Lots of stuff... : )

Camping
Last weekend we went camping to Evergreen in Wild Rose with my sister and her family.  It was a very nice time.  The weather forecast didn't look too good, but we were still excited.  Turns out the weather was great!  The kids did lots of swimming, we had a campfire both nights and lots of playing in the sand for the kids.  Was a fairly relaxing time.  I thought after being at a cottage for a week this weekend trip would just fly by, but it actually didn't.  It was really nice!

Unfortunately, I didn't take very many pictures at all!  Here are some I took when we first got there.

[Kate thought she was pretty cool playing in the sand with the big kids!]

[she got a little dirty!]

[the kids were doing some team chant or something... adorable!]

[love the huddle]

Kate did really well in the water!  She was scooting around into water that was almost reaching her mouth when she scooted and would walk into water almost up to her neck when holding my hand... I couldn't believe it!

They had a corn roast at the campgrounds on Saturday... it was so good!!  My favorite part was the huge bucket of butter you could dip your corn in!

Very fun times!

Kate: 15-months

Kate had her 15-month check up on Monday.  I remember at her 12-month appointment I was all nervous what the doctor was going to say because she wasn't walking yet.  He wasn't concerned at all and stated that "walking is a 15-month skill."  I figured Kate would be easily walking in three more months.  Well, she's still not walking around, although she can take 30+ steps if she wants to.  So, my response for the doctor at her 15-month appointment when he said... "when did she start walking?" was "Well, she's still working on it.  She can walk, but just chooses not to most of the time."  Honest answer, right?! : )

Her Stats:

Weight - 22.5lbs (42%)

Height - 30.5in (48%)

I think her cousin, Olivia, will be bigger than her very soon.  They are very close in size right now. : )

A pet magazine came in the mail awhile ago that was for the old owners of our house.  I saw something on the back that made me laugh... Kate is due for her Rabies shot!  They must have owned a dog named Kate. : )

Piano

We were able to get a piano for very little cost and Rachel has been so excited to get it here.  I know pianos are very heavy and a pain to move, but we figured with the right amount of help, a piano dolly and a low trailer... we could get it here.  Well, it's been awhile and still no piano.  Mike has a ton of jobs on his plate for moving things where he needs to ask for help and I figured this one might be better off to the professionals.  So, yesterday I did some calling around, found the best price for moving a piano and got the piano here yesterday afternoon already.  Felt good to get it done and watching the three guys move it with their dolly and ramps I realized it was well worth the money!

Rachel was very excited it was here.  I had the kids in the basement watching Maggie while they delivered it, so they had no idea it was here when they came up.  Love some of Eli's comments... you can tell they're used to playing on a keyboard.

"Is it on?"

"What songs do they play?"

Kate Singing

Kate also had some fun yesterday playing with the microphone.  Excited to get it out again today!  The doctor also asked at her appointment if she was having any temper-tantrums.  Well, she's actually just started over the last week or so.  If I take her from doing something she doesn't want to stop doing she throws (whips) her head back and throws a fit.  Oh boy... not sure what's coming!!  Hopefully it's just a short phase. : )  In this video you an see how impatient she's getting.  She will say "please" if she wants something which is nice, but if you don't react immediately she starts to have a fit.

Rachel Allowance
We are also starting to give Rachel an allowance.  She is getting old enough now to help rinse dishes and put in dishwasher and does make her bed.  So, we decided to reward her by giving her a weekly allowance.  It's going to take some getting used to on my part.  I think many of you Moms will understand... as much as you like the kids to help out with things... sometimes it's just easier to do it yourself.  The dishes will be in the dishwasher all weird for awhile until she learns... I'll have to deal with it! : )

I think that's all.  Now time to be productive!!  Again, my motivation has been lacking lately... but, there's a lot to do to get ready for Eli's birthday party on Sunday.  And, I have the opportunity to go to the Brewers/Cubs game on Saturday with my parents and sister... which I'm so excited about.  Just means I need to have things ready for the party before I leave... or as much as I can do before then.  Mike wasn't too thrilled about the timing of the game and Eli's party, but there's no way I can pass up the opportunity to go to the game and I didn't want to push Eli's party until the following weekend, which is Labor Day weekend.  We'll make it work!

Keep smiling! : )