Shelby Graduated

Shelbs did it...not only did she graduate from High School, but our amazing niece actually graduated with her associates degree from Itasca Community College BEFORE she finished High School. And it has paid off! She got accepted and even is receiving a scholarship from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business. So in less than two months she will be making her way to the twin cities!

We had a wonderful day on the lake, meeting her friends and visiting with family. Even though my nieces and nephews are quite a bit older than my girls they do a totally amazing job with them. I just love them...all of them, and I feel incredible blessed to have them in my life!

Gone Fishing

When in Minnesota, do as Minnesotans! So we made the trek up to Minnesota...again! This time we went to Lori and Todd's to celebrate Shelby's graduation. But before the official celebrating began we got in some much needed time on the lake. The girls love going on Uncle Todd's boat. And this time we took some bait and did some fishing too. Hattie was the first one to make a catch. She was thrilled. Before we knew it we were catching sun fish left and right. Daddy was in heaven...he just loves enjoying the outdoors with his little ladies and when we are in Minnesota he feels like they get a little glimpse into what his youth was like.

They also got to ride the jet-ski...and they weren't nearly as excited about this. Leah went, apprehensively. Bug took some convincing. She went with Lexi and Daddy and screamed both times. Hattie was in heaven. I guess at that age you don't really know it is something to fear. Anyway, it was great. The weather was gorgeous. You just cant beat Minnesota in June/July!

Grandma Fran

Someday my girls will look back on this picture and realize just how lucky they were. Mitch's grandma, Frances Schultz, is still with us. She is 87 years young, and we just love spending time with her. She is just the most adorable thing. A few months back she moved out of her house into an apartment. She was apprehensive at first but now she loves her new place. Our girls thought it was awesome seeing her apartment. They had a great time playing on her patio with side walk chalk and they really love playing with her poodle Bella. Even at 87 years old, she had dinner ready and was eager to visit with the girls. I always wish we had more time with her. She always remembers the girls birthdays and sends them special packages periodically. She is everything a grandma should be. We just love her...and so does everyone else!

Nifty 50's

I don't know why it took me so long to realize this but our Library has some really great programs. Yesterday they hosted a Nifty 50's party and the girls had a blast. They had different craft activities, like creating your own guitar and making your own Mr. Potato head. And they had a snack bar with hot dogs, chip, cookies and of course Root Beer! There was outdoor games of Jacks and Hula Hooping, but the best parts by far were the photo booth with the props and the DJ. My kids just loved it. We brought Leah's friend Ella Phares along with us too. We had so much fun trying out all the props. And the DJ did a great job playing hits from the 50's. The Mt. Zion pom squad was there and they were dancing with the girls. I could hardly get Hattie to leave. In August the Back to school party theme is Grease, so the pom squad is going to have a camp. They teach the girls a dance and they perform at the party. We signed up. I can't wait to see it!

Hey Batter, Batter!

Leah has been so excited about softball this year. In April she did a softball camp that met every Friday night for 5 weeks. She loved it and was eager to start the season. She was even more excited when she learned that her teacher Mrs. Patrick's husband was her coach. That meant she was going to get to see her teacher well into summer. Yay! I can't believe how many kids she knows after just one year at Mt. Zion. She is always saying Hi to someone and seems to be doing really well.

She had a great season. They played 5 innings each game and she almost always got a hit. I think most games she was 3 for 4...and she learned enough to ask us how she did. And most times she answered her own question. Of course getting a trophy was the best. I can't wait to see how she does next year.

Bug at the Bat

This was Kiersten's first go around with playing softball, and overall it went extremely well. We were fortunate that our friend Eric Gray was her coach so she knew a few kids on the team. I'm hoping it will help her recognize a few more faces when she starts Kindergarten in the Fall....hold on, I need to go cry in the corner for a minute. Anyway, it started out rough. She didn't like softball when they were just practicing but once the games started she was always eager to get her jersey on and go. I think that had more to do with the dollar for the concession stand after then game than the actual game itself, but what do I know.

Fielding was not her strong point. It really wasn't anyones strong point...but she was pretty mighty at the bat. For her age, each girl gets 5 pitches, and if they haven't hit it they hit off the tee. I think she only hit off the tee two out of five games. Way to go, Bug! It was fun to watch her get so excited and jump up and down on the base...and then play in the dirt. Looking forward to more softball seasons to come.

Golf twenty-fifteen!

Decatur Junior Golf Academy has finally begun. It's been an unseasonably wet June. They had to cancel the first meeting, and today was questionable...but they are there and enjoying it so far. This is Leah's third year in the program. She's grown a bit so it was finally time for new clubs. Thankfully Bug could get started in the program this year, so Leah's clubs aren't collecting cobwebs in the garage. They are golfing together. I think they are enjoying it...at least they say they are. So tee it up and go low girls!!!

How is she 3?!?!

 I just can't believe it. I know everyone says time flies, but I swear I blinked and my sweet precious baby was 3. She fills my heart with a love I can't even explain. She enters a room with such a presence and when you hear her laugh you are filled with a joy you've never felt before. I love that at 3 her favorite thing to do is snuggle. At least three times a day I hear "you snuggle me momma?" And I vow that I will always stop what I am doing and savor these fleeting moments. I keep wondering how many more days do I have left. How much longer until the last time, and she no longer fits perfectly. Even when she starts to feel so big I will hold tight to the memory of her being there.

She talks about how much she loves her family...her LeeLee and her Buggy. She truly embraces the heart of a child and is enjoying toddler hood. She also knows that with a tilt of the head and a quick smile she can get just about whatever she wants from whoever she wants...especially Gigi. Although it is working less and less on Daddy. We love you, Hattie. So glad you enjoyed your birthday celebration this weekend. Pictures to come!