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..