Surprise Visit from Grandma's!

The girls sure had a surprise in March when I told them I had to run to the market and instead of bread I came home with not just one Grandma but two! Mama had this plan of flying in to surprise the girls to go to Morgan's and Madeline's State meet, but just to make it even more exciting, decided to fly Grandma Morgan in too. We had an amazing week with the Grandma's. We went to the meet , And I was even able to pick Chuck up at the airport so he could be with us. We also tootled around town. It was Meg's week at school to be star of the week,the following week, so I pulled some strings, and had it switched so Meg could bring her 2 grandma's for show and tell, and story time. What a super fun week!

Meg's state 2011

The first time for Meg going to State. Level 3 -Age 7. Boy what a long day. But she sure had fun!

Valentines Day 2011

This year a few of us girls made candy posters for our husbands. I think I went a little over-board using 4 posters! I didn't even have room for all of it and had to sit it to the side, but it was fun and I think Chuck really liked it.

Braces off!!!!

Wow- I didn't realize it's been so long since I have updated my blog. Morgan got her braces off Jan 17th 2011. Now if we can just keep her wearing those retainers... The past 4 years in braces will be worth it!

New Year's Day 1-1-11

What a relaxing New Year's Day. We found an asian market and got all the fixin's for a good dinner. We made lumpia, and Chuck made sweet & sour, we had rice, and yakisoba. We also had dumplings but they weren't so great. Dinner couldn't be complete without Sparkling Cider of course. After dinner we headed back down for some more puzzle making and wii playing. Not looking forward to school and work next week. Chuck took the entire week off just to play with his girls. It was fabulous!

Gina's Birthday 2010

What an amazing Day I had. It all began with Chuck and the Girls making me breakfast(not in bed, I hate eating in bed!). See the plate top center: Blueberry muffins, red potatoes with shallots, and the hugest omelet ever with Sharp cheddar, bacon, shallot, bell pepper, and fresh tomatoes... Yummy. I opened some lovely gifts, a bracelet from Lisa, a new willow and Coach bag from Chuck and the girls, and a necklace from Mama were just a few that we took pictures of. Then it was off to lunch with Celeste, Sarah, and Janaye at Hacienda, where I had my favorite "Cuban Sandwich"(only ate 1/2 I was still so full from breakfast. After eating and getting some fun things from them which were a sweater , shirt, candle,cream,and soap from Celeste and Melissa. Frames and a cute notepad from Sarah. The cutest purse from Janaye, it was off too the movie with CiCi. We saw True Grit which was really good. Those girls really made my Birthday special, by taking time to spend with me on such a busy day. I barely got home, then it was time to go to Dinner with Chuck and the girls---Yes I ate all day long! We went to Logan's and had some very yummy rolls and steak. After dinner it was off to home to put on comfy jammies and settle in for the night where we did crafts, and a puzzle and then Chuck surprised me with my favorite dessert from "Yesterdays" which you see on the far left "No Bake Peanut Butter Pie" and he had to get a couple cheesecakes too so the girls didn't eat all of mine. So yummy. I bet I gained 10 lbs. in just that one day. the perfect Birthday... Oh and the girls all made it to midnite(first time ever!)_

Ice Skating Fun

We took the girls ice skating to a place in Elkhart during xmas break. Madeline was by far the best skater, then Meg who improved so much since last year, then Morgan bringing up the rear. Who would have thought it would be difficult for someone so good at gymnastics... It was sunny, and warm(well in the 30's anyway), and we had a blast. Afterward, we went to starbucks for a Hot Carmel Cider- Yum!!!

Christmas 2010

We had a quiet but wonderful Christmas this year. We were able to give the girls a Christmas to remember with help from Grandma who gave all three girls new tv's. Some other highlights were; Northface jacket and hat for Morgan, sewing machine for Madeline, and Scooter for Meg. We also started a new tradition this year by going to a Chinese Restaurant for Dinner and then a movie. We have gone to movies in the past on Christmas, but not out to eat. It was delicious and even better that Mom wasn't stuck in the kitchen.

Christmas Eve 2010

As like many holidays, we didn't have family in town. The Hurst's invited some family-less families over for Christmas Eve. Their tradition is to have homemade pizza's and clam chowder, which was soooo yummy. Some other families that joined us were the Kennard's, William's and Mullin's. It was a fun night. The kids played games downstairs, and watched Polar Express. And us grown-ups ate, and visited while watching Seth chase the dogs and then wanting to hide out in the dog's cage.

