So it begins......

Griffin and I have finally begun packing.   We have been putting it off - letting ourselves get distracted by Brewer games, biking and trips to Chicago - but with the closing date inching closer we've had to finally get ourselves into gear.   This weekend we started packing and we quickly went through packing tape and boxes.    We have a LOT more to go, but we made some great progress.   Boxes have started piling up in different corners of our home.

Here are a bunch of boxes in the kitchen.  We packed up some of our dishes and many of the utensils/appliances that we don't use daily.

Boxes piling up in the dining room.

Lots of boxes in the bonus room!     

Sydney's 2nd Birthday!

This Sunday we went to Sydney's 2nd birthday party.   It was a perfect day outside, which worked well as many of her gifts were new toys for playing outside.  The bubble mower we got her was a big hit.  What little girl doesn't love bubbles?  She also enjoyed playing with her new water table and made quite a mess.  Throw in some cake and ice cream, and it's no surprise that she had no interest in taking a nap today.  All the better for us as we got to spend a little more time with her.

Bixler Weiler

This Saturday Griffin and I got to see one of my best friends, her husband and her newborn baby girl - Bixler!    She is adorable and at only 2.5 weeks she is a tiny little girl.   She was so fun to hold and kiss.   We ventured out to Olive Garden for dinner and overall the night went pretty well.   We did have to make two separate trips to the bathroom to change her diaper.....and we took turns holding her while we ate....but she was such a cutie and got lots of attention from the staff and other customers.    

It was really hard to say goodbye to Cara, Matt and Bixler....I am sad that they live far away.....but I can't wait to see them sometime soon again!

Griffin acting as a swing for Bixler to keep her content while we wait for a table at The Olive Garden.

Bixler Beth Ann Weiler

Me, Bixler and Cara

Matt, Bixler and Cara Weiler

Door County

Two weekends ago my sister and brother-in-law spent a long weekend up in Door County.   They invited us to drive up for a couple of those days.   The time, of course, went by too fast - but we had a great weekend.   My sister and I did some shopping, the boys got the chance to play 9 holes of golf and we all enjoyed bike riding through the state park.   The weather was colder than we all expected it to be, but at least we still got to enjoy time outside.

Here are a couple pictures from the weekend. 

Griffin, Kathleen, Meredith & Terry

Griffin at the Stone's Throw Winery - wine tasting

The Lighthouse at Peninsula State Park

Bike riding through the Peninsula State Park

Mother's Day

This weekend we drove down to Illinois for Mother's Day.   It was a great weekend, but like all weekends it went by too fast.

Saturday we spent some time with my parents, went furniture shopping, then headed over to my sister and brother-in-law's house for dinner and to stay the night.  We had a great time with them and our two nephews.   We played trains and spelled lots of words.

Early Sunday morning Meredith, Lauren, my Mom, Janet (Meredith's mother-in-law) and I participated in the Beverly Breast Cancer 3 mile Walk.  It was an amazing experience.   To see a sea of women (and men!) walking through the neighborhood taking a stand against breast cancer - it was incredible.    We had a great time and I am so glad that we got to do it together.  

I forgot my camera again!   But thankfully my sister sent me some of the pictures she took that day.

Lauren, Meredith, my Mom, and me with our pink Walk shirts and leis

Griffin and Jack playing baseball in the backyard

Jack pitching to Griffin

Easter

I know I am late on posting these pictures from Easter....but things have been a little hectic around the Ewald home.    Even though it's late I still wanted to get these pictures posted. Griffin and I had a great Easter and were able to see both sides of the family.   

Saturday was spent with the Ewalds.   We had a terrific Easter dinner, played lots of games, got help on our taxes from Rudy (he's our hero!) and had oodles of time to play with our sweet niece Sydney.  She is growing up so fast.  She is so smart and has the best personality.   We just can't get enough of her.   

Sunday was spent with the Johnsons.  We had another delicious Easter meal, heard the exciting news of my cousin Dan's engagement and played with our adorable nephews.   It was fun to see Jack so excited to search for Easter eggs and to watch Matt try to keep up with his big brother.   The boys are so alike and yet so different at the same time.  And I am so impressed with my Mom.   She hosted a delicious meal for over 20 guests and all with no oven!  The night before Easter Sunday her oven broke.  Thankfully the neighbors let her use their oven for the day, but even still - how should pulled that all together was beyond me.  Just amazing! 

Sydney in her Easter dress....too cute!

Sydney loves her duckie

Griffin with his favorite little niece

Matt enjoying his Easter egg hunt

Meredith and Terry trying to get a family picture....difficult with two energetic boys

Kathleen & Griffin (with a beard!)

Roommate Reunion!

When I was in college I had the rare opportunity to live with 6 of my closest girlfriends.   Most of my favorite college memories involve these girls.  Sadly, we now live in 4 different states and 6 different cities.  So we don't get to see each other as much as we wish we could, but we do make sure to have a roommate reunion about twice a year.   This past weekend we all got together in Chicago for such a reunion.   The first part was in the city at Ashley's condo and the second half was in North Aurora at Aimee's new home there.    

The weekend was filled with stories, jokes, games, wine and food.   We spent tons of time with our precious "niece" Grace.   She is Aimee's little girl and the first baby of the group - so naturally we have all claimed her as ours!

I didn't get any pictures from the weekend since I brought my camera with an uncharged battery - but thankfully Jen sent me some of hers.   We are already planning and looking forward to our next reunion!

Ashley and Melissa

Eric (Aimee's husband), Grace (Aimee's daughter) and Ashley

Me building a block tower for Gracie.

Gracie knocking down the block tower and loving it