Christmas Chaos

I am hoping everyone had a wonderful Christmas season and celebrated for all the reasons we are suppose to! We had a wonderful holiday, despite that fact that Adam and I were both sick on Christmas Day. It made for a long day, but we had no plans, so that made it easier. Mia had been a little under the weather for a couple days before hand, but thankfully Megan nor Madi got sick. Christmas Eve we took the kids to Brainerd and drove through the Winter Wonderland of lights. It was enjoyable. They loved it! That will become a yearly tradition for as long as it goes on. Then it was time to get home and get ready for bed so the man in red could pay us a visit!

Friday brought on the Koetter/Lindner celebration. We hosted this year and it was a lot of fun. Friday night there were 21 of us here! Next year we will bring the tally to 23!! We played games and Saturday brought a day for the kids to go out to play in the snow. They had a good time and took good care of Grandpa who was gimpy for the weekend. Unfortunately that alos brought them to have to leave on Saturday, but we were glad they made it for one of the nights.

Now for the New Year! We have so many things going on the next few weekends and then before we know it the baby will be here! I am very excited. Only 5 weeks and two days to go!! I am not counting at all :) Time will fly by.

There will be pictures coming soon. So much going on I haven't had time to upload them onto the computer.

First Christmas of the Year

This past weekend we celebrated Christmas at Adam's parents' house. We picked Megan up from school on Friday and headed down. We had supper and opened presents. The next day we woke up to a lot of snow and wind. We decided to try and make the trip to Comfrey for the next Christmas celebration. We got as far as Olivia, and decided to turn around and come home. So, we stayed another night at Nana and Papa's. The girls had a blast!

We came home Sunday and had company from North Carolina! It was great to have Jerick, Tammy, Jadyn and Tyler here to visit, but wish they could hav stayed longer than one night.

Now we are on our own until Friday when my family comes up for the weekend. We are very excited to spend Christmas Eve and Day at home and not have the rush to have to get places. Pictures will be posted after the holidays are completed!

Wishing all of you a safe and Happy Holiday season!

Cute pics

It was snowing yesterday when Megan got off the bus, and apparently the snowflakes tasted wonderful!!!

Last Wednesday, my mom, Mike and Grandpa Burt came up to visit. They didn't stay for long, but Grandpa had never been up here before so it was nice to have him come visit us. Here, Mia is wearing and Grandpa's cowboy hat and they both look sooo happy. I think I am going to have to get this one in a frame.

Holidazzle, Disney on Ice and Macy's

Last Thursday we headed to the cities and went to the Holidazzle parade. We met up with Nana, Papa, Levi, Brock and Auntie. It was COLD, but not as bad as this week is. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the parade a lot. Good thing it is only half an hour!

Back: Nana, Madi, Papa, Auntie and Mia
Front: Levi, Megan and Brock


We stayed at the Embassy Suites in downtown Mpls. On Friday, Megan and Madi got to skip school and we took them to Disney on Ice. They really enjoyed it. It was Mia's first time at one and she was very interested in it and smiled and danced a lot.
Here they are before the show began!

Here they are all enthralled during the show.

We went to eat at the Rainforest Cafe at the MOA after the show. Mia was not impressed. I didn't have the heart to take her picture. She did not like the gorillas. Then it was back to the hotel for awhile and then we took the skyway over to Macy's. It was a little bit of a trek, but we didn't have to bundle the kids and walk outside so it was worth it to me.

Madi was very excited to see a Panda at Santa's Workshop

Who knew Polar Bears were such great decoraters!

It was a long weekend and I think we tried to do too much in two days. We did stay at the hotel until Saturday. But, it wasn't home and my back told me that right away! The sacrifices we make for our kids. It was all worth it to see the smiles on their faces!

