Elizabeth's first day of Kindergarten

Elizabeth is off to school full time.  The first day of school was the hottest day all summer long - like 98 and humid.   Thankfully it cooled off the next day.  Elizabeth is thriving in Kindergarten and we are surprisingly surviving without her at home as well. 

KIDS DAY OUT

All summer long we have been doing "Kids Day Out" events with families from church. Once a week we get together and go someplace fun with all our children. Its like field trips in the summer with kids and moms. We have gone to the beach, parks, on factory tours to GM and Jelly Belly, the zoo and pool ... It has been a lot of fun. It is always so enjoyable being our church friends.

Rylee turns 2!

Rylee turned 2 years old yesterday but we celebrated today. She was cute of course. She was too scared of the fire to blow out her candles but had no problem eating her cake. Her new favorite word is "mine" and knew exactly what was hers and what was not and made sure everyone else did too. Rylee got an inch worm which she hasn't figured out exactly how to make go up and down and forward at the same time yet. She will allow the other girls to touch it only when pushing her, otherwise hands off or "mine" as she says.

ATV

Nick, Judd and I went ATVing in Darlington WI on an old railbed trail. We didn't know what to expect when we went but the trails ended up having some variety and we had a great time. Except my camera flying out of its compartment and smashing into a rock there were no injuries (Matt was able to fix the damage to the camera). Judd and Nick kept laughing at me because I got so dirty - I felt it was just part of the experience and refused to fall back behind the dust. Yes, that is dirt on my face in the pics - that peticular pic is the cleanest I was all day. It was a day I had been waiting for and needed for a long time coming.

Grandma Gretchen's Surprise 60th Birthday Party

Michael had a surprise birthday party for Mom's 60th birthday. It was absolutely a dream to see her so happy. It has been a long time since we have all been together - the greatest present she could have ever had. I will never forget the look of happiness on her face.

Rylee ended up getting sick as soon as we got to the party and spent the entire party either sleeping in the stroller or in my arms. Cierra joined her right after the surprise and then perked up for a bit at the end. The girls being sick made it easy to go home - otherwise I would have had to go kicking and screaming!

Miwaukee Public Museum

Matt, Uncle Judd and I took Elizabeth, Cierra and Rylee to the Milwaukee Public Museum. We only made it through 5 exhibits out of probably 30 or so. Elizabeth got to hold a millipede and all the girls had walking sticks on them at some point. When we went in the butterfly house Cierra was so disappointed because she couldn't get a butterfly to land on her. She sat on a rock to pout and be sad for a little while and the biggest butterfly in the room landed on her head. It was amazing.

Later in the day we went to an Italian bakery and got homemade canolli. Matt was in heaven. That night we had a cook out and attempted a movie via Uncle Judd's home outdoor theatre system but the bugs were eating us alive so all ended up on the floor in the living room. The day was one to remember for always.

The New Game

Judd and Jen stopped by one night just to say hello. They ended up inventing a new game with the girls - little girl stack bowling. We all laughed so hard. It was one of those unplanned summer nights, everyone up past bedtime - memories to last for sure. Whether planned or a surprise drop in, whether we saw them the day before or not in weeks, it is awesome to live close to Judd and Jen and we cherish every moment we get with them.

Chicago Illinois Temple

Andrea, Jimmy & Brooklyn were sealed in the Chicago, IL Temple on June 18. It was a most amazing moment. Our whole gang was there along with Jimmy's Mom and sisters Allison & Emily. The Rieds and Val also joined us for the day.

I just couldn't not do it!

Sarah had gotten her haircut a month or so before we came out to Utah, then while out there Andi got hers done the same. I thought the cut would be so limiting but after watching them for several days with their hair I was inspired. Although I had just had 7 inches cut off 2 1/2 weeks prior, I called my hair stylist from the airport and got my haircut the day after I got home. I love it!

Brooke, still the CUTEST Grandbaby ever!

Isn't she just precious.

3, 4 & 5 months

Our Trip to Utah, METAH, No UTAH

Andrea, Brooke and I left at 4:15am July 5th for Utah after being up well after midnight with all the 4th festivities. We flew out and although missed Cami's wedding were able to go to the reception that evening. It was just beautiful. I forgot my camera everywhere we went so only have pics from others we know that were there.

It was a great trip. We got to see my friend Rachel and family and visit with them for a little bit. All cute as ever. We stayed with my bestest friend, Sarah and family. As always it is great to be with them. They are just the best people you could ever ask to hang out with. Sarah, Andi and I went shopping, scrapped (well Sarah did her Christmas cards), Andi got her haircut, just hung out. It was fabulous. I celebrated my birthday while there, slept in and then scrapped and visited with Sarah all day. Who could ask for more. Missed my family but had a most wonderful time.

4th of July

We did all the typical things this 4th except hang out with Judd & Jen. (We missed them of course.) We went to the parade, had some friends over, did a cookout and went to the fireworks. It was good day!

Elizabeth Graduates 4K

Elizabeth graduated from the first 4K program in our school district's history. Madelyn, her bestest friend, was at her side. Her teacher said a little about each child when they got their "diplomas." "As for Elizabeth she is a strong leader that always watches out for everyone else. She is goal oriented and we should watch out because she is going places." .... Did we think anything less?