Trick-or- Treat

Trains, Dolls & Cupcakes...what a fun day!

My mother-in-law Kathy invited Kennedy and I to take the train up to Chicago for a girls day this past weekend. Kennedy was so excited about riding the Choo-Choo train (she let everyone on the train know this with some loud train whistle calling)! Once we got up to Chicago I headed to Children's Memorial to visit Coen for awhile while Kennedy and Kathy headed to Macy's to meet Aunt Liz and Julia. We all met up at Cafe Nordstroms for lunch, then headed to The American Girl Place as well as H&M. I must say one of the highlights of the day had to be walking to Sprinkles cupcakes and enjoying those with the girls before heading back to the train station. We had a great time and Kennedy really enjoyed it. We felt we got off easy as the girls were more into the $7 Hello Kitty doll that Mimi bought them than the $100 American Girl dolls.

First day of preschool

Kennedy started her first day of preschool today. We had been hyping this up all week and this morning she could not wait to get there, she clenched her "supply box" the whole way there talking about what she would do at preschool and the friends she was going to meet. Once we arrived Tate and I walked her inside to meet her teacher Mrs. Tully, then she got to put this supply box in a special cabinet, get a nametag and play. Once I felt our duties were done I told her Tate and I were going to leave, she really didn't seem to care much so I asked for a hug and kiss and barely got both. I guess I am glad that she felt comfortable enough to stay and have fun...I have a feeling my other child won't be this easy :)

As we picked her up a short 2 hrs later, she was all smiles and filled me in on the days activities...ate a cookie on a rug, played in a sandbox with a purple bucket, and sang happy birthday to Eli". Sounds like a lot of fun to me!! As you can imagine she is excited to go back next week!

Danver's Days Parade

We had so much fun on Sunday riding in the Danver's Days Parade on Rader's Family Farms float. Despite being extremely hot, the kids both did great and really enjoyed it. I think Kennedy was more interested in hoarding the candy than actually throwing it! Thanks so much Adam and Shannon for letting us be a part in this!

My day with Coen...

Yesterday was one of the most amazing, eye-opening expierences I have had in a long time. I went with my best friend Cari to the Children's Hospital in Peoria where her son Coen has been since his a few days after his birth on July 11th. Coen has been dubbed the "mystery boy" over there and has many doctors and nurses puzzled over his illness. Without going much into detail, this little man needs tremendous prayer to find what is making him sick. His momma and dadda have been amazing through their faith in the Lord and a true testament to the kind of faith we all should have. After seeing so many other of these NICU babies, it truly humbled me and made me realize what a gift it is to have children and how lucky we are when they are healthy and thriving...please, please be in consitent prayer for little Coen and for wisdom for these doctors who are working with him.

Summer Fun!

A couple weeks ago we headed over to Anderson pool for Toddler time...it is amazing the difference a year can make! Last year Kennedy was so scared to do much of anything there and this year she owned the place!

Happy Birthday Bo!!

Happy 3rd Birthday to my wonderful nephew Bo Bo!! We had fun over the weekend attending his John Deere Birthday party, complete with tractor rides and all!

Little Miss K

Somedays I look at her and wonder where the past 3 years has gone, she is so full of energy and expression. I love being able to capture these little moments with her everyday! Anyone who knows Kennedy knows how much she loves her "nummy" & "peek-a-boo" so I had to include a picture of her in her element!

Michigan City - Part 5

The boys!!

Michigan City - Part 4

The precious little girls!!

Michigan City - Part 3

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Michigan City - Part 2

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Michigan City Vacation - Part 1

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This past week we embarked on a 7 day vacation to Michigan City with 6 kids 3 and under, 3 mommies and 1 Mimi. We had such a fun time and made great memories that will last a lifetime. We spent our days playing at the park right behind our house (huge plus) riding bikes, playing games, swimming, playing in the sand, shopping, going to the zoo, playing in the bounce house and taking hundreds of golf cart rides. The guys decided to join us later in the week which made for a crowded house...especially when we lost power for 24 hrs on the last day!

