Memorial Day

We had such a good Memorial Day weekend, one of the best I can remember.  I've kind of hated 3 day weekends since we moved to MN.  Most of them land on my busiest times with work and Ryan's work doesn't close for holidays, and without family around to celebrate with they just end up feeling all bleh and anticlimactic.

This weekend was different though.  We both had to work a little but the weather was absolutely gorgeous so we headed out to Lake Harriett where Lyla had the huge realization that chocolate ice cream is her favorite thing EVER.  She also partook in quite a bit of backyard skinny dipping, which is another new favorite.  I think I should also brag on the fact that Ryan did a TON of yard work.  He and Lyla even went out and bought and planted some purple petunias, and got an American flag hung out front. 

I would be remiss not to mention the reason we even have this holiday weekend.  I'm sure you all saw the pictures on Facebook reminding us that it's not about beer and BBQ.  There was one of a young mom crying and holding her son that really hit home for me.  I often complain about work or rugby or whatever else has made Ryan come home late, and the idea of these moms that are basically single moms for months at a time, or lose their husbands forever...I just can't even imagine.  I am forever grateful to live in this beautiful country and to all the brave ones that have sacrificed in one way or another to make it that way.

- K

Chillin, Relaxin

This weekend Ryan had a rugby tournament in Pittsburgh so his parents came out - dad to accompany Ryan to PA and mom to help me out with the girls since I have to be available for work during the weekends now that the crazy quarter end is near.

Ryan had a great time with his dad in Pittsburgh.  His team smoked the first team they played but unfortunately lost the second game.  No National Championship this year, but making it to the final four ain't too shabby in my book.

Us girls had a great time putzing around the house, and we even managed to leave the house both days.  AND I got to go on a major grocery shopping trip sans kids, which is almost as good as a fancy vacation these days.  AND, AND Mindy put both girls to bed one night (which was not an easy feat for whatever reason this weekend).  That right there is pretty much the best present I could receive. 

We also learned that Evie Sis is quite the mama's girl, has a fiery temper, and some damn strong lungs.  I think we've got a wild ride in store for us with that one.  It's a good thing she's so cute.

And this has nothing to do with the weekend, but tonight during bath time Lyla kicked back sideways in the tub with her legs up one side and head leaning back on the other.  Dad taught her to say she was "chillin".  When I came upstairs and asked what she was doing she said "chillin, relaxin".  :)

Hope you all had your fair share of chillin and relaxin tonight too! 

- K

Mother's Day

 
Our family frequently has little kitchen dance parties in the morning while having breakfast and getting ready for work.  We usually get stuck on one or two songs, and recently it's been "Happy" by Pharrell and "All of Me" by John Legend.

One of those dance-party mornings Ryan had disappeared and it was just me and the girls listening to "All of Me" - me swaying with little Evie in my arms and Lyla doing her shimmy and shake and singing along.  As much as I adore the romantic love the song is meant to talk about, in that moment I couldn't help but relate it to being a mom.  Listening to those lyrics...

Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning

For some reason those words just embodied motherhood to me.  How much more can you give your all - heart, body, soul - to a person than when you become a mom.  And even in those moments of overwhelming exhaustion and confusion and despair, when you feel so close to completely losing it...even in those lowest moments of motherhood you know that you're really winning.  To be their mom, to feel that love, to call them yours.  They truly become your end and your beginning the very first time you set eyes on their tiny, perfect, squishy face.

So to my family - I love you with all my heart.  I know I can be crazy and emotional and throw my own little 2 year old tantrums.  Thank you for loving me anyways and being patient with my imperfections.  I couldn't be more blessed to call you all mine.

Hope all you lovely mamas had a wonderful day!!

xoxo
K

Evie's Baptism

One of my favorite things about marrying a Lutheran is the beautiful baptism gowns I get to put my girls in.  I grew up non-denominational and we typically dedicate babies, letting them decide to get baptized when they are older.  The babies get dressed up, but nothing compared to the some of the baptism gowns you can find.  When Ryan said he felt it important to baptize our babies I didn't argue, and then I ran out and found the most elaborate dress I could.  ;)

Both Lyla and Evie got to wear this dress, so it's pretty special.  The whole weekend really was, getting to celebrate such an important occasion with our friends and family.  Thanks to everyone that was able to make it.  Good to see you as always!  XO

- K

These guys were all friends in high school.  Look at all those babies!

Rugby Weekend

On Saturday we drove down to Iowa Falls for Ryan's rugby game.  Watching Ryan play rugby is one of Lyla's very favorite things.  Well, yelling "go, Dada!" while he plays and she runs around like a fool is more what she does.  Very little "watching" actually takes place.

It was a really good day with beautiful weather.  Ryan had a great game and got a little pent up aggression out.  Us girls met another rugby wife who had two girls just about the same age, and the older girls got their very own rugby balls to play with and shared lollipops.  They were pretty darn cute.

Hope you had a good weekend too!  PTL for the good weather.  ;)

- K