Get ready. Get set. GO!

This weekend we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and did a lot of outside chores. Josh and Dustin got up bright and early on Saturday and went to the tool rental center and picked up a thatcher...or de-thatcher. Honestly, I have no idea what it's called.

I made a great breakfast spread and after everyone was fed and Ella was down for a nap (don't worry...our baby monitor is cordless) we went out and raked up all the mess. I must admit the yard looks a lot better and I'd rather rake up dead grass than leaves ANY DAY!

After we were done working outside we went to Hy-vee to see all a bunch emergency vehicles. They were having a Kid's Safety Day and squad cars, an ambulance, the Cedar Rapids mobile command center, the St. Luke's helicopter and a fire truck. We thought Josh and Lauren would have fun and boy were we right!





To be honest, it was pretty neat for Dustin and me too! I think the last time I saw the inside of any emergency personnel vehicle I was on a Girl Scout's tour. And...that's been a few years. ;-)

Dustin and I had never seen the helicopter up close and that was amazing, too. We couldn't believe how compact it was and Josh couldn't get over the clear floor (up by the pilot).

It was just a nice reminder for us and the kids of how thankful we are to have all those people there if we ever need them.

The rest of Saturday was filled with a nap, dinner and playing outside. Not too shabby!

Sunday Dustin took the kids to get donuts. We played hooky from church so that we could head out to pick up the camper. Fortunately picking up the camper was much less eventful than dropping it off...unfortunately I forgot my camera.

We had a nice time at the timber, as usual. I drove the kids around on the Ranger and even Ella got to go along for one ride down the long drive. The kids got to see a snake, a lizard and some deer carcasses. Sounds appealing, right?

Lauren would run up to the snake, spin around and squeal with delight as she ran back me. She thought it was hysterical and Josh was content in keeping a safe distance from our slithering friend.

When we got home the camper got a nice bath. Josh and Dustin did all the dirty work outside and I worked on the dirty work inside (a/k/a changed diapers and laundry).

I have a feeling Dustin is preparing me for our first camping trip to be this next weekend. Boy...camping on Mother's Day again. Only THIS time I'll have three children. I must really love that man.