Covered Bridge Park

We decided to get out for an hour this evening before putting the kids to bed. The whole day was absolutely beautiful. We were able to enjoy the spring greenness, trying to skip stones on the river and playing on the swings.

Ella and Ryan trying to find some stones to skip.

Ella posing for the camera.

The boys skipping stones.

Jonathan learning how to move the swing on his own. Quite amusing to watch when a 7 month pregnant lady is swinging along teaching him.

Ella loved the swings once we had her sitting properly.

A small waterfall next to the bridge. We saw a few people fishing around this area. .. maybe a new fishing spot for the boys.

One of two covered bridges. This is the river Jonathan had so much fun in during the Memorial Day Picnic.

Memorial Day

On Memorial Day Jonathan woke up super early, about 5:45 am. It wouldn't have been too bad except I did not go to bed until 1am so I was rather tired and cranky. However, I did need to get up early to prepare for our ward activity. So, I dragged myself out of bed and started making cupcakes, packing up the car, made lots of lemonade, etc. Luckily Ryan woke up just as I finished everything so he watched Ella while Jonathan came with me to help set everything up.

The activity was at Covered Bridge Park, a tradition in our ward. I made reservations back in January because I heard reservations for Memorial Day are hard to come by. Anyway, we set up and then went back home to pick up Ella. We ended up staying 4 hours after returning the second time...Ryan stayed home to study.

The kids had tons of fun. A play area was super close and the kids went on the swings, slides and all the other fun stuff. Then all the kids were gathered up for some fun games which Jonathan really enjoyed. A little later he joined a game of baseball where he actually hit a pitched baseball. It was an impressive hit. Then he went with some other kids to the river. During all of his Ella walked around like crazy which started to wear me out. Finally I had someone watch her while I cleaned up and packed the car. Shortly after Jonathan came back completely soaked, but had a huge grin on his face. He kept saying over and over again how he wants to go back and next time go on a canoe ride. I can definitely see why our ward has this activity.

When arriving home Ryan surprised me and cleaned the living room, dining room and part of the kitchen. I appreciated it greatly because I was not looking forward to cleaning the mess up when I got home... and yes, he also studied for a few hours.

We Love Our Auntie Cassie!!!

On Sunday Morning we took off for Washington D.C. to see Auntie Cassie. We have not seen her in person for almost a year so we were all very excited... especially Jonathan... and Ryan.



Anyway, we arrived early and as we walked around the Kennedy Center we noticed a huge group of kids.
We hung around hoping to find Cassie and we did! It took all of us yelling her name to get her attention. When she saw us she ran over in a heartbeat and gave Ryan a huge hug. It reminded me of the hugs Ella gives Ryan when he comes home from work... complete and full of love.



The kids were great for most of the concert. Jonathan thought a few parts were really funny and we all enjoyed hearing the wonderful music. I think that was the first time any of us had heard Auntie Cassie sing with the choir.



Afterwards we met Cassie at the Smithsonian and walked around. It took Ella about 5 minutes to warm up to Cassie but once she did Ella just walked right up to Cassie and held her hand. From then on one or both kids were constantly with her. The museum had a lot of interesting stuff/ exhibits. I have heard there is no charge to any of the museums in Washington D.C. which is very cool because you could spend days in them. Ryan and I definitely want to go back.







We then met Cassie for dinner where Jonathan talked nonstop. He had to let her know everything that happened this past year. After a nice dinner we said our good-byes to Cassie and then shortly after headed home. Ella fell asleep during the first five minutes and then Jonathan and Ryan were not too far behind. Poor Ryan worked all night and then went out with us so he was completely exhausted but everything was worth it just to see his sister.



The car ride was so quiet on the way home which was nice. We finally arrived home around 12:30am .



It was kind of weird to take a day trip and travel through a few states in a few hours. We went through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Then we headed over to Virginia for dinner. It was also fun to see the Washington Monument from the car. I taught my students about it but I finally saw it... very cool.

Kratzer Kounty Fair

Last Wednesday Jonathan's school put on a fair. We couldn't stay long but still had fun. Ella loved the bounce room and Jonathan rode some spinning ride thing. I thought it would make him sick, but he was fine. The kids also played a few games, won some prizes... just a regular fair.

this week...

First off I would like to say that I am SO ready for bed, since about 6pm, but felt I needed to post something for family. So here's the week.

