The Griesbaum Family: May 2013

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Grandparents visit and sibling fun!

This past weekend Grandma and Grandpa Griesbaum came for a visit to Monticello! John's Great Grandma McCormick is recovering from heart surgery, so we weren't too sure if they would make it, but we are sure glad they did! We are also so grateful that Grandma is recovering well from her surgery. I wouldn't expect anything less - she is a tough gal!

We had great weather and were able to spend a lot of time outside. Kolton came too and Gavyn just loves playing with Kolton. It was so nice to visit, share our home with them, and have a relaxing weekend.

Enjoying the breeze

There was no lacking in attention for Miss Alli

The chickens also like to be part of the group

The boys

The girl

Alli with Grandpa

We took a walk Sunday morning at Allerton and got to see some beautiful peonies.

He looks so small in that big field

Alli with Grandma

It was a hot morning!

This week I have been getting ready for our family trip to Wisconsin and Minnesota. We'll be in Wisconsin at my Mom's property until Tuesday and then headed up to Black Duck Lake for a week and a couple days. We are very excited - but having two kids requires LOTS of planning! I can't believe it takes me a week to get ready, and even longer to plan everything. I must have 10 different lists of things I need and have do get done. Not to mention the weather is a mystery. AND I've dedicated myself to making all of our snacks and meals instead of buying processed foods. That means I've been making a lot of crackers, granola bars, bread, and making spice mixes, etc. So we have spent a good amount of time at home this week.

This morning the weather wasn't very play-friendly, so we stayed inside and reunited with toys a crafts. Gavyn and Allisyn are interacting more and more each day and it just makes my heart so happy. Alli absolutely adores Gavyn and thinks he is hilarious, and Gavyn drinks up that admiration and loves doting on her. While in my packing frenzy I snapped a few pictures of them having a great time together.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Spring, or Summer? Is in the air!

As in true Illinois fashion, it seems like some days we have skipped Spring all together and been thrown straight into summer with 80+ degree days. However, this year, I don't mind a bit! I've been waiting for weather that requires minimal clothing and for Alli to wear all her cute summer clothes and show off her beautiful chubs. The breeze keeps us relatively cool out here in the country.

The garden is almost completely planted. After a very muddy day Thursday I was able to get in most of my squashes. Gavyn had fun finding night crawlers in the mud!

Gavyn's speech is becoming more and more clear every day. I love being able to actually understand the words he is saying. He is certainly an outdoorsman - chosing to be outside at every waking moment. He loves the chickens. He is also getting to be a little more social. He talks about some of his friends and asks to see them now. He asks so many questions and I love answering them. He is also becoming Mr. Independent He wants to do EVERYTHING himself. He steps away and says "No, Mama" whenever I try to buckle him in his car seat, open a door, or get his shoes on. I'm so happy he wants to do these things by himself. He is also a BIG helper with Alli! He can push her in the stroller, make her laugh when she is sad, and washes her feet in the bathtub. He listens so well. I am one lucky Mama!

Allisyn is 5 months old now. Holy Cow - almost half a year already!!! I absolutely love this stage. She is happy, fat, and pretty darn easy. She just started rolling from stomach to back, but is pretty immobile. She likes to be toted around in her carrier on my back while Gavyn and I take care of all our outdoor chores. She is such a trooper putting up with following Gavyn's schedule. She absolutely loves being sung to and talked to - and being tickled!! Like her brother, being outside makes life significantly better. That and Gavyn - Gavyn is her favorite. I love to see the two of them interact!