Zoo Trips!

Well the summer has been busy to say the least.  We've been all over the place.  But I wanted to post some photos from a couple of our zoo trips.  My mom and I took the kids when Rob was at a guys golf weekend.  My mom hadn't been since last summer so the kids were excited to show her around.

Can't believe I got them to stand still

Paige and Grandma on the train

Trying to get Henry to feed the goats

He'd rather feed the fish

Then  last weekend we were bored on Sunday and decided to go back to the zoo.  We've never been to the zoo on a Sunday and I think we'll do it again!  The weather was so nice that day and it wasn't busy.

This is all the closer he got

Paige fed a giraffe, she's asked me every time we go.  Man it scared her to death.  I don't think she knew their tongues were that long! 

The zoo in Des Moines is great!  It's not too big but enough that my kids want to go back all the time.  This is the first summer Henry really understands there are animals.  Now he stands by his stroller saying, "Mom, I see animals".  Just a great summer!

Baby Ad!

Sorry I forgot to put this up yesterday!  Here is Henry in the baby ad for Hy-Vee.  It released officially yesterday!!  Love that little boy and that cheesy smile, it's how he gets out of trouble all the time.  I hope you all enjoy!!

Yesterday we got to meet Paige's Kindergarten teacher.  They do home visits in our district.  Paige was so excited that Mrs. Meyer came to our house.  Paige put on a skirt and made sure she was all pretty I was dying laughing.  Her teacher is great!  Had an amazing conversation with Paige.  Paige is now even more excited to start school which is good she starts in 16 days!!  We found out that Paige's class is testing out a new curriculum and is the only Kindergarten class doing it.  So we'll see how that goes.

I hope everyone is enjoying the end of their summer!

Surprise!!

No this is not a baby annoucement, the Hartz's are not having another one!

However, this little cutie is being featured in another Hy-Vee ad.  I have kept this a secret from everyone as I really didn't think he'd be chosen again.  He was in and then he was out and then Hy-Vee asked for him back in.  I can't post any of the pictures because all of the ones I have has pricing on them.  But go to your local Hy-Vee on Sunday and you'll see our little cutie!  He's not on the cover this time so don't think that you have the wrong ad.  When you open it up you'll see him!

Grandmas, Papas, Great Grandmas and Great Grandpas I have PLENTY of copies so don't feel like you need to corner the Customer Service staff (cough cough Gail & Greta).  As soon as I can post the images I will!!

Crafty Kids

So I've spent a lot of time downstairs lately as my Etsy shop has been pretty busy (YAY!), the kids have been spending time down there with me as well.  Henry is finally getting to the age where he can participate in craft time.  He has started painting, cutting, coloring, etc.  My kids are so crafty and I couldn't love it more then I do.  It's my favorite time I spend with each of them.  Rob was gone on a guys weekend a couple weekends ago and while Henry was napping Paige sat at my sewing table just talking and crafting while I was sewing.  All I can do is hope this continues for a long time.

Yesterday, Paige and I had a girls morning.  We went out for breakfast with our neighbor Brittany and her daughter Claire.  Then Paige and I were off to paint pottery.  This is our girl time where we just go, sit, talk and paint.  She talks to me about so many more things during this time and its the best.  My favorite thing to do on the weekend.  Now I'm preparing for my weekend with the kids by myself as Rob is off for another guys weekend.  He does two a summer they always fall this close together but it's ok.  

Swim Lessons Round 2

So after Paige finished swim lessons early in the summer we realized that she was avoiding having to try and do things.  She would barely put her face in the water.  So we made the decision to put her in private swim lessons.  Well between the first round being over and starting private lessons Paige became a fish.  We went on vacation with some older cousins and I'm so thankful that we did.

So last week we started private swim lessons.  They were in a couples backyard where they have a staff of people who gives lessons.  Paige was one of three kids in the pool with three teachers.  Paige did AMAZING!  Her teacher kept saying to be I can't believe she's only 5, man she picks up on this stuff quick.  I told him that she only started going under water about a month ago.  He was even more shocked and proud!  We will be going back to these people over and over!!

Chapman Family Reuion

Well we just keep going.  We got home from vacation and the next day were off to Rick and Gail's for the Chapman family reunion.  This is becoming a 4th of July tradition and we love every minute of it.  We lucked out on weather and spent the entire weekend outside.

This man right here could live in that boat on that pond forever.

One happy girl who pulled in a HUGE bass!

Henry will follow that Papa of his around everywhere.  Thank you Rick for always being with him!

These two together are so much fun.  They have ran, swam, gave spa treatments in the sand.  They reminded me so much of playing with my cousins in Pella growing up.  It just didn't matter and you went hard all day until your parents told you you had to go home.

Henry loves playing with Tyler

These girls swam half way across the pond together.  Uncle Ryan and Tyler follow in the paddle boat.  But those girls didn't care they did it twice!!

Rob's Aunt Cindy recently retired from Hallmark.  Her kids threw her a retirement party one evening.  It was a lot of fun to celebrate Cindy's hard work.

Cindy and her daughter Cari and her son Kyle

On the 4th we took a lot of family photos!  These are some of the ones off my camera.

This is Gail's sister Carol and her family

Austin and Michelle with their kids

Steph and Andy with their little one on the way

This is Gail's sister Barb and her family

Our family obviously :)

My little family I'm so lucky to have!  Christmas card photo = DONE

Rob's brother's family

This is Rob's Grandma and all 10 of her great grandkids

The entire Chapman family

Rob's Grandpa Hartz came out to hang out with all of us

Kristin got these little ladies matching dresses...they were so excited!

The annual Grandkid parade getting started

Some of the Hartz men doing their favorite thing...fishing

It was a great weekend with a lot of family.  My kids had so much fun and Rob and I did as well.  It's always great to catch up with family members you don't get to spend that much time with.  Chapman's I can't wait to do it again next year!