Thanks, Uncle Brian!

Thanks Uncle Brian for the new coats, shoes, and sweatshirts. Girls love 'em. Delaney has worn her shoes several times, and today was cold enough to warrant her wearing her new coat.

Oh, and this is how Kate and Delaney tend to take most pictures nowadays...Katie with her tongue out, and Delaney with a nice smile.

Pancake Breakfast

In my hometown, Park Forest, the Lion's Club hosts an annual PANCAKE DAY. It's kind of a staple in my town that has surprisingly withstood the test of time. There are many volunteers that help make the day successful--the various clubs and organizations from the local junior high and high school, as well as Girl and Boy Scout troops. This year was the first year I brought the kids. Pete works on Saturday morning, so he didn't get to join us, but I met my parents there. It was fun; the girls enjoyed it and Rowena enjoyed her first pancake (without syrup, of course).

HELP! I'm Stuck.

We have found Rowena in this position many times, and watched her scoot her way into this position. It's quite funny. She (at the time of this picture) couldn't figure out how to go forward, so she would always scoot backwards, and end up getting stuck, with just her head and arms out from underneath the couch. Too funny. Sometimes she would look up and just laugh and smile. Other times, she would be screaming.

Rowena's Pose

Rowena has this "sexy" pose that she does. We all crack up, because it's like she's posing for a picture. Hopefully this pose will not be in her repertoire later in life...ahahahha. Right now it's pretty cute. She was doing this before she could sit up on her own (pictures are from her baptism weekend), and would pull her leg up and hold on to it. Now that she can sit up, she doesn't do it very often.

Way To Go, Rowe!

So, today marks not just one, but TWO milestones for Rowena. As Katie and I were playing Mario Party, Rowena was laying on a blanket behind us, playing. Well, I turn around, and she's sitting up! Yep, she can now get to a sitting position all on her own. YEA! Well done, Rowsie! I still have yet to see her do it...but she's been laying down three or four different times now, and whenever I look at her again, she's sitting back up. So exciting. She's also getting pretty good at getting onto all fours now...which she mastered on Sunday. She spins around like crazy and rolls all over the place. I think it's just a matter of short time until she's a crawler.

Her second milestone is that she now has another tooth. She has her two (middle) bottom teeth. Her smile is getting cuter and cuter all the time.

Flower Girls

Delaney and Katie have a wonderful honor and great responsibility at Uncle Wesley and Aunt Leann's wedding...They were both asked today to be flower girls. They are SOOOO excited and honored! THANK YOU to Uncle Wesley and Aunt Leann to asking them to be part of your special day!

(Darn me--again--for not getting any pictures of the happy couple with their flower girls today. I'm getting bad at taking pics lately!)

Rowena's Baptism

Once again, the third child gets jipped! We definitely didn't take many pictures today. We usually get one of the Kridner family and also one of the Henderson/Hayes family, etc., etc.. Today we didn't do either. Sorry, Rowena. Know that we love you, even if we don't take a thousand different pictures at every event...as we do make up for it elsewhere.

Rowena was AMAZING at church today! She sat through the entire hour (or longer) long service with no crying, whining, or screaming. She's SUCH a good baby. She was trying so hard to get into the basin with the water. She was adorable. She just hung out on me, snuggling, and being all sweet. She was definitely a hit at the church. I saw many high school friends' parents, who are still in Park Forest, who fell in love with all three of our blue-eyed beauties.

After the baptism, we headed back home and hosted a party that was catered by yummy Portillos! Delish! Thank you to all that made today so very special for Rowena and our family! And, a special thank you to those who came from out of town and across state borders!

Rowena and her Godmother, Katie (Gregorich)

Zoo With The Gregoriches

On Saturday morning, we all got up, had some yummy raspberry danish and then headed to Brookfield. Delaney rode with Jeff, Katie, and Jackson, while Katie and Rowena rode with me (Pete was working). We head to the Pachyderm house to see the rhinos, elephants, and hippos. After we headed to the park to let the kids play and have some lunch. Then it was on to the Children's Zoo and petting, feeding, and brushing the goats. Then to see the bears as we headed toward the carousel and then out of the zoo. I wish we could've seen and done more, as there's SO much there; however, without Pete there, I was pretty anxious and edgy. But, it was pretty fun. Sadly--these are the only pictures I took.

When we got back from the zoo, Pete got Delaney and Kate all packed up and ready to spend the night at the hotel swimming and having dinner with Nana, while Katie (G) and I did some serious damage at Babies R Us. Then Grammie and Poppy came over to babysit Rowe and Jackson, while we (the adults) enjoyed a night out and yummy dinner at The Melting Pot. Not sure yet, but Pete might be burnt out on that restaurant! It's the third time there in about 5 weeks! ahahah

And This is What I Get...

The girls looked so pretty for school last Wednesday, that I wanted to get a nice picture. And, this is what I get...

...thanks a lot girls!

Congratulations, Wesley and Leann!

Last night, on September 12th, Wesley asked Leann to marry him, and she said, "Yes!" We are so excited and happy for them.

CONGRATULATIONS, WESLEY AND LEANN!

We love you both! Welcome to the family, Leann!!! We couldn't be happier. Katie can't wait to call you "Aunt Leann" and for you to wear a "marrying dress." Delaney is so excited to "finally" have an aunt, and is so happy you're the one! :) And, FINALLY...I'll have a sister!

PS-look at that BEAUTIFUL ring!