Leah's Birthday Round-Up!

I am in complete denial that tomorrow, my beautiful brown-eyed girl, will be turning 4!!! I blinked and she went from being my beautiful little baby, to my big girl that is about as independent as can be. She started talking about her birthday back in March, right after Bug's party. It's been birthday this and birthday that for nearly two months. She was super excited to help me pick out the theme and I was so grateful that she liked the cowgirl theme and we didn't have to do princesses...Sometimes I am just princessed out :)

As the day approached she got more and more excited! We got sheriff's badges and bandanna's for all our little party guest. We planned a western theme cook-out with hot dogs, chips and queso, baked beans and all the fixin's. We even got a special cowgirl hat and T-shirt for Leah to wear to the hoe down. She was super excited to wear her birthday outfit, and we had to put her American Girl Doll, Ellie in her cowgirl outfit too!  The party didn't start until 5 PM on Saturday, talk about anticipation!!! She was so patient all day long waiting for her friends to arrive. She helped clean up all the toys, went to the store with her Daddy, and helped me frost and decorate the cupcakes. Such a big helper.

As her friends started to arrive she was super excited to show them the sheriff's badges and bandanna's and couldn't wait to get started playing. I had a few things planned, but didn't end up doing any of them. The kids were so content just to play out in the backyard. With a trampoline, power wheels, sand table, and swing set they were more than occupied. They all played really nice together, ate dinner and were patient waiting for the cake! I just love the pictures of Leah getting ready to blow out her "4" candle with all of her little friends around her. It was even more fun to watch her open her presents with all her friends quick to lend a helping hand. She was excited about the gifts and so were they...well, except for Kiersten who cried and cried when she realized none of them were for her :(

It was a great night. Mitch put so much hardwork into the day. He really had to carry the load with me being so pregnant...Not that I didn't help, I did. But he did most of the shopping, he mowed the lawn, got all the outside toys cleaned up and in place. He helped with the bulk of the cooking and was super-dad when it came to clean up...I'm a lucky girl, SERIOUSLY lucky girl. Leah told us it was "the best birthday party ever." And that made it all worth it. Yee Ha, cowgirl...glad you had a rootin' tootin' good time!

Let's Go To The ZOO!

I've been  a bad blogger the past 10 days or so. Mostly because spring sprung up on us and we are crazy busy, but also because Mitch has been away at a conference this past week and I was single parenting. It always makes me appreciate him so much more...It is hard to function without him. We miss him, and he is a big part of our routine. It's nice to want to be with my best friend all the time. I hate it when he is gone and am usually counting down to his return. Anyway, we knew that he would be flying in to St. Louis on Thursday morning so we planned a little family outing. And we surely picked a good day...the sun was shining and it was 89 degrees in St. Louis!!!

I made arrangements with my girlfriend Sidney a few days prior and we were so happy to have Sidney, Charlee and Van join us for our day at the Zoo. We arrived shortly after noon and wasted no time getting started. And talk about excited!!! The kids were so pumped about seeing all the animals. We got a good start and managed to make it until 1:30 before grabbing lunch. After a quick bite, we were back on the trail. The kids were especially excited by the bears, and then of course the penguins. Kiersten especially has squealing with joy over the penguins. I think Leah thought that the Zebra's and Lions were the best. But then again, they had lots of fun watching the Orangutan. He kept hiding under a sheet, and the kids thought it was pretty funny. Although it was nice and warm, we managed to stay until 4:30. The kids were so well behaved...I couldn't believe. It I thought for sure Kiersten would start to have a meltdown, afterall it was way past her naptime but she was a trooper. Girl was super happy about all the animals! And Leah enjoyed telling me all about her favorite parts of the day. It's really a great place, and we will absolutely be returning again in the near future!

Tri, Tri, Tri Daddy!

Okay, so really we were yelling "Go, Daddy Go!" But he did try and try and try.This past Sunday Mitch competed in his first sprint triathlon. That's a 400 swim, 13 mile bike and 5K run. It was a goal he set for himself shortly after we moved here and he finally did it. He found one in Sullivan a few months back and decided to go for it. He trained so hard...early morning swims and the YMCA, and early morning running and biking workouts at the Wellness Center. Thankfully the weather has cooperated this winter/spring and he was able to do a fair amount of training outside. He is by nature super competitive...even with himself, and so he set the bar high. Even after he finished he came down hard on himself about what he could have done better or different. (Sigh) But Leah and I were so proud of him all the same.

He left for Sullivan a little before 11 AM. Ellen came to watch Kiersten for me, since the event was during her nap time. Leah and I headed out at 11:45 and made it to Sullivan by 12:15, we parked the car and headed into the Civic Center to watch the action in the pool. It didn't take the cheerleader and I long to spot Daddy and she was so excited to watch him jump into the pool. She cheered him along the entire way. Once or twice at the turn he was able to say "Hi" back to her. He was a bit frustrated with the swim, there was a lady in front of him that wouldn't let him pass, and he and a fellow male swimmer kept running into her and one another. He worried that it really slowed down his time, but he submitted that his time would be around 8:40 and he was pretty close to that mark, even with the inconsiderate swimmer.