The Big Tree

Well, here it is, the tree of the year. I did talk him down to a 12 footer this year. He wanted to go big like we did two years ago, but I had to put my foot down. The girls had a blast putting ornaments on with him and just enjoying the evening. It started to get late and bedtime got pushed back a little bit, but not too bad. More pics to come in the next week or so!

New hairdo's

So, you can't tell as much with Mia's hair, but both her and her sister got hair cuts on Saturday. They were very needed since Madi got ahold of a scissors while I was gone for the night on Friday and decided to play hair dresser on herself and her sister. Dad made her call and tell me about it and tell me she was sorry. Mia just got some cut off the back and they did their best to blend in the chops without taking off too much hair. As for Madi, she did a good job getting it the way she wanted it. It was very hard to be mad at her when her reason for cutting it was because she wanted hair like Mommy's. How can you stay angry when they say something like that. I did tell her that next time she makes that kind of decision, just to let me know and we will take care of it the right way from the start! Here is the new do for her..............

It actually turned out really cute and I really like the way it looks on her. Doesn't mean I have to be totally happy with what she did, but at least she doesn't look like a boy or anything. She seems to enjoy it, so whatever. It is only hair and it will grow back if she wants it long again.

The Christmas tree is bought and up, but we ran out of time and didn't get a chance to decorate it. So, as soon as I get the pics on the computer, you will all be able to see the tree Adam picked this year! So, until next time.....................................................

Just an update.....

Hello to all! Hope all is well with you all and you are getting into the Christmas spirit. Last year was an off year for me, but I am definately feeling it this year. It is also the time of year to reflect back and think about all we are thankful in life. We have much to be thankful for in our home. We are very blessed and know it.

This morning, I went to get Mia out of bed and we came down and were cuddling on the loveseat. Megan and Madi were soon to join us and just out of the blue, Madi looked at me and said, "Mom, and I thankful for you and Dad, Megan and Mia. I am thankful for my family and thankful for God.". When my kids say stuff like that, it brings tears to my eyes. It makes me know that I have done something right raising them. I love that fact that they are comfortable to go up to anybody and tell them that they are special because God loves them!

Megan and Madi just finished up swim lessons. Boy did we come a long way from the first week! Megan is going under the water. Not very often, but she is doing it and that is all that matters to me. She is not a big fan of water in her face. If she is never one to swim under the water, I am okay with that. I just want her to be comfortable enough to swim in the water and know how to save herself. Madi has been going under for a couple of weeks now. They are both amazing me. I would love to get Mia in something, but it just didn't work this fall with football and all. Hopefully this spring we can get her into something. The teacher is amazing! They both really enjoyed it.

Megan is also still enjoying kindergarten. She is tired when the day comes to an end, but she has so much fun when she is there. Madi and Mia love music class. I think Mia would go everyday if she could. Madi is also loving preschool. She is a stubborn little girl and always says she doesn't want to go, but she is full of it and we know it.

Football has come to a close for the season. It was a tough season to close. Adam has made a great relationship with a lot of the sophomores and is thankful that a hand full of them come up to the house every Thursday night for Bible study. It is such a joy to have them up here!

We had visitors this weekend. Abby and Parker came and stayed Saturday night. It was a great time and all the kids had a blast together. We stayed up way too late playing dominos, but it was a good time!

Take care everybody and God Bless!!

Sad Day.......

Well, the season is officially over for the CLC Raiders. They lost today 27-26. It was sad news to hear. We are very proud of the team! They had a wonderful season and accomplished things that no other Raider team has ever done. They beat Rochester as mentioned in an earlier post. That was the first time in school history. Also a first for some of the coaches who played them back when they were on the team. As, depressing as it is, it will be nice to have my husband around in the evenings more. It has been tough on the girls to have him gone so much, especially Megan who really only saw him for about 1/2 hour in the morning and evening.

I have gotten the privilege of getting to know a few of the players better this year. I look forward to Thursday nights for the rest of the school year when they join us for a home cooked meal and Bible Study. They are a great group of men and I will miss the sophmores after the school year is over, but look forward to the freshmen coming back next year and bringing new players along with them. It has been a tremendous blessing to have them around. The girls really enjoy it!

