My Grandma's Passing

My grandma, Helen Pins, with Leah in 2008

My grandma fell a couple weeks ago and hurt her back. It looked like she was making a good recovery and that we would even see her at Jordyn's baby shower. However, last Wednesday I got a call that she had taken a turn for the worse and was only given up to 48 hrs. to live. I drove up to Dubuque right away and was able too spend her last hours with her, telling her I loved her, that I was thankful for her, and reminiscing about the good times. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren when she died that night. We had her wake on Easter Monday and the funeral on Tuesday. Everything was beautiful and really honored her. She was a very devout, loving woman and the best grandma I could've ever asked for. She will be remembered fondly always.

Rock Falls Fire Station

Leah's class visited the R.F. Fire Station today. The firefighters talked to the kids and showed them what they looked like in all their gear. Then they let us see the conference room, kitchen, TV room, and bedroom. The firefighters also pulled out their big pumper, ladder truck and let the kids climb inside. Then they raised the ladder. It was really neat.

Leah and Brody were so cute together. She even reached for his arm at one point like she wanted to hold his hand...so precious!

Easter '11

We had a nice Easter weekend at my parents' house in Gurnee. Friday night we had a little birthday party for our "twins", Jadon and Rachel. On Saturday, the girls had the baby shower, while Brian and Jadon had a fun boys day together. On Sunday, the kids found their baskets, had an egg hunt, and we all went to church. The kids had a lot of fun playing together this time and my parents made it a very nice weekend.

Jordyn's Baby Shower

The kids enjoyed their goody bags and talking with each other. They were great.

The 2 grandmas!

My mom threw a very nice baby shower for Jordyn at Biaggi's. We had a private room. Not many of the Pins relatives could make it since my grandma passed away and everyone was busy preparing for the funeral. There were quite a few Frelk relatives, though. We mingled, had a nice lunch, and each person shared a quality they valued in their mother. Then Jeff and Jordyn opened their gifts. We had a beautiful time.

Meeting Libby's New Baby

On our way to Gurnee for Easter weekend, we stopped by Libby's house to meet her 6 wk. old baby, Miles. The kids had fun playing while we visited and Libby made us a yummy lunch. Her little boy is adorable and it was a real treat to hold a tiny baby.

Birthday Breakfast

We mostly celebrated Jadon's birthday over the weekend, but we tried to make his real birthday special with Mickey Mouse pancakes for breakfast and opening a few presents from mom and dad.

Jadon's 5th Bday

Ryan (a friend from pre-k), Jadon, Luke, Brecken, Eli, and Dale

Jadon had a Race Car birthday party with 5 of his little buddies. Since it was cold and rainy outside, we had all our games and races indoors, but it worked out just fine. We even made an obstacle course. Then they ate a fun lunch, made some sticker race cars, and ate cake. Jadon received some nice gifts and had lots of fun.

Sports Class

Jadon is taking an 8 week sports class. He started with basketball and will also play baseball, soccer, and football. Here he is in the blue shirt dribbling behind one of his coaches.

Cousin Time

While Brant and Amie went to the Masters, the kids and I spent some time with Kylie, Dylan, and Deb in Bettendorf. The kids just played a lot in the house. Since the girls missed their tea party with Grandma Jones, we had a little tea party at home on Sunday.

Holuks Visit

On Sunday, the Rouses, Flemings, and Holuks came to our house for a reunion. Sharon, Susan, and Dave are friends of ours from Massachusetts that are in Illinois visiting several of us who used to live in MA and be members of Calvary Baptist Church. It was good to catch up with everyone and we were blessed with a warm Spring day.

Putnam Museum of Science and History

Jadon was a natural operating the claw of this submarine and picking up shells.

Peek-a-boo Avery!

The kids had so much fun at the Putnam this past Friday. Running on the ramps and climbing the big staircase was just as exciting to them as the animal and culture exhibits. This is a great museum and I would enjoy going back by myself to take my time in each exhibit.

More Putnam and Easter Activities

When the kids got up on this ledge for their picture, they were surprised to see that the polar bear roaring had his paw on a captured seal.

This Chinese guard dog captured Jadon's imagination. After seeing it, he "became" it by running, growling, and showing his sharp claws.

After a full morning at the museum, we headed back to Amie's house for rest time. Then the kids dyed Easter eggs and Deb gave them all monogrammed beach towels and totes as an Easter gift.

Easter Egg Hunt with the Joneses

Dale and his family spent another week in the QC. On Sunday, March 27th we met at Brant's house for pizza with the whole Jones family. Then we headed over to Larry's house for an Easter Egg Hunt. Larry and Cindy watched the kids that night while the couples and Deb went out for dinner. The cousins love spending time together and get along so well.

Pins Visit to Sterling

On March 5th, my mom, dad, brother and Jordyn came to Sterling. We visited and ate lunch. While the kids napped, the guys walked around downtown and the girls looked over the baby stuff that I had saved for Jeff and Jordyn. Their baby boy is due at the end of May and we're all so excited! The highlight of the day was watching Jadon and Leah play with Woolfe. They would run off with his blanket and he would chase after them.