Leah and I ran outside with him as he transitioned from swim to bike. She cheered and cheered and tried to talk to him while he geared up and hopped on his bike. Unfortunately for Mitch his bike is "lacking" so to speak. He is riding a Schwinn that belonged to his brother in the early 80's and his bike was clearly the oldest by probably a good 20 years. He knows he lost some time because of it, but a new bike just isn't in the budget. The average speed for most riders was 18MPH and his was only 16.6...plus it was a super windy day and they were out on RT. 121. Still, to Leah and I it seemed he was back in no time. We watched him ride in and he was off for his run in no time.

Thankfully, the event took place at a park so while Daddy was running his 5K Leah played on the swings and slide. We stayed planted pretty close to the road so we could watch Daddy and cheer him on some more. And sure enough we saw him, cheered him on towards the end. We tried to get back over the finish line to see him complete the event, but he was faster than we were! He ran his 5K in 26 minutes (I think). Of course right after finishing he started complaining about his time. I reassured him that he finished in under 1:30 and he seemed content with that. He wanted to finish in under 1:30 and really should have been happy with his performance...he didn't walk once, and I know I would have :)

After we got home we checked the website and his official time was 1:21...he did so much better than anticipated. But really, I think the hugs, kisses and happiness on Leah's face was all the reward he needed. So proud of our Daddy!!! ~"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might..." Ecclesiastes 9:10

My Princess at the Ball

Guest post by Daddy :)

For the past few weeks we have been hearing about the Fairy Tale Ball from Leah almost everyday.  Well the day finally arrived.  Friday night we had the Hunt's over for pizza, then off Leah and Charlee in their almost matching pink dresses along with Joel and I headed out the door for the Ball at the Decatur Children's Museum.  Before we were even in the door Leah was all excited about the princesses that were holding the doors open for us.  Her eyes lit up even more when she saw ten more grown up princesses.

Once there, the girls had some time for free play to burn off some energy.  Then we headed to the classroom to make crafts.  Both the girls made head pieces with a little help from the dads.  Leah's fell apart a couple of times so I guess I didn't do such a good job.  After making the head pieces, the girls got to go on a fashion parade and show them off.  Next up we headed upstairs for story time.  Leah got a kick out of the story and entertained the room with her funny comments.  Her personality always keeps her the center of attention...

Next up was ballroom dancing.  The girls had a fun time doing the Macarena and the chicken dance with the grown up princesses leading the way.  We ended with a snack time.  The girls got to decorate their own brownies before enjoying them.  Leah got served soda for the first time.  She took one sip and pushed it away saying 'I don't think I like soda' and proceeded to ask the lady for water instead.  As we were leaving, Leah ran up to the grown up princess that had shown us around and gave them big hugs.

When we finally arrived home, the girls had all kinds of stories to tell.  Today at breakfast Leah was already talking about going back to another Ball.  I was having a hard time getting her to understand that it would be another year before we could go back.  Guess that means that she had a good time.

Ready for Summer Fun!

Everyone says "How nice for your kids." I think "How nice for ME!" A few months back Mitch and I decided that we would get a swingset for the kids before the summer began. They are ready, they love to be outside, but the true motivation for me was that it will be much easier to get them outside and keep them outside this summer while I am tending to the new baby. Even as I sit here typing this, Kiersten is sitting next to me saying "I go swing."

We were super excited to find this one on samsclub.com and the kicker was that it came with FREE SHIPPING...YES! Perfect since we had no way to transport one to our house and the price was great. So I went for it. It was one week from checkout on my computer to being on our doorstep (or in our driveway). Mitch began construction on it in our garage. Over two nights he spent probably about 3-4 hours working on it, and then yesterday my brother came and spent a good 5-6 hours helping with the rest of the assembly. Thank goodness. What a project...for them! Can't thank Uncle Matt enough for helping us out. We owe him, but it was fun for the girls and I to spend the time playing with Colby. The kids were so patient waiting for the construction, and couldn't wait to give it a try. Now we are anxious to have lots of playdates with friends and really break it in. Come on Summer!

Trip to the dentist...FAIL!

The pictures aren't the best...but you get the point. This past Monday we went to the dentist for the first time since moving to Decatur. I know, we've been here a year. We saw a dentist every 6 months in New Jersey so I wasn't too concerned, and I've been busy so don't judge. But anyway, as the date was approaching we kept talking to Leah about it, preparing her and she seemed super excited. It wasn't her first time so I thought all would go smoothly. Boy, was I wrong!!!