We did have a nice visit with the Medeck's this morning. Alison, Jackson and Lexi came over to visit and have lunch while the dads were at the game. It was nice to spend time with them away from the football field and look forward to having more visits from them. It is tough to get together during football, but the winter months are upon us soon and we will all have cabin fever and be ready to talk to someone other than the people that live in our homes with us.

So, to end this, Congrats to all of you Raider football players. You had one heck of a season and for you freshmen, now you know what you have to do next year!! It is always bittersweet when the season comes to an end when you are a 'coaches wife', but I will miss the home games on Saturdays! God Bless all of you!

Halloween

Megan had a parade at school yesterday. It was fun to see the kids all dressed up and having fun. As you can see, she was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

Here she is again with Sleeping Beauty! Didn't know we knew so many fun people did ya??

Snow White should have been Grumpy instead when we were first getting ready. I am not sure how to turn the picture, Sorry!!

We went to the Americinn in Pequot Lakes first for trick-or-treating. They do a really good job. Businesses decorate some of the rooms and you go through and get a treat at each one. The girls really enjoyed it. Then it was off to Kurt and Kelly's. We stayed and visited for awhile. After that we made our way back to our neighborhood and stopped at a couple of houses. We were home before 7:00, which was fine with me. I was exhausted.

Adam had to miss all the action due to the football team staying the night in Ely last night before the big game today. GO RAIDERS!!!

Playoff Bound

Just a quick note to let you all know that Adam's team won their game on Saturday. Rochester beat MN West, so that put the three teams in a tie. How do they break a tie in Junior College football?? They flip a coin and odd man in out. Well, thank goodness, Rochester was the odd man out! That put us as number two seed in the South Conference. So, the team is off to spend Halloween in Ely, then play Vermillion on Saturday. If you recall the last entry, they beat us last weekend, so it is payback time! Wish them luck!! Go Raiders! I am hoping to have time to put some pics on this week!

We Are Still Alive

We made it through our first bout of the stomach flu this year. It was not a fun one. Megan ended up getting it on a Sunday, feeling better by Tuesday and then getting it again Wednesday night. Madi got it that Friday, Adam on Monday and Mia Monday night. It was a long week and a half. We are glad it is over. I never did get sick, but that is to no surprise. Moms are not allowed to get sick!!

As for other news, it has been a disappointing two weeks in football world. A week ago, The CLC Raiders lost 12-13 down in Worthington. It was a tough loss for the team. Yesterday, they lost at home to Vermillion. I am not even sure what the final score was, but I think it was 20-48. Not a good game. They were not expecting that to happen at all. So, say some prayers and wish us luck for the game on Saturday. We will be playing Ridgewater in Willmar. If we lose, we will more than likely be done. That is not how we want to end the season, so we are hoping for a win.

I should have more pictures of another ultrasound to post on Friday. The stubborn Buffington Boy wouldn't allow pictures of his back last time, so they are going to try again on Friday. I am interested to see how much he has changed from the last one. I only have 15 more weeks and 3 days to go until delivery day!!! Not that I am counting or anything.

We had a busy week last week. Since it was MEA break, the girls went to spend two nights with Nana and Papa. I took advantage of the time and got a lot done around the house. We finally moved the TV to the basement. It is a change and the room upstairs looks way different, but I have wanted this done for some time now and now it is done. There are a few more projects that I want completed before the end of the year, but they will have to wait until after football season I think. The big room upstairs is all ready for the girls to move into. They will have to wait to get the inside of the closet done, but at least we can get the beds in for now. They are very excited.

I will hopefully have time this week to get some pictures on here. Take care and talk to you soon!!

