Herman Nation

December, 2014 in Pictures

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Facebook: December, 2014

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December 4 at 9:10a
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

This morning, Bryce accidentally touched Buddy (our Elf on the Shelf). Ivie screamed. Macie broke into sobs. Bryce collapsed onto the floor in tears. ‪#‎stillbelieving‬ (P.S. I assured them that Santa, with all of his magic, would figure something out.)

December 6 at 11:51a
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

5K Reindeer Romp'ing with Girls on the Run!

December 6 at 4:59p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

This boy is SERIOUS about stacking some states. (And, as you can tell from his facial expression, also serious about wanting help reading the questions - because he knows most of the answers.) ‪#‎thereareworsewaystospendscreentime‬

December 8 at 6:54p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

My eager assistant showing off our Candy Cane Marshmallow Pops (aka hot chocolate stirrers) for "Cocoa with Compliance".

December 11 at 7:58a
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

My 3 1/2 year old just correctly placed all 50 states on the map. Entirely by himself. Without missing a single one. ‪#‎stackthestates‬ ‪#‎smartypants‬

December 12 at 4:46p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

All smiles after Bryce's school Christmas play.

December 13 at 5:53p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

This may not end well, but it's a sweet big sisters' effort!

December 14 at 4:37p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

He gets Team Umizoomi, I get snuggles. ‪#‎winwin‬

December 19 at 3:32p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Finger knitting. ‪#‎welovequietcraftprojects‬

December 20 at 11:21a
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The game he chose for "Buggy" time with Mommy this morning. ‪#‎PrettyPrettyPrincess‬ ‪#‎lifewithsisters‬

December 21 at 4:34p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Something tells me this will turn into an Amy/Dale holiday project. ‪#‎theydidhelpwithedgepieces‬

December 22 at 5:05p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

26 hours after starting, and I have learned that one way to get Dale to stop playing Candy Crush is to pull out a challenging puzzle.

December 23 at 9:46p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The second of 2 puzzles I thought would last us through the holidays. Clearly I underestimated both his ability and his desire. ‪#‎whatwillwedotomorrow‬

December 25 at 8:53p
Dale Herman

Grandma may not love the Disney movies on the iPad, but it is a guaranteed way to get some snuggle time with Bryce!

December 25 at 8:59p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Macie was super quiet in Grandma's kitchen. I thought she might be sneaking cookies. But when I peeked around the corner, I found this. ‪#‎dickandjaneultimatestorybook‬

December 31 at 9:54p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

"I made a cup of coffee, Nina!" ‪#‎imaginationmagnets‬ ‪#‎ChristmaswithNinaandPapa‬

November, 2014 in Pictures

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Facebook: November, 2014

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November 1 at 3:42p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

First post-babies half-marathon in the books. I finished first! (Granted, I was the only runner...)

November 5 at 4:24p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Runner-girls selfie... Still smiling after her first Girls on the Run mock race - complete with mustache/beard, uni-brow, and Rudolph markings for lap counting!

November 7 at 6:50p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Movie night with "Annie". ‪#‎canthelpbutsingalong‬

November 9 at 2:14p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Daddy rakes. Kids play.

November 13 at 6:55a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

He thinks he's old enough to have his own morning chore chart.

November 15 at 10:43a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Pre-game attitude.

November 16 at 8:27p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

We have discovered video messages in Skype. Oh, the entertainment.

November 22 at 10:52a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Sportin' their Mizzou gear.

November 24 at 4:48p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Not very often can you see both ends...

November 26 at 12:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Lunch out to watch the Heels. Thanks, Emma Jean, for hangin' with the kiddos!

November 27 at 11:05a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Not the same type of turkey others are fixin' up today, but our Oreo turkey tradition continues! Happy Thanksgiving, all!

November 29 at 9:06a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Let the decorating begin!

November 30 at 4:30p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
He takes his job very seriously. ‪#‎lovemyhubbythedecorator‬

November 30 at 5:57p

Dale Herman
Great way to end an awesome family weekend! ‪#‎LittleHero3‬

Facebook: October, 2014

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October 3 at 5:13p
Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Food truck eats at Trinity Homecoming!

