Lucas and I went to the library tonight. We were in line to check out our books and a guy walked past with a small backpack on. Lucas said, "Hey!! An astronaut!!" Honestly, I couldn't figure out who he was talking about so I just started looking around for a guy in a silver suit and an oxygen tank. The backpack dude turned around and said in a rather monotone voice, "Uh, I think he's talking about me..."

I was just slightly embarassed. People in line behind me were cracking up. Now the story doesn't end here. The guy proceeds to walk up to Lucas and in a creepy way says, "Hey buddy, do you want to be an astronaut when you grow up?" Lucas just stared. Then the guy reaches in his pocket and pulls out a handful of change and gives it to Lucas. Weird. And the lady behind me must have thought so too because she made a strange noise that to me, meant... creep...ee.

I'm sure he is a very nice guy... I just found myself very defensive with Lucas by my side.

And here's a pic of Lucas helping Daddy measure for a new wooden post for our patio table umbrella. What would I do without my "fix-it" men????

Sophie Monster!!

Lucas and I have affectionately nicknamed Sophie "The Sophie Monster!!!". You see, she tends to just "barrel" over Lucas whenever he's playing with his toys and she...in a very ladylike and graceful way... likes to destroy anything in her path.

But one look at these pictures... she's sure not living up to her nickname. Here's our sweet little monster...

LOVE this baby girl.

Standing on her own!!

Okay, so here's an example of why our nickname is most fitting. : ) Daddy's beloved paper was in a neat pile... until Sophie Monster came by. She obviously thought it was pretty funny.

Good food...GREAT friends...

Earlier this week we spent a couple days with the Barrett's before they leave town for Cali. We had a fabulous time... playing games, playing with the kiddos, and hanging out with some TU buds for a yummy taco dinner, compliments of Kimberley and Nick Best. Here are some pics from our time with Mel and Scott 'n friends...

The hostess with the mostest... Thanks for having us over, Kim!! Sa-weet new place you have!

Sara

Ollie James...

The girls!!! Missing the rest of our clan, but glad some of us could be together!
Could this picture BE any cuter?!?!?!!!

We took Mel and Scott to one of our fav spots for breakfast (although by the time we got there they were only serving lunch!!)... Uptown Cafe... downtown Noblesville.

Enjoying a sucker from Mel and Scott outside the cafe.

We love you guys!! So thankful for your friendship. Can't wait to keep up with your endeavors out in Cali. And definitely looking forward to visiting! We will miss you TONS, but know this will be an awesome adventure for you two. Sending lots of love and hugs...

Eddie Excavator and Friends...

If you plan on taking a trip to/around Noblesville... don't. The road construction is just plain crazy right now!! Thankfully we're pretty content staying close to home most days. When we do go out, you can be sure Lucas will be looking for all the "Eddie Excavators, Luke Loaders, Danny Dozers, Grady Graders, and Barney Backhoes". At least it's entertaining for Lucas to be stuck in traffic. :)

Well, keeping with that same theme, I had to post this cute pic. Last week our neighbor got a new roof put on his house. Lucas sat here, in this very spot you see below... for a good hour. Just watching. Sometimes he'd wave at the workers. Once he actually got up and walked closer and tried to talk with them but I don't think they spoke English, which confused Lucas. So he went back to his spot. And while I'm at it... I must give a shout out to one of my favorite summer must-haves. Our double stroller has been my best friend this summer. The kids and I often take walks when Eric is gone for football and it's nice because Lucas can sit or stand...whatever he feels like that day. I think he enjoys having the choice. :)