Oh the Joy of School

Now that school has started, so does the sickness. Megan has been down and out for pretty much the past week. She missed school Monday, Thursday, and Friday from school. Poor girl! She is pretty bummed. Madi woke up last night sick in bed, so we are on Round 2. Just waiting for it to hit Mia. I pray it doesn't, but I fear that is wishful thinking.

The biggest bummer about the girls being sick is that we were suppose to go to Playhouse Disney Live tomorrow and now we won't be able to make it. So, if anybody wants to go, give me a call and you can have the tickets. I have 5 of them that are going to go unused and I don't want that.

Unfortunately I don't have any great news to share this time around. Hopefully next time. Adam is playing a game today and we are hoping for another win!

Baby Name

So we have had a lot of people ask us what we are naming the baby. The name is to remain a mystery. Since we found out what we are having for the first time, we are not telling names. Not that it is any different from the last two times. So, all of you out there that are wondering will have to keep wondering for the next few months. A few of you may know what it is from the past, and if you do, PLEASE don't tell anyone. We have to have some secrets and surprises in life don't we?

God Bless all of you!!

Can They Have An Undefeated Season?!?!

Again, the CLC Raiders won the game!! They beat Fergus Falls today 21-7. Should have been 28-7 but the refs sucked. They are now 6-0 with three games to go in the regualar season. Next week they will be traveling to Minnesota West down in Worthington. As much as I would love to see the game, we will not be making the trip down there. The week after that is another home game here in Brainerd. And the last week in October finds up traveling to the home stomping grounds, Adam's Alma Mater-- Ridgewater!!! It is always fun to head home for that game. So, everybody keep your fingers crossed that we can have the best season CLC has ever had and go undefeated. If they win the championship game, there is a bowl game in sight for them!

As for other family news, there is nothing new. The girls are all excited about getting a brother. Madi has warmed to the idea and is now telling everybody. Only four more months from today to go, but who's counting........

Happy 2nd Birthday Mia and Congrats to Daddy!!!!

Mia hit the big age of two on Saturday! She is very proud of it and is acting like a normal sassy two year old already. She got a new trike, more food for her kitchen and a shopping cart. She is the 'homemaker' out of the three of them. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIA!!!!!!!!

Adam's football team won another game on Saturday!!! They beat Rochester!! That was a win that would put a smile on any junior college football team's face. They are now undefeated at 5-0 and play Fergus Falls at home next Saturday! Congrats to all of the members of the CLC Raiders football team!!!!
To celebrate all the happenings of the day, we went to eat at Applebee's after the game. Mia got her birthday dessert and they sang Happy Birthday to her. All of the coaches were there with their families, so it was a wonderful celebration!!!

It's A................................................................

BOY!!!!!!!!! That's right, we are finally getting our boy. This is not the best picture, but I am technically challanged and don't know how to scan stuff onto my computer, so this is a picture of a picture. We are pretty excited. Everything looks good according to the ultrasound, and that is what really matters.

Megan is very excited! The words out of her mouth were, 'Thank you God for our baby boy!!'. It was very cute. Madi told me no, it was not a boy and she doesn't care she is calling it a girl! She says her name is Sadie. Don't ask me where she gets this stuff. Mia just looked at the picture and said 'baby'. She doesn't quite get it. I tried to get her to say brother but she just said 'No, baby!'.

Friday's the Big Day!!!

I am going to write this blog in blue because I am hoping it will help with the baby being a boy! No, we really don't care what it is as long as it is healthy, but after having three girls, it sure would be nice to have a boy. Megan wants a brother, but Madi wants another sister. To be honest with you, I think she is just saying it to be difficult. She has been really good at that lately. Mia doesn't quite understand yet what is going on. We try to tell her the baby is in Mommy's tummy, but she just says no, and grabs one of her dolls and says 'baby'.

So, Friday is the day we find out what is growing in the tummy. My gut tells me it is a boy, but that could be because I am not sure if I can live with my husband if it is another girl. I will admit I am a little excited to find out what it is, but if they can't tell and we don't find out, that will be fine with me too. I made it nine months with the last three without knowing, I can do it again if I have to.

