NLXF

On a whim, I decided to join NLXF fitness classes.  This stands for Next Level Extreme Fitness - and is an exercise class that meets in 10-week sessions.  I was feeling lately that I was just not active enough and wanted to be healthier.  I was so tired of turning to running for exercise because it is just NOT enjoyable for me and I dread it.

I had heard of this place from a friend and just decided to jump right in, not knowing a thing.  The session started April 3 but I stared on the 4th day of week 1, on April 6th, and the session ended Fri, June 9th.  I only missed a couple days for travel, but otherwise, I completed the majority of the 10 weeks of classes.  1 hr a day, kick-boxing, strength, and cardio.  It kicked my rear end for the first 3 weeks but then I felt a groove and felt more strong and improved.  Most of the time I attended the 3:00 pm or 4:30 classes.

I don't have any before/after pics, but I lost 15 lbs and feel much better!  I am joining the next 2 sessions.  I love how the classes are much more fun than running, the group is encouraging, the class times are easy to fit into your schedule, there is child care, and it is a convenient one mile from our house.  I am loving it and the program really works.  Every day is new and interesting, never the same, and keeps your body guessing what's coming next!

Paddling Panthers swimming lessons 2017

Here we go for 2017!
Violet - level 6
Calvin - level 4
Vanessa - level 3
Eli - level 2

Treehouse update

Where the treehouse progress is now...Dave has the lower support beams in, the walls, and door frame.

Vanessa LOVED helping put the walls together prior to lifting them up to their spot in the treehouse!

George Wyth beach with Kim and Katie Costello! 6-19-2017

The Costellos are back in Iowa for a few weeks (from Brazil) and we got a couple hours of their time!  We met up for lunch at Arby's and then spent some time playing at the beach at George Wyth Lake.

Father's Day June 18, 2017

We were so busy hosting that we kept Father's Day pretty simple this year.  Dave chose pasta 'n walnuts, bruschetta, and angel food cake/strawberries/vanilla ice cream for his favorite meal.  I had the kids sign an Incredible Hulk card for Dave and Violet had prepared a little book of favorite memories of dad, which was super sweet.

We all think Dave is a pretty amazing daddy for our family and love him so much!  Just realized I have no other pics than the food we ate. haha!

Davis family weekend visit June 16-18, 2017

Aaron and Christina Davis's son Jacob had a few soccer games scheduled in Waterloo, so they called us and asked if they could crash at our place.  We said of course and absolutely!  We had a blast with them and the kids all seemed to enjoy the visit as well...their kids are really cool and it was a nice "kid fit"...lots of similar ages and interests.

L to R: Paige, Eli, Vanessa, Samantha, Violet

Eli and Paige throwing balls from the treehouse

this makes me laugh...apparently she got hit in the mouth and it caused a loose tooth...she was laughing and checking it out with my mirror during Jacob's soccer game

Skylar and Violet

the gals! Vanessa, Paige, Skylar, and Violet

ice cream cones at Mcdonalds

gymnastics tricks on the grass.  This was Jackson's idea...to entertain people!

10 kids in the treehouse!

Jackson

Dave, Maria, Rachel, Christina, Aaron

Christina gave me this pot of succulents - so pretty!

crazy summer hail storm

It pounded for a few minutes and we stood on the deck in awe at the noise and sound of the hail.  Our  van took a beating and the siding of our house got a few holes as well.  We are talking to insurance about it!

"I will praise You in this storm" - even a ball of hail speaks to God's creativity and beauty

Dave and I celebrated 14 yrs of marriage!

14 yrs ago

this is the most recent pic we have together taken in April 2017 in Chicago.  I love this man so much!

we checked out a new restaurant called Single Speed in Waterloo.  Very biker friendly, huge and spacious (in an older Wonderbread factory), and neat local menu.  Rachel was able to babysit for us and she took the kids to the Falls! 

small group ministry activity

Our small group donated time/energy at the NE Iowa Food Bank and packed apples and sweet potatoes.  The kids were machines and helped so much!  This took around 1.5 hrs and we tied hundreds of bags of food to hand out to people eligible to receive free food.

I hosted a dinner location (not the food!) for BBC Elders and wives

Dave unfortunately had to miss out on this progressive dinner.  The elders and wives wanted to do something special for Mark and Diane Wooderson (since they're moving in Sept) and for Gary and Barb Anderson (since he stepped down from being an elder recently).  We had a progressive dinner, which involved appetizers at Gail's house, a main dinner at my house, and desserts at Becky Anderson's.  I did not provide food, just the location.  I borrowed tables, chairs, vases, and silverware from the chapel, and got new placemats and flowers for the event.  It was 17 people in one place!  I had to move the couch towards the TV a couple feet to fit everyone in.  Kris, Marlys, and Teresa brought the food.  BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes and salad.  I provided drinks and dinner rolls/butter.  It was a fun time.  These people are so special to us and to the chapel.  We are so encouraged by the fellowship, friendship, and leadership they all provide.

Dave Wilson and Caleb Weikert attacked the dishes in no time!

Jan Dunkerton (wive of elder emeritus Doug) and Barb Anderson (new wife emeritus!)

Vanessa (7th) and Eli (5th) combined birthday party

Vanessa and Eli were in agreement (most of the time) about having their birthday party on the same day this year.  Since we were involved with a wedding ON Vanessa's birthday, we chose Saturday June 3rd to celebrate both kid's birthdays together - we invited family and all celebrated together.  Jay, Theo, Stella, Mama Row, Rachel, Gpa Jon and Gma Jo all came to help us party!

dollar store trip - big lollipops, water squirters, and balloons!

5 and 7 balloons makes 12!

Vanessa helped me make her  choice of birthday cake which was a cinnamon crumble coffee cake...the "ONLY cake she likes" because she doesn't like regular cake with frosting

Eli helped me mix up his chocolate cake choice

that's really messy but it says "happy 7th birthday Vanessa"

yard games with Gma Jo

water toys and squirting, of course!

he's FIVE!

she's SEVEN!

PJ masks catboy tshirt

shimmer and shine PJs

Owlette shirt (PJ masks thing)

new dress from Mama Row

And on Eli's actual birthday, which was Sunday, June 4th, he wore his Catboy tshirt.

hangin' with Tony Myers with his new bubba water cup

the SS kids sang happy birthday to Vanessa and Eli and Eli's birthday buddy Anthony Myers

a birthday gumball that lasted 4 minutes

Eli and Anthony