Back to Dance Class

Kelsey started dance class this week. Last year she did the Mommy and Me class where I danced with her and was able to help her with the movements. However, this year she is dancing by herself. She and I talked about dance class a lot leading up to it. I would remind her that she could not run around, she needed to listen to her teacher, and she needed to try the dance moves. When the teacher called her name to go in the studio, she did not hesitate at all and went right in to get started. I stayed with her for a minute to make sure she was comfortable, but she was such a big girl and joined the others right away. I was a very proud mama. Throughout the session, I would peek in the window to see how she was doing and she seemed to be following along and doing what she should be. She came out afterward with a smile and said she liked it. She also commented that they did not get to do the rhythm sticks. Those were her favorite last year ;) Looks like yet another step toward becoming our independent girl.

Kristen and Mike's Wedding

Last weekend my college roommate got married. It just so happened that Matt's college roommate also got married on the same day, so thankfully Vickie was willing to make the 5 1/2 hour trip with me and the girls while Mattey stayed here to celebrate with his friend. The day was absolutely perfect for an outdoor wedding and Kristen was gorgeous. The wedding took place right by the lake and the scenery was amazing. We had a great time shaking our tailfeathers with two of my favorite girls--Kristen and Liz. Kelsey also enjoyed dancing with and being entertained by Kristen's friend, Cari. It was a really quick trip to the wedding with leaving Saturday and returning Sunday, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Congrats, buddy! I love you! A HUGE thank you to Grandma for coming with us and helping with everything. We love you so much and loved our time together.

Our Happy Girls

The girls and I had a photo shoot in Kelsey's room today. Kelsey wanted to hold Megan and was making her giggle. They look so smiley. I hope they are always so happy together. Kelsey refers to Megan as her best friend sometimes. It melts our hearts.

The Fair

It was time again for the fair! Kelsey loved it so much last year and would often make comments about it when we drove by the fairgrounds throughout the year. So she was really excited when she saw all the rides and food vendors were back. Kelsey once again got a wristband from Grandpa and Grandma (Thank you!)so she went on more rides than I can count. She was really happy about the alligator roller coaster because she felt like a big girl on it. She also enjoyed the bouncy cars and swings. In addition to rides, we take time to look at animals, watch shows, and listen to music. Oh, and of course stuff our faces! Kelsey's favorite fair foods were corn dogs, cheese curds, pizza, cindy nachos, and deep fried mac and cheese. Megan did great with all the noise and commotion. She stayed in the stroller most of the time, but was happy to be out and held, too. My cousin Katrina came from EC to visit for the weekend and join in the fun, too. Kelsey was attached to her hip and talked her ear off. Thankfully, Katrina is so good with the girls and seemed to love it. It was really nice to have an extra set of hands and eyes at the fair during the day when Matt was at football. A few highlights we enjoyed this year: The kangaroo with the baby in its pouch, the polka band, the hypnotist, helping Grandma in the Elk's booth, the football rally watching Daddy get introduced, the bungee trampoline, and the time with family and friends. Now that the fair is done, it means back to school soon! AH!!!!

Rice Cereal, Saucer, Bottle

Megan tried rice cereal for the first time. It is definitely going to be a work in progress because she did not like it at all. The first spoonful went in and an immediate look of disgust came over her face, followed by gagging. The next few times we have tried it she at least was able to tolerate a little bit at a time. Hopefully she starts to take to it soon.




Another exciting thing we are using is the saucer. Her little toes just barely touch on the bottom, but she doesn't mind at all. She actually really seems to enjoy her time in it. She is able to push the song buttons and spin the ball the best so far.


We have had a little difficulty transitioning Megan to a bottle. She has taken bottles here and there when I had to be away from her, but now that I am going to back to school soon I need to get her ready for daycare. I am still nursing her primarily and will pump at school, but need her to take the milk from a bottle during the day. We recently bought a new bottle to try that she seemed to like better. Hopefully that does the trick!

Wisconsin Dells Family Weekend

We spent a wonderful weekend in the Dells for a Skala family weekend. On the drive there, Kelsey asked us if there was going to be an alligator there. Although I thought it was an odd request, we discovered on arrival that Kelsey refers to elevators as alligators ;) We stayed at The Great Wolf Lodge. It was a great hotel with a huge indoor waterpark. Thank goodness too because it rained for most of our time there. Kelsey was not too keen on all the water slides at first, but eventually she built up some courage and did go on a few with a lot of reassurance and maybe a little bribery--"If you go down the water slide, you can get a treat." :) I can't blame the girl as I don't like water slides all that much either. Like mother, like daughter?









Friday night we swam like fish. Kelsey really liked the goggles she got too. She referred to them as "ah-gles". Megan did well with all the noise and also got her share of water time. Although her snuggle time with Grandpa while we all swam might have been her favorite. That evening we ordered in pizzas and hung out in the hotel rooms. Before we settled in, we went to Storytime in the main lobby.



Later, the adults played a few games and the cousins watched a movie (with Auntie Kristin, too)
Saturday was filled with more swimming and water time. Kelsey also got a colored hair extension put in as a reward for being so brave on the slides.







For dinner we went out to a cool place nearby called Buffalo Phil's. Afterward, we drove the the main strip and checked out all that the Dells has to offer. The remainder of the evening was pretty low key since everyone was pretty tired from all the water play.

Sunday morning we hit up the buffet and then went to play in the arcade.


After checkout, we tried our luck at mini-golf. It was Kelsey's first time. She liked the inital hit and then liked to pick up her ball and put it right by the hole. After tapping it in she would lift her club in the air. Thankfully everyone left with all body parts in tact since I was sure she was going to hit someone during her celebration.



We all had ice cream as a treat afterward.

On our way back home, we stopped at a rest area for one last lunch meal.

We all live in the same town and do see each other probably more than a lot of families are lucky enough to. However, a full weekend away of uninterrupted time together was really fun. It is so neat that we are able to do that and enjoy each other's company. Looking forward to next time!