A New Summer "Do"

Miss K got her haircut this morning...she was not feeling very well so mommy gave her a bit of Benadryl which knocked her pretty well out for the entire haircut, when she was all done she loved the results (as did mommy)!

We have a walker...

I forgot to post last month that Mr. Tate started walking at exactly 13 1/2 months! We are all enjoy his new found freedom.

Memorial Day Parade

Yesterday we celebrated our freedom & honored those who have/are fighting for us! We had a great time at the park watching the parade with friends and family!

Bachelorette Party

Last night was Alaina's super fun bachelorette party, we started off at my house and had a lingerie shower for the future Mrs. Pantoja, then we headed out for some fun on the town. It was such a blast and the night ended with all of us getting to meet Jason Aldean and get his autograph after he performed at Six Strings.

Only one more week until the wedding!!

Better late than never...

Kennedy enjoying her tinkerbell cake on her 3rd birthday...April 22, 2010!

Up to no good...

This is our everyday ritual at naptime, or bedtime for that matter...this time I caught him in the act!

Bathroom & Bedroom Renovation

For the past 2-3 weeks we have been tackling a small remodel job in our Master bedroom and bathroom. We painted both rooms, tiled the bathroom and added new trim. We love the outcome, and while it is still not fully done, it is close! I am still looking for new black end tables for each side of the bed as well as black and white lamps and an ottoman for the end of the bed. I made the curtains from that black and white fabric that you see in the pillow, because I could not find anything that I liked, and I thought they turned out really well. It is funny what a little paint and a new comforter can do! We love spending time in there now..

Baby Coen's Shower

2010 has been quite the party planning year around our house...this past weekend I threw a baby shower for my best friend Cari, it is her third child, but the other two are 6 & 8 so I thought she deserved some new things!! It was SO much fun to plan and turned out great. I couldn't believe how much Cari's niece Avery looked like Kennedy (she is in the bottom right of the collage). I kept looking at her all night and everything about her reminded me of Kennedy, so when I got home I showed Adam the picture and he of course thought I was crazy!! This coming weekend I am throwing a bachelorette party for my other bestie Alaina and then the following weekend is her wedding...so much fun stuff to look forward to!!

A Bridal Shower

This past weekend we had a bridal shower for one of my longest bestest friends, Alaina...it was so much fun and turned out beautiful! We are super excited for her big day next month!

Daddy & his boy

Easter morning...

READY FOR CHURCH
My precious family minus my Adam who was feeling under the weather!

He is Risen...Happy Easter!

After such a great message at church yesterday (and a quick nap for the kiddos) we headed to my mom's to celebrate Easter. The kids loved the egg hunt this year, and brought home way too much candy & goodies! The three older kids had so much fun together and were wiped out by the time we left! It is fun to watch them grow together and become such good buddies. I am sure we will have our hands full next year when there are 6 little ones running around.

My Almost 3 Year Old

Miss K, what can I say...she is a hoot! I just love having her around. She makes my days so fun and is blossoming into such a sweet and thoughtful little girl. I love that she has such a kind heart and is always thinking of others. She has such enthusiasm for the smallest of things and has a new loving for learning which is exciting for us as she will be entering into pre-school this fall. I will have more updates as her real 3rd birthday comes next month!

My One Year Old

To say this year has gone by fast is a major understatement. I can't get over that just one year ago we were just coming home from the hospital with this little newborn boy and wondering what life was going to be like as a family of 4. This little man keeps his mommy very busy all day and doesnt miss a beat. To also say that he is a momma's boy would be an understatement...if he is not around me, he is lookin around trying to find me. While I always thought this would be such a wonderful thing, it has started to bring on some frustration as one can imagine. Regardless, he is a great child and fills our lives with joy and excitement each day...we are blessed to have him!

His new favorite words are "Uh-Oh", "ball", "mama" (of course) & "dada". He is officially on all whole milk as we gave up nursing on his first birthday, and eats pretty much everything else in sight. He pulls up on everything and walks pretty well with his grocery cart walker. I am sure it will be another month or two before this little one masters walking.