October 3 at 7:07p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Family picture. I'll take it however I can get it. ‪#‎Dalephotoboothphotobomb‬

October 4 at 3:18p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Check out our cool babysitter!

October 8 at 1:28p

Sarah Schaeperkoetter Anderson

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman, Olivia and I found ourselves on your old stomping grounds today learning about Winston Churchill. After answering the question, "Why didn't Amy go to school at Mizzou like you did?" and the inevitable questions that followed, she said, "Cool, my aunt is a LEGEND!"

October 10 at 10:55a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Oh. Boy. ‪#‎thisisgonnabeinteresting‬

October 11 at 12:14p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Moms of girls-who-love-their-dolls... I know you feel my pain. ‪#‎beforeandafter‬ ‪#‎longoverdue‬ ‪#‎morninghairsalonduty‬

October 12 at 8:32p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
changed her profile picture.

October 16 at 12:42p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Thanks to my "Schaeperkoetter" Google Alert, I got to see (and now share!) a pic of my dad today. Thanks, Gasconade County Republican!

October 18 at 7:32p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Kids' first night game!

October 20 at 4:12p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

A blue sky and a sweet play-structures-are-awesome smile.

October 24 at 6:19p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Our Greek Goddess, Woody, and Police Officer ready for their first 2014 Halloween party!

October 24 at 10:08p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
changed her cover photo.

October 25 at 9:15a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

When you are 7 miles into your long run and your fully-charged-beforehand, GPS-tracking, split-timing, motivational-music-providing phone dies... ‪#‎uncool‬ ‪#‎IthinkIwent10butwhoknows‬

October 26 at 7:04a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I suggest no one attempt to run on a treadmill while watching SportsNation's 44 Jeers of October. It's difficult to simultaneously run and laugh hysterically.

October 26 at 11:13a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Beautiful day to say "yes" instead of the typical we've-got-to-get-to-the-store-before-lun

ch "no" to the weekly post-church playground request.

October 30 at 7:25p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Our cowgirl for her Harvest Hoedown!

October 31 at 9:55p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Halloween, 2014!

October, 2014 in Pictures

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September, 2014 in Pictures

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Facebook: September, 2014

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September 1 at 8:00p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The difference between my board-games-and-laundry day and Dale's 8-mile-walk-and-grass-mowing day. ‪#‎iloseagain‬

September 4 at 8:44a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The first, but likely not last, Chutes and Ladders game of Papa and Nina's visit. (Bryce won.)

September 4 at 2:24p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Macie has been out of school with a fever all week. Today, her sweet teacher and classmates made her smile. ‪#‎weloveTrinity‬

September 4 at 10:24p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Bedtime stories with Nina.

September 8 at 8:22p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

If you're a sometimes-stressed-out mom looking for a cute family movie that ISN'T ANIMATED, check out Moms' Night Out. Lots of laughs, a sweet message about just being yourself (and "good enough"), and a sure-to-break-out family dance party at the end! ‪#‎MondaynightRedboxfun‬

September 9 at 7:03p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Look what Daddy brought me from Barcelona!!!

September 10 at 7:13a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Because everyone should have cake for breakfast on their birthday.

September 10 at 8:35a

Dale Herman

My now 6 year old daughter brings so much joy to her parents, siblings, and friends! She has an infectious smile, a huge heart, and is such a caring sister to Ivie and Bryce! Today is your day, sweetie! Happy Birthday, Macie! We love you so much! Although you can slow down this growing up thing if you want.

September 12 at 8:04a

Dale Herman

Happy Birthday to my best friend, wife, and loving mother to our three kids! I can't imagine having a more perfect person to live all three of those roles with us. We love you!!!

September 12 at 9:25a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I think I am going to have to accidentally forget to enter my dining choices into my FitBit today... ‪#‎RiseDonutsintheoffice‬ ‪#‎caloriesdontcountonyourbirthday‬

September 13 at 6:10p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Celebrating Macie's 6th birthday at Build-A-Bear!

