Trip to Pensacola (This is a LONG post)

As most of you know, Jill, Deena, Cohen & I just got back from Pensacola. We were there visiting Bridget & her family. We spent a lot of time at Bridget's relaxing, playing games & most importantly, spoiling JB & the newest Simpson, Timothy. I know I'm bias but seriously, isn't he adorable?!

When Bridget said Timothy had big dimples, I wasn't sure what to expect. Check 'em out, they're huge! I tried to get a picture of his dimples the entire time we were there & didn't get this picture until Monday. (the day before we left) I'm a sucker for dimples, I just love 'em! I have 1 dimple on the right side of my cheek & hoped one or both of my girls would inherit it, but no such luck.

Aside from meeting Timothy, another highlight of the trip was spending time with JB. The 1st picture of JB was taken while he was swinging with Jill. Jill decided to use the sunscreen he had on his head to form a Mohawk. Good thing Rusty wasn't around, I don't think he would've approved. The 2nd picture was taken when Rusty brought his catch of the day home. JB had no fear of the fish. He got right in there so he could get a good look & feel. The 3rd picture was taken at the Fiesta Day Parade. JB loved all the beads & attention he got from the parade participants. The last picture is JB with one of his favorite things - a microphone. For those of you that know Rusty, know how quiet & shy he can be. But give him a few "Kisters" (Old Forrester & Diet Sunkist) and he can sing with the best of 'em. Looks like JB's going to take after his daddy.

It was funny to watch JB interact with Timothy. For the most part JB didn't want anything to do with him. Although from time to time JB would pet Timothy (lol) or give him a "5". It was pretty cute! JB enjoyed holding Timothy for as long as it took me to take these pictures, then JB shoved Timothy off his lap...lol!

Many of you asked what we did while we were at Bridget's. This is what our week looked like... After a long day of traveling on Tuesday, we decided to relax at Bridget's with her & the boys while Rusty fished on Wednesday. Thursday afternoon Jill, Deena & I took JB & Cohen to the Aviation Museum (see pictures below), then out for lunch so Bridget could take a nap with Timothy. Thursday night we went to the Fiesta Day Parade downtown Pensacola. The parades in Pensacola are much different than they are around here. Instead of throwing Tootsie rolls, they throw beads. We left with 100's of strands of beads! Friday afternoon we went to Lulu's in Gulf Shores, Alabama. (Lulu is Lucy Buffet, Jimmey Buffet's sister) Lulu's is where Jill & I tried fried green tomatoes for the 1st time so we thought it was appropriate for Deena's 1st time to be at Lulu's also. Just as I remember, they were delicious! Saturday afternoon, Rusty took Jill, Deena & I for a boat ride on the Pensacola side of the Gulf. That was the first time any of us have been on Rusty's boat. I can only hope Rusty enjoyed the ride as much as we did! Saturday evening was Timothy's baptism. Timothy was a such a good little boy. He slept in Godmother Jill's arms the entire time. Mom flew down on Sunday afternoon. She & Bridget stayed home with the boys while Rusty, Jill, Deena & I went out on Rusty's friend Robby's boat. Rusty & Robby has known each forever, so naturally they had a million HILARIOUS stories to tell. Gosh did we laugh! On Monday, Jill & I took Deena to Pensacola Beach since we've been there & she hasn't. While we were there we had a couple drinks at the beach, walked along the boardwalk & went shopping. Monday night Rusty cooked the fish he caught on Wednesday. I'm not a big fan of fish but the way Rusty prepares it is delicious! Tuesday was bittersweet. I missed Jamey, McKenzie & Lauryn terribly & was excited to see them but I was heartbroken about leaving Bridget, Rusty & the boys. Bridget said we couldn't cry & we didn't... at least not in front of her. :(

When Rusty took us out on his boat, I told him I wanted to see a dolphin or shark, preferably a dolphin. Lucky for me I saw both! Rusty circled around a few times so we could get a good look at the shark but unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a picture of it. We saw dolphins when we were on Robby's boat. As you can tell by the picture, they were really close to the boat. I LOVE Dolphins & have always wanted to see one in the "wild".


These pictures were taken at the Aviation Museum. The picture of JB & Cohen was taken at the bar that Jill, Deena & the boys are posing in front of. My dad & his son-in-laws took a picture in front of the same bar when we were in Pensacola for Bridget & Rusty's wedding.


This picture is too sweet not to share. The day we left, JB & I were sitting by the canal that runs in the back of Bridget & Rusty's house. I don't know if JB was mesmerised by the water or what, but he had such a serious look on his face. I tried everything to get him to smile. Oh well, I think this picture is adorable even if he isn't smiling.


