Kaylee's Christening

July 31st is the day I became a Godmother to Kaylee Jo my brother and sister-in-law Mark and Cheryl's adorable daughter.  It was a very special day, as Kaylee was christened by Pastor Brian at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL. Todd and I were married at Resurrection Lutheran and, Nolan and Avery were baptized by Pastor Brian, and now Kaylee has been christened by Pastor Brian.

May God Bless Kaylee Always!

The Godmother's, Pastor Brian, Mark, Cheryl and the star Kaylee

The Proud Parents, Mark and Cheryl

Our Family

Train Ride

My BOY Loves THOMAS, and anything that has to do with Trains!  Grandma and Grandpa Hassman took Nolan on a Metra train ride from the Palatine station into Mt. Prospect.  They enjoyed dinner and some ice cream.  I wish I could have been there to witness his face as the train pulled up, and his joy while riding on what he calls, "Thomas."  

Choo....Choo....

 Enjoying the ride with Grandpa

Ice cream....mmmmmmmm

Pirate's Cove

Nolan had a very special day with his Great Aunt Joyce and Grandma Nancy, they went on an adventure to Pirate's Cove in Elk Grove, IL.  Nolan loved the train rides, boat ride, and the carousel.  

 Enjoying riding on the train!

The Carousel Ride

Dragon Slide

Joyce and Nolan enjoying the train ride together

Boat Ride

They Make My Heart Melt!

Big Brother

Author: Seaneen Holmes

I look into your face big brother,
I wonder what we’ll do,
When I am big enough to stand,
And one day play with you.
I look into your face big brother,
and give a great big smile,
I love it when you spend time with me
And play with me awhile.
I look into your face big brother,
I’m watching all you do,
I cannot wait until I grow up
And be a big kid just like you.

I cherish these little moments so tender and sweet.  I LOVE watching their relationship blossom with slobbery kisses and lots of giggles.  She likes to be be his shadow, and he is her protector.   She glances his way with a smile, and he instantly lights up.  He comes over to her with a toy, and says,"hi my Avery."  

They Just Melt My Heart!

My Sweet Pea

Our Avery is growing so quickly.  She progressed from sitting to now rolling across the room to get what she wants, "aka...brother's toys..."  I love watching her maneuver, and I love watching her happy smiles.  Each morning I hear her "talking,"  and go to her crib to find the sweetest smiles and giggles....LOVE that!

While the girls were here last week they did a photo shoot with Avery.  Everyday they put her in fun outfits, and made her pose.  Funny thing is, Avery loved it.  She smiled and giggled for them, and enjoyed being the center of attention.  Here are a few flickers from the many photos that were taken.

"Little Cousins"

I love watching the developing relationship between Nolan, Avery and Kaylee.  Avery and Kaylee are 4 months apart, so watching the interaction is really priceless.  They babble back and forth, and are very interested in each other...it is super cute!  I am glad the two are so close in age, I know that they will be good friends as they grow!

"Big Cousins"

It is so nice to have family in town.  We were lucky enough to have a week with Todd's cousins.  I loved watching them interact with Nolan and Avery.  They made my children feel like they were the center of the world.  Nolan looked up to them, his smile was bright, and his love for them endless. I loved seeing them play mini-golf, dodging waves at the beach, play games around the house, and just cuddle together.  I wish these moments could happen more often, but being that we live in different states we will take these moments when we get them.  The week was wonderful, and it will definitely be one that is remembered.  Nolan was very sad to see his cousins head back to the airport, he called them, "his best friends!"  I think we will have to skype very soon!

Somebody LOVES the water!

She was fascinated by the water splashing and the texture of the sand. 

 To be young, and have everything be new, exciting, and interesting.  Love watching her explore her environment!