Camping Season has Begun

Over the weekend, we went out on our first camping adventure. This one was a little different for a couple of reasons, 1. we have a brand new camper with tons more space so we aren't tripping over each other, 2. it's only April and 3. we went with just the four of us, as usually there is a group that goes. We had such a great time. When we got there on Friday, I couldn't believe that there were so many other people there. I guess they had the urge to go as well. We absolutely love our new camper . It was a little cool on Saturday so we spent some time inside and we weren't all over each other, we had our own space. Kinsley wasn't feeling the best, but she was a trooper anyway. I can't wait to go even more this summer.

Well rested after spending the night in their bunk beds.

Trying to put together a puzzle.

Working on letters and numbers with Daddy.

The girls getting ready to go to the playground. Yes, Kinsley had to wear her helmet again.

Keltie just learned how to brake on her bike. She was a little bit worried about going down the hills. Actually, it took us forever to get anywhere because she would brake and then barely let go, then brake agin, let go, brake, etc...

Throwing rocks in the water. I can't wait for us to be able to swim in the water instead.

Hopscotch time.

Sidewalk chalk.

Keltie's turn.

Daddy's turn.

Snuggled up by the campfire.

Beer call.

Our new home away from home.

Going to the Ball

Last night the girls were busy playing with each other. It's so much fun to watch them interact. Kinsley is definitely Keltie's shadow and wants to follwer her around and do everything that she does. Keltie decided to get all ready and go to the ball. The  more jewelry she has on, the better. Well, of course Kinsley had to get in on the action as well.



I don't know what this look is, but she's still cute.

"Okay, Mama, now I want you to take it just like this."

Kinsley getting in on the action.

Keltie had to comb Kinsley's hair for her so it looked just right.

Have to make sure everything is in place.

All ready to go.

Cinderella has nothing on these girls.

Silly Goose

When Keltie went in for her four year old check up, the doctor asked her if she had a bike helmet. She replied that she did, but that Kinsley didn't. So off the doctor went to get Kinsley a helmet. Now mind you, Kinsley only rides on a little bike that we push her on, but oh well. Yesterday we went to go for a ride and she had to have the helmet on. She looked pretty silly, but I guess it's okay since it will get her used to it for when she really needs it.



So stinkin cute.

So proud of herself.

Ready to burn rubber.

Gram Gram and Kinsley Day

Grammy hasn't gotten to spend a lot of individual time with just Kinsley. When Keltie was born she watched her during the summer while I taught summer school. I haven't done that yet with Kinsley, plus she was very hard to leave around people that weren't Kevin or I. Well, this changed on Saturday when Mom got to watch her pretty much the entire day. They had so much fun together and Kinsley was very well mannered. Here are some pictures that Mom took.

Such a silly goose.

Sitting pretty.

So big.

She is such a fashion statement at times.

Too much Grammy time. She was all worn out on the way home.

Thank you Grammy for the day! I'm sure that there will be more to come in the future.

Dora's Pirate Adventure / Mommy and Keltie Day

For Keltie's birthday, I bought tickets for Dora's Pirate Adventure at the Eau Claire Children's Theater. Keltie was so excited about this and kept asking when it was going to be her special day. Well, Saturday morning we headed out. I don't know how many times she asked when we were going to be there. I think it was probably strange for her to be in her car seat in the back of the van all by herself without Kinsley there. We got there an hour before the performance because there was "Dance with Dora." There were little arts and crafts projects to make, snacks and a chance to meet the characters. Keltie has always been a little apprehensive about new places and things, especially people in costumes, so it took her a little bit to warm up. She didn't want her picture taken with the characters until they were about ready to leave so we didn't get much for photo opportunities then.

Coloring Swipper's tail.

Working so hard. Another little girl had to copy her idea of using the carpet as a desk.

All finished. She even cut it out by herself. (There is a  movie playing in the background that's why she's not looking).

Got it in the right spot. She didn't want her eyes to be covered or to be spun around though.

Getting her plate ready for her noisemaker. (I got to listen to this ALL the way home.)

Sad litle face because she didn't want to go dance with the rest of the kids and characters.

We caught Benny and Diego right before they left.



The show was very cute. Of course I couldn't take pictures during it. It was very interactive and it was fun to watch Keltie's face light up during it. She did a great job of sitting still for it and particpating. When it was finished she didn't want to leave. I explained to her that they had to perform it again later and needed their rest. She wanted to see it again then. The characters were lined up outside as everyone was leaving and this time she was a little bit more excited to get her picture taken with them.

Dora and Boots.

Tico, Map and Diego.

She must have really liked Benny because she had to have her picture taken with her again. She even gave the little girl a hug.



 I promised her a special lucnh at Culver's when were finished, topped off with ice cream of course. I even had to sit right next to her since it was our special day together.

Mama and her girl.

Gotta love milk.

Good chicken fingers.

So proud of her ice cream cone.

The after face. Yes, she did eat the whole thing. Then we got in the van to leave and she had to finish her french fries because she was still hungry.

Thanks for the special day Keltie! Mama loves you so much!

Surprise

It was one of those milestone birthday years for my mom. I won't mention which milestone that it was, but I'm sure that a lot of you know already. Dad and I decided that since she always wants to do things for everyone else, it was time for her to be spoiled for once. Thus began our journey to throw her a surprise party. This actually turned out to be a lot easier than I was expecting it to be. Once invitations were out, there was plenty of people who were willing to help out. (A big thanks to all of them again). The hardest part was of course keeping it a secret. I had to call Dad whenever I knew that Mom wasn't going to be home (which isn't very often). The day of the big party came and we got to the town hall to decorate and there were already people there. Great, now what?! My head started spinning thinking about where we could go instead. Luckily, they moved their party so we could have ours. Mom and Dad pulled in after everyone had gathered. Mom saw Kevin and the girls and only then did she know that the party was for her. We had a great time and it was fun to be able to celebrate with everyone. We love you lots!

We were a little bit worried about how to transform the town hall into something nice, but I think we did a good job. Thanks for the help Dave, Rita and Auntie Carol.

They celebrated at school a couple of days before and had a "Fancy Nancy" theme. There were also a lot of pictures hung up with Mom's face put on people's bodies. Cute, but some of them were kind of distrubing. (No offense, but I've never pictured her as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader)

Pulling in.

I think at this time she might have been saying to Dad, "You lied to me."

The girls giving Grammy a mug that says "60 something, ring for another round." Needless to say, I think she had the same wine cooler poured in the mug the entire day.

Vanna White or Grammy?

Kinsley had to help hand out the cake. She even did it without spilling.