Something to Celebrate!

I can't believe it, but on Sunday we had the opportunity to celebrate Alaina's first birthday with a few family and friends. We had a great time catching up with those who were able to make it and those who weren't - were in our thoughts! We can't thank everyone enough; they all had quite a drive! It meant a lot to us, and they made Alaina's 1st birthday very special! I just have a minute, but I have included a few pics from the day. Enjoy :)

Oh my, even the thought of cleaning is exhausting

See ya, Mom. Thanks to Jamie & Kyle...I am goin' shopping

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to...you would too if it happened to you

Mmm..maybe this cake isn't so bad after all :)

The New Store

We checked out Andy's new store on Tuesday, and I had to take these pictures to share. I think Andy is going to love the layout -I know I will!

Good-bye

The wonderful people (Andy's co-workers) of Manchester had one last get together the other night: a little going away party. There was lots of good food, some outdoor fun, poker, and Wii. It was really nice to hang out with everyone, one last time. We are going to miss it here! Here are a few pics from the party. I also included a few pictures of Alaina and the packing process.

Andy getting ready to bowl...

And..Andy bowling :)

Alaina helping me pack

and... Alaina NOT helping me pack : )

Moving

They always say that things happen to you when you least expect them...right? Well once again that has held true in our life! Andy got called into work on Wednesday (on his day off) to put the order in. Needless to say...that is not why they wanted Andy to come in! Instead, Andy's supervisor was there to see him and offer him a new position. So, we are moving! Andy will now be working at a brand new store in Maquoketa. It will be a whole new experience: this store has a bakery, deli, floral shop, and even a walk in beer cooler. We are excited! Like usual - it is bittersweet. We are excited for the promotion and the opportunity to meet new people...yet we hate to leave our wonderful neighbors and friends here! Regardless...I'm so proud of Andy. He is definitely the hardest working guy I know! I wish him the best of luck in this new store - and I hope he enjoys the experience! That's what life is really about...isn't it? The experiences ....

Anyway - I"ll try to keep you all posted on the lastest excitement! We are planning on packing up the whole house this weekend and hopefully moving right away. However, Alaina seems to be feeling a bit under the weather and I just started a busy semester with school - so we'll do the best that we can. Fortunately, we have a great group of family and friends (near and far) that are willing to help out. Andy's mom will be arriving tomarrow to help out in anyway possible - which we are so thankful for and we have some friends here that have offered to watch Alaina if we need them to!

My family is having a get together this weekend with some extended family to celebrate Labor Day weekend and to catch up with one another. We were planning on going - but I don't think that it is going to work this time! We'll be thinking of them .. and I'm sure they'll be thinking about us as well!

We hope that you all have a great weekend! More to come...

Ready, Set, Grow

I was working on Alaina's scrapbook recently, and I realized how much she has changed. For some reason, I can't get over how big she has gotten. It sounds so cliche' to say that they grow up too fast, but it is so true!

I love this older playful Alaina, but sometimes I actually miss baby Alaina too.

In a very short time, we will be celebrating her birthday, and that seems so hard to believe! I remember the first time I looked into her eyes - like it was YESTERDAY! I thought that she was so perfect...and still do :)

Vacation Update 3: E'burg

We ended our vacation week by going back home. It was so nice to see everyone again and to relax. So, we went to my parents cabin on the lake for a few days. It was completely a change of pace, but it was so nice! Even Alaina loved the new scenery. Andy and I took the paddle boat out for a ride, and Kina went for a swim. After some time at the lake we got to spend a little more time with the nieces and nephews, which is always special! Then on Saturday, Alaina got to attend her first wedding. This was quite the experience, so I didn't get very many pictures. It was a beautiful wedding though.

Sunrise over the lake

The wedding was beautiful and so much fun. To our surprise, even a wedding is so much more fun as a parent. Alaina not only loved the bride's gorgeous dress, but she also LOVED the music. She wanted to dance, dance, dance! I was too busy trying to keep her off the dance floor, I didn't get any pictures of her. Bummer! Maybe next time.

Vacation Update 2: Chicago

Thanks to our families, Andy and I went to visit some friends in Chicago for a few days. We were so grateful for the help from Andy's parents, my parents, my sister, and Andy's sister! Thank you, thank you, thank you all! I was very wary about leaving Alaina, but she was in goods hands! I missed her terribly, but we still managed to have a great time with Jamie & Kyle. The hospitality was great, and it was so nice to do some catching up! It was also nice to see where and how Jamie and Kyle live in the windy city first hand!

Alaina playing with Grandpa

Alaina & Matthew playing at Aunt Amy's house

Ava teaching Alaina how to wrap up a baby at Aunt Barb's. How sweet!

3 Little Musketeers : )

Gino's Pizza

Chicago style pizza was my one request, and it was delicious!

One of my favorite site seeing attractions at Millennium Park

Andy & I at Millennium Park - in some very hot weather : )

Despite some crazy weather and separation anxiety we had a fabulous time in Chicago. We can't wait to go back! Thank you for your hospitality and patience Jamie and Kyle! Thank you to our families for taking such good care of Alaina! I think that she had so much fun - she didn't even have time to think about us too much : ). Thanks! The trip was a huge success!

Vacation Update 1: Des Moines

As most of you know, Alaina recently got to go on her very first vacation! We all had an amazing time! We started off our vacation in Des Moines, with Andy's family. It was great to spend the weekend with everyone. Here are some of our favorite moments!

The Farmers Market

Alaina enjoying some Johnny Cash at the farmers market

Alaina & Daddy having fun at the Science Center

More fun at the Science Center

If you look close you can see Andy's face

Wow...am I really 2 feet tall mommy?

Future Weathercasters

We had a great time meeting Andy's family in Des Moines and we look forward to our next family vacation! Maybe we'll be able to convince my family to meet in Des Moines next!

More vacation updates to come : )

Welcome

Welcome! After some resistance, I have finally created a blog to keep our friends and familly updated. However, this is my first time blogging - so it may take me a little time to get the hang of things.

Alaina, our pride and joy, is almost 10 months old and growing too fast! She is still our little bundle of joy, she just isn't so little anymore. She learns something new almost everyday. She recently learned how to walk, taking more and more steps every day. She has also learned how to brush her own hair...it is too cute!

Alaina is getting very excited about going on her first vacation soon, so I am sure we will have a lot of updating to do soon!