Spring Break '10

We had such a fabulous Spring Break this year. We did not end up going to Utah instead we stayed around here.

The first weekend of spring break we hang out at our local park just around the corner from our apartment. It was barely warm enough to be out.

Monday

On Monday we went to "Just 4 Fun" which is a fabulous indoor park in the next town over called Grafton. For a long time we were the only family there and Lilly did not have to share a single toy. She loved it! I loved it because it was easy to keep track of her and I got to relax a bit.

Have I ever mentioned how much Lilly loves her Daddy and wants to be just like him? She was so excited when we found this Brewers jersey at TJ Maxx that is just like her Daddy's. It has become her favorite shirt.

Kate is such a happy little girl. I always say she has little lights in her eyes that just brighten everything!

Tuesday

On Tuesday we headed to the Jelly Belly Factory located in Pleasant Prairie WI. They offer a free little tour and history lesson on the Jelly Belly jelly bean. They also have a free sample station.

Lilly loves to entertain us no matter where we are. She put on an interpretive dance show for us.

The day could not be complete without stopping at a different park in our little town.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

The next three days we spent in Chicago. I found a great deal on hotel rooms right in the heart of downtown Chicago. It was the nicest hotel I think I have ever stayed in and the cheapest rate I have ever paid as well.

We went ahead and sacrificed our healthy eat for a tradition Chicago hotdog. Man, was it good!

After our meal we hit the streets of Chicago!

We took a short bus ride over to the Lincoln Park area. Chicago offers a free zoo and conservatory.

We got lucky in that the museum in Lincoln Park was also free that day. Our favorite part was the butterfly exhibit.

That night we found ourselves in the middle of an anti-war protest. Try explaining what that is to a two year old. When Lilly saw the flag she said "We always put our hand over or heart." I was proud that she knew that.

Saturday

Well I have no pictures of Saturday because we spent that day sleeping and recovering. The girls had so much fun in the hotel but that did not include a lot of great sleeping.

I want to mention Kate had many first this week. Her first bus ride, first taste of Chicago deep dish pizza, first pony tail and her first real steps! That girl is walking every where now.

Well spring break had to come to an end. The girls needed their routine back (and so did I). Ryan needed to get back to his studies. Good thing Easter is right around the corner and that means Easter break!

A dentist

A few weeks ago I was Ryan's first ever comp exam patient. It was a little weird at first to have him poking around in my mouth. I don't really like going to the dentist. (Who does?) But I decided to let Ryan because there is no one that I trust more. He did a great job! In two years if anyone is looking for a dentist I would totally recommend him.

Lilly and Kate got to come hang at the school while Ryan worked on my teeth. Lilly loves seeing daddy's school. Ryan's classmate Emily kept them busy while I was having my cleaning.

Valentines 2010

Ryan and I have never really done much to celebrate valentines day in years past but this year we decided to take some time and hang out together. Two of Ryan's class mates came to watch the girls and we headed out to enjoy a fabulous brunch in our little town of Cedarburg. It was such a beautiful day on Sat. the 13th. February 13th is an important date for Ryan and I. Eight years ago Ryan and I went out on our first blind date. I still remember that date just like it was yesterday.

We have been wanting to try this little restaurant in town called Cream & Crepe Cafe. It is a cute little cafe that was once an old mill. The cafe looks out over the river that runs through town.

After our brunch we took a stroll through Cedarburg. The town was having their annual Winter Festival. The stress were lined with ice carvers. At the community center they offered camel rides and a petting zoo for the kids. We loved walking the streets together shopping and talking without juggling the girls.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

A fabulous Christmas a little late.

Christmas was again fabulous this year. We had three Christmas's which may seem like a pain but I say why not spread Christmas out to last as long as possible. Our first Christmas was in our little apartment in Wisconsin the day before we left for Utah.

Kate was the first up of course. (Kate is not a good sleeper and it up way to much.) She got to the presents first and was eating the bows by the time Lilly finally woke.

Lilly and Kate are becoming such good little friends. Lilly was sure to show Kate how everything worked on her activity table and Kate just loves when Lilly is around.

Next it was off to Utah. We spent the first part of our trip with Ryan's parents. Lilly loved hanging out playing play doh and make gingerbread houses.

Christmas number 2 came at Grandma Patty's and Grandpa Richard's house. I was surprised at how excited Kate was about opening her presents. Even though it was her first Christmas she was totally into it. Of course she loved eating the wrapping paper the most. Lilly was thrilled to get more stuff to go in her doll house.

Our 3 rd and final Christmas was at my parents house. What a magical Christmas it all was. It is so much more fun to see Christmas through the eyes of my girls.

Lilly was so happy to finally have her tea set she had been asking for. Papa was a good sport to play tea party with her. I think he really like it!

Well our trip was very busy running here and there trying to see all our friends and family. Ryan and I both love to be on the go. Utah was great this year. It was warm some days and we had the most beautiful snow other days. I was glad Ryan got a chance to go skiing and ice fishing. I got to do a small bit of shopping with my mom and got to see my family. Well here is to a fabulous 2010!

Thanksgiving at the Dells

This year we went to Wisconsin Dells and stayed at an indoor water park resort called the Wilderness for Thanksgiving. We had a fabulous time! Our friends the Ehat's and Gabore's joined us. We had great accommodations with each family having their own room. We had a fabulous kitchen dinning and living room area as well. The resort had three different water parks, laser tag, and several other play areas that we all included. I still missed family as I do every holiday but friends can seem like family sometimes.

Kate loved the water even more than Lilly (if that is even possible). She loved splashing and crawling around. I would sit her on my lap and we would go round and round on the lazy river. She nearly fell asleep one time.

Lilly's favorite part was the swings in the water. Surprisingly she was not that thrilled about the slides. She loves playing in the water!

We also had one of the greatest meals. Ryan did a great job on the turkey. Each family cooked a a part of the meal. We had everything from stuffed mushrooms, baked brie, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, rolls (to die for), and a wonderful cranberry chutney! Top that off with home made apple pie, double chocolate pumpkin cheese cake, and a Marie Calenders Chocolate Pie. My only regret is that I could not eat more.

Lilly and the kids Thanksgiving morning.

My 6 month old!

Yep that's right Kate is the big 6 months old. I can hardly believe it.

Here are her stats: Height: 26 1/4 " (50-75 percentile) Wright: 15 lb 7 oz (25-50 percentile)

She is a mover. Kate was very alert from the day she was born. She rarely wants to sit still. She has become very proficient at rolling over, sitting up, sitting herself up, crawling and most recently pulling herself up on things.

Kate loves to babel. She is always "talking". I swear she even says "mama" sometimes.

Happy 6 months Kate we love you!