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!

Could She Be Any Cuter?!

Great Grandma to little Girls!

The Nelson Family did something a little crazy this past weekend...We took two little girls on four different planes in less than 48 hrs! But it was all worth it because I was able to bring my girls to meet my Grandma Z in Portland OR. You see- my Grandma had 4 little boys..and although she loved her boys more than anything...she always wished to hold a baby girl. Well now she has two little Great Grand DAUGHTERS! And I couldnt pass up the chance to take them to meet her! So with the help of my wonderful husband and my father- we made the journey to the West Coast. The girls did AWESOME on the way out- mostly due to the fact that Claire was able to sleep in her car seat because neither flight was completely full- Thank you SOUTHWEST! We had a great time hanging out with Uncle Al and Aunt Ally who were nice enough to open their home to us. Most of all I loved watching my Grandma experience my two little angels. Layna dressed up like Cinderella and talked up a storm. Claire giggled, smiled, and lifted her head off the ground in true 'Claire fashion'. I was even fortunate enough to visit my Grandfather's grave. He is resting in a beautiful military site surrounded by green hills and trees.

We ate at some fun places- enjoying fish right off the coast and breakfast at 'Hash'...(they really did serve corned beef hash) Uncle Al even broke out the second to last bag of 'ZIM BERRIES' A special berry only grown and named by Grandpa Z. We set a new rule that 5 Zimmerman's have to be present for ZimBerries to be served! A new tradition! We played Hearts, walked to the park but most of all gave lots of hugs and kisses to Grandma Z. We are still recovering from this adventure here at the Nelson House but it was well worth the trip- and one we will never forget!