The hat that Oma made

Campbell is modeling the hat that Oma made. So chic and stylish. Thanks Oma!

Miss Independant

Campbell's vocabulary continues to expand exponentially every day. The long list includes: mommy, daddy, Cooper, Campbell, Oma, Opa, Papa, Grandma, bus, pink, kitty, doll, baby, bubby, milk, drink, mess, wipe, and ball. Those were all too easy for her. Now she is onto words like April, Kyle, poopy diaper, stroller, walk, bike, Jeremy, Beth, Kelly, Pat-Pat, Bailey, Ry-Ry, Maverick, heavy, Barbie, fish, snack, color, makeup, flip flop, teeth, bath, potty, pewy-stinky, bed, crib, seat, vrroom-vrroom, fork, cup, bowl, seeds, cereal, band-aide, purse, keys, bye-bye, phone, remote, hot, thank you, good morning, and the very famous no.

This picture shows clearly what her favorite word is: MINE, MINE, MINE! Leave her to her own devices for just a minute and look at what she creates. Yes, that is a table filled with crackers. Those Ritz cheese sandwich crackers. She thinks she can eat all of those, and to top it off she takes the crackers apart and only eats the cheese!

On Time-Funny Face-Long Hair?

We were actually on time (even early) this morning for church. So I thought what better time to take a few pictures.


Campbell, Cooper, & Mommy



Campbell, Cooper, & Daddy

Chad recently discovered Facebook via a strong urging from his friends. So he wanted some pics to post on his profile page. He hates to have his picture taken. He can't fake a smile and always blinks at the wrong time. So as I tried this is what I got.


"I don't smile."


Cooper thought that was really funny and wanted to show daddy just how to be silly.


Silly girl~!


I asked Chad to take my picture, as I'm always the photographer. He proceeded to click away even when I wasn't ready for the shot. So this is the "cheeziest" smile I've got. Also, since February I've been trying to grow my hair out. I thought this will probably be the last time I ever get a chance to do some crazy idea like this again, so I better try my best. It has taken a LONG time to get to a point that it actually wants to do SOMETHING. My hair has never cooperated for me. The stylist can make it look GREAT, but then it's my turn and it's a flop. My hair is straight, more than that STICK straight with no volume or curl or support. The short hair was cute and easy for the past 3-4 years, but just like all women, I just wanted a change. Much help and advice is needed.

Grateful for Grandparents Part 2

Oma & Opa w/ Campbell & Cooper

This is the second of three installments on this topic. We are very blessed to have three sets of grandparents for the girls to enjoy. We are lucky they all live close enough to share in important events and make lasting memories with the girls.

Second, Chad's parents; Tom & Jane.

Tom & Jane bought a house here in Manhattan about 5 years ago and when we found this house 3 years ago, the fact that it was only a few minutes from Tom & Jane's was a perk. Since Tom & Jane lived in Germany (this last time) for 12 years or more, they wanted the grandkids to call them "Oma & Opa" - the German equivalent.

Oma lives here in Manhattan full time, but Tom works in Leavenworth, KS and commutes home every weekend. When they both moved state side 4 years ago, Tom took a job in Washington DC and was only able to come home a few times a year. Both the girls love to have Opa home more often now.

Oma is a great babysitter and frequently helps us out in a pinch. She loves to watch the girls. She has many interests including: all kinds of sewing projects, antique collecting, attending auctions, and traveling the world. Cooper loves to learn how to stitch from Oma. Oma made Cooper a cute Dutch girl quilt for her bedcover. She also helps out with ironing and sewing up daddy's clothes.

Opa has a lot of creative ideas for dramatic play. Although he hasn't quite taken a love for the "younger" age of the girls, once they are 3 or so he really turns on the charm. Cooper and Opa love to play banker, card shop, take a cruise in his Mercedes, or do puzzles and read books about the states. I think he loves to share his knowledge with her.

Oma & Opa haved volunteered to do numerous jobs at Colgin's golf tournaments and donate each year to our cause. We love to spend time with them, whether it's eating dinner at their house, decorating the Christmas tree, or just playing outdoors with the girls. We are all very glad they are both state side now and can enjoy spending time together as a family.

Girl Scouts

Here is Cooper modeling my Girl Scout/Brownie sash. Now that she is in Kindergarten she has joined Girl Scouts. She is beginning in Daisies, and will be in that for 2 years. Then hopefully onto Brownies and Girl Scouts. She is excited about earning badges and learning about all kinds of new things. She was surprised to see all my old Girl Scout things and couldn't believe I was a Girl Scout too.

Labor Day Fun

Every Labor Day we go to my mom & stepdad, Butch's, house for a lot of family fun. The girls can play with their cousins, enjoy all the animals, play lots of new games, be silly, and if the weather cooperates enjoy some time on the lake. This year we had Sunday and Monday to enjoy the adventures.


Cooper in the lake, she's not much of a swimmer.


Campbell had fun floating around with Grandma.


Chad isn't much of a water person either, but somehow they talked him into joining in on the kayak races with some locals from town. Each year there is a big competition, usually involving water, fireworks, water balloons, and lots of laughs.


Cooper has taken to smirking at the camera lately.


In the barn the little kids search for goodies in the hay.


Cooper remembers doing this when she was younger too.


We always go for a hay rack ride around the lake. We were very tired & hungry. So we stopped at the resort to roast some marshmallows and make some smores. Yummy!


And of course while we are at the resort we have to visit the horses, ponies, and donkeys.

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa for another great Labor Day.

Time for a Tailgate

It's that time of year again, K-State Football season is here. So the first tailgate was a family friendly one.


Cooper, Campbell, & mom enjoying some snacks before the game.


Daddy joins in on the fun.

K-State earned a victory that day!

Good Friends

We are lucky to have good friends,especially good friends with kids that are our kids' age and to be so close and be able to get together, hang out, and have some fun. Teagan & Addy came over the other night, while Michelle was at work. Most of the time the girls play really well together, unless they are HUNGRY. Which they were this night. ;o)




Cooper, Campbell, Addy, & Teagan



Addy & Campbell