Jill, Deena & I tried to help Bridget as much as possible but we probably overwhelmed her as much as, if not more than, we helped. Hell, who wouldn't be overwhelmed by 4 sisters under 1 roof?! Poor Rusty. He probably couldn't WAIT for us to leave! Although, I think our beer drinking skills impressed him. Aaahhh, Dad should be proud! ;)

I've always loved Rusty like I love Mike & DJ even though I know Mike & DJ better than I know Rusty. At least up until this last trip. Thanks to Bridget, we were able to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Rusty & really got to know him. Not only is he incredibly sweet & loving towards Bridget & the boys, he's hilarious!!!

Thanks for EVERYTHING Bridget & Rusty! I can't WAIT to see you again! I miss you already & love you lots!!!

Girls Weekend

June 5th thru 7th --- my girlfriends & I spent the weekend at my step-dad's cabin. We started the weekend off by stopping at the Pour House in Siren, WI. If you ever get the chance to stop at the Pour House, I strongly recommend their Bloody Mary's. They're delicious! After arriving on Friday evening, we spent the majority of the weekend at the cabin talking & laughing!!! On Saturday night, we went to Houman's (the bar-n-grill at the resort) to listen to Philsota & the Pontoons. They were great! We had so much fun listening & dancing to their music. Thanks for all the laughs ladies! I can't wait until next time!!!

Say cheese Amy!

As soon as we walked in the door at Houman's, some woman took Laura hostage & wouldn't let her go. Laura looks like she's enjoying herself but as soon as the woman turned her back, Laura was begging for help. The entire situation was just too funny not to snap a picture before Laura was rescued.

A group picture at the bar in-between songs.

A couple of the girls decided to take a dip in the lake after we left Houman's. It was pretty chilly out so when we got back to the cabin, Laura warmed herself in front of the heater.

As promised... pictures of Timothy!

These are the first & only pictures I've received of Timothy, the newest addition to our family. I've talked to Bridget several times since Timothy's arrival. She sounds a little tired (as can be expected) but is doing well. I'm so excited to congratulate Bridget & Rusty in person, to see my precious Godchild & to meet the newest "Kimmes" next week. I'd be even more excited to go if I didn't have to fly to get there. Ugh... I just HATE flying!!!

Mom, Dad & Timothy seconds after his arrival

2 days old

Timothy bundled up & ready to go home

He's here!!!

Timothy Russell Simpson has arrived! He was born via c-section on Wednesday, May 27th at 10:29 a.m.. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces (JB was 7 pounds even) with lots of dark hair & 2 HUGE dimples. Timothy got his dimples from his daddy but Bridget thinks (and hopes!) he'll get some of his features from her too. Especially since JB looks sooo much like his daddy. As soon as I get pictures (I'm dying to see him!!!), I'll post 'em.

Below are misc picture that I had on my camera I wanted to share.

I chaperoned a Girl Scout field trip a few weeks ago. Boy was that an adventure! After spending just a few hours with all those little girls, I came to the conclusion that teachers/daycare providers/etc. all deserve raises...lol! The 1st picture is a pictures of the troop, and the 2nd picture is Lauryn with her friend, McKenna Otte & their bears, "Laura." (they both named their bears Laura)

Here's a picture of McKenzie getting a pedicure. My mom, sisters & I got pedicures to celebrate my 30th & Mother's Day. It was so much fun! McKenzie & Lauryn also got manicures. It was a GREAT day!

These pictures were taken when Lauryn's Just For Kix class performed at the first Thursday of the month "Fun Fest" on Mill Street. The girls did really well & enjoyed performing outside. McKenzie's class is going to perform on Thursday, June 4th so stay tuned for pictures.

29 & HOLDING!

That's my story & I'm sticking to it!!!

I celebrated my "29th & holding" birthday last night with my family. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner, then went to my Mary's (my dad's girlfriend) for cake & ice cream. Mary surprised me with cake & ice cream & Lexi (my niece & Godchild) surprised me by making a Snickers Salad. Even though I was stuffed, I had to sample both - they were delicious! Thank you Mary & Lexi! You're so sweet!

I received many phone calls, emails & text messages... thank you everyone! I have to admit, the cutest birthday wish was from my girlfriend's son, Leyton. Leyton's 3 but did a great job singing happy birthday to me. It was adorable! I was surprised at work with an arrangement of flowers from my college girlfriends. What girl doesn't love to get flowers?! Thank you Caryn, Amy & Robin!

