Fun Sunday!

This is how our Sunday afternoon started:

It was so gorgeous out, we just couldn't stay inside! So we headed down to Red Rock in Pella to meet Shawn's parents for some biking and canoeing! Kallen had not done either, and was running a fever, so we were not sure how our day was going to go- but I'd say all things considered he did pretty good!

This just made me smile:

I didn't get any pictures of us biking, but he loved hanging out in his little trailer and getting to go fast!!

What he did NOT like was his new life jacket. He has never really had a life jacket on, and it did not help that by the time we were ready to get in the water Kallen had gone all afternoon without a nap. :(

He cried most of the time in the canoe, but there were times when I would let him stand in the front and look over the edge that he was having a blast! I think he will do better next time, but this was a good practice run to see if canoeing with a toddler was doable!

Here are a few pictures of him in Grandma and Papa's Kayak before we forced him to wear the life jacket:

All in all it was a great day!! And I can't wait to do it all again!!!

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin....

"Ok Mom, I'm ready to go! But I feel like something is missing.....like maybe a friend??"

This was our big purchase today! Now that the weather is finally nice, we are ready to get our bikes out and hit the trails! We have not officially taken Kallen out in this yet, but I think he will LOVE it! Let us know if you want to go biking! We have room for one more!!

SWAGGER WAGON

Some friends sent this to me, and I just had to post it!

As my son grows up, I am quickly realizing that I am more of a "toddler person" than a "baby person". Don't get me wrong, I loved the newborn phase- but even more I love watching my little boy learn to communicate and start putting things together in that little head of his. I love his VERY busy little personality and I suppose I even love the fact that he is not a "clingy" child. (even if that does mean that he will NOT cuddle at all)

Here are some little quirky things that Kallen does:

- When I vacuum he hides underneath the kitchen table, watching intently, and does not come out until the vacuum is put away.

- He thinks that all bracelets are made to go around your ankles/feet and whenever he finds one of my bracelets he will immediately put it on his foot and walk around the house, getting mad when it falls off.

- Some afternoons he spends 20-30 min just lying in bed with his blanket right by his face looking around and talking to himself. He never does fall asleep- it's like he just needs a little alone time- and when he's done, he will stand up and say "mamamama" until I come back up to get him. (that is usually in addition to his 2 daily naps)

- He is a typical boy in that he LOVES balls!! My mother-in-law came up on Friday and we took Kallen to Toys R Us. He spent almost the entire time pointing out every ball he saw, saying "ba ba!"

- It doesn't matter how cool the toy is, Kallen will spend all of his time outside playing with rocks and dead grass.

- And last but most certainly not least, Pacifiers might just be the greatest invention ever! I originally thought I would take away his paci when he turned one but that only lasted a day. What can I say- my child LOVES his pacifiers!

Kallen has an announcement...

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That's right! Baby DeBoef #2 is coming November 21st!!

Happy Birthday!!

Our "baby boy" turned 1 on Saturday! I still can't believe it!! It is amazing how much life can change in a year, and what an amazing year it has been!! I cannot even begin to put into words the joy that this little boy has brought to our lives. We are so thankful for him each and every day and I cannot wait to see what new experiences this next year will bring!!

Slides + Recycled Rubber = a Good Day!

Last year I was taking Kallen for a walk around our new neighborhood and I was really excited to discover a park just a few blocks from our house!! I spent the entire summer walking by that park and dreaming of the day that our kids would be running around, sliding down the slides, and screaming at the top of their lungs!!

All winter I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring....it has been a loooong winter and now that Kallen is older and walking I could NOT WAIT to get him outside again!! My sister was hanging out with our little brother Jacob (he's 9) today so they met us at our house and we all walked to the park! It was a little chilly but we had a GREAT time!

Kallen spent most of his time playing with the recycled rubber and I spent most of my time trying to keep it out of his mouth.

He LOVED sliding with his uncle Jacob!!

Hopefully this will be just the first of MANY more days at the park this summer!!