Wedding!

Last weekend we got up early on Saturday morning and drove down to southern Illinois for my little cousin's wedding. They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony (because the weather cooperated for them), in a nature preserve and then a reception at a local banquet hall. This was the first wedding that I have not had to help out in any capacity for in quite some time. It was actually enjoyable to sit and just watch everything unfold. Thor snatched my camera and took a few photos for us during the reception as you will see.

Waiting for it all to begin

Our beautiful kids

My little sister Hannah

Sister of the Bride

Sister of the bride (Matron of Honor)

Bride and her dad

I love this one of my cousin Jess - She looks so beautiful

Little brother Chad and his son Ryan

What a handsome chap

Jake and I (Photo courtesy of Thor)

My mom and niece Leah

Nephew Gage

Niece Emma

Niece Emma (Don't let the dimples fool you she is a HANDFUL)

Nephew Ryan ( This kid was a dancing fool that night)

Ryan and I cuttin' it up on the dance floor.

Awards Night and a Concert

I was super disappointed that my camera ended up being dead when we got to AWANA this past week.

The kids have been attending AWANA for the past 29 weeks. They go to our church every Wednesday night from 5:30 - 7 PM and learn about the bible. They memorize verses, and play games and have a generally good time. Each week the kids have lessons in their books to work on and sometimes that involves projects. To name a few, Baleigh and I baked cookies for an elderly neighbor and made valentine's cards for the residents of the local nursing home.

This week was the Awards Night and the kids were really excited to attend. Thor was super happy that I was there (Jake had to work late and missed it) to see him carry the American flag and post the colors. It is very military like in the ceremony and made me so proud of him. He stood so still and tall and took it very seriously. Both of the kids finished their books this year and learned so many bible verses. Each of them receive a certificate of recognition and Thor earned a ribbon and new jewel for his badge. Baleigh got a new pin and earned her last badge. Next year she will move up from the Cubbies group to the Sparks group. She is very excited to get a red vest and be a "big kid".

Last week we had Thor's Spring Concert and Art Fair. We went to the school and watched him perform in a cute musical ensemble. Thor got to shine in two separate songs. The first was when he got to hold up a sign during "But I Can't Spell Hippopotamus"  and he played the finger cymbals during "Alice The Camel Had 10 Humps" - It was a joy to see him goofing around with his friends and being a little man.

Thor has a little friend at school who started in January. Marrisa's parent's recently adopted her from the Philippines and  she was having a hard time at her old school. They moved to Lena to get her in a better district and she and Thor have become fast friends. It has been especially fun for me to have him develop this relationship because Marissa's younger sister Maddy is in Baleigh's story time class and their mom and I have become really good friends. I love that we are developing our own relationships and friendships and they seem to blend so well. Marissa may have a little crush on Thor - last night Angela (Marissa's mom sent me a picture via text - it was of a page in Marissa's notebook that read "Marissa (picture of a heart) Thor". I just about died laughing. Little kids love is so adorable.

Easter 2013

This time last year we were "enjoying" a warm Texas summer (the only season in Texas). This year we were praying for some spring-like weather to celebrate Easter. Jake's mom Diane came up on Good Friday and we went out for a delicious fish fry at a local eatery. It was the best fish we have had in a long time.

Saturday dawned bright and early and I was up making cake, pies, frosting, bread, and prepping everything to host easter dinner the following day. We took the kids to the Lena Evangelical Free Church for their annual easter egg hunt. It was a fun time and the kids both got quite a few eggs and goodies. We went back inside and listened to the easter story broken down for little people. Later that evening Grandma D sent Jake and I out on a date to see a movie. We jumped at a chance to go on a date and took in the latest Tina Faye movie, Admissions. It was cute and serious and funny all in one.

Sunday we were up early setting tables, and getting ready to go to church. We made it to church with 2 minutes to spare. After we got home, the kids watched a movie while I put the finishing touches on dinner, baked ham, potato rolls and all the desserts. Everyone showed up between 12 and 12:30 and we had a big family lunch. The last guest left about 5 PM and we were all cleaned up and relaxing by 5:30. I love organization and the feeling that our life is. We had a great easter egg hunt for the little people and the food was great. The kids looked adorable in their easter finery and it was fun to get all of my kid's cousin's in one place to enjoy each others company. I love living close to our family again.

saying prayers after church

Prayers after Church

Coloring easter eggs with Grandma Diane

A field of easter eggs!!!

Our little Easter bunnies

Baleigh could have cared less about the candy in the eggs - this pinwheel was her favorite!

Who knew the easter bunny made angry bird eggs? Mom.

Beautiful girl in a beautiful dress

from left to right. Baleigh Olivia, Baleigh, Kylie (holding) Baby Kenzie, Emma, Leah

Thor, Kylie, Kenzie, Cole, Olivia, Baleigh, Emma, Leah, Gage

Caleb, Rachel and Tracie

Holly, Olivia, and Justin