CelebrEIGHT Russie!

Mike and the big four camped out the night before Iris's birthday, as Iris had requested a "camping/woodland" theme. So sleepy I got these masks a while ago on a daily Amazon deal and whipped them out for the occasion, since she asked for a woodland theme. They were a hit. I can't get over how old she looks in this picture. We met Will, Ashley, Emma and Jayden and kids, and Mike at Chuck E. Cheese for dinner. Silly girl (what's wrong with this picture?) Opening some gifts from Grandma and Grandpa, who got here later in the day...


She told me it was her best birthday ever, so we must have done something right, despite the fact that I lost it and yelled at them because they weren't really helping their incapacitated mother clean and prepare for company when I was asking for their help (and one in particular was moaning and groaning that I was asking for help). But I gathered them all together mid-morning to apologize and say a prayer together (with camp-outs and company the previous nights, everyone was lacking sleep and in need of some extra grace). Then we played charades for like an hour, and everyone was again in good spirits.

What a sweet girl our dear Iris is- what a gift she has been to our family. She is so compassionate and kind, so helpful and funny, so imaginative and creative. She just wants everyone to be happy, and she is usually the first to try to make that happen when someone is feeling sad or left out. She is eager to help with her younger siblings and is so good with them. The beginning of this school year was a struggle for her with mild dyslexia, but she has improved so much and now loves to read- even some chapter books. She loves to play dolls and Legos and any imaginative games with her siblings, and she can often be found cutting, pasting, sewing, and making in general. This girl LOVES crafting. She is excited to start sewing lessons next week. This was a special year for our girl, as she received her first Communion. It has been a blessing seeing her prepare for that and grow in her faith and her love of God. From the beginning, you have brought so much joy to our lives. We love you and are so proud of you, Iris Faustina! <3

Memorial Weekend pt. 2

He opened a very fun belated birthday gift from the Wards but was too tired and overwhelmed to show his gratitude :) Sweet crafters There's a happier boy. The birthday girl (Thanks for the cute dress, Wards!) This was our fifth annual Memorial weekend visit from the Wards, and it was a hot one! (Mid-90s) Water play in the back yard was a must. There's always an element of chaos when you get 16 people under one roof, but this one seemed especially crazy. It included a trip to the ER, camping in tents (everyone but Jack ended up coming inside, and it seemed like just about everyone was still awake at 11 pm), hysterics caused by a raccoon in the garage, and middle-of-the-night sickness and clean-up. Basically, nothing new to this crowd.

We all had fun in spite of the crazy, though. The sick girl was just fine in the morning (we had pie for breakfast :)), the men got to go for a bikeride into New Glarus, the kids enjoyed some more water and outdoor play and some quieter play inside, trying to keep cool. Kaethe and I had planned a long run on Monday morning, but we got in our chatting to and from/at the ER instead. On Sunday evening, while holding Joel, I slipped on a little grassy slope in our yard made wet by water play, and in trying not to drop Joel, I landed full force on my leg and foot, which had twisted up under me. Kaethe took me to the ER later in the evening to rule out anything too serious. My knee is sprained, and my ankle is just bruised/swollen, and I'm supposed to stay off of it for a few days- easier said than done.

Thanks for a great time, Ward family! It's a pleasure spending life's ups and downs with friends like you!

Memorial weekend pt. 1

After a full day of watching our niece and nephew (not much work, as all of the kids play so well), yard work and hours of mowing, making (and taking) a meal for a family with a new baby, making rhubarb bars, and going to Mass, we went to our friends' the Bablers' house for dinner, playing in their big, shady yard, and some roasting marshmallows/making s'mores. We all agreed that we need to make these kinds of get-togethers happen more often!