Gurnee Getaway

The kids and I went to Gurnee this past weekend to spend time with my parents and give Brian a little time at home to catch up on house projects. On Friday night my dad and I went to the movies. On Saturday morning, the kids and I went over to my friend Libby's house for a couple hours. That afternoon, my parents took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's and the toy store while I enjoyed some shopping and pampering. On Sunday my mom, the kids, and I went to Lakeforest. Yes, we were all spoiled! Thanks mom and dad!

Leah enjoys some of grandpa's homemade malted chocolate ice cream. She loves her grandpa's cooking and sense of humor!

Leah and Joaquin enjoyed parallel play and even chased each other around.

Here's Libby and Joaquin.

Jadon rides a horse at Chuck E. Cheese's.

Visiting Grandma

Brian and I took the kids up to Dubuque yesterday to visit my Grandma, Aunt Sue, and Uncle Les. We visited at Grandma's apartment for a while before heading over to Susie's, where Jadon and Leah had fun playing with all their toys. Then we took Grandma out to dinner and headed home. She loves seeing the kids and we love seeing her. She is the sweetest grandma you could ever imagine!

St. Pat's Playdate

I hosted a little St. Patrick's Day party on Saturday morning. Lori, Anita, Angie, and Brenda came over with their kids and us moms talked while the kids played. Then we read a book, made windsocks, ate yummy snacks, and had a scavenger hunt. Not only is this a fun holiday to celebrate with kids, but it's also neat to remember that St. Patrick himself was a missionary to the Irish people and taught them that there is one God who, like the shamrock, is 3 parts, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Here I am helping Jadon make his windsock.

Here's Anita adding clouds to her rainbow cupcakes.

Lori made a fruit rainbow which was completely devoured during snack time. We all loved it!

Bottling at the Johnson's

The Johnsons had us over for pizza on Friday and we helped them bottle their Shamrock Stout. Jadon played while Leah helped Brian put the capped bottles in cases. We tried out the new Happy Joe's in Rock Falls, which is carry out or delivery only, and had a fun evening.

Daddy's Little Helper

Brian replaced our kitchen faucet the other day and Leah lent a helping hand.

Helping in Jadon's Class

Yesterday I helped in Jadon's preschool class. I like seeing what they do and how Jadon behaves and performs.

Here's the whole class wearing their bear ears. Jadon is in the righthand seat of the middle row.

Jadon helped with calendar, dressing the weather bear, and holding the flag for the pledge.

Leah's 2nd Birthday

We celebrated Leah's birthday with the Pins Family on Saturday in Gurnee. My dad made a nice lunch and cake and Leah received more nice gifts. Jeff and Jordyn were able to visit for a couple hours before going to another party so it was fun to see them too. Leah had a great 2nd birthday. Thanks to everyone who made it so special!

Leah and Vicki's B-day Party

The Jones Family got together on Friday night to celebrate Vicki and Leah's February 26th birthday. Once again, Vicki decorated so nicely and we enjoyed snacks and pizza. Everyone showered Leah with great gifts and the kids had fun running around Keith and Vicki's big house.

Fun Fair

Jadon attends Awanas each Wednesday night and earns points for bringing his book, Bible, memorizing verses, giving a quarter, and bringing a show-n-tell item. This past week he got to attend the Fun Fair and spend the points he's been accumulating on games, snacks, and prizes. He had to memorize the order of creation and 5 extra verses for the "Verse-o-rama" too. I was so proud of him as he said them all with ease. I was proud of him also for his athletic abilities as he played all the different games. Maybe I'm just a proud mama, but I think he is so smart and talented! I'm thankful that these things come to him easily and feel blessed that he's such a wonderful son!

Ski Date

Two Saturdays ago my parents came to Sterling for a day to watch Jadon and Leah while Brian and I went skiing. My mom came bearing gifts for the kids. They had a great time and Jadon even learned how to dribble his new spiderman ball. Brian and I had lunch and went skiing with Jeff and Charity up at Chestnut. They are so fun to be with and the time goes by way too fast!