Memorial Day Weekend

Richard had to work most of Memorial Day weekend and the kids had both Friday and Monday off of school, so I had a four day weekend on my hands.  We filled it with fun though and we had a great time!

We started our Friday morning at the park with friends.  We played and played and played for over three hours.  As soon as we came home, Marshall ran off to Caleb's house and they played basketball and ran through the sprinklers.  At 3:30 we were back at another park with more friends.  The kids spent most of their time in the sand pit during a rain storm, so despite the mess, they were full of happiness.  After the park, I decided to be the cool mom and we went to Murf's for dinner where I only allowed them to order cheese curds and custard.  They gave me no objections and we had a great time!  After we got home it was baths and a movie night.  Here are my three clean cuties.  It was such a great day.

Friday kind of wore me out, but Richard needed a quiet house on Saturday and the kids voted for the children's museum, so off he went.  We spent almost all day at the museum and walking down by the Lakefront.  I love that place.   

Monday we were back at it with more fun.  We walked to the Elm Grove Memorial Day Parade with the Vanhilles.  We found a perfect spot and the kids collected loads of candy.  It was a fun and patriotic morning.  

We wrapped up the whole weekend back at the park with the Hassells on Monday night.  It was perfect and made me super ready for summer and more relaxing days and evenings!

Baby Shower

I have some of the most kind and thoughtful friends here.  As soon as we found out we were having a girl, Anna and Lara planned a baby shower for me.  I was showered with darling gifts and a very generous gift card, which means so much, especially because this is our fourth baby and third girl!  But really, every little life, and every pregnancy should be celebrated in some way, and I am so thankful for wonderful, wonderful friends.

Anna and Lara, who pulled off an excellent evening.  Besides the gifts, the food, and conversation, the game Anna planned was my favorite.  A trivia game based on "Full House", "Everybody Loves Raymond", and Michael Jackson.  She knows me well!

The Best Weekend

Just a bit ago we got a great weekend visit from our dear friends, Ricky and Katie Irion.  

On a Friday night we had an adult only dinner at Bel Air Cantina with the Hassells and Irions.  We followed that up with custard at Kopps.  We were out from 5:30-10:30, and could have stayed out much longer!  The six of us haven't all been together in almost three years, and we picked up right where we left off.

Saturday morning was breakfast at Blue's Egg, with all five Hassell and Leake children.  It was not near as relaxing, hence no picture, but the food and company was still wonderful.  

We got together again on Saturday for a dinner of pizza at Elm Grove Park.  The weather was perfect and the kids ran and played while we talked and talked and talked some more.  

Of course we went back to Kopps again that night...when in Wisconsin!

Sunday evening we gathered at the Hassell home for one last dinner together complete with sparklers and smores.  A perfect summer evening with dear, dear friends.  If only every weekend could be like this!

So thankful for friends!

Green Meadows Farm

A couple of weeks ago Anna and I let our kids skip school and we spent seven hours at Green Meadows Farm.  This is just the greatest little petting farm.  Actually, it isn't little, it is huge, and so well kept, and wonderful, and the kids just love it.  Hence, we spent seven hours there!  A great way to spend a Friday!  

Aside from all the animals, they also have tons of things for kids to do.  We love it!

Yay for tractor rides!

Duck races.  Always a hit.

Rachel overcame her fear of goats from last fall and fell in love with these baby goats.  

This was a pregnant cow.  I felt so bad for her!

Despite her excitement for the pony ride, Bridget looked a tad bit nervous up there!

Five best pals.