More birthday gifts

Even Jack got a little something. He gets the sympathy gifts from me for having his birthday around Christmas. I love the Hawaii outfit my sister got her. Too cute.

Princess stuff and pixos

This is the first of two cakes for Lily. She is getting a second one on Saturday with my parents. Most of her birthday gifts were either Disney princess or in the arts and crafts variety. She loves pixos.

Lily's 4th Birthday on the Lake

Lily celebrated her 4th birthday on Eagle lake. Our china group met there and we had a blast. It was the hottest day of the year so far (like 92 degrees). The kids didn't complain of the cool water that's for sure. I made sunflower cupcakes for the kiddos.

Making friends and wedding cake.

Lily and Stella (the flower girl) became fast friends. I love to take pictures of the bride and groom cutting the cake. Matt told me it's because I love cake so much. True. Anyway, for people who don't know Angie, she is Matt's step sister. I wasn't able to get a picture of Julia, his step mother-mother of the bride, too bad, she looked fantastic. We just don't get a chance to see Angie and Brandon very often, since they live in Arizona. In fact, it was the first time we met Brandon. We wish we lived closer, they seem like a great couple. The kids loved the dance floor, but it was going on 9:00 so we had to leave.

Family pictures

Getting a few family pictures while we all look nice. Not easy to do.

Keeping the kids busy.

The hardest part about taking kids to a wedding I have found is finding them things to do in between the ceremony and reception. We had to stay for pictures, but the kids did great. Snacks, games and goofing off kept them at bay. Including Uncle Dave.

Beautiful couple

The weather in Iowa was very iffy. It rained on and off all day Friday, so the wedding was indoors. I managed to get some pictures of the ceremony, but my camera isn't the best. They look so happy. Introducing...Angie and Brandon McAuley.

Village Inn, and Birthday gifts

Matt and I like to take all the kids out for breakfast whenever we get together. Here's Elle. Later, Lily got to open some early birthday gifts. She loves Pixos. Jen and Dave like to give Jack his birthday gifts also since his b-day is in Dec. It works out great, no hurt feelings.

Imaginarium

My nieces, Kay and Elle at the imaginarium in Cedar Falls.

Ice cream!!

After the rehearsal dinner, we stopped for ice cream.

Iowa City

On our way to Cedar Falls, IA for Angie's wedding, we stopped in Iowa City, where Matt and I went to school (U of I). So much has changed, we wanted to explore more, but the kids were hot and crabby from the long drive. Another time.

Becky, your my best friend.

Lily and Becky hit it off. Cute. Ironically, it was Best Friends day.

Making me nervous...

The kids wanted to see the lighthouses at Navy Pier, so we walked the whole way down. Then they kept leaning over a very short and unsafe chain into Lake Michigan, plus, it was REALLY windy that day. I know it's the windy city. After a couple of quick pictures, we headed to the ferris wheel. I don't really like them, but did it anyway. Once again, very windy and very tall. At one point Jack said he wanted to sit with Miss Becky because I was holding on to him too tight.

Chicago Children's Museum

My friend Becky had some lag time between conferences in Chicago, so we drove over and explored Navy Pier. Here are the kids at the Children's Museum.

Zoo time with the China friends