Bike across Nebraska

My dad, completed a week long bike ride across Nebraska on Saturday the 8th. My mom and I drove out to find my dad on the trail. We weren't sure where he was, but we just started driving west from where the finish was and eventually found him. We followed him for a little bit, and took some pictures, and then went to wait for him at the finish which was at the Strategic Air & Space Museum. It was so fun to see him riding, and we were very proud of him for completing this great accomplishment! He was even the first one to make it to the finish, so I guess he won!!

At the end of the race with my Grandpa, who had been following him with his motor home during most (maybe all?) of the race.

Makenna's Dance Recital

Makenna had her second dance recital on June 1st. This year her Creative Movement class did a dance called Sea Cruise. They wore sailor-inspired outfits that were super cute. Her cousins were not in her class this year, but she did have 2 of her other cute little friends. 

At the dress rehearsal earlier in the week, Makenna had gotten a little ahead of the music while dancing. Afterwards, I told her about it, and we practiced once at home making sure she was right with the music. When it came to the recital, Makenna was perfectly with the music. I was so proud of her for making the adjustment!

Makenna is in the center, just to the right of the boy.

 Makenna and Grandma Debbie after the recital

Misc May

Here are some random pictures from May that I wanted to remember.

One day Makenna was dressing up in some my clothes. Here she is wearing my shirt, belt, boots, and necklace. Funny girl!

Hudson was able to go on his very first Father-Son camp out this month. He was SO excited, and had so much fun. Makenna has been trying to negotiate her on camp out with dad ever since. 

On Mother's Day, John and the kids made me breakfast in bed. It actually is quite a funny story. When I woke up that morning, I could tell that something was going on downstairs, so I decided maybe I should linger upstairs for a little while. Then all of a sudden the smoke alarm started going off!! I couldn't help but start laughing. It turns out that the piece of toast I ended up eating was not the first attempt!

One day when going to check on Hudson, who had been playing in his room for awhile, I walked in to find that he had arranged all of his animals and cars around baby Jesus. I thought it was so sweet.

Colorado Retirement Party

Over Memorial Day weekend, we went on a quick trip to Colorado to celebrate both of John's parents retiring.  While there, we played baseball, went swimming, went to a movie, and also had a fun retirement party. Everybody was able to make the trip, and although we were only there for 3 days, we had a great time seeing everybody.

Hanging out at the park while the guys played baseball

My very talented sister-in-law Annalee designed these 'retirement' shirts that we gave as a gift for John's parents. The front of the shirt has phrases that John's dad says a lot, and the back has all of his mom's sayings. It was so funny to read through all of the phrases as a group, and hear some of the back stories. 

 Happy Retirement!!

My 29th Birthday

I am pretty lucky to share a birthday with my Grandma Marv (my dad's dad). I've always felt like this is a very special privilege. This year to celebrate, we went out to dinner with my parents and grandparents.

After Dinner we went back to our house for some dessert. 

The kids were excited to celebrate with cake and candles. 

The kids were giving hugs and kisses to their Grandpas and Grandmas before bed, and I happen to catch a few of those cute moments with Hudson and my Grandparents. I love the expression on Hudson's face.

Preschool Graduation

Makenna graduated from preschool! (Which makes me think...'EEKKK...Makenna starts Kindergarten in the Fall!') Anyway, back to graduation. The kids had a cute little program, where they sang songs, and then those graduating received their very own caps and sashes. Makenna has loved going to preschool, and although she is definitely ready for Kindergarten, her mother is not! Luckily I still have the summer to prepare.

Clara's First Birthday

 I can't believe Clara is one already!! Why do babies have to grow up so fast? Clara is such a fun, sweet, happy little munchkin, and we are so truly blessed to have her in our family.

We celebrated her birthday a day early on Sunday the 12th (Mother's Day) out at my parent's house. We had dinner, and then decided to open some presents before having cake. 

Clara waving at the camera

 After presents, it was time for cake. Clara got scared as soon as everyone started singing, and started to cry! I felt bad for her, but it was a little bit funny.

She quickly calmed down though, and was able to 'blow' out the candle, 

with some help from her big brother and sister.

To make things simple, we picked up a chocolate cake from Costco, (which by the way are so good) and just cut her off a big piece. She was a little timid at first, but once she had a taste, she really dug in.

This last picture is my favorite picture from the night. She makes this scrunched nose face all the time, and John and I had been talking about how we just had to get a picture of her making it sometime, so we could remember it forever. Well, scrunched nose smile + messy cake face + first birthday pretty much equals the cutest picture ever. I love it!