Summer fun and Summer Camp!

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer...we have been having a blast!! We've done a lot the past month so wanted to pass on an update and new pictures. This year, Grace attended Vacation Bible School for the first time held at Immanuel Baptist where she will be going to preschool this August. This is a photo of her on her first day of school. Although she was happy and excited about school when we left the house, once we arrived at Immanuel Baptist she was quite sad (the teacher had to pry her away from me- boo hoo) but she continued to get more brave every day. It was a week long program (9am-12noon) and by Friday, I just had to walk her to her section and wave goodbye...such a trooper. Her new favorite song: Jesus Loves Me...and she's so sweet singing it. Check it out for yourself...it's at the bottom of this blog post.

At Vacation Bible School every day there was a theme. So, one day was favorite sports team (she wore her Notre Dame cheerleading outfit- of course), one was wacky tacky (she wore red striped tights, a yellow dress, a big blue necklace- etc) and this picture was from crazy hair day. She had 5 ponytails with random things attached. She had so much fun!

We had Megan, Chris and our favorite Owen over for dinner and Grace and Owen decided to do a night swim. Aren't they adorable? They are such great friends, I'm going to miss them when they move! Grace and Owen, for as long as I can remember, have always been very touchy feely with each other. Always giving hugs, sitting next to each other, etc...maybe this is the future Mr. and Mrs. Zaumeyer!! We do joke about it...

Drum roll please: This is our new fabulous pergola!!! Isn't it gorgeous? Evan and I built it in one weekend and we use it almost every day. Evan is so awesome he even wired in electricity so we could have a light underneath. Since this picture was taken, we've added 3 hanging baskets with wave petunias that are beautiful. We really feel like it's a mini resort right outside our door.

Holtz's real first food (not including rice cereal and oatmeal) was peas on 6/22. He gobbled them up. He now has had just about every kind of food and has loved everything...even prunes (grin). We feel really lucky that he's not a picky eater. It doesn't matter if his food is smooth or chuncky either...he loves it all!

Swim lessons at the YMCA this year with Grace were a total disaster. She cried during the entire class...every class. She had a death grip on either Evan or I (whoever did the class with her) every class. We decided we needed to do something about it. According to our neighborhood association, we aren't allowed to have an above ground pool. We did purchase a 12' blue soft sided pool though (figure it's not considered above ground b/c it's not a permanent structure). It's been awesome for the kids. It's only about 2 feet deep so perfect for Grace to get comfortable in the water. She now can put her entire head under water- yeah! She's even almost got the "doggie paddle" down pat!

Holtz is a little duck in the water. His first time in the water was on 6/23. We put him in his floaty and he kicked his little feet and paddled around the pool- such a riot. He really loves being in the water.

We took a trip to Wabash and this is just one of the cutest pictures. It amazes me how much Grace and Holtz look alike. While in Wabash, we went to the Charlie Creek Arts Festival. Really a nice time.

One reason we went up North was to have lunch with my bff Katie and her groom Craig. Katie has just been nominated for Mother of the Year by the March of Dimes. Only 10 people have been nominated so it's quite an honor. Both she and Craig have worked so hard raising awareness in their daughter Callie's name. They are national spokespeople with Jeff Gorden this year for the pertusses (whooping cough) vaccine and next weekend, they get to be Jeff's VIP guests at the brickyard! Katie and Craig- you rock!!! It was so great to see you- I miss you guys!

Back to Wabash for the evening. Here is Poppy and Grace shucking corn for dinner- We stopped at Grandma and Grandpa's house on the way home. They just happened to be housesitting an adorable kitten (probably only 5-6 weeks old). Grace loved this little kitten!!!

For the past two weeks (with one more to go), Grace has been going to Summer Sonshine Camp at Immanuel Baptist. She goes, again, from 9am-12noon 5 days a week. My my is she thriving! She really is much more outgoing than she previously was and is learning so much...including The Pledge of Allegiance (another video below). She is really looking forward for preschool to start the end of August. This picture is of her first day or summer camp.

We've also been lucky to have lots of family visit this past week- and I can't believe it but I didn't get any pictures!! Uncle Andy passed through on his way from Florida to Indiana. Dave and Jen were in town from California and stayed several days and finally Phil, Michelle and their 3 kids came for the weekend on their way from Hilton Head to Illinois. It has been a blast!!! I feel so lucky when people come to visit b/c I really love that the kids can get to know them. Skype is great but nothing compares to the real deal! Thanks guys for stopping by!

That's all for now- hope you enjoyed the post... Love, us!

Sammy's 1st Communion and Parker's Baptism...and more!

Isn't this just the cutest picture? Oh my goodness, I LOVE it!!! Makes me just want to give Holtz a big squeeze! This picture was taken several days ago- his first time in his highchair! I gave him a little rice cookie to munch on- if you look really close...he has some on his chin- he he.