The appointment is set for 8:40 in the morning, so we will know first thing.

In other news, Megan is really enjoying kindergarten. They had a Garden sale today and she got to buy pumpkins. She was very excited for it. Madi and Mia started their ECFE programs last week. They are in class together on Tuesday and both really enjoy being there. I enjoy it as well because all the moms go to a different room half way through the class and we get to have discussions and get other ideas from each other. It is nice to have adult conversation every once in awhile.

Madi also has Preschool Wednesday and Friday mornings. She is in the same class with the same teachers as she had last year. All new kids, but she is doing well and enjoying the time away from everybody. I enjoy it as well because then I actually get some one on one time with Mia. I feel I dont' get enough of that with any of them right now, so I will take what I can get for now.

Adam's football team is 4-0. I have only made one game, but am hoping that the weather holds out for us to join in on the festivites this weekend. They have a big game and really want this win! Rochester is the opponent. Adam lost to him the two years he played juco ball, so he is really out to get them! Rochester already lost one game this year, so hopefully we will be able to add another loss to the column. It is Mia's birthday on Saturday also, so that will be a great birthday present. Even though she will have no idea what on earth is going on, she will have fun cheering for dad!!!

There will be an update on Friday letting you all know what we found out at the doctor!

Until Friday, It's a ????????????????????????????????????????!!!!!!!

Madi and Mia's Birthday Party

Today was the big day for the birthday party. Madi did pretty well considering she had to wait two weeks to have her party. They both made a haul and won't be getting much of anything for Christmas if I have anything to say about it. For the most part the day went very well. Madi has been a little on the naughty side the last few weeks and we are still trying to deal with that. I feel for her preschool teachers that get her this week. It was a fun filled day of the three F's: family, friends and food. Thanks to all of you who came to help celebrate the big day!

Madi decided on a Barbie cake this year. I was thinking she was going to pick Tinkerbell, but she wanted Barbie. I think it was all the pink that hooked her on it.

Mia is totally into 'Dorie' or as the rest of the world knows her, Dora. She just thinks she is the greatest.

Then Auntie Amy got ahold of Mia's hair. She kept it in all day. I think I had hair-dos like that about 15-16 years ago when Amy got ahold of my hair as well!!

Madi and Mia will be starting school this week, so there will be another update the end of the week with the details on that. Megan and Madi also start swim lessons this week. I am hoping they go well!!

Megan's Kindergarten Pictures

Here are the pictures from Megan's first day of kindergarten.


Getting ready to go out to the bus

On the bus for the first time!!!

Walking down the driveway after her first day!!

So far she is really enjoying school. I just wish it would stay that way. She ended up getting sick on the bus on Monday and had to be picked up. I think she suffers from motion sickness like her mother!

Megan's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Megan made it off to her first day of kindergarten with a big smile on her face. Unfortunately, my computer is not being cooperative with me right now and I can't get my pictures loaded. So, I will fill you in on the morning and as soon as I get the pics on the computer, I will make another post.

I went upstairs to wake her up, just to find that she was awake and waiting for me to come and get her. She was very excited and jumped right out of bed. She got ready without much arguing. She had her backpack on and was waiting by 6:35 and the bus doesn't come until almost 7:00. So, we told her to come sit down and relax while we waited. Madi was up for the whole thing, but Mia slept the whole time and missed the send off.

We made it outside, had time to take a couple of pictures waiting for the bus and then it came around the corner. Her bus driver is very nice and greeted her by name. That is always nice to hear. She was beaming the whole time. I was a little choked up, but made it through the whole thing with no tears falling from my eyes. I couldn't let her see me cry and then her get all upset.