Last Sunday-Mother's Day... Ryan had to leave early for work so I had my breakfast in bed at 6:30am. Jonathan was so excited he would not leave until I ate it. Being rather tired, I shared it with him...luckily I picked donuts for breakfast so he didn't mind.

I found out that Ella's flight reflex is a bad mix when she takes off a poopy diaper. I ended up cleaning poop off the wall, floor and her sandals... she stepped in the poop while trying to run away. Why can't she just stay in one place when I ask her?

Monday: My sister had her baby:)

Tuesday- Finally went to the hospital to get my glucose test done.

Wednesday- Can't remember.

Thursday- Had an activity's meeting where Ella wanted her picture taken and she struck a few poses. I have no idea where she learned that. It was cute.

Got a call from my doctor's office. Unfortunately my test results were slightly higher than normal so I neeed to take a three hour glucose test...yuck. I could not sleep due to the looming test results plus the season finale of Grey's Anatomy kept coming into my mind.

Friday- Woke up early to take my test. Ella was great considering we were stuck in a waiting room for three hours. I brought toys and was able to change the channel to kid shows ... yay. After the test I was drained but was able to take a nap. Even with the nap I was in a bad mood and Ryan remarked that I was in rare form today...aka... a cranky, complaining, everything is annoying me mood. I guess he shoud be thankful it is rare and not my everyday self.

Saturday- A long day. Our neighborhood had a yard sale that we participated in. In the morning I set up, spend four hours outside with the kids, then cleaned up by myself because Ryan was working. Not too many people stopped by the yard sale... where were they?

During the sale Jonathan mentioned a piece of his artwork was chosen to be displayed at the annual Art Festival located at the high school... we had to go see it. As we pulled into a parking spot it started to rain. Nice. We went inside and found his piece of art and then walked around and looked at all the other artists. There are some talented kids in this area.

Most of the rain stopped so we went outside where the kids worked on some art projects. Ella made a star wand while Jonathan worked on a pinwheel. Then the kids made necklaces and Ella had a fit due to no nap. Poor kid.

After the craftiness was done, Jonathan wanted a snack. The vendors were very nice and split a popcorn and cotton candy so the kids each had their own bag. As they ate, everyone started to pack up so we left shortly after. I end up pushing Jonathan in the stroller while I held Ella. I think I lifted way too much today.

Right now I am experiencing a lightening/ thunder storm. They are so beautiful but I have a hard time sleeping during them. It's beginning to feel more like summer...warm and humid mixed in with thunder storms.

O yeah, I am still waiting to see more pictures of Heather's baby. Hopefully they'll be up tomorrow. I can't wait... really I can't. I've been checking everyday for them.

Mother's Day... early

The post is late, but we celebrated Mother's day on Friday. Ryan had to work on Saturday and Sunday but had Friday off. Everything worked out perfectly because Jonathan had a special Mother's day event at his school. One of the first grade teacher's is VERY into Mother's Day and everything was fantastic. I was able to go alone and spend time with Jonathan ... no distractions.

The Mother's day tea was fabulous. The three first grade classes stood side by side and sang some very cute, 50's inspired songs. Jonathan looked like he was having a great time singing, pretending to play the saxophone and what not. In between the songs there was a slide show mixed with jokes given by "famous" people. Also Jonathan was one of the kids chosen to pass out flowers. The slide show comprised of each kid having a slide containing his/her picture and what he/she said when asked why their mom was special. Kleenex was passed out before hand and I can see why. However, I did not shed a tear... a pregnant lady did not cry at a Mother's Day event... what is wrong with me.

After the show was over, a craft was planned that I could work on with Jonathan. We had a fun time tracing our hands and putting it together.

He also made a poster and a book about why he loves me. He treated me so well. The event had food and beverages. Jonathan said he wanted to serve me and asked what I would like to eat...what a gentleman. Needless to say, I felt very appreciated and loved. My heart was full, I felt loved and Mother's day felt complete.

When I came home, Ryan wanted to continue the festivities. Already feeling content I had a hard time figuring out what else to do. I told him all I really wanted was a haircut. I have not had one in about a year. We then went out for lunch... ate the delicious appetizer we discovered on our anniversary, and then I was dropped off for my haircut.

I didn't tell anyone, but I decided to get bangs this time. I don't want to turn into a frumpy mom... even though when I have looked into the mirror lately, a frumpy mom was looking right back at me. Ryan really likes the cut and when Ella saw me she replied, "cute hair mom".

