What a Difference a Year Makes!

Today at the birthday party we were discussing how much more grown up Hannah & Aryn seemed than last year at this time. Tonight I checked out last year's post from Grandpa's birthday party. What a difference a year makes because check out how these girls have changed in a year. I don't think Hannah looks all that much different, just older and taller. February 2010

February 2009

Happy 94th Birthday, Grandpa Leo

Today we headed to Ferdinand to help Ben's Grandpa celebrate his 94th birthday. We had a nice visit with everyone and enjoyed cake and icecream. Then, we headed to Huntingburg to visit with Ben's Grandma and to Jasper to Elder-Beerman. It was a full day, but a fun day. Blowing out the candles

My attempt at a picture of Hannah & Aryn

Kyle hanging with his Uncle Matt

Grandpa with the grandkids that were able to make it & the three great-grandkids (Kyle is hidden behind Hannah)

Grandpa with his brothers/sisters & in-laws that were able to be there

Grandpa with 4 of his girls.

Grandpa with 4 of his girls and their spouses

Kyle & Hannah with Great-Grandpa

The Broeker brothers (minus Adam)

Party Girl

Hannah loves her Great Grandma's dog, Cubby

Kyle and Hannah always love playing with Great-Grandma's toys and eating her candy. She always has a bowl of candy out for her visitors. They can never get enough.

My Valelntine's Day Gift

A few months ago, I mentioned that I'd like to start a Fiesta Ware collection. Well, my collection started yesterday. Ben bought me five place settings for Valentine's Day. I was so surprised! I love the colors he picked out and look forward to expanding my collection. Now I'd like to get some type of open cabinet to put in the kitchen to put them all in.

Thank you, Ben! I love you so, so much!

Some Valentine's Day Fun

Valentine's Day

We all had a great Valentine's Day and the kids were VERY spoiled by all. Friday night, Mamaw and Papa Pickerill came over and brought them Valentine's. Hannah got a baby doll blanket made by Mamaw, a shirt and candy. Kyle got a space pillow case made by Mamaw, a shirt, and candy. They also both got glow bracelets, which they have enjoyed each night. Ben had to work the night before Valentines Day, so the kids and I spent most of the day together. We went to Mass, then Kohl's, and then the three of us went out for lunch. They chose Wendy's. When we came home we made cookies and the kids played with their Valentine's Day presents from Ben and I. Mamaw & Papa Broeker also came to visit and brought Valentine's for all of us. Hannah got a Princess storybook complete with a playmat and the characters. Kyle got eight Learn to Draw books. We also got money that we can use to go out to eat. I'm looking forward to that!

They don't look too excited that I had them wait for me to get a picture before they got to open their Valentine's gifts from us.

They were excited when they saw what was inside!

Hannah got new play-doh and a backyard bbq play-doh kit. Kyle got a construction moon sand kit. What was I thinking? I went messy this Valentine's Day...

I was super excited about my Valentine's Day present! I was also very surprised. Ben and I usually don't go all out with Valentine's Day. It's usually just a card, something little and an evening out to dinner. He surprised me this year with some presents. I'll follow up with a post on it a little later...

Valentine's Day Party

Friday was Kyle's Valentine's Day party at school. I sneaked in to hang out for a little while and take a few pictures.

Dressing Myself

Some days, Hannah's outfits she come's up with are quite creative. For example, this one....

Introducing Baby Gavin

My friends, Abbie and Brian welcomed a precious baby boy on February 1, 2010. Gavin William was born at 10:43 and weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. He is so, so precious! Congrats, Abbie and Brian! I can't wait to hold him again.

Always Busy

I often find Hannah downstairs in the basement just playing away. She's so good about keeping herself company, and can always find something to do on her own. I went looking for her the other night because it was bedtime and found her in the basement just coloring away. She said, "Mommy, just a few more minutes, please. I need to finish my pictures." I took the opportunity to snap a few pictures. I can't believe how fast she's growing up. I love you, Baby Girl.

Muffins with Mom

Wednesday was Muffins with Mom day and pajama day! I enjoyed skipping my "teacher duties" that morning to eat breakfast with Kyle.

Donuts with Dad

This past week was Catholic Schools Week. There was all kinds of fun activities planned every day for the students, including different dress days. Tuesday was Donuts with Dad and mix-match clothing day.

Thanks, Dad for coming and eating breakfast with me!

The Post Game Party

After the basketball game, everyone headed over to the Vaught's house for dinner. They hosted the entire team and families. We had BBQ pulled pork along with all of the fixins'. It was all so delicious. The kids and parents all had a great time, and we're all looking forward to the next time we can all get together. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great group of kindergarten kids and parents. I know our family has found life long friendships through them. Thanks, Tina and Dirk for hosting all of us. We think you're GREAT! Unfortunately, I was too busy talking and didn't take too many picture. Here's Miles, Leland and Kyle going for a ride in Lightening McQueen.
Hannah with her buddies Hazel and Cydney.

Of course, Hannah loved the basketball cupcakes!

Kyle's Last Game

Kyle had his last basketball game on January 31st. He played great and scored a basket!! The Team

Kyle was so proud of his trophy. Here's him and "Coach"

Celebrating Mom's Birthday

Mom's birthday is January 31st; however, we celebrated with her on Saturday, January 30th. The entire day was so much fun. It started with Natalie and I spending the day scrapbooking. I just love days that I can devote several hours at a time to scrapbooking. I'm working on a scrapbook on our trip to St. Louis, and I am almost finished with it. That evening, everyone came over and Jason made us all Baja Fish Tacos. They were delicious! Jason even fried the shells. They were so much better than I had anticipated. Definitely the way to go with fish tacos!!
Ben frying the fish.

The chefs at work in the kitchen

Kyle, Hannah and I made Mom a birthday cake. I was feeling a little creative, so tried making a butterfly shaped cake.

Too cute....Sadie is looking at Christian like he's saying, "Well, aren't you going to give me a bite of cake, too?"

Hope you had a wonderful birthday, Mom. We sure did enjoy celebrating it with you!