Vacation Memories #3- Fun at Grandpa and Grandma's House

While our vacation was very relaxing, we actually did a lot of things while we were there. We spent a majority of our time at my parent's house in Minnesota, but ended up doing quite a few things. We would usually go to a park to play in the morning while it was still relatively cool, but in the afternoon after her nap, would hang around the house letting her play with all the toys, gadgets and her new friends.

I'll let the photos and videos do the talking, as they will do a much better job than I will. Some good memories were made at Grandpa and Grandma's house!

She learned how to play on the Slip and Slide.

The kiddie pool!

Her very first tricycle and a personalized license plate!

It even has a trunk which she used to store her pretzels!

Playing on the stilts:-) They are harder to use than they look!

Relaxing in the easy chair on the porch as she wakes up and greets the day!

She learned how to do her first somersault!

Learning how to hoola hoop!

Kaley's piano solo:-)

Vacation Memories #2- Fun at the Farm

Both of the weekends that we were in Wisconsin, we stayed at my uncle John and aunt Diane's farm. This was Kaley's first experience of spending an extended amount of time on a farm. We had visited others before, but this time she really had the opportunity to see and experience everything. It was such a beautiful setting- quiet, peaceful and full of life.

Her first *love* was the trampoline. She had so much fun on it and even learned how to do a somersault - although what she REALLY wanted to do was a flip like the older girls:-) She called it the "bounce". Her second love of the farm were the animals, even though she had to warm up to the idea of actually petting them. She always had to go search and find the baby "kitchen's" or chickens, see the pigs, cows, and even found the courage to feed the horses some grass. Her third love of the farm was the hot tub! With all of these new and fun things, she also loved playing on the play horse, the swing set, the slide, drinking from a garden hose, walking around in bare feet, loving on the cats, and picking wild strawberries. Lots of adventures and lots of fun!

Vacation Memories #1 - Dance As If No One is Watching

This could very well have been Kaley's moto when we were at my cousin Randy's wedding. Before arriving in Minnesota, we found ourselves in the Buffalo airport with a 4 HOUR wait as the storms in the Twin Cities moved out and it was safe for us to fly and land. Needless to say, it was a very long day. We got into Minnesota really late and had to turn around and drive up to Wisconsin the next day for my cousin's wedding.

Long story short: a full day of traveling on Friday + a 2 hour car ride on Saturday + a new house with kids meant no nap + having to sit still and quiet during a wedding (didn't happen) = a very tired little girl. Kaley crashed on the way to the reception in the van at 5:00 p.m. and then slept for 2 hours through the reception. I thought we were in for a very long night, but as soon as the music started, her little eyes lit up! As each of the dances progressed, Kaley got closer and closer to the dance floor. As soon as they opened it up for everyone, she was there and didn't stop for 2 hours!

Kaley made a special friend with my cousin's little girl Karli and those two lit up the dance floor all night. It was great to see them enjoying themselves and obviously having a good time!

Happy Birthday Erica!

Happy Birthday Erica! Love from all of us:-)

God gave a gift to the world when you were born—

a person who loves, who cares,
who sees a person’s need and fills it,
who encourages and lifts people up,
who spends energy on others
rather than herself,
someone who touches each life she enters,
and makes a difference in the world,
because ripples of kindness flow outward
as each person you have touched, touches others.

May the love you have shown to others
return to you, multiplied.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays,
and many, many more!

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy Birthday Sharlene!

Bright Joy

On your birthday,
I’m thinking about how much light and sparkle
you freely dispense wherever you go,
how your sunny smile lights up any gathering.
Every birthday marks another year
of you radiating positive, happy energy,
contagious happiness
that infects all who come in contact with you.
May your next birthday find you the same--
glowing from within,
beaming bright joy on everyone you meet.
I feel blessed to know you.By Joanna Fuchs

I have some catching up to do...

Wow, these last few months have been quite a blur in our household. As the school year ended for me and summer began, we have spent our time visiting with family and enjoying life together as 3 before the big day comes at the end of summer. Needless to say, I haven't spent much time on the computer which ultimately means that I haven't written any posts lately. A lot has been going on, and now that the biggest events have passed, life is settling into a bit of normal once again.

I have much to catch up on and post, so bear with me! Can't wait to tell you all about it.

Happy Birthday Dad!

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it...
Dad
- Anonymous

We love you so much dad and are so thankful you are in our lives. I appreciate all of the life lessons you have taught me and continue to teach me. Kaley sure loves her papa and I am thankful for the person that you are. Many blessings to you in this coming year. Happy birthday!