September 14 at 8:52a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Sweet flashbacks like this make me miss (but not necessarily crave) the baby days. ‪#‎threeyears‬

September 20 at 7:42a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

13,221 by 7:40a. Bring it, Day. ‪#‎fitbit‬ ‪#‎8miles‬

September 21 at 5:42p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Bryce, walking through our newly-aerated yard: "There's poop EVERYWHERE!"

September 25 at 12:34p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Home sick, day 3. At least I have fun lunch reading materials! ‪#‎Dominosleftovers‬ ‪#‎finallymadeourLondonandParisbook‬

September 27 at 7:50a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Something about Bryce running back and forth between the girls' rooms exclaiming, "It's Mommy Day!" makes me hope that today is the day my cough will just give up and move on...

Hill Ridge Farms (2014)

2014-10-19T20:26:00.000-04:00

Another year, another Hill Ridge Farms fall adventure with the Devers. Before working on this post, I spent some time looking at previous years' posts. What great memories to see the kids growing up and changing from year to year. Our family (or at least Dale and I) really cherishes these wonderfully fun days that we get to spend together as a family.

At this point, there is no reason to include words in these posts. The attractions at Hill Ridge don't change much from year to year. Nor do the sweet kids' smiles. But I look forward to enjoying these pictures for years to come!

Macie's 6th Birthday Party

2014-10-15T21:07:00.000-04:00

To celebrate Macie's 6th, we had a few of her best, lifelong friends (Emerson, Cameron, and Caroline) join us for a Carolina Volleyball game, a trip to Build-A-Bear, and a sleepover. The girls (and Bryce) had a blast.

Macie and Lewis the Lion (Traveling Class "Pet")

2014-09-30T21:34:00.000-04:00

Hi! Lewis here. Macie’s mommy told me that I could write our story about today, so that was a fun treat! Here I am, writing up this journal entry!

My first stop after Kindergarten was to visit with Macie’s friends in Trinity Neighborhood! And guess what?!? We had a FIRE DRILL!!! Good thing it was only a practice, though – Macie had to leave me on the shelf while she went outside!

We were only there for about an hour, though, because on Tuesdays, Macie goes to Young Rembrandt’s Art Class with her best-friend-since-she-was-a-baby, Cameron, her sister, Ivie, and Cameron’s sister, Caroline. The project today was drawing a parrot, which I especially loved. All 4 girls did a great job. See?

After art class, we headed home. Since it was such a beautiful day outside, Macie took me for a quick ride on her scooter before we had to help make dinner.

Lucky for me, tonight was Taaaaaaco Tuesday! Macie’s job is to get the shells ready for the oven. So I helped lay them out very straight.

After dinner, we headed back outside. First, for another chore: helping Macie’s daddy mow the grass. Boy, he sure had let it get too long! Macie and I had to push REEEEEEALLY hard on that mower.

Then, it was play time again. Macie wanted to show me the ‘hood, so we jumped on her bike and took a spin around the block. Ivie and Bryce came along, too, but apparently only one of them wanted to be in the picture with me!

And check out how fast Macie and I were going at the end! Can you even SEE us? We were going so fast we were just a blur to Macie’s mommy’s camera. I must admit, I was pretty glad when that “ride” was over! I mean, get a good look at Macie’s face. Does she look like a safe driver to you? ME NEITHER.

But we didn’t wreck the bike, so we celebrated with a Café Carolina blue cupcake for dessert.

GO HEELS!!!!

What a fun afternoon! We were sad for it to come to an end. But I can tell you that I, for one, need my beauty rest. Hope you all get great snuggles tonight, too!

August, 2014 in Pictures

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Facebook: August, 2014

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August 2 at 11:49a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Marbles is soooo much more fun when your best friends randomly show up!

August 2 at 1:33p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

It's not a great state of affairs when your FitBit says you have "Nailed it!" on caloric intake for the day and it's only 1:30p.

August 2 at 6:28p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Ivie: "I don't even care if it's cute. I just want a dog."

August 8 at 12:12p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Updated her cover photo.

August 8 at 6:35p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Likely the only way we will get him on a tube in the foreseeable future. ‪#‎notawaterlovingbaby‬

August 9 at 12:02p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The joy of facing your fear of water head-on and conquering it. ‪#‎firsttimetubing‬

August 10 at 10:20a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
A year ago today, I took almost these same boating pictures. Fun times with great (but Facebook-less) friends.

August 10 at 12:40p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Favorite line from the weekend... Ivie: "Sorry I pushed you into the pool." Bryce: "You didn't PUSH me. You PICK'ded me up and FROWED me in."

August 11 at 12:42p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Seems Iv has latched on to my trick of sneaking notes into lunch boxes...

August 11 at 4:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

After thanking Ivie for my sweet lunch note(s), she looked at them and said, "Whoops! I meant ROLE model." (Shot to the ego, but ultimately good, I guess!)

August 14 at 8:04p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
This was Take 2 of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at our house this evening. (Don't even ask about Round 1.) Ivie challenges the McCulloch kiddos, her favorite Herman boys, her Schaeperkoetter cousins, and her Nina and Papa!!!

August 16 at 8:44p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

One boy enjoyed the slide. The other complained of skin burns.

August 20 at 8:56a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

After years of anticipation, Macie's big day has arrived. ‪#‎finallytoschoolwithIvie‬

August 20 at 9:43p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

If you know my parents at all, you will get a huge kick out of this. Actually, it doesn't even matter if you know them. Watch it either way. HILARIOUS.

August 26 at 6:33p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Snowcones and volleyball. Go Lions!

August 29 at 7:17p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Sometimes the Carolina Blue icing just isn't exciting enough. ‪#‎CafeCarolinaelectriccollection‬

August 30 at 9:20p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Ahhhhh, football season...

August 30 at 10:39p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
#‎requisiteannualchoochoophoto‬

July, 2014 in Pictures

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Facebook: July, 2014

2014-09-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

July 1 at 11:34a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Made the trip down memory lane to Owensville, MO today. The kiddos LOVED the new waterpark and, in particular, the lazy river!

July 2 at 11:47a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
A morning at Three Story Coffee with the original Schaeperkoetter girls. ‪#‎askinosiehotcocoarocks‬

July 2 at 2:29p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Picnicking.

July 3 at 3:52p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

These grand young'uns sure are growin' up!

July 3 at 9:38p

Sarah Schaeperkoetter Anderson

Two sisters. One selfie.

July 4 at 8:53p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
We don't get to hang with these peeps very often!

July 7 at 4:17p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I guess it's a good thing when your kid is upset with you for picking her up early from camp. ‪#‎jellybeansskatecamp‬

July 14 at 7:01p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Much to his father's dismay, Bryce has developed a recent affinity for soccer.

July 16 at 8:29a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Oh, my. Awesome 3-yr flashback here. One of my favorite baby boy outfits. And, lucky for us, that sweet smile remains today...

July 17 at 3:01p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

It's a Sweet-Frog-Selfie sort of day.

July 18 at 12:54p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
5 years ago today, when Iv was B's age. I see a resemblance... ‪#‎flashback‬

July 19 at 2:18p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

He's got firing mastered. Aiming, not so much...

July 22 at 8:41a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Our start to B's sick day.

July 23 at 10:38a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

When daycare says your kid is still sick, but he's really not... ‪#‎lovethe24hourfeverrule‬

July 27 at 7:47a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Macie, desperately trying to put on a dress shoe 2 sizes too small: "It probably still fits, I just can't get it on."

July 27 at 5:18p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

They don't just LOOK alike...

July 31 at 7:13p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

There's just something about the blue icing... ‪#‎CafeCarolina‬ ‪#‎MIZ‬

June, 2014 in Pictures

2014-09-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Facebook: June, 2014

2014-08-31T14:16:00.005-04:00

June 1 at 5:25p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Take me out to the baaaall gaaaame...