ESA Holiday Party

Here's a few photos from the Holiday party this year. The girls had fun eating, swimming, and of course opening gifts. Chuck was out of town so he missed out on the fun. Having it at this same hotel two years in a row, was to say the least boring for the parents, but the kids seemed to like it.

Thanksgiving 2010

We went to the Snelson's this year for Turkey Day. They were kind enough to invite several families to their home that dont have family nearby. We enjoyed the day with the Kennard's, Hurst's, and the William's. Lots of food, and good company! All we were missing was SNOW!

Halloween 2010

A full weekend of Trunk or Treat at church, then bombarding a neighborhood in Alkhart to Trick or Treat.

Meg is a Japanese Kimono princess, Madeline is the best Almond Joy we've ever seen (thanks to grandma), and Morgan the Mad Hatter from "Alice in Wonderland". Fun, Fun,Fun.

Dance Celebration 2010

Oh Geeze Morgan is a Teenager!

Morgan had a fun day for her Birthday. I baked her yummy cinnamon Monkey Bread, then she had a field trip with school to Medieval Times. The next day, she had her friends Ally, Hannah, and Mikayla over for pizza, movie then back over for cake. It was a full weekend.

Amazing Acres- ESA

The 2nd annual Amazing Acres trip with the ESA group was last week. There was a good turn out. Thie kids had fun on the zip-line, slide, roasting hot dogs and making smores. Most of all getting lost in the corn maze once again. I thought we learned our lesson last year, apparently not. They went in (with Chuck and several other parents) at about 7:30, and finally came out after 9:30 when the owners had to go in after them. Crazy! It was so cold, and late. What a night! Some of our favorite people in these shots, Larry and Angie Scally, Kevin and Lesley Kast, Nick and Bridget Brady, Mark and Francie Boveri, Steve and Beth Staszeski, and of course Marissa.

YW Temple Night

Last week for Mutual we had a lesson on Temple marriage, Modest temple dresses,etc... All of us leaders brought our wedding dresses and temple dresses. The girls really enjoyed guessing who's dress was who's. The point was made that mine was the "flashiest"! I don't know quite what that means, but it was fun. Then afterward, we divided the girls up into teams and they made their own wedding dress out of napkins. Morgan had so much fun being the one dressed up. There were sure alot of laughs. I love the YW.

Fall, Fall, Fall

Fall is by far my very favorite time of year!! I love that we have treas in our front yard that change. This year I found the most amazing mums for my porch. They are almost ready to toss though because it's getting so cold at night, they are suffering. They doubled in size though and I have enjoyed them so much. Driving down the road right near our house I see these trees, several times a day. This one on the top right ios so amazing, with just the red leaves in the center. I must drive by this tree 4-6 times a day, and had never noticed it. The funniest thing happened. All five of us were in the car, going to a wedding a couple weeks ago, and as we turned the corner, we see this woman pulled off on the side of the road, taking a picture. I looked twice and it was Celeste! She was taking a picture of this amazing tree. I couldn't believe I had never noticed it. Life gets so busy. It made me realize I need to slow down and enjoy the beauty right in front of my nose. The very next day, I took these pictures so I can always remember Fall in IN.

Kosco Kipper's Meet

Meg's 2nd meet of the season, Madeline's 3rd. Kosco Kipper's in Warsaw, IN. Boy what a day! Had to have Meg there by 8:30 to compete, then Madeline started at 4:00. Didn't get home until after 9:30 that night. Both girls did great. Both placed on several events. Sometimes I wonder why we sacrefice so much for our girls to be gymnasts? But when I see how happy it makes them, that they are able to accomplish something that so many people are not able to do, It makes it all worth it! Maybe some day they will appreciate it.

Meg's 1st Meet 2010

Meg's first meet of the year. Sept. 19. 2010 was at Joy's in SouthBend. She came away with a few medals, but most of all had so much fun! I can't believe my baby is now competing level 3.

Go fly a kite!

There are just a few weeks from the end of Sept. into Oct. that is perfect kite flying weather here in IN. Madeline was determined to fly this kite that her Uncle Mark gave us about 5 years ago as a gift. She tried, tried, had Chuck help her try, had me help her try, then tried again. She was successful. She is now our expert kite flying kid!