Back in Nebraska!

We had a wonderful visit from my sister and her family at the end of May.  The kids were THRILLED to play with their cousins they hadn't seen since Christmas.  They speculated all week leading up to their arrival of how big Rylan would be and what Aubrey might say.  :)  Their visit didn't disappoint.  We were so happy they stayed a bit with us.  We didn't get to see as much of them as we would have liked since the kiddos were still in school, and we had already planned an end-of-school-year vacation prior to knowing their travel plans.  But, we cherished the time we did have together and can't wait to see them again!

 Lainey, Aubrey and Sophie in their PJ's..but not ready for bed.  :)

 Playing with bubbles.

 Aubrey enjoying playing in the warm Nebraska sun. :)

A game of basketball with Dad and Uncle Brian 

 Enjoying a day at the zoo together!

  

Popsicles + Sunshine = Nebraska Summer 

I am extremely honored that my brother, Russ, and sister-in-law, Mandy, asked me to be their daughter Kaylee's Godmother.  We celebrated her special day while Scholl's were home.  What a beautiful day!

  

My beautiful, sweet Goddaughter, Kaylee Ann

End of Year: Lainey & Sophie

Yep...still behind on my blogging...and had better get caught up quick within the next couple weeks.  This baby's arrival is quickly approaching!  Soon my opening line will read: "Where did the summer go?"

May 23, 2012

Where did the school year go?!?  I cannot believe Lainey's 2nd Grade year and Sophie's Kindergarten year have come to an end.  What a fantastic year it was!!  Both girls grew by leaps and bounds, in every way.  We are SO very proud of them...and so thankful for the wonderful teachers they had.  Both spent their last year at Thomas Elementary as our development falls with-in the boundary of the new school, Whitetail Creek.  We're looking forward to a FUN summer!

 Lainey - 8 years old...2nd Grade completed!

Sophie - 6 1/2 years old...Kindergarten completed!

  

End of Year: Sawyer Preschool

It's hard to believe the school-year is over.  Sawyer's 1st year of preschool ended with a fun program and ice cream sundaes...and farm day at school.  He'll be in preschool next year too..which he's already looking forward to.  Bring on summer!

 Sawyer at his preschool program (May 8, 2012)

 - always good at participating

 Sawyer and my cousin's daughter, Savannah...preschool classmates and buddies

 Yum!  Ice cream sundaes :)

 Sawyer offering his fingers to the calf as a pacifier :)

 baby chicks

 Sawyer's beloved teacher, Mrs. Knihal (also Lainey & Sophie's teacher)

 Last Day!

Sawyer's other preschool teacher: Mrs. Theall

Seattle Trip!

April 25 - April 29

I feel very fortunate that I was able to head out to Seattle to visit my sister and her family in April.  We had a rewards ticket that was going to expire the end of April, so we planned a trip for me...and Matt incorporated a work trip at the same time.  We had a wonderful time visiting and spending time with the Scholl family!

 My beautiful niece, Aubrey...2 1/2 years.

She has such a little personality and was always asking in that sweet little voice, "Whatcha talkin' about guys?" wanting to be right in the middle of Kim's and my conversations.  :)

It was so fun getting to know Rylan more...8 months,

He's such a good boy! 

We girls went to this fun little tea room in Port Gamble.

 Look at these scones!..and the spreads!...and cute china cups of tea!

We went to a fun little general store.  They had retro toys, fun gift items, old-fashioned candy...and this neat vintage cash register. 

Kim bought Aubrey this little key-chain camera at the General Store.  She was so fun snapping pictures of us and everything in site.  She even sat it on the floor, pushed it and instructed us to run and say, "Cheese!"  Too funny! 

The Scholl Family on the ferry 

 Our famous Seattle city picture on the ferry

Visiting Pike Place Market 

 Yum!

 Yum again!

 Matt at the Pike Place Fish Market

Oh...the abundance of fresh flowers!  LOVE! 

We always search out the huge head-size donuts we enjoyed the first time we visited Seattle 8 years ago. 

Mmmm...fresh fruits and veggies! 

Loved, Loved, Loved spending time with my sister! 

I always enjoy visiting Beecher's Handmade Cheese.  We even got to watch them make some cheese. 

...until next time.  :)

Lainey's First Holy Communion

April 21, 2012

On April 21st, we celebrated a VERY special day with our very special Lainey.  We celebrated her First Holy Communion...a day she has prepared for, a day when Lainey was able to fully participate in receiving the body and blood of our Lord.  It made my heart glad to witness how excited she was about the blessing she received.  We're so proud of our little girl and the faith she is growing in and developing.  We love you, Lainey!

 Sawyer, Lainey and Sophie

 Our Precious Lainey on her First Holy Communion

 Lainey with Fr. Hunke

 Grammy & Grandpa Monte

 Lainey with Aldyn

 Aunt Mollie & Uncle Adam

 Uncle Russ, Aunt Mandy, Keaton, Kinley & Kaylee

 Grandma Ellen & Grandpa Marv

 Lainey with Great-Grandma Keller

 Lainey with her Godparents, Melissa & Joe Dirks

 Proud Parents

 First Communion banner

We were so blessed by all who came to celebrate Lainey and her special day.