After all that, when Jonathan came home I was still asked what I would like to do. The only thing I could think of was going out for Papa John's pizza. Every time I go by the place I have thought about how much I like their pizza.
After picking up the pizza I noticed benches across the street where we could sit down and eat. It was such a beautiful day I wanted sometime outside. The benches were next to an ice cream place, Crazy Cones, so Jonathan and Ryan said we had to get ice cream..."for Mom".

It was a lot of fun just being together enjoying each other's company. During dinner Ryan made a bet with Jonathan about eating a hot pepper. Jonathan surprised all of us and actually ate the bite, seeds and all. I coached him a little by telling him to eat some pizza right after the bite and not to drink water. The pizza would calm down the hotness. It was quite entertaining to watch the whole thing... I even took some pics for proof. Ryan kept his end of the bet and bought the toy Jonathan wanted... even though secretly Ryan did not think Jonathan would actually eat it.


Just another great day.

the season has started

Last week Jonathan started swim lessons. I decided to start a little bit before summer... taking classes once a week. This way he can get reuse to them before starting three days a week which was a little intense for him last year. So far he has been extremely excited and eager to learn.

• Ella wants to go swimming as well but no classes yet for her. While waiting for him, she did lay on the floor and pretend she was swimming. She so wants to be like her big brother. A great example of this was on the car ride to the lesson, Ella insisted in wearing her sunglasses to look like Jonathan wearing his goggles. I just had to take a pic.

my tummy

A quick conversation with Ella:

Ella: Mommy's tummy (points to my tummy)

Me: My tummy is getting bigger. There's a baby in Mommy's tummy.

Ella: Says nothing but starts to lift my shirt up to find the baby.

Me: The baby is inside Mommy's tummy. You can't see it.

Ella: Oh

For Nana

At Ella's first birthday Nana bought her a beautiful pink dress. When spring started this year I brought out the dress and it fit Ella perfectly.

She wore the dress on Easter, but I did not take pictures. So today I grabbed the camera, took some great pictures and then found out I did not have the card in ... something Ryan always reminds me I should make a habit of... yes... he is right.

I then took some more pictures but they did not come out nearly as well. It started to rain so we had to stop.

Hope you enjoy them Nana.

yard sales

Once again I ventured out on a Saturday morning, kids in tow, to hit some yard sales. Around here neighborhoods hold them together so you don't have to travel far to far to hit a few of them. Anyway, yesterday I was in search for sleepers, for the new baby, and summer maternity clothes.

On craigslist was mentioned one house that had maternity clothes so we went there first. Most of the clothes were for colder weather, but I did find three items, one never worn. Each piece was only a dollar.. what a deal.

Since that didn't take long I decided to walk around with the kids. I actually get nervous because there are many cars driving the neighborhood checking out the yard sales. I have to be alert and make sure the kids stay safe.

Anyway, I found some cute tops, a dress and a pair of paints for Ella. Each item was a dollar and some of the clothes were Gap. I just love yard sales. Towards the end, I found some sleepers for the new baby... something I needed. I am beginning to feel more prepared for this baby...yay!

Jonathan really likes the yard sales. When we first went out a week ago he found some great deals and walked away with four Bakugans, 2 books, a water gun, and a plush dragon. He only paid five dollars for everything. After that experience, he realized he could get more for his money at a yard sale versus a regular store. Plus he likes meeting new people and socializing ... an added bonus. He always thanks the people he bought something from, which is very polite and cute.

As a side note, I feel very blessed to find things I need for the baby. Sticking to the budget Ryan and I established is a priority for me and I am already being blessed in trying to follow the advice church leaders have given about living within your means.

Case in point:
On Friday I received an email from a friend that she was giving away for free items left over from her garage sale. We stopped by and were able to get some great stuff. Jonathan finally got the desk he has been asking for. He used it the moment it was placed in his room. Also, Ella has two new pairs of shoes, a white dressy pair for church and a pair of sandals. Both I wanted to buy, but we didn't have the money. Also I found warm clothes for the baby, something I didn't have and was having a hard time finding. Jonathan even found a game boy with a few games. He has wanted a Nintendo DS but they are too expensive. He still doesn't take care of his toys properly. I can imagine him loosing or breaking the Nintendo within the first week. So this Game boy fits his needs and is a great opportunity for him to practice taking care of his nicer toys.

I just feel very blessed. What more can I say.