Clownin' Around

Results of the circus photo booth! I don't know how so many managed to escape this...hmmm

Guess these were the only brave souls..

Under the Big Top Circus Party: Part 1

This past weekend we threw a CIRCUS party for Kennedy & Tate's birthdays. It was SO fun to plan and the party was a blast...I think all the kids had such a fun time! It is so hard to believe I now have a one year old & an almost 3 year old (April 22nd). Thanks to all our amazing family who came and for all the wonderful presents. I think we need a bigger house to fit them all in!

Mommy, I'd love to...

Kennedy's new favorite phrase is "Mommy I'd love to, or luv to mommy". It is so precious and we hear it all the time whether I am asking her if she wants to eat, play a game, go potty, watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, go to church, see friends, etc...

P.S. Some of you may recognize the shirt Kennedy is wearing. It is the dress she wore for her 1 year pictures. Now it fits perfect as a shirt! How many outfits can you say that about!

Kennedy, Ella & our new friend "Sandy"

Sandy, this is everyone...Everyone, this is Sandy.

Adam's co-worker has been so gracious and given us a lot of her daughters clothes and toys that they no longer use. This (along with the blue Cinderella Solstice Power Wheels) has been a favorite! Sandy goes on many rides everyday and even must be put to bed at night next to Kennedy (complete with her own blankie). Ella came over last week and also enjoyed Sandy for the day!

P.S. Kennedy named her after the horse at Meijer that you can ride for free...you guessed it, her name is also Sandy!

Tate Lucas...11 months!

My little man is now 11 months, only 1 more month till the big first birthday.
I feel like I was just planning Kennedy's first birthday and can't believe she will be 3 in April.

This little guy keeps me on my toes, in the past few weeks he has become an excellent crawler and is now pulling up on everything. His favorites are the two things that mommy does not want him in (the fireplace doors and the lazy susan). I know one of these days we are going to end up with some pinched little fingers!

Tate loves all table foods and eats like a horse, in fact, I think he eats more than me! I feel so thankful to have 2 children who eat most anything! It makes mealtime around here a lot easier.

my sweet little girl

Snapped this picture while trying to get some new shots of the kids for birthday invitations! This year I am going to do a combined "Circus" theme birthday for both of them. Just thought this picture was so funny of miss k. Stayed tuned for birthday party pics!!

LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS...

TATE IS 10 MONTHS OLD

Hard to believe my little baby is already 10 months old. This little guy is in to EVERYTHING now...I find myself ready to pull my hair out daily trying to keep the floors clear of anything small enough to stick inside his mouth. He is cruising around the house (army crawling) and always manages to end up in his sister's room playing with her. She is so good with him and tries to teach him new things or pretend he is her baby. Tate always has a big smile on his face...except of course the day we took these pictures!

Praise the Lord we are done with Baby food...here are some things he is into these days!

*mac n' cheese, chicken, cheese, pinneapple bits, goldfish crackers, bread and peas
*Says "mama & dadda"
*laughing at big sis
*watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with sis
*snuggling with mommy

Cousins

COUSINS = Friends for Life!

We are so fortunate to have so many cousins that are so close in age...we cherish each one of them and can only hope they are all going to be close as they get older!

Why I LOVE Walgreens

So most of you who know me have heard me talk about my new found love of couponing! If you dont currently shop at Walgreens...YOU NEED TO! YOU ARE TRULY MISSING OUT! Here is the deals that I scored today! Everything you see in this picture cost me only $17.88 (I realized I picked up a clorox set of disinfecting wipes instead of the Lysol which was Buy 1 Get 1 Free, this would have saved me another $4.00 off just for getting the right brand...oops!) Considering that just the two boxes of hair color would have cost me $19.00 at regular price...I would say I did pretty good (I got one of the hair colors for $1.59 and the other for $2.59)!

The best part of doing this all is seeing what you would have spent had you not had any coupons. My total before all my coupons was $86.78 That is a savings of almost $70.00.