Madi and Mia didn't really seem to notice she was gone all day, but I am sure they will be happy to see her when she gets home. Unfortunately, I was mistaken on thinking she would be one of the first ones off since she was one of the first ones on, and we won't see her until 4:00. We are going to let her ride both ways for the first couple of days and see how it goes. It makes for a long day when you are up at 6:30 and don't get home until 4:00. Some days she will not be able to ride home due to swim lessons and dance starting before she gets off the bus.

She was hoping to start soccer this fall, but due to some scheduling conflicts, the person that was going to take on her age for coaching couldn't, so now we are falling back on dance. She will enjoy it. Madi will also be starting dance, but they will be in different classes. The will be in the same swim lesson class. Megan will hopefully move up to the next level for spring, but Madi will be at the same level for the year.

I hope all of you that had kids starting school had fun memorable experiences with their first day off on their own. I know we did. As hard as it is for us to watch them grow up and become independant, it is worth it to see the smile on their face knowing they are doing something 'big' all on their own!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY MADI!!!

Madi celebrated her 4th birthday on Monday. She was very happy to finally be 4!!! The theme of the presents was Tinkerbell. She got new bedding, a lamp and a necklace that was all Tinkerbell. Do you think she likes her?!?!? She also got a pink dance bag and a Ballet Barbie dressed in pink. Do you think she likes pink?!?!? We went in and got her pictures taken and then went to eat at Applebee's for lunch. She loves going there. Unfortunately they were super busy and short handed so they couldn't sing Happy Birthday to her, so we did it instead. It took her a while to understand the fact that she was turning 4, but she didn't get to have her birthday party yet. She is okay with it now and will get to celebrate all over again.

Summer is coming to an end and with that it means school is just around the corner. Megan is super excited and found out who her teacher was and all that. Next Tuesday she gets to go meet her and get her school pictures taken and do the screening. It will be fun for her.

We had open house for ECFE last night. Mia is very excited to go back and even remembered the room she went to last January. The memory of that little girl!!! We won't be in that room again, but she will have just as much fun in the other room. As long as there are babies and a kitchen, she is happy. Madi was very excited to see her teachers and Megan had fun seeing all of them as well.

The first football game is tomorrow in St. Cloud. I get to go and actually enjoy the game since the kids are staying home with the babysitter. I figure I won't be able to enjoy the rest of the games as much so I am going to take this opportunity to hang out with the others coaches wives. It should be a fun day!

Hope all is well with all of you and hope all the kids are ready for school to start!

Three more weeks.....

until Megan starts kindergarten. She is getting so excited. We are getting down to the end of getting everything needed for the school year. She has been picking out all her own clothes and loving it. I am not so sure about it sometimes. I don't feel like she is old enough sometimes, but she proves me wrong all the time.

They have all been keeping me busy the last week. Adam started coaching and is gone from 7:30 in the morning until about 7:30 at night. It makes for a long day for me with the girls. I am starting to lose my mind. Tomorrow there is no morning practice, so I finally get to get out of the house for a few hours. Not that I get to do anything exciting, just go to the office and work, but I am even looking forward to that right now. You would think they would be sick of me by now, but they never want me to go anywhere.

Hope you all enjoy the rest of the summer. It has been a pretty mild one and I am thankful for that. Keep in touch!!

Photos from the summer

I have had a few updates this summer, but no photos, so here are some of the things that have been keeping the kids busy this summer!

Megan mini golfing in the yard.

Madi riding her favorite bike.

Mia loves to "mow" the lawn on daddy's tractor!!!




Mom with Megan and Mia at Como Zoo.

Megan and Mia riding the cars at Como Zoo.

Madi driving cars at Como.

Megan getting ready to slide into pool.

Mia and her friend Jackson playing in the water.

Madi striking a pose before she slides into the water.

I hope everybody is enjoying their summer as it flies by so quickly. We have been very busy and it will only get worse now that football starts this week. School is just around the corner so the girls will be busy busy.

