Weekend with the Pins's

This weekend we stayed with my parents in Gurnee and had a great visit.  They watched Jadon and Leah on Saturday night while Brian and I spent time in the city with my brother and sister-in-law.  Jeff and Jordyn treated us to a fabulous dinner at Carnivale, a Latin fushion restaurant.  Then we played games at Jeff's office and went dancing.  It was a very fun and memorable evening.  On Sunday, my mom and I went shopping and that evening, Brian and my dad went to a movie.  I was having so much fun that I forgot to take more pictures.  The one I did get shows my mom reading to Jadon.  He and Leah really enjoyed their time with Grandma and Grandpa.

Little Red Riding Hood

Sarah's Bridal Shower

Julie threw Sarah a very fun and unique Bridal shower.  Kim, Julie's co-worker, hosted the event in her beautiful home. Walker and Pierra, a chef and chef-in-training, prepared a gourmet lunch and then did cooking demonstrations.  Heidi, Sarah's roommate, gave a toast, and then Sarah opened her gifts.  I enjoyed a day out with the ladies, especially talking with Charity, Sarah, and Sarah's high school friend Kim.  Sarah is a wonderful friend and we are so excited for her.  After the shower we met up with the guys at Julie's place.  We had a lot of fun and look forward to the wedding on May 24th.  

Spring is Here!

It has been so nice getting outside now that the weather is warmer.  The outdoors is a whole new world to Leah and she refuses to be held outside.  She likes to walk around and explore.  Jadon is showing a lot of interest in sports, so we have been playing soccer (i.e. kicking a ball around) and playing tee ball.  Jadon hits pretty well and is learning to run the bases.  Getting tagged out turns into playing chase around the backyard.  I have been taking the kids in the jogging stroller for some of my runs and one day they both fell asleep.  Aww, so cute!  The last two pictures were taken at Julie's house, relaxing after Sarah's shower.  

Party Weekend

On Saturday I hosted a St. Patrick's Day party for Jadon and his friends, the Attigs, Johnsons, and Petersons.  Lori read a Leprechaun story and provided a craft for the kids.  They decorated treasure boxes.  Then I sent them on a Scavenger Hunt through the house.  At the end, they found their boxes filled with Lucky Charms and gold coins.  After that, Krista led a sorting activity with the Lucky Charms and we ate Anita's Shamrock cupcakes.  The kids also enjoyed playing with toys, running around, and playing hide-n-seek.  It was a lot of fun!  Later that day, Brian, Leah, Jadon, and I made it to our first parade of 2009, the Dixon St. Patick's Day Parade.  The highlight was seeing Tom and the whole Kitson clan marching down Main Street.  Unfortunately we didn't see Kim, Jason, and Carly.  On Sunday we went to Brecken's 3rd Birthday party.  Jadon is blessed to have such a great friend.  

Pins and Sels Party

On Sunday we had a birthday party for Leah at home and celebrated with some of the Pins and Sels relatives.  We had lunch, opened presents, and enjoyed Deb's homemade cake and ice cream.  Leah looked very serious as we sang Happy Birthday, but she perked up while feeding herself cake.  It was very cute!  We appreciate those who drove to Sterling and spent the day celebrating Leah's first year of life.  (Thanks for all the nice gifts!)  This past year has had its challenges, but the joy far outweighs them.  We love our beautiful daughter so much!