DMU Graduation

Today was a big day in the Fluhman house.  Ben graduated Des Moines University with a doctorate in Podiatric Medicine.  It was amazing.  I am so very proud of him and all that he has accomplished and sacrificed over the last four years.  I wish I could say that the hardest part was behind us but I am pretty scared of what lays ahead with residency.  Despite the LONG 3 hour ceremony (with 3 kids), I was overwhelmed with happiness, joy, pride, and sting of sadness.

CONGRATULATIONS 

Doctor Daddy!  We love you so very much!

Waiting for the ceremony to start

This was our view from the VERY back

Ben getting hooded

(The family in front of us stood up right as they read Ben's name.  I was busy trying to get them to sit down so I could take a picture that I didn't even really see Ben walk across and get hooded.  Really people?!?!?  Of all the times to stand up.)

Our proud little family!

Ben & his wonderful parents!  We were so happy that

they were able to be out here with us to celebrate.

Preschool Graduation

It has been a busy week full of milestones.  It started on Monday with Natali's Preschool Graduation.  She was very excited as this marked that soon she would be a "big kid kindergartner".  But she was also sad when she realized she wouldn't see her friends or teachers at school anymore.  Truth be told we have LOVED Natali's experience at St. Timothy's and I only wish that Isaac could have the same opportunity there.

Natali getting her "diploma"

The Graduating Class

Natali and her carpool buddy Austin

Natali & Mom

Natali & Matthew

We were told often that her and Matthew were going to get married.  She would come up with some of the funniest "Me & Matthew" stories ever!  I think my favorite thing was when one day she came to the conclusion that Matthew and her brother Isaac looked alike (olive skin, brown eyes, buzz cut).  I thought it was pretty interesting.  

Congratulations Natali!  We love you very much.  

Church Sites

Friday morning we loaded the car with kids, snacks, movies, and head south to Missouri.  First on site to see was Adam-ondi-ahman.  It was beautiful.  Actually the whole drive was beautiful.  No wonder the early saints tried to settle here.  It was lush and green everywhere with little streams and rivers.

(Looking down onto the valley.)

(Not the best family picture but it works.)

(The kids loved exploring and just being out of the car in general!)

(How big's SPENCER...so BIG!)

(Enjoying a picnic lunch)

Next on our adventure was going to Far West to see the temple site.  At most of these sites we were the only ones there.  It was very peaceful.  I loved driving through the little towns and going down the back country roads.

(Natali looking at one of the four corner stones.)

(One of the corner stones now in cement.)

Next we went to Braymer, MO.  It was about 30 min east of Far West.  Ben had some ancestors who were buried there.  We found the town cemetery and eventually found the head stone of John Fluhman.  It was a very unique experience.

Our last stop was Independence.  We walked through the visitor center and got the whole tour.  I do have to say that the RLDS building across the street is well, different.  After Independence we stopped in Liberty for some great BBQ.  By the time we finished it was late and we knew we would be getting home close to 10pm already.  So we decided to for go stopping by Liberty Jail and figured we would see it on our way down to Texas in TWO WEEKS!    

I am so glad we decided to do this mini road trip.  It was a great experience and I am glad I saw these places before we left.

Birthday Message

A birthday message to Grandma Fluhman! Happy Birthday Grandma we love you and can't wait to see you a week from today!!!

Hello CHICAGO...I love you!

Over Mother's Day weekend I got the BEST gift ever.  A weekend getaway to Chicago with out my kids! What's the big deal you ask?  I have NEVER left my kids overnight since having Natali.  That's 5 years!  I was EXCITED.  I dreamed of roaming the streets, eating out at restaurants I would never dream of taking kids to, sleeping in, and not worrying about diapers, snacks, naps, or tantrums.  I have to say that the trip lived up to ALL of my expectations and more.  (very very long post documenting many details)

DAY 1:
Friday morning a bunch of us girls jumped in the minivan, hit the road, and arrived in The Windy City a short 5 hours later.  (Can I just say how fast those 5 hours went with out having to listen to whining, kid songs, and Disney movies)


We checked into our hotel and made our first stop at a Pizza place.  Pizzeria Uno.  The BEST pizza I have ever had!  I have been craving it ever since.

