Home Away From Home

The girls and I decided to start an annual tradition of taking a week during the summer to go and stay with Karl's parents in Chicago. We planned the trip with Sheri and her kids as well. We had a blast going to the Brookfield Zoo, Swimming, Watching Movies and mostly just being with family. Sheila took two days off from work and it was really nice to visit with her and her kids. There are many more pics from this trip (mostly taken by Bev) but here are a few from my camera. Thanks again Grandpa and Granma Nelson for a wonderful visit...and for always making us feel like we are at our 'home away from home' :)

We Welcome To The Family....

ACE!
Brad and Sarah added to their family within one month of being married! Amazing...huh?! Well we are excited to announce that they have a new Yellow Lab puppy named ACE! Although he reminds us of our Maggie (the yellow lab that we grew up with) we know he will be his own little guy with a unique personality! I'm just glad that my girls can enjoy Uncle Brad's puppy so hopefully this will distract them from any silly ideas that they need their own! HA! We met Ace for the 1st time on the 4th of July. We also enjoyed a nice day of BBQ and swimming over at my parents house. Welcome to the family ACE~

The Perfect Pic

Ever since Karl gave me my new camera- My whole family makes fun of me for snapping ridiculous amounts of pictures...ummm daily...BUT when EVERY SO OFTEN I capture pics like these...how can you blame me?! Sorry guys...I'm going to keep snappin'

Jarred's Party

On Saturday July 3rd- the Nelson Gang made a day trip to Peoria for our godson Jarred's 1st Birthday. We had an awesome time--and as I talked to Leeann I swore it was not that long ago that she was walking around about ready to POP last summer--and I was JUST pregnant with little Claire! These kiddos are growing up so fast. Happy Birthday J! We Love You~

Big Girl Food!

Claire is doing such a great job with her 'Big Girl Food' and I'm quite proud because I have made all of her baby food myself! I only wish I would have done this with Layna because its been cheap, easy and fun. So far Claire has done peas, sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots and bananas. Our only obsticle is when she thinks she needs to suck her thumb in between each bite! Silly Claire!