June 1 at 6:58p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

We promise to brush REALLY well tonight, Dr. John...

June 3 at 7:02p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

"Bryce, I'll push you if you give me your sweetest smile." ‪#‎workseverytime‬

June 4 at 6:52p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I don't remember being 8, but I have a feeling it looked something like this...

June 4 at 7:51p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The girls are officially ready for their upcoming Busch stadium debut! ‪#‎gocards‬

June 6 at 9:12p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Found this cleaning up tonight. From what I can tell, Ivie quickly tired of copying "Mommy's work" from the NCAA Manual and moved on to writing her own simplified version of lacrosse rules. ‪#‎ifonlyitwerethateasy‬

June 8 at 7:21p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

With my girl again! Not making banana bread this time, though. Sadly.

June 9 at 8:26p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I don't get to see this handsome guy nearly enough. ‪#‎lovemylittlebro‬

June 10 at 6:09p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Happy Birthday to the best daddy (and hubby) around!

June 12 at 6:15p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

This city girl is loving her week on the farm! ‪#‎spencesfarmcamp‬

June 14 at 8:37p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I just fell in love with Augustus and Hazel Grace all over again. ‪#‎datenight‬ ‪#‎thefaultinourstars‬

June 14 at 9:36p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Chocolate. Yum. — with Dale Herman at The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

June 15 at 8:49a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

These three kiddos (and their Mommy) sure have it good... Happy Father's Day, Dale!

June 20 at 2:27p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

After a long camp/VBS week, and in anticipation of an early morning flight to Missouri (YAY!!), we asked the girls to nap. They fussed. And then this (approximately 45 seconds after heads hit pillows).

June 21 at 1:52p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

It's probably been 30 years since my hair last stood straight up at The Magic House. Bring it...

June 21 at 4:15p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

It's reeeeally hot. But we're here! Go Cards!

June 21 at 9:57p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

And the hair doesn't disappoint.

June 23 at 7:14a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I just asked Bryce to go get his shoes. He looked down at his shorts and said, "Mommy, which shoes I wear with THESE pants?" Already more fashion-conscious than his mommy. ‪#‎heishisfather‬

June 24 at 6:11p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Bryce has decided that a week without his sisters around isn't so bad. (I won't tell him that the feeling is likely mutual.)

June 25 at 7:21a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Bryce is starting to exhibit the incessant counting tendencies of my youth. Stairs, letters in words, number of toys, etc. For me, it was stairs and number of dribbles in the lay-up line (which could not exceed 3).

June 26 at 1:33p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

2 years ago. Thankfully, we've both grown some hair.

June 27 at 10:37a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Another summer trip to MO, another annoyingly-long (3.5 hour) flight delay. At least we have snacks.

June 27 at 8:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Who knew we had our own fountain at the STL Zoo?!?

June 30 at 12:13p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Who better to take B to his first movie?!?

May, 2014 in Pictures

2014-07-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Facebook: May, 2014

2014-07-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

May 1 at 6:41a

Dale Herman

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife, Amy! The first 10 years have brought us three wonderful children and countless amazing memories. I couldn't be more excited to share the next 10 years with you and see what is next for us and our family. There is no better person to share this journey with! ‪#‎blessed‬

May 1 at 8:01a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
May 1, 2004. We had an all-day downpour on our wedding day, but so many sunny and amazing days since (and surely to come)! Happy 10th anniversary, Dale!

May 2 at 12:22p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Pipe cleaners. What a "hair"brained way to make cat ears! ‪#‎dresslikeapetday‬

May 6 at 6:14p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

"My want Dusty to eat with me."

May 9 at 9:10a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Ivie left one of her "journals" on the kitchen island open to this page. At least she can be secretly, if not always outwardly, proud of her sister.

May 10 at 12:53p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Lovin' time with our Herman cousins!

May 11 at 6:46a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Mom (Jeffnjane), thanks for your part in giving us all such an amazing family to call our own. You inspire us all. Happy Mother's Day!!