(four cheese & pesto pizza)

(Kelly, Shauni, Me, Mandy, Melanie, Chrissy)

Next, we did some serious shopping on Michigan Ave.  We hit so many stores...MAC, H&M, Crate & Barrel, American Girl, Disney Store, GAP, and more.  It was AMAZING.  So many shops, so little money!

American Girl Store

After shopping & eating at the Cheesecake Factory some of us headed up to see the view from the top of the Hancock Building.  It was AMAZING!  It was very peaceful.  The chaos from the streets seemed so organized from that perspective.  It was a little creepy that you could feel the building swaying.  It seemed like we were as high as the clouds!!

(You can't have a girls trip without cheesy photos...I love Shuani's face!)

DAY 2:

We slept in, got ready, and ate breakfast at our leisure.  We started the day heading off to Millennium Park to see some of the "outside art".

(I loved the architecture of all the buildings.  They were so unique and beautiful.)

Then, we went into the Art Institute of Chicago.  I could have stayed there all day.  It was AMAZING to see some of the art that I had studied back in my college days.  Art is amazing, it speaks to each person so individually.  

(Inspired in Iowa...we have actually visited this farm house in Eldon, IA)

(I could have stared at this all day long,  it was breath taking!)

The place was SO big we couldn't see all of it.  

We did see some Pollocks, Van Gogh, O' Keefe, Seurat, Monet, Mattise, and Degas to name a few.

By this time we were starving again.  We took a walk to a place called Ed Debevicks.  Good food & rude waiters.  It was fun.

(I couldn't resist...can you see the crazy McD's in the background?)

Despite the wind & cold we head down to the water to check out Navy Pier.  I can see why this place would be such a hit during the warm summer months.  

(That's for you Ben)

After freezing on the Pier we took a taxi back to the hotel and headed to the Melting Pot for dinner.  I was so grateful we all LIVED through the taxi cab ride.  The guy was CRAZY.  He kept driving while in both lanes and kept yelling that everyone else was the crazy drivers.  I think I held Shauni's hand the whole ride :)  The Melting Pot was HEAVENLY.  Seriously some the best food ever.  Who doesn't like melted cheese, and dipping all forms of dessert into hot gooey chocolate? Yep, it was good! 

DAY 3:

Once again we slept in, ate breakfast, and got ready.  We called down to the desk to say we were ready to check out.  They said everything was set and that they would notify the valet to bring the car around. Seriously?   I could get use to life like that!  To finish the trip off we stopped by Wrigley Field.  It's crazy how it is in the middle of a residential area.  It would have been fun to go to a game, but they were out of town.  Go Cubs!

It was a great trip.  I hope I don't have to wait another 5 years to have one.  It was simply rejuvenating.  I need it.  Thanks Ben for taking care of the monkeys while I was gone!  Thanks girls for the great memories.  

Baby Powder Fun

Yesterday I was enjoying quite time.  Spencer was asleep.  I had cleaned in the morning so I could catch up on some long awaited TV shows, and Isaac was playing quietly in his room.  TOO quietly.  Suddenly a white powdery cloud emerges from the room clutching the mini Cinderella in his chubby fist declaring, "It dirty mama, clean it!"  He was concerned about Cinderella.  Never mind the bottle of powder that he had not only dumped on himself, but the dresser, bed, and carpet.  So much for relaxing, Lost had to wait, and I got to use the vacuum twice in one day (that might be a record for me)!

1 year Old

Spencer had his one year wellness check on Friday.  It went well.  As well as it can with shots and such. He was not happy!  Overall though things looked good.  The nurse called back after his blood draw and told us that he was a little anemic and to add iron drops to one meal a day.  Sounds easy enough.  His stats were:

Height: 29 1/4 inch (34%)

Weight:  21 lbs 10.5 oz (34%)

Head:  18 3/4 inch (84%)

We had pictures taken.  He wasn't very happy at the end but we got a few good shots.  This boy has some crazy hair.  I know this is redundant...but I can't believe he is one!

Final Cake!

It's done.  I finished my last cake class.  It was fun.  It was a nice outlet.  I felt creative.  My kids (Natali) were pretty impressed with my mad cake skills!  I am not sure when I will every had a need to make a basket weave cake...but at least  I know how.