Breakfast on the Farm

We went to Breakfast on the Farm yesterday morning with Grandpa. To avoid having a ton of cars on the country road, we dropped our car by Fleet Farm and took a bus that shuttled us back and forth. Both girls experienced their first bus ride.



When we arrived, we got breakfast first. We had our fill of pancakes, sausage, cheese, and milk. Kelsey had her picture taken with some of Matt's high school friend's children. (Did you follow that?) Liam is Michelle's son and Bishop is Carla's son. Matt, Michelle, and Carla are close friends, and it was fun to have the kiddos together for a bit.


They had a cute petting zoo with ducks, goats, calves, chicks, and Kelsey's favorite--piggies! I think the picture of her looking at the calf is funny because she is looking at the calf as if to say "are you alive?"




Kelsey sat on the tractor.

We also walked through the cow barn. It was mighty smelly. Kelsey got her picture taken, but was careful not to get too close.

They had a train ride that Kelsey went on as well. They also had a horse and wagon ride that Daddy and Kelsey went on, but it was raining at this point, so I was under the tent with Megan waiting for the bus and didn't get a picture.

Megan snoozed away in the car seat while we toted her around. She was good as always.

Summer Day, Twins Game, 30th Birthday, and Father's Day

We had the most beautiful day of weather here last Thursday. We set up Kelsey's pool and spent the afternoon outside. Kelsey got right in and splashed around for awhile. She was really excited to wear her princess swimsuit that she got for Easter.



Friday morning we had a mini-photo shoot. Megan is getting so much better about pushing her head up. She was 10lbs. 8oz. last Tuesday and seems to be getting longer as well. However, she still seems so petite. After pictures, Kelsey displayed her new microphone trick. She likes to rest her microphone on something so she can sing and either play the piano or dance while singing.




Friday night Matt and I went to the Twins game. We started out with dinner at Smalley's. It was a really nice "dinner date" for us. The food was really good, but the company was better :)

Our friends Liz and Brian joined us for the game. The poor guys got to listen to Liz and I gab the entire game. But when we only see each other every once and awhile we have to take full advantage. It was a really fun evening. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa (and Diane and Nate and the Ginskeys) for taking care of our girls.

Saturday was my 30th birthday. (GULP) Yup, I said 30! Our day was filled with lots of fun things to celebrate. We went to a marching band parade in the morning. The bands were so entertaining.






Next, we had a few graduation parties to attend. Afterward, we came home to let the girls take naps. Matt and I played cribbage while we waited for them to wake up. Matt showed no mercy to the birthday girl though and beat me. I usually win when we play so I suppose I will forgive him ;) When the girls woke up, we were back out the door for another grad party. Then we went to Ed and Sharon's house for a Skala get together. Matt had some relatives visiting from California that the girls and I were able to meet and Matt caught up with. The Skala clan also sang me "Happy Birthday".
Spending the entire day with my family made my day perfect.

Sunday was Father's Day. We went to church and then had waffles with Dave and Vickie. In the afternoon we went to Nate and Diane's for a grill out. The kids played baseball, kickball, and ran through the sprinklers. Later in the evening, we had a dance-off. We each had to "battle" against someone and then the winner advanced. It was pretty funny. It was a really good time!






To our dads, Dave and Larry: We love you both! You are wonderful role models for us and our girls. We look up to you and are both so thankful for everything you do for us. Thank you!
To our Daddy: We love you so much! You are an incredible Daddy. The girls light up around you and love spending every minute with you. Kelsey is stuck like glue to you when you are home and it is so sweet to watch how she adores you. Megan gets a huge gummy smile when she sees you and loves to snuggle her little head in your chest when she is ready to sleep. You are so good with both girls and are always willing to do anything and everything for them. We feel safe, cared for, and loved when we are with you. I am so lucky to share my life with you. Being a father is perfect for you. Happy Father's Day!

Dentist

Matt and I had our annual dentist appointments today. We brought Kelsey along just so she could see what it was like and get ready for her first appointment when she turns 3. They let her sit in the chair and also talked about the equipment in the room. She even let them look in her mouth a little. They were very sweet to her and sent her home with a new toothbrush, a plastic ring, and a doctor's mask. She loved all her new treasures. When it was time for nap today, she even had to sleep with them.

Little sister Megan was sweet as ever and just sat relaxing in her car seat. Before we worry about the dentist for her, she needs to get a few teeth first :)

Safety Fair

Last night we went to a summer fun and safety fair. Kelsey got to do some pretty fun things. First, she had her picture taken and fingerprints done.

Next, we saw a police car, ambulance, and fire truck up close. At first she was a little timid of them. But we talked about how they are helpful and not to be scared of them.
Kelsey stood next to a poster of Dora that shows how tall you need to be in order to not ride in a booster seat anymore. (4'9"). The girls will be in car seats for a long time yet!


Kelsey also got a new bike helmet. Although she already has one, these were on sale for $5.00. Can't beat that! Since she has such a little noggin, it will take a little bit for her to grow into it. After she got the helmet, she asked Daddy, "Can I get a new bike now, too?" Smart girl :) I should also note that Kelsey was so excited about her new helmet that she felt the need to wear it the rest of the time while walking around. Daddy did somehow entice her to eventually take it off.

Mayo One landed as well and we got to see the helicopter up close. It was really windy and loud when it came down. Kelsey stood with her hands covering her ears. It was a very informational event and I am glad we went!

Weekend in Pulaski

We left for Pulaski on Saturday morning. Kelsey had been talking about going to Grandpa Larry's all week. We anticipated stopping a few times along the 5 hour route, but were pretty shocked when we were able to drive the entire way without one stop! Megan fell asleep shortly after we got going and didn't wake up until we were pretty close. Kelsey watched a movie and fell asleep in the middle of the second one. It was a pretty sweet way to start our trip!
When we got there, we went to my Aunt Mary's house for "Christmas in June." We decided to have a summer gathering rather than one in December. It worked out great and we were able to see the Smith side.



We made a quick stop for hugs at my Aunt Evie and Uncle Dennis's house before heading back to my dad's to grill out and relax.

I have to say we were all pretty exhausted by the time the evening rolled around. I think all the driving and visiting did us in and we were glad to hit the pillow.

Sunday morning was really laid back. We got up at our leisure and had a yummy pancake breakfast. Then, Matt and Kelsey helped my dad mow the lawn. We do not have a rider, so Matt was loving it! It was an absolutely gorgeous day!

Therefore, we decided to relive my childhood days and we went to Bay Beach for the afternoon. I grew up going to this outdoor amusement park as a child. The tickets for the rides are 25 cents. Each ride takes 1-2 tickets, so it is so reasonable! Kelsey loved it! She went on the merry-go-round, lady bugs, boats, and the train. In true Smith fashion, we got ice cream to complete the day. Matt also went on a few big kid rides with Soren, which included the Scat and Scrambler. I am not sure who had more fun!?!It was a really fun afternoon. Megan was her usual easy going self and just chilled in the stroller. Kelsey said Bay Beach was two thumbs up!












Afterward, we went to a retirement party for our dear friend, Mary. She taught my brother, sister, and me when we attended ABVM. She is also our close family friend. Mary is also a big reason I wanted to become a teacher. We are so thrilled that we were able to share in her party and wish her well in her retirement. Plus, as an added bonus, we got to catch up with other family friends.

Sunday night we lounged around with my dad and Chris. Kelsey was still pretty wired from all the events of the weekend. But when she did finally fall asleep, she was out!

Both the girls were excellent travelers and were such good little girls all weekend. Megan smiles all the time and stole a lot of hearts this weekend. Our ride home went just as smooth with only one stop. What a way to start our summer vacation!