May 11 at 6:50a

Dale Herman

Mothers are the most important people in our lives, and I am blessed to have three amazing women in my life! I love you, Mom! I love you, Amy! I love you, Jane! Happy Mother's Day to the three of you, and all of the other special Mothers out there. This is your day!

May 11 at 8:27a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Headed to our 9th Annual Mother's Day breakfast at IHOP! Bring on the country omelet and blueberry pancakes...

May 13 at 8:28a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Dr. Macie on "Dress Like a Grown-Up" day. (And her kid brother who wanted to be in the pic, but refused to look at the camera.)

May 17 at 6:07p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
After surviving a missed connection, some standby failures, and an ultimate re-routing through Amsterdam, we finally made it to London. Only 9.5 hours late. Our bags joined us 14 (me) and 28 (Dale) hours later. Here are some of our Days 1 and 2 highlights...

May 19 at 3:57p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Rounding out London on Days 3 and 4 with these highlights: Wimbledon, Hampton Court Palace, Harrods, St. Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tower of London, and the Tower Bridge.

May 20 at 12:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Back on the home front, Macie is celebrating Cowgirl Day!

May 20 at 3:28p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

'Twas a rainy first day in Paris. But the drizzle didn't keep us from seeing "La Tour Eiffel" in the distance from the top of the Arc de Triomphe!

May 21 at 3:24p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Paris, Day 2. Rain continued, but sights were still amazing, including Notre-Dame and the Louvre.

May 22 at 4:12p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Paris, Day 3. Hereafter to be known to Dale as "the-day-Amy-took-a-gazillion-pictures-of-the-Eiffel-Tower". But, honestly. Can you ever have too many photographs of such a magnificent structure?

May 23 at 2:56p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Palace of Versailles on Paris, Day 4 to wrap up our trip! Ready to head home to the munchkins tomorrow!

May 25 at 6:32p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

As the lady in the van next to mine was filing her kids out of the sliding door, she apologized for their delay, paused, and said, "Oh, but you drive a mini-van, so you probably get it.". Yes, ma'am, I do!

May 29 at 8:50p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Deep thoughts at bedtime by 3-yr old Bryce: "Mommy, why Elsa shut people out?" Followed soon by, "Why Anna take Elsa's glove?"

May 30 at 6:58p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

How B feels about being fever-free for the first time in 72 hours...

April, 2014 in Pictures

2014-07-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Facebook: April, 2014

2014-07-02T18:48:00.002-04:00

April 2 at 4:49p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Spring 'dos!

April 2 at 7:56p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Woo-hoo!!! Daddy's home from China!!

April 4 at 12:30p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

A rare lunch date on my turf with my Momma and Pops!

April 5 at 10:05p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
updated her cover photo.

April 7 at 4:06p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Whale-watching on a catamaran in Maui!

April 8 at 9:30p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

You don't see this out your plane window every day... ‪#‎halfwayhome‬

April 11 at 3:28p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Better late than never on the embarrassing sibling pictures, though I am the one who will likely be the most embarrassed... ‪#‎samehaircutasmybrothers‬ ‪#‎NationalSiblingsDay‬

April 11 at 5:46p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Doing my part to make sure they have photos to share on National Siblings Day when they get old and are reminiscing about their youth...

April 13 at 12:40p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Out for a run/walk on her first day as an 8 year-old. Happy birthday, Iv!

April 14 at 3:48p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

I think she likes it... ‪#‎barnesandnoblekidsclub‬

April 17 at 6:59p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Celebrating "8" at a movie party with her buddies!

April 20 at 7:50a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Happy Easter!!!

April 20 at 5:02p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
My kids apparently like to show off their eggs...

April 21 at 4:55p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
It's a selfies-in-the-lawn-chair kind of afternoon.

April 23 at 8:06a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

When you turn 3, you have to smile with your whole face. Happy birthday, Bug!

April 23 at 7:45p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Putting this in the "show-to-his-girlfriend-someday" file.