I'm looking forward to continuing my celebration this Saturday when my mom, Jill, Deena, Lexi, McKenzie, Lauryn & I get pedicures. Saturday night I'm going out for dinner with some friends to the Olive Garden... my favorite place to eat! I'm also celebrating with my college girlfriends next Tuesday night. Looks like I get to celebrate turning 30 for an entire week! Maybe turning 30 isn't soooo bad after all?!?!

My family & I with my birthday cake.

Me with my little sweethearts. Most of you know that my nieces & nephews mean the world to me, so the fact that I was able to celebrate with most of them was the best gift of all!

Here's a picture of McKenzie & Collin at Buffalo Wild Wings. In case you're wondering what's on their foreheads, the waiter stuck stickers on them.

Here's a picture of Jamey feeding the son he never. If Jamey had his way, we'd try for a little boy. Thank God I'm getting my way on this one. No more babies for me!!!

Easter Fun

I finally found time to sit down & figure out how to upload pictures from my new camera.

Below are pictures of the kids (big & small) enjoying our Pre-Easter festivities. McKenzie & Lauryn colored Easter eggs with Lexi & Devon at mom's this year. Surprise, surprise - no one spilled a cup of the dye! That just goes to show there's a 1st for everything! ;)

My dad's girlfriend Mary invited dad's grandchildren over to decorated homemade Easter cookies. She made the cookies from scratch & let the kids help her make the frosting. (again from scratch) Once the frosting was ready, the kids decorated several cookies. I don't know who enjoyed decorating the cookies more... the little kids or big boys???
Kenzie coloring Easter eggs at Grandma Sue's

Lauryn decorating cookies at Grandpa Dennis'

The boys showing off their decorating skills. Don't their cookies look so nice?!

Spring is here!

The Cannon Golf Club is open which means spring is FINALLY here & I am officially a golf widow. :(

With the changes of the seasons, also comes changes in extra curricular activities. The girls Just For Kix season will soon be coming to an end. The girls will perform later this month at the nursing home before their final performance in May. After Just For Kix is finished, they'll have a couple weeks off before their next "season" begins. Lauryn's registered for summer ball & is hoping to get out on the golf course as much as possible. McKenzie isn't registered for anything yet but we're planning to register her for golf & swimming lessons. (Lauryn will take swimming lessons too) McKenzie's also considering volleyball camp, basketball camp and summer ball. It looks like we'll be busy, busy, busy again this summer.

The girls brought their report cards home last week. McKenzie's getting straight A's, not to mention she was student of the month in March. (she's been student of the month once a year since 1st grade) Lauryn's getting all S's or S+'s. (she won't get letter grades (A-B-C-D-F) until next year) Both girls are doing GREAT academically & we couldn't be more proud of them! Their teachers said they're doing good socially too. McKenzie's teacher said McKenzie's THE SWEETEST girl in her class & if she could keep her forever, she would! I'm sure McKenzie's the only child Mrs. Andrews said that about, right?! ;) Lauryn's teacher said Lauryn's a social butterfly (no surprise there!) and is always willing to help a classmate in need. We've always told the girls... you may not be the prettiest, the smartest, or most the athletic person but as long as you're nice, you'll have plenty of friends. It sounds like our words of wisdom sunk in!

I have a some good news about myself. Last Thursday I was invited to a specialized training session at American Family's Regional office. Out of all of American Family's licensed staff, throughout Minnesota & parts of Wisconsin, only 20 of us were invited to attend. We were chosen by our state sales director, district managers or the agents we work for. Those of us in attendance will soon be recognized by the Department of Commerce for specialized training in Property & Casualty (home & auto) Insurance. We've been asked to attend another session this fall for specialized training in Life Insurance. Following that session, we will again be recognized by the Department of Commerce. I am grateful & honored to have been chosen out of so many talented licensed staff.

Jill, Deena & I booked tickets to Florida. We're leaving on June 9 (about 1 week after Timothy's anticipated arrival) until June 16th. I can't wait to meet Timothy & to spend time with JB. Speaking of JB, he turned 1 yesterday. I called to wish him a happy birthday (not that he realized it was his birthday) and just about died laughing as he screamed in the back round. Bridget said that's his new "thing". He just stands there & screams. I think Bridget's going to have her hands full after Timothy arrives. :)

My dad bought me a new camera for my birthday. (early present) I haven't figured out how to upload pictures to the computer yet but as soon as I do, I'll post new pictures. I posted a couple new pictures of JB so you can see just how adorable he is.