What a Day

All I can say is wow what a day. My amazing new COO at work was so kind as to let everyone leave today at noon. It was so kind and the extra time off was so needed!

I was thrilled to pick the kids up early and they were so excited that they got to leave early. We headed to the library where we checked out about a bazzillion books - let's hope we get them back on time or that will be one big fine!

We had some dinner and then headed to the pool. It was so pretty tonight. It was hot but it felt awesome when you were in the water.

We came home around 7:30 for baths and when Aidan was finished with his bath he managed to hit his mouth on our bed when he was picking up his robe. He immediately started crying and was bleeding pretty bad. So yep, up to the ER we went. He ended up getting 2 stitches on the outside and 3 on the inside. His teeth went right through his lip. I must say though that he truly is such a brave boy. He laid there so good for the doctor. The doctor and nurses couldn't even believe it! About halfway through I had to sit down because I almost passed out and sweet little Aidan laid there as brave as can be! I'm so proud of you buddy!

Father's Day

I hope all the dads out there had a wonderful Father's Day!  We took my dad to brunch in the morning, the kids had tennis lessons at noon and then we went to celebrate with Shawn's dad for dinner.  The kids got Shawn a portable speaker system he wanted and a subscription to Runner's World magazine, but they also made him a couple of special things I wanted to share.

"I love Dad.  You are the greatest Dad ever.  I love you to pieces. 

You are just great.  You are my best Dad ever.  My heart is full of love to you Dad."

Is that not just too cute?  They love their Daddy so much and I'm pretty fond of him too! Thanks for being a great Dad honey - we love you so much!

This week

Last Sunday was the kids first tennis lesson. Shawn took them, so sorry, but no pictures. They both had a great time and Lauren even won one of the competitions. While the kids were doing tennis I got the honor of going with my sister and mom to look at wedding dressed for my sister. We had so much fun and she looked stunning and absolutely beautiful in every dress she tried on!

After tennis, Shawn took the kids to visit their cousins, so they had lots of fun. Then that night Lauren lost another tooth! I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Painting Bird Houses

Last Thursday I was home sick with a bad sinus infection.  But the fun thing about being home sick is that I get to pick up the kids from summer camp!  When we got home from school they decided to paint some wooden bird houses we had while I made dinner.  They were so good and had so much fun painting the houses.  Here's a few pictures!

Love,
Jennifer

Rainbow

The other morning I was walking in our neighborhood and this huge rainbow was in the sky!

Right over our house!

It was huge - a full rainbow

Memorial Day

For Memorial Day weekend, we went up to the cabin on Saturday morning.  Now that Shawn has a new car (with 2 TVs/DVDs) it was quite the pleasant ride up there!  It was a hot weekend, but there was a nice breeze blowing, so it was nice sitting out on the front porch. 

The kids rode their cars a lot and played with the hose.  Mama Jane brought up a few cute inflatable toys that they had fun playing with.  Shawn found a water frog in the bathtub (better him than me!) and then we headed home on Sunday.  That afternoon we spent at the neighborhood pool.  I was surprised at how well the kids remembered their swimming.  We'll get them lessons again soon, but I think they are destined to be little fishies!

What a cutie!

These two were up to no good!

He just cracks me up - not sure what the Spiderman gloves were all about!

Trying to scare everyone! 

Lauren was trying to get away from the boys!

My sweet little niece Libby

Someone immediately crashed when we got home from the pool!

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day!

Love,

Jennifer

Pre-School Closing Ceremony

So Aidan's last day of Preschool was this past Wednesday.  His school had the nicest closing program for us followed by a picnic lunch.  Aidan's class sang 2 songs and then he received a certificate - he was the loudest singer in his class!  He did such a great job this year at "big school" and I am so proud of him.

Singing with his class

Officially a Pre-Kindergartner!

Aidan and his adorable "girlfriend" Celia

Celia and Aidan having their picnic lunch together

Aidan with Mama and Papa

(he wasn't too happy that he had to stop playing to take a picture!)

Aidan and his fabulous teacher, Mrs. Steckler

Dear Aidan - You are my most precious little boy.  Your smile and big eyes just melt my heart.  You have such a fun personality - always trying to trick me, yet always my snuggle bug.  You constantly crack me up with the silly things you say and I love that you say hi to everyone in the halls of your school - teachers, administrators, students - you seem to know everyone!  You give me the best hugs and every day I thank God that you are my son.  Love, Mom

Look at how big my baby has gotten this year!

Last Day of First Grade

So today was the last day of school for Lauren - she's officially a 2nd grader!  I can't believe my baby is moving on to second grade.  I'm so very proud of how hard she's worked this year.  She is reading so well, doing double digit addition and subtraction and has started playing violin. 

Lauren, you are such a beautiful, sweet girl - always looking out for your friends and your family.  I love that you have such a joy about you and even love your mischeavious side :)  You are such a joy in my life and I am thankful every single day that I am your mom!  Love, Mom

I always love these pictures - it amazes me how much she's grown. 

She looks so much more mature and her legs are longer!

So Sleepy

Someone is a tired little bug after spending the day with Mama and Papa!

Snug as a Bug

Someone found a cozy spot to watch TV!

Babies!

Vegetables that is! What did you think I meant? We were so excited to see that we have about 7 baby tomatoes, 3 jalapeños and 2 eggplants. I can't believe it isn't even June and the veggies are already starting to produce - let's hope we end up with lots of yummy vegetables this year!

jalapenos

eggplant

tomatoes

white eggplant

more tomatoes

A Day to Myself

I had a nice surprise today. Both kids decided to go to the cabin with Shawn for the day. This meant that I had the entire day to myself! I was able to clean, do returns, go to the produce stand and grocery store. I even got a shellac manicure. It is supposed to last two weeks - we will see! The kids had a great time at the cabin but were tired and dirty when they got home and we were all happy to see each other again! Funny how you're happy to have some time to yourself but also feel like something is missing all day.

Long Time No Blog!

Wow it has been a long time since I've blogged!  Hopefully now that the hockey season is over with I will have a little more time to post some updates. 

It's hard to believe the school year is winding down and I will soon be the mother to a pre-Kindergartner and a Second Grader!  We had the end of the year picnic on Wednesday evening.  It was a beautiful night and the kids were able to jump in the bouncy house, play kickball with their friends on the front lawn of the school and Lutheran High's robot was there - which they each got to operate (they thought that was pretty cool). 

Last night Aidan had his Gymnastics Olympic performance at school.  He did a great job and was so proud of himself and the medal he earned.  His teacher said he did an awesome job this year and we are all so proud of the little guy!  Here are some of the pictures: