Memorial Day Weekend

The unofficial first weekend of summer has come and gone leaving me to think, where did it go? We were busy with lots of random things. On Friday night we stayed in as a family and watched 101 Dalmations. As you can tell from previous posts, Kelsey gets into movies, but this was the first one in a long time that did not have princesses in it. She seemed to enjoy it though and it was a nice way to start the weekend.

Saturday Matt's baseball team played at home and won in the first round of playoffs. It was really nice out and I was able to take both girls to the game. Kelsey did a great job of sitting during the game which does not always happen. It made things a lot easier for me. When we got home from the game, both girls took a much needed nap. Later that evening we went over to a friend's house to celebrate the victory.


Sunday was a full day of family time. It seems like a long time since the four of us were together from the time we got up until we went to bed. To fill our day we played lots of games. The weather was not the most appealing so we were stuck inside for most of the day, but we stayed busy and entertained. Later in the afternoon we were able to get out and run some errands, including a stop at the park so Kelsey and Daddy could play while Mommy and Megan watched. To top off the evening, we grilled burgers, gave the girls their baths, and cuddled on the couch for books and snuggle time.


Today Mattey's baseball team played in Red Wing. However, this time the outcome was not so great. They lost to end their season. They had a great run this year and should be proud of their accomplishments. We are sure proud of our favorite coach. While Mattey was gone, the girls and I went to the annual Memorial Day parade. We met Grandma, and Stacey and the boys there. After the parade we went to the park for some outdoor fun. Can you guess what Kelsey did the most? Swing, of course. Can you guess what Megan did? Sleep. Following the park, we went to Dave and Vickie's for a cookout and playtime. We stayed there for the remainder of the day. It was very relaxing and low-key which was perfect.

First Dance Recital

Kelsey had her first dance recital this weekend. She was one lucky little girl because she had quite the fan base with all of our brothers and sisters and their families, grandma and grandpa, Mommy, Daddy, and Megan all coming to support her. We have been practicing and preparing for the recital for most of the year at dance class, so Kelsey seemed pretty comfortable with it all. The only the bump in the road was trying to get her costume on because there were "ouchies" in the back. She liked the way the costume looked on her, but it took a little coaxing to get on. Once on though, she sure looked adorable. And there is never a problem with getting smiles out of this girl. We were unable to take pictures during the actual recital, but I can tell you that Kelsey did very well. Kelsey danced to "Baby, Baby" by Amy Grant and also "The Twist" in the finale.She did not seem bothered in the least about the audience and performed all the steps of the dance. It was a special moment being able to dance with her on stage and think back about all that she learned in dance this year. Aunt Diane also choreographed a dance for the class she taught, as well as performed herself. It was neat that Kelsey got to share her special day with Diane, too. After the recital, Kelsey got her special request (aka the bribe if she danced)--reeses peanut butter cups. We also got to celebrate with everyone by going out for dinner at Pizza Ranch. A big thank you to everyone for coming to watch Kelsey. It made the recital very memorable for all of us.

My Kind of Day

Yesterday was wonderful. It was the kind of day that makes you just relax, slow down, and smile. We began with sleeping in. Thank you girlies:)
Next up was Kelsey's breakfast of choice--cereal. Afterward, we had a mini-photo shoot. Can't get enough of these smiles ;)




Then we went for a walk. It was gorgeous out. I am so used to bundling the girls up that we started with sweatshirts and blankets, and ended with short sleeves and blankies under the stroller. For lunch, Kelsey got to choose. The menu was peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, applesauce, carrots and celery, a pickle, and chocoloate milk. After lunch and a nap, we played in the house and waited for Daddy to get home from school. He had an away baseball game to get to, so it was a short visit, but we loved getting our daddy snuggles in. Next up was the park. Kelsey still likes the swings the best and probably would have stayed on them the whole time if I let her. However, I tried to entice her to try some of the other things out. She would say, "I'll do this, and then can I go back on the swings?"


We also walked to the water and looked for fishies. Along the way we took a few more pics. Megan didn't seem to mind and snoozed the time away. We didn't see any fish, but Kelsey did manage to step in some lovely mud.



When we got home we made supper, followed by baking banana bread. Kelsey likes to help dump everything in the bowl and mix it. The house smelled so good while it baked.To help make the time go quicker while the bread was in the oven, we went back outside to water the flowers and garden. Megan did not like it as much becasuse it really cooled off. Thus, we did not stay out that long, much to Kelsey's disapproval. But, she did sneak in a quick game of "use the bat to hit the kickball around the yard." Both girls got a bath and jammies on in time for warm banana bread and American Idol. What a day! It was easy going and fun. (Of course the day would have been perfect if Daddy was with us, but we know summer vacation is just around the corner and he will be with us everyday!) This stay-at-home mom business is such a special gift.

Megan's Baptism

What do you get when you have a house full of 16 adults and 12 kids ages 7 and under? A busy house full of lots of love to celebrate Megan's baptism. We were lucky enough to have everyone from both of our families attend. Megan was baptized during mass on Sunday morning and the service was beautiful. Megan did not make a peep during the entire mass, even when the priest put the holy water on her head. She actually smiled right afterward. With all those kids in church, you would think it could be quite the spectacle, but everyone was SO good! Throughout the service, I found myself getting teary. When I looked down at our sweet baby girl sleeping in my arms in her white gown, I was overcome with emotion at the beauty of her life and how blessed we are to have two amazing daughters. I also looked back at the three full pews of our family and again realized how lucky we are to have so many people who love us and are here for us. After mass, we all came back to our house for lunch. The weather cooperated enough that all the kids were able to get out and play a little, too. Megan was also showered with many thoughtful gifts to celebrate her baptism. We feel so blessed.
With godparents Aunt Jolene and Uncle Nate














Megan's cake was made by Aunt Stacey. Thank you! It was delicious!

Perfect Attendance and Happy Girls

Kelsey received the perfect attendance award at dance class! When we first started dance last August, I seriously doubted that we would make every single one, but somehow we did it. We only have one more week left and then her big recital!

Megan has been the most smiley baby lately. She is so attentive to what is going on around her lately and gets this big grin when something excites her. I love it!

Kelsey was really excited to get out her barbies today. She is getting more creative with them and has them sit at the table to eat and drive their cars around.

The other night it was beautiful outside and the girls and I played while Daddy mowed the lawn. Lucky girls, right? Kelsey liked blowing bubbles the best, but also wanted to play soccer and golf. Megan mostly just chilled in her car seat, but she didn't seem to mind. She was content as could be watching Kelsey.