Megan will be going to kindergarten all day every day. It will be different without her in the house. She will also be starting soccer for her fall activity. She is very excited.

Madi will be going to preschool two days a week and a music and movement class one day a week. She will also be starting dance for her activity.

Mia will be also going to the music and movement class one day a week. She is not old enough for any other classes this year. She will enjoy that a lot. She loved going to class last year.

As for the rest of us, we had a doctor's appointment last week and got to hear the heartbeat. Everything sounded good in the doctor's eyes. This will be the last baby, so I am hoping we have a boy for Adam's sake. As long the baby is healthy, I don't care. We will be finding out what we are having this time around. Adam doesn't want to curse in the operating room. Take care all and hope to see you all soon!!!

Summer is just way tooo busy!!

So I have been very bad at keeping this up to date this summer. We have been running in all directions and it will only get worse when fall comes around. The girls are enjoying the weather this summer. We have been blessed and not seen too many rain days. They spent the weekend down at Nana and Papa's while we hosted a small get together at our house. It was a pretty relaxing weekend, but a good time none the less.

Megan has one last day of dance next week, and then she is done trying that one out. She is just not made to be a dancer. She just wants to go do her thing and not follow what she is suppose to do. I can already see what the recital would look like if I kept her in it. She will be starting soccer in the fall, so she is really looking forward to that. She is getting very excited for kindergarten to start and is waiting for the day I take her to town without her sisters to get her school supplies. She just can't wait to pick out her new tennis shoes.

Madi will be starting dance in the fall. She is a little more flexible than Megan and seems very interested in starting. She will be going to preschool two days a week and then I will be taking her and Mia to another ECFE class one day a week. She has been a typical 3, almost 4, year old lately with quite the attitude. She has been spending a lot of time on the stairs during 'time-outs'.

Mia is Mia. She is starting to talk more, but we still wish we could understand more of her words. She is still very good at letting us know what she wants. She loves the outdoors and water. She would live in her little pool if you let her. She will be excited when school starts again.

Adam has football starting again in two weeks. Hard to believe it is that time of year already. That is how I know that summer will be sadly coming to an end and we will be busy running in all different directions for all different activities. Unfortunately, I will be on my own for all that for the first couple of months. He loves coaching and I won't take that away from him, but it sure does take up a lot of time.

I am still busy at the office one day a week and trying to keep everything up at the house. I have my first doctors appointment next Tuesday. I am looking forward to that. We are very blessed to have so much time to spend with our kids during the day and not miss out on the little things. There are times I wonder, but then I look at all I could have missed out on, and thank God we are where we are today. We couldn't have done it without him.

Hope all is well for all of you and I hope to get some updated pictures on here soon. I haven't gotten any of them off of my camera lately. Summer is for falling behind because you have nothing to do in the winter but catch up!!!!

We are still alive....

but very busy! I know it has been awhile since I posted something on here. We have been so busy with so many different things this summer. We took the kids to the Como Zoo on July 1st. We met Nana and Papa for supper on the way home and off they went with the kids so I could head out to San Diego the next day. Adam headed down the New London a couple days later and spent the 4th with his family and mine. He took the kids to the parade on the 4th and then to my moms for some fun with their cousins. Sounds like the weekend was a success in their minds.

As for me, San Diego was a blast. It was nice to go and spend some time with Katie, knowing we really didn't have to be anywhere at any certain time. Just had to be back at somewhat of a decent time to let Gypsy the dog out!!! Thank you Katie and Gypsy for making my visit so much fun.

I will be getting some pictures on soon, hopefully one day this weekend. Take care all of you and hope the summer is keeping you as busy as it is us!!

Will We Finally Get a Boy?!?!?!

Yes, it is true, we are adding another Buffington to the world. The expected due date is February 13th, so we have a ways to go!!! We are very excited and so are the girls. They are really hoping for a brother. As much as I would love to have a boy, I really don't care as long as the baby is healthy. We have known for about a week and a half but had to make sure family knew first.