Holtz chillaxin' on the back deck. We just (over Memorial Day weekend) built a pergola on our back deck. It's amazing! Our friends tell us that now our backyard feels like a resort- such a nice compliment. We spend lots of time out there and yes, it's very relaxing! Grace has her new swingset set up now (totally awesome)! She also has a bigger pool and of course her sandbox and picnic table from last year.

I finally broke down and bought an apple iPhone. It's easier than ever now to take pics of the kiddos. This one of Grace and Holtz turned out so well- can't believe I got both of them smiling.

This picture was taken at St. Joes church in Shelbyville, IN where my nephew, Parker, was baptised. I am his Godmother so I got to participate in the baptism ritual- really cool. He's so adorable. We got to help him celebrate both his baptism and his first birthday in the same weekend.

Just a cute picture of Grace. Talking about Grace, here's one of the best stories...about a month ago, she and I were eating breakfast...and she started talking!!! Oh my goodness...she said, Mom, when I get older I'm going to have a baby. I said yes, she probably would do that. I asked her how old she would be when she is going to have a baby and she said, hmmm, probably 5. Then she sat there for a minute in silence and finally said, but when I have a baby, I'm going to leave my water in the car...in a hard water bottle. I said, oh yeah, how come? She replied (omg omg omg) because she didn't want her water to break at the hosipal (yes, that's how she says hospital). You know, it's so hard not to fall on the floor laughing b/c of her sweetness...I was able to hold it together long enough to walk upstairs and tell Evan. What an imagination! Oh, and she told me that I would be waiting in the car for her while she was having her baby!

This picture was taken after my nephew Sammy's First Communion. Can't believe he's big enough to have his First Communion!!! My pics are mixed up, Sammy's First Communion was first (in Wauconda, IL) and Parker's Baptism and birthday were the weekend after. Was so much fun getting together with the Brunsman side of the family. Grace had a ball playing with Lillian (our niece). Phil (my oldest brother) and Michelle (his wifey) have 3 kids: Sammy, Lillian and Parker. Ok, clarified...

This pic is from Parker's Baptism. It is my brother Phil and his family, us and Phil's best friend Scott Back. He is Parker's Godfather. Because I'm not Catholic, I guess one of the Godparents have to be Catholic which is why Scott is the Godfather. I've known Scott about my entire life so it was really great to see he and his family and catch up. After the Baptism, we went to KidZone- which he owns- for pizza, games and inflatable fun! Thanks so much Scott for letting us play!

Grace being fabulous!!! Today Grace started Vacation Bible School at Immanuel Baptist (where she is going to go to preschool in the fall). Dropping her off was a little tough (maybe a bit of seperation anxiety) but after picking her up, she seemed to have a blast and is looking forward to going again tomorrow. VBS runs this entire week from 9am-noon.

Grammie with the Grandkids at Phil's house.

OK, now Grandpa Brunsman just celebrated his 65th birthday so we had to get him a cake! We were loaded up on sugar after Sammy's First Communion...a cake for Sammy and one for Grandpa. And yes, we did put 65 candles on that sucker...surprised the smoke detectors didn't go off...just kidding old man! Now that is one happy Grandpa!

Grace reading to Holtz. She still loves her little brother. All she wants to do is read to him, play with him, teach him new things, pick him up (yikes), etc. Grace is more motherly than any other little girl- I've never quite seen anything like it. It's fascinating to watch. Holtz is a lucky fella.

Yes, she feeds him too!!! Now if I could just teach her to change his stinky diapers.. ha ha...just kidding.

Sharon (Mimi) gave Grace her old computer and Grace is an addict. We have to limit her time because she will literally be on her computer all day! There are some great internet sites that she enjoys...pbskids.org (learning games) and starfall.com (reading). She (not surprisingly) is very good on the computer. Did you ever in your wildest dreams think that preschoolers would be using computers?

Grace loving her baby Holtz...

Grace taking Dolly (her babydoll)...no, that's not Holtz...swimming.

Ha ha ha...happy happy boy! Holtz at his 4 month appt. weighed 14 lbs. 15 oz. (one oz. shy of 15 lbs) which is in the 47th percentile and his length...drum roll please...was a whopping 26 1/4 inches which is in the 86th percentile! Long and lean...holy moly!!! He also got his first two bottom teeth on May 18th- exactly 4 months old...ahead of schedule! He sure is changing fast. I did give him his first bite of rice cereal on June 12th. I remember Grace used to spit it out but Holtz gobbled it right up like a turkey and wanted more. Watch out Notre Dame- football all star in the making. One more milestone, Holtz rolled from his back to his front on June 8th...he's going to be rolling all over the place here before long.

Another pic of both of them smiling...how did I get so lucky! As you can tell, wherever Holtz is, Grace is not far (smile)!

Last weekend we ate breakfast out on the deck- this is one of Grace's favorite things to do. Well, I think that is all for now! Hope this was entertaining!

Disney World, Florida and Easter

Grace coming down the stairs the morning of her birthday...getting ready to see her...

New big girl bike!!! Happy 4th Birthday Grace!

My birthday cake creation...what do you think?

One of the many times Grace had held her little brother...but this time I got smiles from both of them!

March of Dimes walk 2010. Walking, of course, for Grace born 6 weeks early, for Owen, Grace's friend here in Lexington, who was born 8 weeks early and for my best bud's baby Callie Grace who was also born premature and passed away 5 weeks after her birthday. We love you Craig and Katie and I was honored to wear Callie's shirt!

Grace's 1st time on her bike on 4/25! She did fabulous...

Grace's first time on her skates, also on 4/25. They were a gift from Mimi and Poppy after Grandmere suggested buying them for Grace (because she had her first pair of skates at the age of 4).

Another great Grace and Holtz photo...I just can't get enough!

Look at that push-up...and perfect smile...

OK, well, too much has happened since my last post so I'll try to note the highlights! I'm trying to do the blog differently too b/c the way I was doing it before was taking too much time (one of the reasons I haven't updated it in so long). So, I'm going to put larger pictures with captions- there are lots of pics in this blog since it's been so long since I've updated it!

Here are some of Holtz's accomplishments! He started smiling on 2/25 and cooing on 3/18. I feel like I've waited my whole life to see his smile- he's such a happy baby! He held his head up by himself for the first time on 4/5. Holtz did a mini push up on 4/24 and rolled over from his stomach to his back on 4/25- again...so exciting! Here's some good news...he's a growing boy! He is 3 1/2 months old and weighs just over 14 lbs. and is 25 inches long! Holy moly! He is in the 73rd percentile for length...means he is larger than 73% of other boys his age...and he's in the 54th percentile for weight...so right on track. His weight is average and his length...well, he's a long boy! For comparison's sake, Grace didn't weigh 14 lbs. until she was 6 months old...and at her 6 month appt., she was only 24 inches long! Grace, just turned 4 and she weighs 31 1/2 lbs (19th percentile) and is 38 1/2 inches (21st percentile). What a petite little girl! We finally moved Holtz into his own room on 4/19 and he slept through the night for the first time on the 20th. It's great- mommy and daddy are much happier these days...

Grace's 4th birthday was great...we had a little party here at home with her friends and several members of our family. She got a big girl bike, roller skates and ballet lessons!!!

We spent almost 2 weeks in Florida with Bob and Sharon and had a super duper vacation! We visited with Darlene quite a bit and even met up with Uncle Andy for a day...went to several Polo matches with him at The International Polo Club in Palm Beach. On our way home from FL, we met Uncle Mikey at Disney World. It poured down rain but was a blast!!! Easter was extra fun this year for Grace- she loved all of the candy! She ate so much she got a belly ache! Ha!

One more story before the pictures. Last week I slept in until 8am. When I woke up I asked Evan if Holtz was ok b/c he didn't wake at 6am for his feeding. He went in Holtz's room and there was Grace. She pulled her stool in his room from her bathroom. She had unswaddled him, undone his pajamas, and taken off his diaper. she said that his diaper was wet and so she was changing his diaper- such a little mommy! She's still a great big sister...really no jealousy still. She is absolutely incredible and the light of my life! Enjoy the pictures!

This is Grace's first time feeding Holtz (in Florida) on 3/4. She feeds him frequently now!

Mimi and Poppy bought Grace a kite so this was her first time flying it. We've attempted to fly a kite several times here at home with no success so this was technically her first time!

Building a sand castle with Daddy at the beach in Florida! Grace loved the sand and the ocean!

Ev, Mikey and I getting soaked at Disney World. The picture doesn't do it justice- we had a blast and Grace was surprisingly a trooper! It was Grace and Holtz's first time at Disney World on 3/11. Grace and Uncle Mikey in front of the magic kingdom!

The Beauchamp Family on the ride It's a Small World.

Daddy, Uncle Mikey and Grace on the carousel!

Grace is taking swim lessons with her buddy Dylan...aren't they so adorable!

Our little technology wiz...she's playing brick breaker on Evan's phone...ha-

One of the things we did for Easter this year...chocolate covered bananas and strawberries- yum yum!

Easter egg hunt at our house...

Grace and Mommy colored Easter eggs this year!

Our big boy with a huge smile!

And another one...

Grace chillin like a villain in her new Barbie sunglasses and water bottle!

This is Grace, Dylan and Kate playing in her little itty bitty sandbox. That's all changing b/c we just bought an amazing cedar swing set that we are going to put a sandbox around- it's going to be a blast!

In closing, I must mention the passing of Bob and Verna Margaret Beauchamp. Bob passed away on 3/15 and Verna Margaret just 11 days later on 3/26. We miss them! I always admired the love that they had for each other- I am thankful though that they got to spend a lot of time with Grace and were able to meet Holtz! