Chad, Denise, Grace, & Elizabeth Come to Visit!

Pat's brother Chad, Denise, and their two girls Grace and Elizabeth came to visit from Iowa on May 25th. They also took a couple days and drove down to the Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands. We had such a good time with them-it's always nice to see family! The girls were so good, and Pat & I had so much fun spoiling them!

Grace & Elizabeth at Old Town in Albuquerque.

Pat with the girls-Old Town

Here we are at the Albuquerque
Aquarium. They have a restaurant there and we were lucky enough to be able to eat right next to lots of fish, sharks, sting rays, and turtles!






We toured the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. Grace and Elizabeth loved seeing the dinosaurs!

Chad, Denise, Grace, and Elizabeth after taking the tram up the Sandia Mts. The girls really enjoyed the ride, but I think Denise felt a little different about it! The Sandia Peak Tramway is 2.7 miles one way through the mountains and is considered the world's longest aerial tram.

At the bottom of the tram we did a little hiking around the trails. Because of the heat, (and my flip flops-my tennis shoes were in the car) we didn't last too long.

Baby Shower from Aunt Jackie, Carrie, Emma, and Becky

On Saturday, my Aunt Jackie, Carrie, Emma, and Becky gave me a very nice baby shower. The theme was little pink baby feet-it was so cute!! It was nice to see so many aunts, cousins, and friends attend! Again, Sweet Pea was very spoiled. Thanks again to all for the very nice gifts. I can't wait for her to arrive to start using them!!

Memorial Day Weekend at Lake Thompson

While I was home visiting for awhile, I was able to get in on the annual camping trip with my family at Lake Thompson. My niece Anna and I drove there Friday morning from Mitchell. The weather was typical for Memorial Day-windy and cold! Nonetheless, I had a great time being with family and friends, making it even harder to say goodbye when I had to leave early Sunday morning. I am very appreciative of my Mom & Dad who got up with me at 3:30 AM on Sun. to drive me to the airport in Sioux Falls. Thank You!

This looks like nothing but trouble!

Anna, Caden, and Ethan in Mom & Dad's camper.

I think Justin was the favorite uncle this weekend for bringing his 2 four-wheelers. The kids loved the rides all weekend!
-Heath, Anna & Ethan going for a cruise.

Just 'chilling out' at the campground!

Kristi with Anna & Caden

Dad & I & "Sweet Pea"

Anna driving around the boys!

Anna's Preschool Graduation

While I was home, I was able to see Anna graduate from her Preschool! It was so cute to see her class sing songs, and then they each got to say what they want to be when they grow up. Anna wants to be a cheerleader! Congrats Anna!

The Burke's

Tonight Paula and Dave had me over to grill at their new home in Sioux Falls. I finally got to meet their new addition to their family, Parker, at my baby shower. He is such an adorable little boy and it was so nice to be able to spend more time with them. It will be fun once we get moved back to Sioux Falls to have a playmate for our little girl!

Baby Shower in Sioux Falls

My college girlfriends, Holli, Dena, and Nikki gave me a wonderful baby shower at Bracco's in Sioux Falls. It was so much fun seeing so many friends, since it had been since my wedding. Also attending were my mom, Izabella, Anna, Pat's mom Kathee, and his two sisters, Molly, Michaela, and niece Chloe. Sweet Pea was very spoiled by everybody! Thanks again to all for all the nice gifts. It means alot to us!

My 3 little helpers! I had lots of help with the presents from my nieces Izabella, Anna, and Chloe.

Happy Mother's Day!

...and Mother's-to-be Day! I hope that all our family and friends that are mothers had a wonderful and relaxing day! It felt a little strange (but good) to wake up this morning and have Pat tell me Happy Mother's Day. I'm just getting used to the "Mrs" part! But it is a great feeling. For my first one, Pat gave me a bouquet of beautiful flowers with a nice card and made me my favorite breakfast-biscuits and gravy with bacon. I think a massage is coming as well. For the afternoon, we relaxed in the backyard with our dogs, Abby and Coco, and enjoyed the sun. I love this day!!