Super Siblings!

While I was working to get things ready for Grant's very near arrival, Kate & Gabe were playing in their playroom. After a while they came out...and this below is what I saw: Super Siblings!!! Sometimes they fight like crazy and Kate pushes every one of Gabe's "buttons." It doesn't help that he is ridiculously sensitive and cries at the drop of the hat...which only fuels Kate's fire! But today, or at least this hour, they are playing great together! They can be sooo creative and have a blast!!! I hope that even after Grant joins our family in just a few days, and life gets crazy busy for the next few months, that Kate & Gabe can thrive through this busy season of life for our family and make so many lasting memories together like I think they did today!

Riptide!!!!

It's getting warmer outside, life is getting busier, and the gnats are coming out from hibernation....that can only mean one thing: Time for Spring Sports to begin!!!!

We were thrilled to learn that Kate was once again placed with Coach Jay on Team Riptide!!! She has also moved up to U8 Soccer this season...time for a goalie! It's going to be a crazy busy Spring for us with Grant arriving in just 8 days, but somehow we'll make it all work!

We are excited for a great soccer season and Kate loves that she gets to play

with two of her favorite athletes: Cooper and Joshua!

Happy Birthday Samuel!

One of my favorite things about volunteering in Kate's class is getting to know all the kids! Not only has it helped ease my nervousness associated with her entering the big bad public school system, but it has given me the chance to get to know some pretty great kids! One such kid is Samuel! Today he turns 6 and we were so excited to get to celebrate with him at Beau's Barnyard!!! Happy Birthday Samuel!!!

We love everything about Beau's Barnyard! It's not very big, but what it has is great!

The kids get to have such a real farm experience, very hands-on and full of fun!!!

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These "baby" goats are till being bottle fed for a few more days.

I couldn't believe how much they loved their milk!

Kate's favorite....the chickens!

Samuel and Kate loving on their feathery friends!

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If you come to Beau's, you just have to put a chicken on your head...it's a must!

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Another classmate and friend...Curt!

Each time we come here I try to get Gabe to hold a chicken or put one on his head...

and each time he tells me no. :( But, he does love feeding them some bread!

Dave & Bonnie - The Wedding

Today is the big day....Dave & Bonnie are getting married!!!!

Kate began the day at the hair salon at 8:30am with grandma, the bride, and some of her girls. I must admit, I was nervous sending Kate off to have her hair done 6 hours before the wedding, but she did great...and her hair stayed in place! :) At 10:30am Kate was back with us at the hotel and we headed to the church to get dressed and take LOTS of pictures! Kate and I headed off to the girls' dressing room - Gabe and Jon headed over to be with the boys...

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Kate was sort of in awe watching Bonnie get dressed and become a princess.

But visiting Dave and the boys in their room, it was all about being the silliest!

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My family :)

The photographers took about two hours worth of pictures...so consequently so did I!

But, Kate and Gabe looked amazing and were being so good...how could I not?!?

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My beautiful Flower Girl and very charming little Ring Bearer!

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The Girls vs The Boys

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The wedding party!

My kiddos with two of their favorite guys!

Can you tell by their faces, Kate & Gabe love Dave & Bonnie!!!

I am not a huge fan of family photos at 37 weeks pregnant,

but being that it's rare to have us all this dressed up....I made an exception. ;)

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It's almost showtime!

Bonnie, you look amazing!!!!!

The guests are all seated and the bridal party is lined up in the hall ready to go!

I was a little nervous, hoping the kids would do great....

Kate gave Gabe some final instructions, or perhaps a pep talk?!?, and then they were off!

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Pictures were not allowed during the ceremony...not even by the photographers! But, the kids did awesome!!! Kate was perfect and took her role very seriously. Gabe was a little fidgety, but after having been at the church for two very long not kid friendly days, I was impressed! The only mishap happened when he started playing with the pillow during the ceremony. Then, just before Dave and Bonnie were to exchange the rings, the fake rings on Gabe's pillow came untied and bounced down the steps. Oops! It was funny timing though and didn't seem to throw off the wedding, just lightened things up a bit. :) Despite not being able to take pictures, I couldn't resist taking one as they walked holding hands out of the church. Great job Kate & Gabe...you made me proud! My dad also did a fantastic job performing the wedding ceremony and Jon did pretty good standing there as a groomsman. :) This was definitley a family affair...and luckily Grant didn't decide to make an early entrance!

The reception was in the great room next door. Everything was beautiful! There wasn't really a dance floor, but that didn't stop Kate from wanting to dance to the live band! And fortunately for her, one of Dave's sweet groomsmen, Jeff, happily agreed to dance with Miss Kate!








A couple hours later, it was time for the newly wed couple to say their goodbyes and begin their new journey together! Congratulations Dave & Bonnie....we are so happy for you guys and wish you a lifetime of happiness and lots of fun adventures together!!!

Dave & Bonnie - The Rehearsal

This weekend we have traveled 4 hours north to Augusta, GA to celebrate with our friends Dave & Bonnie who are getting married tomorrow!!! We are so very excited for them and wish them the very best and lots of happiness together as they begin this new journey!

Dave & I have known each other since children. I can still remember watching Mighty Mouse cartoon with him years and years ago... :) Now, many years later, our husbands are great friends and my kids love their Uncle Dave! And fortunately, he is marrying a great girl who we have also all grown to love!!! Their wedding tomorrow is special on its own of course, but what makes it even more fun is that my dad is marrying them, Jon is a groomsman, Kate is the Flower Girl, and Gabe is the Ring Bearer! So, let's all hope that Grant doesn't decide to arrive a little early and come tonight. :/ I did bring along my hospital bag though...just in case!

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The kids did great through rehearsal and seem to know their part and understand the importance of tomorrow and how they fit into the big picture. Tomorrow is going to be a long day though...so pray they are on their best behavior! :) They are certainly excited!!!

Girl Scout Cookies!!!

Our little Daisy has been very busy selling Girl Scout Cookies...and now they have arrived at our house! Kate sold just over 300 boxes! We are so proud of you Kate! Time to deliver LOTS of boxes and pick out your prizes!!!

Kate is showing you her two favorite kinds of cookies: Thin Mints & Samoas!

Happy Apple Valentine!

Gabe didn't have school yesterday, on Valentine's Day, so his preschool party was today instead. The kids were all so cute coming out onto the stage. They sang several sweet songs before heading to their tables for party food and fun. I just love Happy Apple!!!

Gabe & his girls....

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A big part of what makes this school so special are his wonderful teachers!

We love you Mrs. Lori & Mrs. Green!

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