Minnesota Trip, Day 2: It's a Surprise!

The main purpose of our trip was to surprise my grandfather for his 80th birthday. My mom and dad arranged for a party at his favorite restaurant which he had no idea about. He thought he was just meeting one of his brother's for lunch but to his surprise his family was there to celebrate his special day. It was wonderful celebrating his birthday and I enjoyed catching up with my cousins that I have not seen since my wedding.

The surprise. My grandfather immediately saw my brother and quickly figured out what was going on.

Abby with her surprise face.

After lunch we went back to my grandfather's house for family time and yummy cake.

Someone is admiring the cake.

My singing grandfather.

Emma and grandpa talking about his birthday card.

The kids had fun playing bubbles. Kate did not like getting the bubble juice on her hands.

This kid could seriously be in commercials.

Nolan is obsessed with driving. He loved hanging out in the rental car.

Abby loved her great grandpa's watch.

My grandpa's family.

Grandpa with his grandkids.

Grandpa with his great grandkids.

Emma loved playing my grandmother's organ. It was so special watching her play it since I grew up with her playing it for me. I only wish Emma could have met her and heard her play.

Such a special day! I am so glad we were able to be there on my grandfather's 80th birthday. He is my last grandparent and these moments are very important. Happy Birthday to my wonderful grandfather!

Minnesota Trip, Day 1

Last week we took a family trip to Minnesota with my parents and brother's family. The purpose of the trip was to surprise my grandfather for his 80th birthday. We had such a great time with family and friends. I took over 400 pictures and have decided to break up the trip into a few blog posts.

On day one we woke up early to catch our plane to Minnesota. It was Abby's first time flying and I have to say she did great on the way there. The flight home was a whole different experience but we are trying to block that out.

My sleepy family.

My parents rented a house on the St. Croix river, right outside of my mom's hometown.

Abby is ready to start her vacation.

Our view. It was lovely looking out at this everyday. This is one of the many things I miss about Minnesota.

Emma taking in the view. She loved watching the boats, especially at night when she could see the boat lights.

Emma was excited to play bubbles with her cousins.

Kate getting Andy with her bubble gun.

Nolan, Emma, and Kate.

Testing the water.

For dinner, we headed downtown Stillwater to meet up with family and friends. I told Emma that we could go to the Candy Castle (she is obsessed with the game Candyland and that is where Candy Castle comes from). She was overwhelmed by all the candy and loved picking some out.

Nolan with his goody bag.

Kate showing off her loot.

Aunt Rebecca providing the coins for the gum ball machine.

Watching the gum balls.

One of my favorite things about Stillwater is the lift bridge leading into Wisconsin. I love the beauty of it.

The kids loved running around during dinner.

Emma getting a ride from uncle Steve.

And lets not forget about this cute little lady. She was the bell of the ball. The kid was never put down the whole time we were in Minnesota. Everyone wanted some Abby time.

Abby after enjoying some sweet potato fries.

We had a fabulous time and I can't wait to blog more about our trip. Being back home makes me miss all my family that lives up there. It is hard being away from them. I hope we can get back again soon b/c it is such a great place to visit.

Happy 9 Months Abigail Marian

Our little lady is growing up so fast! Can't believe she is already 9 months! She is at such a fun age because the world is hers to discover. Everything is of interest to her. We just love teaching her what we can and involving her in activities. Abigail is our little love-a-licious and we can't get enough of her!

Her stats:

Weight 19lbs. 10oz. (60%)

Length 28inches (75%)

Head Cir. 45 1/2 cm. (90%)

What Miss Abigail is doing at 9 months:

-Has started taking formula to help supplement breast milk.

-Enjoys purees and eating soft fruits, like pears and bananas.

-Loves to drink water from a sippy.

-Still going to PT to help strength her shoulders. Getting closer to rolling over from back to front but since she does not like tummy time the motivation is not there.

-Her two front bottom teeth are finally breaking through all the way. She wants to chew on whatever she can.

-Is signing for milk, twinkle twinkle, and sometimes more.

-Waves sometimes.

-Loves to copy whatever babble sound you are making.

-Moves things from one hand to the other.

-Enjoys knocking down a tower of blocks.

-Has perfected her throwing arm and will let you know when she no longer wants a toy.

-Has also perfected her fake cry.

-Loves to scoot on her bottom and stretch her little body to get what she wants.

-Wants to play with whatever Emma is playing with. The two have learned to take each other's toys.

-Loves to have Emma play with her.

-Enjoys playing with my jewelry. The girl loves her some bling.

-Took her first trip to the pool and loves being in the water. She will just relax in her floaty with a toy.

-Loves looking at herself in the mirror.

-Learning to initiate peek-a-boo with her bib or blanket.

-Standing with assistance.

-A lovable, joyous baby that warms our hearts.

Here are some pictures of our little 9 month old. Someone was refusing to take pictures unless they were able to hold a shoe. What is a girl to do without her shoes?!

End of the School Year

Wow, what an amazing school year it has been!! Emma started the year off at Bethany and ended it at Deer Creek. Her experience at Bethany is one I think she would like to put behind her. Every time I would drop her off she would cling to me and not want to go. It was very difficult at times thinking that this was good for her. When the ELE program came along I hesitated at first because it was a five days a week program. I was nervous about my little girl being away from home everyday of the week. I also did not think she would like it but to my surprise she LOVED it. She never shed a tear until the last day when she thought I was going to go to the store without her. I had to tell her that we would go after school. The kid loves going to the grocery store.

Emma has made wonderful strides this year and I am so thankful for the teachers in the ELE program. They are amazing with the students. My heart breaks that they will not be with Emma next year since there have been some changes made to program but I am trying to believe that everything has its path and reason. I get emotional thinking about this group of kids and all the achievements they have made. Just something so simple as saying hello or good morning is a huge accomplishment for some of these kiddos. I am blessed beyond words for the experience and exposure Emma had this year. I truly pray that next year will be just as good if not better.

Emma at the beginning of the school year at Bethany.

Emma on the second to last day at Deer Creek.

Emma on the last day. It was wear your pjs to school day.

Speaking of end of the year, Emma had her last day of gymnastics for the session. Here she is getting her ribbon and certificate. She is anxious to start the summer program and I am excited for her. She is really learning a lot and the people at the gym are amazing. They are absolutely in love with Emma.