Dawg Days of Summer

What a summer! We have been on-the-go since the day school was out. Here we are already preparing to start school again. Drew will be in Pre-K at the elementary school right next door to me; he is growing up so fast! We'll let these pictures give you a run-down of our summer adventures!

Elizabeth & Spencer's big day!

Cool in the pool while visiting with Cousin Robbie in Baltimore.

Drew getting ready for his first "big" ride at Hershey Park.

Natalie chillin' with Uncle Rob.

Cooling off while visiting with the Uncle Cool Oshinski's in Suwanee.

Our little bathing beauty!



Waiting for the pre-July 4th fireworks with the Peav's.

Relaxing with Cousin Johnny in St. Louis.

Chicken Fight! Cousin Marc and his family got to visit us during our stay in St. Louis.

Happy Birthday, Natalie!

So, after a long leave of absence from posting, I had to return to give Natalie her own birthday slide show! We have been very busy with school and family events, but we have had a great time spending time with family and friends over the past few weeks. More to come on the family later, but for now, please enjoy some pics from Natalie's Royal Birthday Celebration and a slide show of her first year! We love you, sweet princess!

Natalie Jean Hauert at OneTrueMedia.com

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Counting our Blessings

I wanted to do a quick post to let everyone know about the new button that I added to our blog called "Praying for Stellan." I found out about this sweet baby from my cousin Ansley. It is unbelievable what he and his family have gone through with his sickness. Although I don't know the family personally, I feel like I do just from reading about their experiences. If you check it out, you will see the number of people that follow their lives keeping tabs on Stellan. Just have a box of Kleenex ready and consider adding the button to join the hundreds of people praying for him. It really makes me appreciate having two very healthy children and admire the parents of the children I know who have to deal with other sickeness and life-altering conditions.

Back to School Already?

I cannot believe that Matt and I are about to have to head back to school. Summer has been so busy and gone so fast. Natalie turned 5 months old this past Saturday. We are very excited about our new babysitter that both Drew and Natalie will go to this year. Not a lot to update about the family...just enjoy some of our favorite pictures from the past few weeks!

So pretty!

Natalie loves her thumb!

What a good lookin' family!

Drew is showing off his "muscles."

Home Sweet Home

An exhausting vacation season is officially over! We returned yesterday from our trip to Gulf Shores. As much as we love the beach and being with our family, traveling with two little ones is so stressful- especially when one is a 4-month old that is grouchy most of the time! We had a lot of fun and made great new memories with everyone. Drew got much braver in the pool and was jumping in, going underwater, and kicking his way across the pool (wearing water wings, of course). This is the same kid that usually doesn't leave the steps of the pool. We are so proud of him!

Our Bathing Beauty!

Drew contemplating the next step in proper sand castle construction.

Early in the week before we all got fried (except Natalie)!

The view of the Intracoastal Waterway from our back deck.

Summertime, and the livin' is....crazy!

Whoever claims that summer is a time to rest and relax is out of their mind! We have been on the go so much over the past few weeks that we can't keep track of what day it is! Some of our activities have included: visiting the Yellow River Game Ranch with the Beckmans, swimming in our backyard kiddie pool and at the Woods of Parkview pool, staying at Nana's house while she was on her cruise, visiting the Royal Family, celebrating Mommy's birthday, and heading north to visit family in Newburgh and Chicago.

We have another trip planned for July 4-11; we will be going to Gulf Shores with the Stewart family. Hopefully the drive will not send Natalie into a frenzie again. After two of the longest 7-hour car rides ever, we have determined that there is nothing we can do to keep our little princess happy in the car. She just screams and makes herself sick doing so. Mommy and Natalie booked a flight home from Chicago and sent the boys back home via Newburgh in the car. Fortunately, Natalie was wonderful on the plane! Whew! Enjoy some pics from our busy summer!

A deer's favorite meal...graham crackers.

This deer wanted to check out Natalie's ride.

He has no idea what he is in for if she wakes up!

Drew having a blast at the splash park in Indiana.

The girls chillin' at the splash park.