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.