Weddings

So far this month we've spent our weekends at weddings. My cousin Tammy (Kimmes side of the family) had an outdoor wedding on the 1st. Aside from Bridget's wedding on the beach, it was the most beautiful wedding I've ever attended! McKenzie & Lauryn were on the dance floor from the moment the ceremony ended until the time we left. They had a BLAST! My cousin Natasha (Heiman side) got married on the 8th. Natasha was a beautiful bride! The Heiman family only gets together once a year, so when we get together we have lots to talk & laugh about. It was great to see everyone again!

After attending back-to-back weddings, I remember why our kids, or kids in general, aren't invited to weddings very often. Tammy's wedding wasn't your typical wedding set-up (considering it was outdoors) therefore the kids could run anywhere & do anything without being in the way. However at Natasha's wedding, the only place to run was in-between people & tables. I was afraid the girls would run into someone or something doing so, so they spent a lot of the evening sitting at the table with Jamey & I...not fun for them! Aside from that, I know how expensive wedding meals can be & was sick about how much money was wasted on the girls' meals. McKenzie's an extremely picky eater. (It drives my dad craaazy!) At both weddings, she filled up on buns & pickles. Lauryn's a much better eater & had slightly more to eat than McKenzie but still threw the majority of her meal away. I guess the point of the story is, despite how much fun the girls had at Tammy's wedding, I might think twice about bring them to the next wedding they're invited to. Below are pictures taken at both weddings.

~ The Kimmes Wedding ~
The girls don't enjoy posing together for pictures but I make 'em anyway. :)

Lauryn & Grandpa - My dad can never just SMILE in pictures. He always has the same smirk on his face.

Lauryn & Mary - For those of you that don't know, Mary's my dad's girlfriend.

Lauryn doing the Electric Slide for the 1st time


~ The Heimann Wedding ~
Lauryn & Grandpa Dennis again. Yes, Lauryn wore the same shirt to both weddings. I figured she's 6 & can get away with it. ;)

McKenzie & Jamey - Jamey HATES taking pictures but how could he say no to his beautiful daughter?!

McKenzie & I - Gosh I hate pictures of myself!

McKenzie & Grandpa Dennis

Lauryn & Julia - Julia's my cousin Sheila's stepdaughter. Lauryn & Julia are close in age & had lots of fun together.

Grandma Kimmes

For many reasons, my Grandma Kimmes is & always will be very special to me. For one, she's my only living grandparent & has been for almost a decade. For two, she's the only one of my grandparents that McKenzie & Lauryn will ever know. McKenzie was at hospital when I said goodbye to my Grandpa Kimmes but she was just a baby & would never remember him. I've taken the girls to visit my grandparent's grave sites on several occasions. They enjoy visiting & listening to stories about them but it isn't the same as knowing them. McKenzie & Lauryn have spent many days at Grandma Kimmes' house last couple of summers, doing some of the same things I did when I was their age. I can't put into words how much that means to me. So this post is in honor of my Grandma Kimmes - one of the best people in the world!!!

Baby-sitting

Jamey & I baby-sat Devon, Collin, Cohen & Alexis (Jeremiah's daughter) last Saturday night. I always feel like I have to clarify which of my neices I'm talking about. For future reference, I refer to Alexis Kimmes as Lexi & Alexis Lockhart as Alexis. Anyway... I thought Saturday was going to be more difficult than it was. It went really well! The older kids entertained themselves which meant Jamey & I only had to watch Cohen, and McKenzie & Lauryn were a huge help with him. The girls fought over who could feed him, change him, etc. I can't tell you how many times McKenzie asked me if we could pleeease have another baby. She said, "If you have another baby & its too much money or work, we could always just sell him/her." LOL! Can you believe that?! I asked her how she'd feel if we sold her. She didn't like that idea, so I guess we're not having any more kids. :)

Here's a couple snapshots of the girls feeding Cohen. I don't know how much he ate, it seemed like most of the food ended up on his face or tummy. Oh well! They tried their best & look, he enjoyed it as much as they did.





On Sunday, after Devon left we decided we'd bring Alexis home & take Collin swimming (Cohen was sleeping) in Lockhart's new underground pool. Collin LOVED the hottub & spent most of his time in there. He had fun in the pool but was a little intimidated by its depth. I can't wait to bring the boys swimming again.

4th of July

This post is dedicated to my oldest sister Bridget. When Bridget lived in MN, she always made the 4th of July a memorable holiday for McKenzie & Lauryn. She'd pack a HUGE cooler full of goodies, buy all sorts of 4th of July favors, then she'd haul the cooler, favors & chairs downtown to reserve seating for the entire family. If it wasn't for Bridget we probably wouldn't celebrate the 4th of July the way we do. Bridget --- I hope you enjoy seeing how we celebrated this year. Who knows, maybe next year you'll be able to celebrate with us?! One can only hope!

For as long as I can remember, the 4th of July has been sunny & HOT! This year it was cloudy & rainy. I guess this 4th of July is one for the record books.

We started our day downtown Cannon Falls for the annual 4th of July Parade. The last couple of years we watched the parade with Jill & her family, but this year we had a much bigger group. My high school classmates, Emmy (Ekstrom) Harvey & Matt Cooreman & their families joined us, as well as my little sister (Deena) & her family. The youngest of the group didn't enjoy the rain but the rest of the kids didn't seem to mind. Actually, I think they enjoyed it. :)

BEFORE the rain...
Lexi, Lauryn, McKenzie, Devon, Collin & Tyson Cooreman

McKenzie & Lauryn --- you can tell by their squinty eyes the sun was still shining, but not for long!

My dad & Devon --- This is my dad's classic pose for pictures. Doesn't he have a great smile?! ;)

DURING the rain...
Deena, Cohen, Kenzie, Collin & Tyson

I don't know who's Elmo umbrella Lauryn's using but it did the trick! She's dry.


After the parade we went home to dry off & wait out the rain. That evening, we went to the races. My brother-in-law, Mike races go-carts on a dirt track just outside Cannon Falls at his aunt & uncle's, Pam & Barry Underdahl's house. I wasn't sure what to expect but didn't expect to be impressed. It was a great time!!!

Lauryn was so excited for the races to start. She found a spot near the edge of the track so she could get a good view.

After a couple races, Lauryn decided to move back a bit & sit by Devon.

Here's a picture of Kenzie anxiously waiting for the races to start. She's sitting with my cousin Lynn, her husband Mark & daughter Kelsie. Devon's sitting on the far left and Jill's standing behind Kelsie although you can't tell b/c I cut her head off. Whoops!

Here's a pictures of Tom Schramske, the referee, (is that what they're called in racing???) announcing the drivers. Mike's the 5th from the right.

Here's a picture of the drivers roundin' the corner of the track towards the finish line. Mike's wearing the green helmet.


My camera died so I wasn't able to get a picture of Jill during Powder Puff race. My cousin Lynn (Heiman) Whittman took 1st Place; Jill took 4th.

Despite a rainy start, McKenzie & Lauryn said this was the the BEST 4th of July EVER!!! I have to agree. It was a great day!

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