It will make things interesting around here, but what is one more? We also got to welcome our new niece and a new cousin for Adam at the end of May. Our niece Ella was born on Wednesday, May 28th and Adam's new cousin Hannah was born on Tuesday, May 27th. We are very happy that all are healthy!!

Adam will be home for Father's Day, so the girls will be working on Father's Day cards today, tomorrow or Saturday. Looking forward to getting them outside after naps today since the weather is finally cooperating! Hope all is well with all of you!!

7 more days to go...........

until Adam gets home from fishing. He left for his parents house on Wednesday and six of them left for Canada at about 2:00 Thursday morning. So far everthing has been going well here at home, but I have the challenging week ahead of me. Only one day that I will not be with them from now until next Sunday. I know he is enjoying himself and will get to enjoy a lot of his kids when he gets back. Hope everybody has a wonderful week, and if you are bored, give me a call. I could use some adult conversation!!!!

Look at our new ride!!!

Nana and Papa spoil us three girls!!! Thanks for the sweet ride. Mia loves sitting in it and just pretends she is driving, or just has a conversation with somebody on the little phone.

We have been enjoying the few nice days we have had. Today felt more like a cool crisp day in October than the end of May. Looking forward to more nice days so we can cruise along and tour the neighborhood. Thanks again Nana and Papa!!!!

The Graduate!!!!

Megan graduated from her School Readiness program on May 15th. She was the loudest one singing and we got lots of compliments on her entertaining abilities. We are very proud of her. She really enjoyed school this year and is very much looking forward to Kindergarten in the fall. Here are a couple more pictures from the big day!!!

We had a little celebration dinner at our house in the evening. Our friend Megan graduates from high school this year, so we added her into the celebration. Thank you Nana, Papa, Kurt, Kelly, Colleen, Josh and Megan for making the day that much more special and memorable!!!!

Daddy did my hair...........

and am I cute or what?!?!? The bows even match the outfit. She didn't keep them in long, but did let me take her picture. She has such a personality for a 19 month old!!! She is going to be the one to keep us on our toes for the next 17 years!!! Look out world, here comes Mia Faith!!!!

Madi's Last Day of Preschool

Madi finished her first year of preschool and they said she could come back next year!!! That is a bonus. She really enjoyed school this year and will get even more out of it next year. She made a lot of friends, but unfortunately will not be going to school with any of them. She is staying back a year and they are all moving on. She is such a people person that I don't think she will have any trouble making new friends next year. She will have preschool two mornings a week again next year and then her and Mia will be in a Music class on morning a week. It will be a big change not having Megan around all day every day and will take some time to get used to.

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!!!!!!

Today my baby is 5!!!! I can't believe she is five already. I was just telling her the story of how we waited and waited for her arrival. We spent today in town. Megan had to go to the doctor and get shots. What a way to spend your birthday!!! Then it was off to Applebee's for lunch. Kurt, Kelly, Josh and Jackie joined us to help celebrate. We came home, Madi and Mia went down for a nap and Megan and I went to the Rainy Day bookstore in Nisswa. She wanted to get a book and since it is her birthday and she had to get shots, I let her.

One of these days, they will realize that it is quite embarassing to have everybody at the restaurant sing to you, but right now, they love it. She was beeming when they brought her the "Oreo Shake". It is something they look forward to every birthday!

For some reasons, my kids love to play at Menards in their little play area. Not sure why, but they want to go there every time we go to town. So, we took them there today for Megan's birthday.

Sunday was the day of the big party. Megan had a Barbie party this year. She had a wonderful day and we even got to play outside. Two weeks ago I was not sure if we were going to be able to be out, but the snow is gone. It turned out great and she got lots of wonderful presents.

What a wonderfully, great little girl I have!!!! We Love You Megan Ann Catherine!! Happy Birthday from all of us!