Memorial Day

Lucy and I were on the road again for Memorial Day. We went to Milwaukee for a Memorial Day/Birthday party for Uncle Jim. Here are some pics of Mindi and Lucy together at the party.

For more pictures of the girls and the family, head on over to Mindi's blog: Mindi Mac.

Mandi's Graduation

On Monday night Lucy and I attended Mandi's graduation ceremony for her Masters degree. We were so excited that we could celebrate with her. Auntie Sandy (Mandi's mom) came up on Monday afternoon too. We all went to the ceremony together. Then we went to dinner with Jer and a few of Mandi's friends to celebrate. Here are a few pics:

Mandi walking down to the stage

The stage had a flag for each of the countries that the students were from

Lucy and Auntie Sandy enjoying the ceremony

Lucy and Mandi

Jer, Sandy, Mandi, Lucy and me

Mandi, we are so proud of you and so glad that you chose to study in Minnesota. We will be searching for a job for you that is in the twin cities so you don't leave us!

Cup

I started to let Lucy drink out of a regular cup this morning. I was watching the older kids in the nursery drink water out of dixie cups yesterday and started thinking that this could be our next accomplishment. So, I gave Lucy a little cup this morning with a little bit of water and just thought I would see how she did. Every day I'm surprised at how smart she is. She picked up the cup and took a big gulp like she had been drinking from a regular cup her whole life. Then. . . she shook the cup and the water spilled on her shirt. She looked at me and said 'wet'. . . 'paper towel'. I'm not kidding, this kid is so stinkin' smart! In Lucy language, the word paper towel sounds like 'peetalow', but she says it every time I use one. It must be fun to say. I thought it was so smart and so hilarious that she knew that a paper towel was for wet spills.
I really wanted to get a video, but I couldn't find the camera. I did get her drinking and spilling a little later with my phone.



I also got her saying one of her new favorite words: Heavy. Everything is heavy these days.


P.S. Thank you Grandma for giving me the little plastic cups!
My Grandma saved the cups that my brother, cousins and I used at her house when we were little. I remember drinking from them.

Mops

Today was the last day of the Mops 2007-2008 year. We had a very lovely tea party today as our last meeting and we heard some of our members reflect on what Mops means to them. As I was listening to them, I was thinking of how much Mops means to me. It was one of the best things that I did after Lucy was born. It was a great way to connect with other moms, learn some tips from other more experienced mommies, learn that other mommies are going through the same things that I am and to have some time for myself while Lucy is being well cared for in Moppets (the church nursery upstairs). I'll sure miss these ladies over the summer. We do have a few play dates planned to keep us connected. I'm looking forward to next year where I'll take on a different role as well. I'll be a part of the steering committee so I can give a little to this group that has given so much to me.
Here is just one picture of my table members. No, we don't always wear the hats, it was a part of the tea party theme.

And. . . Since this blog is really about Lucy, I have to share that she was so worn out from playing in Moppets that this is what she is doing while I'm blogging.

Mother's Day

For Mother's day we got a new jogger stroller. This might not be so exciting to some of you, but this is something that I have been wanting for months. We've been doing lots of research and lots of searching for a used jogger. We haven't been able to find the one I wanted used, so for Mother's day, I got to get a brand new one. I just love it. Lucy and I have been out running twice with it and it is great. I'm pretty sure it is comfortable for Lucy, she has fallen asleep in it both times.
You'll notice that the picture is only of Lucy and the stroller as I'm sure no one wants to see my red faced, dripping with sweat, almost ready to die jogging picture. So, here's hoping for many happy miles for Lucy AND mommy.

Springtime

Here are some pictures from the past few days. It has been so nice, we have been outside as much as possible. Jer and I have been cleaning up the back yard and getting it ready for Lucy to play in and for me to plant some more flowers. Lucy has been a great help as you can see below.

Lucy - could you get me just one more bag?

Helping Mommy dig. Do you think the dirt is yummy?

It isn't all work. We've had some play time too.

Pigtails!Fun at the park.
A new bike from Gram! Her favorite part is the bell.

Backyard Bonfires

We are back in MN and the Nee's are here for a visit. We all headed up to Grandma and Papa's house last night to hang out. Matt and Jer started a fire in the back yard for us all to enjoy and Grandma provided fixin's for s'mores, Yum!

Allie didn't quite wait for the s'more part. . .

David, Emily, Lucy & Allie

All of the grandkids together with their Grandma.

The Nee's minus Ryan. . . Kim, Emily, Matt & Allie.

Today we were all invited to Katie and Tom's house for a cook out and another bonfire. Thanks to Tom for doing the grilling before he had to head back to work for a meeting.
Here is Katie and Lucy enjoying the fire.
Emily, Katie, Allie, David & Paola
Of course we tried to get all of the kids together for a picture. This is the only one I got with all five faces showing. Someone just kept getting up to come to her mama. I think she was pretty proud that she could pick up the heavy bocce ball.
Emily just couldn't wait any longer for Ryan to grow some hair. Grass was the perfect fit. All of the girls thought this was hillarious.
There was also time for a game of catch.
And a little R&R.
Papa got some snuggle time in.
And I got to hand the camera over to Jer for snap shot of Lucy and Mama.

It is so wonderful to finally have some weather that is warm enough to be outside! I love this time of year when it is warm during the day, but cool enough to bundle up by the fire at night. I have so many memories like this growing up. It is great to think that Lucy will have that too.

Viroqua

What a great weekend we had in Viroqua. Lucy and I got to spend some time with Auntie Sandy, Great Grandpa, Great Grandma and we had a surprise visit from Gram. Here is Lucy having a walk around Sandy's yard.

Of course, Lucy got some 'sagges' from Auntie Sandy. For those of you not 'in the know' these are the combination of massages and baby tickles.

Lucy also gave us a fashion show. The first walk down the runway was in a stunning blue fleece vest that was designed by Gram. Unfortunately, we didn't get a picture of Lucy in only a shirt and a safari hat with a flashlight for her accessory.

Before they left, Grandpa and Lucy got in a quick game of poker. They are both looking forward to their first game of cribbage together.