My girl was brave for all of about 5 seconds. The hygenist was great, super friendly, put on some cartoons, let her wear the"cool shades". She showed her a few of the tools and then Leah let her count her teeth and poke around for a minute. No cavaties, YAY! There were a few concerns with her spacing which really just means she will probably need braces in the future (Shocker)! Next the hygenist showed her the tool and the toothpaste for polishing. This is when Leah lost it. She turned her head the other way, and said "I don't think I want to do that, maybe when I am older." I couldn't help it, I started laughing. I got up and got down on her level and tried to comfort her and get her to cooperate, but I'm not Leah's go-to parent. Mitch was in the next room getting his cleaning. I said maybe if we talk to Daddy, he can convince her. Leah thought it would help to see Daddy getting his teeth cleaned so she hopped down.

But as quick as Leah could hop down, Kiersten was up in that chair saying "my turn, now" and "let me try"...that's my girl! She loved getting the bib and the glasses on and did just what the hygienist told her. She counted Kiersten's teeth, said no cavaties...of course she still has 4 teeth that haven't come in yet, but it was all good. Her spacing looked much better than Leah's which is good, maybe we will only have to shell out for braces on one of them :)

The hygienist showed Bug the tool for polishing and commented that it might tickle. Kiersten giggled as she polished away, she loved getting the water sprayed in her mouth and the vacuum. She listened so well and really tried not to swallow the paste. She did great. And when she was finished she told Leah "Sissy it's fun." Leah still wasn't having it. She said "maybe when I'm older", so we headed next door so she could check out the action with Daddy. She started to cry watching Daddy but he comforted her briefly and she said she was ready to try again.

She climbed back up in that chair but it took no time at all before the tears started up again. They decided just to let it go...didn't want to traumatize her too much in hopes that future visits will go much smoother. Once we were up at the receptionist area, making our appointments for October Leah burst in to tears because she was ready to try, but I told her it was too late. She proceeded to cry the entire way home...so yeah, FAIL!!! Better luck next time, I suppose.

Water Park Wonderland

So I mentioned in the previous post that we went to a water park with ALL of Mitch's family for Easter and to say that the girls Loved it might be an understatement. They were mesmerized by all the fun to be had. The first day there we got down to the pool at around 5pm, and they both jumped right in. Kiersten was beyond brave and going on the water slides in no time. It took Leah a little longer to warm up to the idea but she got there eventually and thought it was great. On that first night we tried to pull the kids out of the water around 7:30 to go have pizza and then get ready for bed. Kiersten was not having it. She laid on the floor and pitched a fit screaming "I don't want to, I don't want to" and "I want to swim, I want to swim." We made grandpa Dave carry her back to the room and I couldn't help but laugh. I'd never seen her act that way, and on the way to the room I kept commenting "Whose kid is that?" But always with a smile on my face. It was bound to happen. The next day she fared much better getting in and out of the water once she realized that she would get to come back.

Kiersten could have cared less who was in the water with her, as long as she was in the water. A time or two she took off without an escort...Leah on the other hand just wanted her cousins attention. She was so excited to see Shelby, Lexi and Rylee. She talked about them non-stop, and just wanted to swim with them and they did an amazing job of helping us out with both of the girls. They all 3 were wonderful and took turns, alternating with them so that they could still go on the more grown up slides. Mitch actually got Leah on one of the grown-up slides, and after that she went once or twice with Lexi. It was great to see the girls with their cousins and we wish we could do it more often. Uncle Todd took his fair share of turns too. I think Kiersten dragged him up on one of the kiddie slides 20 times over the course of an hour, he was such a trooper. And Grandpa Dave and even Uncle Brian took their turns. For some reason Daddy wouldn't let me go on any of the water slides, hmmm?!?!?

Another favorite of the girls was the lazy river and the wave pool, but mostly the lazy river. And I think the Big girls really enjoyed doing that more than the toddler area...can you blame them?!?! Every time they would go by there would be big waves and lots of smiles.

On Saturday while my little ones took a nap, and the guys were out golfing I got to spend time catching up with my wonderful nieces. They all 3 are such wonderful girls, and if mine turn out that great I will consider myself lucky and blessed. We talked a lot about tv shows, movies and books. Shelby shared with me about all the stuff she is doing in high school and all her big plans for the summer. It was then that I started talking about how we would be excited to see them all at the new baby's baptism and then I asked her if she would like to be a "God Mother" to our soon to be little one. Mitch and I had decided some time ago that we wanted to ask Justin and Shelby. They are both baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church and we just love them so much. We knew it was the perfect choice, and Shelby's reaction was so sweet. She was genuinely touched and honored...I thought she was going to cry. And I'm so happy that she agreed. Mitch was in charge of talking to Justin. He thought he would try while they were golfing, but didn't quite get the chance, so he ended up asking him in the hotel hallway...whatever works right??? And of course we are happy that Justin said yes too. For a High School boy he does great with our girls, and would play with them and tease them each morning after breakfast.

It was a wonderful trip and as always has us longing for the next time...which probably won't be until August :( On our way home we stopped at Red Robin in Madison, WI for lunch...always do. The girls love it and they get a balloon. At lunch I was asking Leah what her favorite part of the trip was. She quickly answered "Playing with Shelby, Lexi and Rylee." It made my heart happy...I was so glad she didn't say treats from the Easter Bunny!