Tulip Time

On Saturday I went to a nearby town for their annual Tulip Time Festival. It is held in Pella which is a dutch town and every May they have this festival. I have always wanted to go and this year I got to go with my friend and her two boys. It was a long exhausting day filled with food and fun. I think if I go again I will go on Friday though. It was so busy on Saturday which made it hard to push around strollers.

Luckily, my friend had been there before and pointed us in the direction of this canal. It's not very long but it's not something you usually see in Iowa. Definitely reminded me of San Antonio! (except this canal had a sign that said, "Canal is chemically treated. Please do not touch water.")

Here is Tyler enjoying the canal. Don't worry, the stroller brakes were on!

Enjoying some tulips.

Some floats from the parade. Tyler did eventually get into the parade by clapping, waving and of course naming all of the colors he saw. That kid and his colors!

For Mother's Day I had requested that we go on a picnic. There is a large lake nearby that has plenty of different options for picnics. It was a little chilly but it turned out to be a nice time. Two memorable things happened there. 1. Tyler originally sat at the picnic table next to daddy but then got up and moved around to sit next to mommy. Such a nice Mother's Day present. 2. We couldn't figure out what to pack for Tyler since all his favorite meals need a microwave. I suggested a peanut butter sandwich with no crusts. He ate it! Very exciting to have another option.

Before I do a recipe at a Pampered Chef cooking show I like to test it out at home. I'm going to start making a trifle at shows but I didn't want to make it for just me and Dan because it serves 12 people. Like we need 12 servings of yumminess sitting around! So I made it for my MOMS Club yesterday. Oh man, was it good. And easy too! I love easy recipes that look like they're complicated. Here is the Strawberry Cream Trifle:

Baking and the park!

Not to be confused with baking IN the park. Tyler is really into helping me bake. It's actually gotten to the point that whenever I bring out a mixing bowl he starts saying, "help? help?" The other day we made these awesome Banana Crumb Muffins.

Tyler and I have been enjoying the gorgeous weather we've been having. I love temps in the high 60's and low 70's. In fact, I'm not sure why I even live in the Midwest. I don't like hot weather and I don't like cold weather (I like snow though!). Anyway, back to the point. We have been going on a lot of walks. Our walks take forever because Tyler wants to touch/pick up/throw/pull/smash everything he sees. We have a playground about a half mile away from us that we go to sometimes. I actually remembered my camera the last time and I took A LOT of pictures! Just for you guys!

In this picture he is chasing a bird. You can see the bird in the grass right above his outstretched hand. He gets really excited when he sees a bird and always tries to run after and catch them. He has not caught one yet. =)

Blowing bubbles (we take the wagon to the playground and load it up with toys)

Here is the playset. Last year he wouldn't climb up the rungs like that.

Last year he would gingerly walk down the bridge, then crawl up the other side (it moves). This time he ran right across! Freaked me out a bit!

Then he climbs up to the big slide

And heads down the slide!

There is a large open grassy area at the playground. I encourage lots of running and ball kicking. This usually makes for a good nap. =) He's actually very good at kicking the ball, running after it, and then kicking it again. (I try to play with him but he won't let me)

He loves swinging on the big boy swings now

I love spring blooms!

On to random cat pictures. This red cube holds some of Tyler's toys. It gets emptied everyday by Tyler so I guess Lisle decided to take advantage of it for a nap.

All the kids stretched across the couch