First Comes Love...

Last week we had a PEPS Easter egg hunt; I was so excited to get Abigail dressed up and take pictures of she and her adorable friends running around grabbing Easter eggs (I sometimes imagine life in picture... don't we all?!) Come Tuesday morning as I was putting on her dress, I noticed she was warmer than usual.  I took her temperature and low and behold, she had a 100 degree fever.  So off went the dress, and dashed were my dreams of little people running around in bow ties and tulle. We had been practicing egg hunting for almost a week;  Kevin was convinced Abigail wouldn't be aggressive enough, and while we were never able to fully test this theory, she and Kevin did happen upon an Easter egg hunt in Ballard today. Sure, the Adidas track suit doesn't capture my idyllic vision of Easter frolic, but the two of them had a great time running around collecting eggs (she only managed to get four; there were some aggressive big kids), eating their chocolates, and spen...

We've been so busy since getting back from Michigan, but I have finally made my way back to Blog Land (hi!) We had such a great time in Saginaw visiting with Kevin's family and friends (shout out to John & Carolyn, Aunt Jennie & Uncle Dave, Kate & Del, Aunt Judy, and Aunt Wendy!) and are so glad we came back for the memorial. We flew out Thursday morning and stayed with John and Carolyn the first night.  They live in an adorable town called Williamston and we got the chance to walk around and have dinner at Tavern 109  that evening. And of course, Kevin was more than eager to catch up with John over Bell's beers and an old fashion. Friday we headed to St. Charles and stayed with the DeHart's (close family friends to the Lauckner's) and had such a great time with them.  They were so warm and welcoming, and even accommodated food, milk, and snacks for the babes. Saturday we attended the memorial.  Kirk did the service, he and Anne sang I'd R...

Today we went to the mall to walk around and explore.  You had so much fun riding the escalators (a new obsession) and waving to people as they walked by.  Every time we passed a seating area you insisted we stop and relax for a bit, so I would sit in a chair while you leaned against the coffee tables and shyly smiled at the people around you. It was a fun day, but as you get older and more mobile, it's become exhausting to chase after you (or maybe it's just that I'm getting older!) Here are some fun facts from this past month: You're a self proclaimed vegetarian.  You love peanut butter and beans (great protein!) but won't touch any variety of "Ca" meat. Your walking skills have brought with them a new level of independence.  You want to walk everywhere! You enjoy making animals sounds; "Abigail, what does a monkey say?" is your favorite. I sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Away in the Manger to you every night before bed. ...

Last Saturday evening Kevin's Grandmother passed away.  It was expected, but the passing of a family member is never easy regardless of circumstance. We have decided to fly back to Saginaw for the funeral this weekend and look forward to spending time with Kevin's family (most of whom Abigail has yet to meet). We regret that she and Abigail were never able to meet in person; this was Abigail's last living Great-Grandparent, but we look forward to celebrating her life! Rest in peace, Nana. Elizabeth   Ann  Lauckner  Saginaw, MI  Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at the age of 83 years.  Elizabeth  was born February 11, 1930, in Saginaw to the late Wilbert and Irene (Gerlock) Markhart. She married George  Lauckner  on September 9, 1950, and he predeceased her April 12, 2006. She enjoyed being an organist for Grace Baptist Church and Hope...

I've been itching to get away.  So much so that this song had been stuck in my head for days (and thus became the theme song to our weekend). I was craving roadside-style accommodations with all the amenities: pool, ice / vending machines, and overpriced movie rentals, so we headed up to Bellingham last Saturday night! Nothing fancy (per the request), so we stayed at the Best Western Express, complete with evening cookies and a make-your-own pancake machine (does life get any better?!) We got in on Saturday afternoon (travel time = nap time) and spent the day enjoying the sun in Fairhaven. There were a few new (to us) places: Wild Blueberries : where we got Abigail's adorable harness backpack  ;) Avenue Bread : they make an out-of-this-world pesto goat cheese roll.  I'll be back for you, my pretty! Then it was off to our hotel for pool time, an evening stroll through Bellingham, dinner at Lorenzo's , and an unexpected night cap at the local ar...