Friday Vacation

Our last day...so sad! The weather was kind of cloudy and cool this morning, so we decided not to go to the splash park. However, Analise, Grandmom and I went blueberry picking! They live about five minutes from a local produce place where you can pick. It was ideal picking weather. We spent about an hour there picking and enjoying the time together. Analise really enjoyed it, and she picked quite a few berries. She ate one and liked it.

By the time we were done, the weather was nice enough for yet another playground. This playground is like nothing I've ever seen before. The girls loved it! They played, ate a picnic lunch and played some more.

While the little ones slept, Brandon, Analise, dad and I went golfing. My first time out this season!

He is Risen

He is Risen, indeed! Last Sunday morning brought sonshine and lots of joy. We were busy enough getting ready for church that the girls didn't even think about looking for their baskets. And knowing our time was limited, I didn't remind them. :) Church was wonderful! Analise was with us, and the other two went to their classes. Thank you, Lord, for dying for my sins and conquering death! After church we hustled home so I could quickly put together the cheesy potatoes for Easter dinner. While I did this, the girls looked for their baskets and seemed thrilled with their presents!

We spent lunch and early afternoon with the family, and again we had a great day. The kids found their baskets from Grandma/pa outside. Again they were thrilled. Lunch was delicious and very filling. After lunch we celebrated D's birthday.

We came home, changed clothes and finally colored Easter eggs. I had wanted to do them yesterday but ran out of time. The girls loved it! Even Sadie sat still and patiently in her booster while she would wait for me. Analise was pretty self sufficient. Maisie needed just a little help.

Family Birthday Party

Even after two parties already, Maisie was super excited it was her birthday. She was officially five! Analise had made a special birthday wish and picture on the bathroom mirror. So sweet.  After taking Analise to her first day of school, Grandma and Grandpa came over to pick her up and take her for a donut date. She enjoyed it all.

Maisie also got a special lunch. I took Sadie to Grandma's house, so Maisie could have lunch with just mom and dad. We went to Applebee's since I had a gift card and coupon for a free kid's meal. :) The liked the one on one time, and spent a majority of it on dad's lap. The staff came out and sang to her, and she wasn't too embarrased.

 After school Twin 1 stopped by to visit with Maisie. All three girls loved that time. She talked on the phone a long time with Grandmom. Brandon came home from work, and I took Analise to her first CMA for the year. We only stayed for half the class, since we had a birthday to celebrate at home.

The twins and J came over for supper. We had grilled chicken legs, cheesy potatoes, fruit salad and french bread with dip. It was well received. :)

 Maisie opened her presents at the table while Twin 1 finished her meal. (She was late due to class.) She was excited about each one.

Oh Maisie, you are a lot of fun. You grew a lot this past year, and I can't believe you are five.  Generally you are a happy girl. You have moments where you get crabby, but a little time to yourself can usually cure that. You have responded really well to the "happy/grumpy" chart.  I love how you talk with about anyone, though sometimes I am a little concerned as to what you might ask or share. 

Even thought I haven't done the love language inventory with you, I have a pretty good hunch what your love language is - physical touch. You always have been our snuggler. I have also noticed lately how you respond to words of affirmation; you even compliment others.



October Rock Garden

October Memories

October was a full, fun month.

As usual, we took the girls to the pumpkin patch. I am glad they haven't outgrown this tradition yet.

Sadie was excited to go. :)

It was a nice but windy day. Typical Nebraska.

 

 I even joined in for the ride.

 This was new this year. I think it was called the Wave, but we thought it looked like a big Pringle's chip.

 

 These bouncing horses always make for the best laughs.

 

We stopped by to see Great Grandma Muriel. She always loves visitors, so it was fun to surprise her.

All my girls do a nice job in the nursing home, but I have to say Maisie is a natural there. The residents love her, and she has no inhibitions there. So sweet.

 Apparently we had a nice enough day to boat in October. :)

This fall I ventured into something I haven't done for a long time - coach volleyball. A dad had approached me last spring asking if I would be interested. He would put together a team, handle the logistics (ick!), and I could coach. I coached with another mom, a friend and sister in Christ. We had the same goal in mind - teach these girls volleyball and character, be positive and to have fun!

It was a team of nine 5th and 6th graders. They were sweet girls, and we had a lot of fun. Truly, I look back, and my heart overflows. When we picked out our uniforms, I texted Brandon to ask Analise what number she wanted to be. Her reply was, "What number was mom?" 

The second generation of #17!

 

A nice day at the park.

 An afternoon with sweet friends they've had since they were babies.

 

Sadie was sure she was going to be this tiger for Halloween

 We met our friends for a soup dinner, and then we walked around the neighborhood with the S family. It was such a perfect night to trick or treat!

 As you can tell, Tiger Sadie turned into Zebra Sadie. I gave in and bought "costumes" this year.

 Foxy Maisie

 Hanging out with out little boy cousins while they were in town.

We celebrated my 38th (insert gasp) with family. I honestly cannot remember what dinner was; how pathetic. But I know I loved time with family and appreciated all my gifts.

 This picture if funny, and here's why. Sarah and I wore these exact same shirts for my birthday 2 or 3 years ago. And the only reason I remembered was because that picture had popped up on my FB page that morning. Really, what are the odds?

 Oreo truffle for dessert

 

Brandon spent time making jack-o-lanterns with the girls this year. 

And a couple of random pictures:

We went to a HS football game to watch both boys march.

 If Analise sits on the floor, Caramel climbs in her lap. Even if she's trying to practice for band.

 Sadie drew this on the driveway for Analise.

 

One day I left a note apologizing to Brandon for the mountain of laundry in the basement. I came home to this: it even had a note that said Mt. Laundry. Oh, how he makes me laugh.