Ethan is 7 Months!

A Visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden

We discovered that the Botanical Garden offers free admission on Wednesday mornings from 7-9 AM.  Well, if it is free...it's for me (and my family).  Dennis, Olivia, Ethan and I strolled leisurely around the beautiful gardens all morning long.

The Climatron

A Quick Picture

Navigating the Maze

Swapping stories and making memories.

Japanese Garden

Daddy Daughter Pose

From May 26-August 19, the Botanical Gardens are celebrating with a Lantern Festival.  According to their website you can "Experience one of China's most treasured events and ancient traditions this summer as the Garden hosts an international exhibition of larger-than-life, lighted works of art."  We didn't see the lanterns lit, but they were quite impressive.

Silk fabric make the lanterns possible.

This dragon is made out of plates, cups and dishes.

Later we went to the area designated for kids.  Also, free on Wednesdays!  

Navigating the bridge

Giving a tour

Gathering supplies

Hosting a cooking show

Happy Birthday Valerie!

The highlight of my 27th birthday was a special ice cream cake made lovingly by our good friend Kali.  Earlier in the month she asked me what kind of cake I wanted.

I quickly replied, "I would like an ice cream cake with an oreo cookie crust, a chocolate layer of ice cream, a hot fudge layer and a vanilla layer on top."

I guess I had been thinking about it for awhile.  Kali came through beautifully.  The cake was enjoyed by all, except Ethan, he will have to wait another year.

A happy mommy with her happy babies on a happy birthday.

Ethan is 6 Months

Our Ethan is 6 months!  My how time has passed quickly.  At Ethan's pediatrician's appointment he weighed 18 pounds 9.5 ounces and was 27.5 inches long.  Ethan still has an easy going, laid back attitude.  He enjoys taking walks in his stroller and bouncing in his Jumperoo.  Ethan is gaining balance and learning to sit up.  We are delighted that Ethan is in our life.

Ethan and Bearmey 6 Months

Happy Mother's Day

My Mother's Day this year was delightful.  Olivia and I attended the two-year-old Sunday School class at our local Lutheran church.  The four of us played at a local school playground and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  For lunch I met my St. Charles Mom for a delicious meal at The Cheesecake Factory.  It was truly a fantastic day.

Welcome to the school playground.

Smiley Ethan.

Sliding Mommy.

Happy Olivia.

1-2-3 Go!

Swinging Girls.

Olivia and Mommy.

The two reasons I get to celebrate Mother's Day.

Five Years and Two Kids Later...Happy Anniversary!

Five years have gone by fast.  We have grown together and learned a lot about what it takes to make a marriage work.  Dennis and I have been blessed to have people in our lives who support Christian marriage.  We are committed to one another, for better or worse till death do us part.  If given the opportunity I would do it again in a heart beat.  Here's to the next five.

Before God and these witnesses...

The Bridal Party.

Maid of Honor Lisa, Best Man Joe

A quick kiss.

The happy newlyweds.

Call Day Excitement

Call Day
May 1, 2012

On May 1, Dennis received his Call.  The kids were safely tucked in bed when the service was taking place.  I was excitedly sitting in the sanctuary between my St. Charles Mom and Dad.  Many friends and family were eagerly watching it stream on-line.  I was literally on the edge of my seat when Dennis's name was about to be announced.  We are so excited to be headed to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albion, Michigan.

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Albion, Michigan