Just Pics

Here are just some pics.  I just couldn't resist.  :)

Lainey Ann - June 2010 (6 years 3 months)

Sophie Ellen - June 2010 (4 years 9 months)

Friends...much of the time :)

Sawyer Matthew - June 2010 (2 years 9 months)

Sawyer with his good buddy and neighbor, Nolan!  They are just 3 1/2 months apart...we're so fortunate!

The summer is flying by; we've done lots of fun things with lots of fun times yet to come!

Father's Day

A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child.

(Knights of Pythagoras)

Matt's Father's Day gift...3 exceptional children...

oh yeah...and a Special Editon Weber Grill too!

What do you love about dad?

Sawyer:  "Happy"

Lainey:  "He always helps us.  He helps us play games, and he helps put us to bed."

Sophie:  "He has cute little hair.  Daddy gives nice kisses to me.  I love daddy."

Walk a little slower

Walk a little slower, Daddy,

Said a little child so small.

I'm following in your footsteps

And I don't want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they are hard to see;

So, walk a little slower, Daddy,

For you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up,

You're what I want to be;

Then I will have a little child

Who'll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,

And know that I was true;

So walk a little slower, Daddy,

For I must follow you.

A Weekend of Surprises and Family Fun

In my effort to play catch-up, I'm now posting on Memorial Day activities.  :) 

We had a great weekend full of surprises and lots of family fun!  My dad did it!  He pulled off some GREAT surprises for my mom's birthday this year.  The first (and best) surprise was flying Kim, Bryan and Aubrey home from Seattle.  The second was an actual surprise party.  On Memorial Day, Matt golfed in the morning and we enjoyed lunch and the parade in Axtell during the day with Matt's family.  This year the kids even got to see the Good Samaritan Flight helicopter land and explore the inside, sitting in the pilot's seat and in the back.  What fun!

We picked Kim, Bryan and Aubrey up from the airport Friday evening and headed home to Kearney...my mom not having a clue!  We didn't even tell the kids until that afternoon in fear they might let it slip. 

Dad told mom she had to go in her room as Russ, Scott, and Matt were bringing in a birthday present he just couldn't find in Kearney and had to ask me to pick up in Omaha.  They were getting it set up, then she could come down.  We all lined up in the basement with Kim, Bryan and Aubrey front and center.  She honestly didn't see them at first...suspiciously looking for what in the world this mysterious gift could be!

NOW she saw them!  :)

Last time the little ones saw each other was Christmas when they were just 2 months old.

First kisses and hugs for a little cutie since Christmas!

Kinley Jo (Russ & Mandy's)...7 months here

Aubrey Lynne...7 1/2 months

Celebrating Mom's birthday on Saturday

The kids loved all of the excitement of the weekend!

My Grandma Keller was honored as Alumni of the Year (another surprise) and great honor at Humphrey St. Francis this year.  My parents were gone and we spent the night and had a sleepover at Russ & Mandy's.  The kids LOVED having a sleep-over in th basement all together with Keaton.  We enjoyed it too!

Sunday we had a surprise party for my mom at the Harmon Park Activity Center.  We thought if she had any incling that something was going on, the surprise of Kim, Bryan & Aubrey would squelch any suspicions.  It was almost exhausting the coordinating of stories we all had to do in order to keep our activities' secret.  We were all relieved when we could start telling the truth again!  :)

Walking in...she had NO clue...great job, Dad!

Birthday cake...and yep...she is 39 again.  :)

Despite the busy holiday weekend, lots of friends and family came (THANKS everyone!)  Here are my some of my mom's brothers with Matt, Bryan and Russ.

4 Generations

On Monday we got to go to Axtell with Matt's Grandma, Elaine, and his family.  There was SO much candy thrown at the parade, there was still some candy in the streets when we were leaving!  Fun! 

Sawyer and Grammy Ruth

(Soon-to-be Uncle) Adam & Lainey

Our sylin' niece, Aldyn, lovin' the parade

Aunt Mollie, Grandpa Monte & Sophie

What a fun and busy weekend was had by all!

Round the bases at Tball

Lainey had an impressive season at Tball...ending with coach pitch (and her never having to use the tee).  She can really hit it out there, had some wonderful catches, improved her tossing, and just overall had a great time.  Matt assisted in the coaching.  She's already looking forward to next year, and of course, Sophie and Sawyer are just looking forward to when they get to play "for reals".

Getting the bat from dad after touching home plate.

Look at this girl! 

Great season, Lainey!