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!

3 Year Check-Up

Kelsey's 3 year check-up went well. She is 30lbs. (32%) and 39 inches tall (82%). The tall and skinny trend continues for her :) Before we left for the appt, she really wanted to bring her doctor kit along, but we convinced her that they would have their own tools to use. So once there, she was very impressed with our doctor's tools and also intrigued as to how each one worked. She had her blood pressure taken and it was 84/60. They also did all the traditional things of listening to her heart and lungs, and checking in her eyes, ears, and mouth. She loved all the attention they gave her! Plus, she knew she was not getting shots, so she was very laid back about it all. After our doctor finished his exam, he said we have a healthy and happy little girl. It is always a good feeling to hear those words.

A Quick Get Together

My dad was in MN last night because he and my brother are going on a fishing trip together. Therefore, while Matt was at football camp, the girls and I drove to have dinner with my dad and Brian's family and spend a little time together. All the little girl cousins were so excited to see my dad and all wanted to show him and tell him everything. We had dinner, went for a walk to the park, and played outside. It was a very quick couple of hours, but completely worth it. I will take any chance I can get to see my dad more.

Visiting Great-Grandpa

We had a really nice visit with Matt's grandpa the other night. We had not seen him in awhile so we went to his house to catch up. It is so amazing that he is still able to live at home. We spent our time listening to stories about Grandpa as a child and young man. His memory is outstanding. We hope we get to have another visit soon.

5 months

Megan is 5 months old today! Whew--time seems to be flashing before my eyes. It feels like she was just born yesterday, but here we are with 5 months worth of memories with Megan.

*She weighs 12lbs. 8oz.
*She wears size 2 diapers.
*She still only has breastmilk, but we will be trying cereal before her 6 month check-up.
*She is a very cuddly baby and shows you she loves the attention she is getting with a big gummy smile.
*She has rolled a few times, but nothing consistent. We give her lots of tummy time, but she doesn't seem all that interested in rolling. When she's ready, right?
*She has excellent control of her head.
*She has a full belly laugh when you make silly sounds or tickle her.
*She is sleeping great! She goes down around 9:30 and usually only wakes once a night for a feeding.
*She has almost outgrown all of her 3 month clothes and is mostly wearing 6 month clothes now.
*Her favorite toy is still her giraffe.
*Most toys end up in her mouth, which is a good reminder to us to make sure things are clean and safe for her.
*She knows when Kelsey is in the room because she automatically turns to her and loves to smile and giggle with Kelsey.
*She takes 2 naps a day, one morning and one afternoon, although her schedule is not set yet with all the hub-bub that summer brings.
*Her personality is so easy going and happy. You have made it very easy on us and we are blessed to call you our own.

Our dear baby Megs, we love you and adore you! I love all your petite and delicate girly features. You are just so sweet. We cherish every single day with you and couldn't be happier with you as our baby girl.

Night to Unite

Tuesday was National Night to Unite. Matt and I were the hosts this year for our neighborhood gathering. We set up our gear in the street and had a grill out with all of our neighbors. We have lived in our house for 5 1/2 years and there were some neighbors who we met for the first time. Because we registered our party, a police car and officer came to talk to the kids and give them some goodies. The officer was a really good sport and let the kids turn on the sirens ans lights, sit in the back seat, and also showed them some of the equipment he has to carry. It was a wonderful evening with our neighbors! Most of us went in once it got dark, but I believe my hubby and a few others kept the party going much later ;)
*Sorry to Kristen for missing her bridal shower since they both were on the same day. Bummer we live so far apart :(

Happy 3rd Birthday, Kelsey!

Our Kelsey girl turned 3 years old on Monday! Where has the time gone? Kelsey had her little girl party on Friday, and then on Sunday we had our family over for another celebration. It was again a princess theme :) Kelsey was so excited for everyone to come over. The original plan was to spend the day outside, but mother nature decided to change our plans a little. It was extremely hot and humid out. We did manage to eat outside, but then a lot of us headed for the A/C. However, the boys did play baseball and Grandma rounded up a game of Duck, Duck, Goose as well. After that, Kelsey opened her gifts. She received some very thoughtful presents. We have princess stuff galore, and Kelsey absolutely loves it all! Later, we sang happy birthday and sto lat, followed by eating her yummy castle cake with ice cream.







On Monday, for her real birthday (and birthday celebration #3), she woke up to find the princess bike she asked for in the living room. She has been riding it in the store every time we go and it was always the one thing she stayed constant on asking for. It is a little bit tricky for her to push the pedals, but we will work on it. She looks pretty darn cute on it :)For breakfast, she requested pancakes with chocolate chips, so Daddy made them before opening more presents.



She also got an accordion that I found while in Pulaski for polka days. It is adorable, and Kelsey loves playing it.
In fact, one of the things we did in the afternoon was have a "concert." We now have a trumpet, keyboard, piano, microphones, recorder (which Kelsey calls a flute), accordion, and guitar. We made drums out of buckets and spoons, and boy did we rock out. We also fed the ducks in the morning and went out for lunch for mac and cheese, green bean casserole, and corn (the food she wanted:)
She actually got a little fever that afternoon and said she did not feel well. We all cuddled up and Kelsey slept for 2 hours. She continued with her fever into the night, but it broke around 3am. She always acted fine through it all, so at least she could still enjoy her birthday.

A few of Kelsey's favorites right now:
-She likes to say "sure" with her answers: Sure I can, Sure I will, Sure I do.
-She likes to say "good idea" when she likes the option given.
-She asks why a lot which requires us to explain a lot to her.
-She loves Megan and Megan loves her right back. She makes silly faces at Megan and tries to get her to smile by holding her toys out for her.
-Her favorite shows are Super Why and Bubble Guppies.
-Her favorite food is macaroni and cheese and peanut butter and jelly which she calls "strawberry jelly sandwich"
-She doesn't like any fruit except bananas, applesauce, and watermelon (without any seeds).
-She likes corn,peas, and green bean casserole.
-She is working hard at trying to get dressed on her own.
-She is also practicing her left and right
-She only wants to wear dresses right now (even skirts are a struggle some days).
-She can memorize song lyrics after hearing it one time and has such a musical ear. She loves all things music and dancing related.
-She loves all things Disney princess.
-She sits at her vanity in her room now and tells us she is getting pretty.
-She likes to shop, especially at the grocery store.
-Her favorite colors are pink and purple.
-She enjoys painting and is also learning how to cut using scissors.
-She is a little performer and likes to pretend that anything is her stage. If you watch her, she hams it up even more.
-She is all girl. She doesn't like to get dirty or have anything on her hands, she loves dresses, crowns, and make-up, and she is starting to get particular about how we do her hair. Yikes!

My dearest Kelsey girl,
You make us so happy. You are the sweetest little girl with a lot of personality. You are such a social butterfly and love to be around people. Your spark for singing and dancing is contagious, and we can't help but join in with you. You are the best big sister to Megan. Megan automatically smiles when she sees you, and we can tell how much she loves you back. I love that you still want to cuddle with us. One of my favorite things is reading books with you at night and watching you as you take in every detail to the point that you can tell the story back to me. You have a zest for life and all it has to offer by trying new things and wanting to be active and play. You are such a daddy's girl, too. The two of you are almost inseparable at times. It is so sweet to see how much you adore him. Watching you grow for the past 3years has been my privilege and honor. Being your mother is a gift, and I cherish our time together. You are beautiful inside and out, and I am proud to be your mama. Happy 3rd birthday, Kelsey! I love you! Pinkies--forever. Love, Mommy