April 28 at 5:37p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Listening to Ivie "teach" Macie about fleas using Wikipedia on the iPad. She asked, "Mac, do you want to learn about cat fleas, dog fleas, sand fleas, or flea flicker?" Sadly, she didn't choose flea flicker. I would have enjoyed the ensuing confusion.

April 28 at 7:14p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The girls have "surprised" me 3 nights in a row by sneaking upstairs to shower on their own, returning downstairs afterward in eager anticipation of my expression of shock and amazement at how they were able to fool me. I think I need to expand my repertoire of such responses.

April 29 at 11:03a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

Miss Spider's Tea Party after Family Fitness Day!

April 30 at 3:48p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman

The girls coerced Sho into whipping up a batch of her famous banana bread with them...

Easter, 2014

2014-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

We had our annual Herman/Dever Easter Egg Hunt this afternoon after the Devers got off the plane from their Spring Break trip. Once again, there were an absurd number of eggs, which made for 4 happy kiddos.

1994 Dutchgirls Basketball

2014-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

In March, I took a trip to Missouri, solo, to celebrate the 20th reunion of my high school basketball team's trip to the State Final Four. While Dale travels for work quite a bit (and, thus, the kids are used to him leaving home for a few days), I very rarely go anywhere without them. So it was weird for all of us when I left that Friday morning. Ivie left me a note and drew me pictures of the kiddos with marbles, lest I forget what they look like:

The trip itself was, well, amazing. Many of my best friends were there with their parents, spouses, and at least 1, if not more, of their kids. So it felt a bit freeing to not be responsible for any humans younger than me (and my parents could pretty much take care of themselves!). But I found myself having many moments I wished I could share with Dale and the kids, particularly in my desire to introduce them to my "growing up" friends (many of whom they have never met) and their kids. Maybe someday we will all be able to get together again. But, for this one weekend, it was like old times, hanging out with my high school buds.

What a treasured weekend we had! Until next time, ladies...

March, 2014 in Pictures

2014-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Facebook: March, 2014

2014-04-20T16:13:00.000-04:00

March 5 at 8:36a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Morning smoothie ritual. #whoseturnforwhatingredient

March 5 at 8:49a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Ahhh, the hexagon Perler Bead pegboard has finally arrived!

March 6 at 11:40p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
After a conversation about the meaning of Lent, Ivie decided to give up post-dinner dessert. I was impressed, but skeptical. Day 1, she remained resolute, even as Macie enjoyed a piece of Valentine's Day candy. Day 2, as she watched Mac and Bryce slurping on popsicles, she decided to give up soda instead.

March 7 at 4:46p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Look at all these sweet little angels! I'm sure not a single Perler Bead will touch the floor...

March 9 at 5:10p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Mixin' up some Sunday meatloaf.

March 10 at 11:51a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Why have I not taught her the find-a-rock-and-kick-it-while-you-walk game before now?!?

March 11 at 5:02p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Just eatin' my snack, Momma...

March 13 at 3:36p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Just when I thought I had the perfect birthday gift idea for my hubby...

March 15 at 12:18a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
There's no way it's been 20 years. We all look so young!! #owensvilledutchgirls #finalfourreunion

March 23 at 12:31p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Decorated homes for the little toys that can never seem to find one...

March 25 at 8:28p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Fairly certain there has never been this much excitement in our home about a bowel movement. #goBryce #endofdiapersisnear

March 28 at 5:09p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
When one scooter is no longer exciting enough...

March 28 at 5:43p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Prooobably should have checked the sky before agreeing to our fairly-regular-Friday-night pizza picnic. #emergencyrainsite

March 29 at 6:30a

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Good News: Bryce has stayed dry overnight for 3 straight nights, waking up and hustling straight to our room. Bad News: His bladder-emptying is apparently wired to occur at 6:15a daily. #IdratherchangeawetSaturdaymorningdiaper

March 30 at 5:45p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Letting out some pent-up, too-many-rainy-days aggression.

March 30 at 6:42p

Amy Schaeperkoetter Herman
Watching the game, and Macie keeps yelling, "Go BEES!". Because that's what she thinks Michigan's mascot should be. #itISalotofyellow