Memorial Day Weekend 2009

We had a fun and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend at the lake this year. Lee, the boys and I went up on Friday night, sat by the lake for awhile and then went to bed. On Saturday my mom, Mamaw, and Amy picked me up and we went to the outlet mall in Angola. It was so fun!

Amy bought this shirt... too funny.

That night we headed to Hog Hill in Hamilton for a grand fireworks display. They had 10 of the best firework companies from around the country ready to display their latest and greatest. Why they chose Hamilton, IN to do this, I don't know. It was AMAZING! The best show I have ever seen... and it lasted 1.5 hours.

Papa Sam, Krue, Kiefer, and Lee walking back to our "spot" after jumping on the moonwalk & enjoying some of the fun activities they had for the kids.

Krue and Kiefer patiently waiting for the show to begin.

Parker enjoying a fun treat.

The Nagel Clan waiting for the show.

The Elkins Clan (right beside us) waiting for the show. Mom was taking the picture... and Dad was there too.

Watching the show.

The boys thought the fireworks were really cool!

At different points the display was a bit overwhelming!

Some shots my mom captured...

On Sunday, Ali and Dustin came up to the lake after driving 24 hours from Texas!

They were tired, but happy to be there.

Kruser and Aunt Ali

Amy bought some fun hair extensions and played with our hair.

Kiefer got the treatment, too :)

A birthday meal for Ali.

Ali's birthday cake.

Opening presents.

On Monday we just relaxed... they boys played badminton in our backyard.

Krue enjoying his craisins while he watches Kiefer play.

The boys having a deep conversation on the deck...

Too cute!

Community Appreciation Day at DCC

On May 20th DeKalb Chiropractic Center had a Community Appreciation Day. This event was organized by my sister-in-law, Amy, as a way to thank our community for their support. Companies from around the area donated prizes, food, and services. Dr. Lee and Dr. Heath were offering free consultations and initial exams that day. We had a moonwalk for the kids provided by Mr. Moonwalk (Jon Paul Capito). We had acoustic guitarists playing as patients entered the office. Patients could enter a raffle to win some fun prizes. We had tons of organic, innate food set out for everyone to try... yummy meatballs (grass fed beef), raw cheeses, Texas caviar & chips, veggies to juice, fresh fruit, broccoli salad with oil, teas, Amy's special innate desserts. I was wonderful!

There was a pretty good turnout that day and we couldn't have asked for better weather.

Dr. Lee watching the kids enjoy the moonwalk.

Meatballs, broccoli salad, Texas caviar & chips.

Teas, fresh fruit, veggies to juice, Amy's desserts.

Cousins Parker and Kiefer enjoying their time at Community Appreciation Day.

Lauren Blythe having fun and eating some fresh watermelon.

Some pictures of the DCC staff...

Our Graduate, Krue!

Our big man, Kruser, graduated from preschool last week! He has spent three fun years at Creative Playschool and has met some really good friends and teachers. He is very excited to go to Kindergarten next year!

Krue's preschool program was adorable. They sang a whole slew of patriotic songs, had a cute slideshow while they changed into their graduation caps and gowns... and then each one was called up for their diploma.

Singing the patriotic songs.

Krue's Dr. Seuss class

Krue with his assistant teacher, Miss Ashley

(Krue got the biggest kick out of Miss Ashley! She made him laugh and he always had a "Miss Ashley Story" for me.)

Krue with his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Palumbo.

Krue proudly hugging his diploma.

Best Friends, Krue and Lauren.

Papa Sam and Grandma Beth came to watch Krue graduate.

So did Baba! Papa Joe couldn't make it that night.

(Very fitting that there is a bee in the picture.)

Kiefer was very proud of his big brother.

We love you, Krue! You are getting so big... you amaze us every day!

Last Day of Preschool

Last week the kids had their last day of preschool for the year. I took a picture of "the gang" because it will be the last time they will all be together in school for another three years. It was fun taking these guys to and from school... as chaotic as it sometimes got (hugs that lead into wrestling matches, an escape artist running down the hall, trying to keep everyone holding hands in the parking lot, strapping all four into their car seats with a pregnant belly) ... I will miss it for sure!

These guys are going to have so much fun playing out in the yard this summer. They are getting to a point where they can play on their own for long periods of time and Mel and I can sit and talk without interruption (now that I think about it, this won't last for very long... I've got a newborn coming.) Their favorite game to play is called "babies". Lauren is the mom, Krue is the dad, Kiefer is the big brother, and Graham is the baby. They could play this for hours! It is so cute to watch them act out stories and play make believe.

Eight Months Pregnant!

Here I am, pregnant at 34 weeks. Everything is going well and the baby is moving like crazy. Last night I swear he/she was doing flips and having taekwondo practice while I was trying to sleep. I can tell there has been a big growth spurt in this past week. Lee tries to grab the little feet because you can actually see them when he/she is kicking.

Believe it or not, I am very comfortable at this stage. It still feels like there is plenty of room for baby and I am super excited I have made it to 34 weeks. I am feeling more and more confident that I am going to carry full term.

Krue and Kiefer both think I am having a boy. Krue says he would be okay if it was a girl, too. Kiefer only wants a baby brother :) I still go back and forth on what gender I think the baby is. I have no clue! It will make it truly surprising the day the baby arrives. Can't wait to share our new "K" name and to see what this little super flipping, high kicking dude or dudette looks like.

Erin and Nicole Going to Prom!

Erin and Nicole Thiele are Krue and Kiefer's babysitters. They have been babysitting the boys for the past 2.5 years. They are wonderful and take great care of the boys. Erin is going to college in the fall so Nicole will be taking her spot as main sitter. We will miss Erin so much! She is like a member of the family. Nicole will be an awesome replacement though.

The girls had prom tonight so Krue, Kiefer and I drove down the road to Bridgewater Golf Course to get some pictures of them before they headed off.

Aren't they beautiful? And their dresses... very awesome! You should have seen them in person.

Erin, Jonathon Haggerty (Erin's prom date and Krue's soon-to-be tennis teacher!), Hayley (Erin's best friend) and Nicole.

Krue with his "princess" babysitters.
(Kiefer didn't feel like getting in the shots. Still a grumpy grump.)

Mac Daddy Krue!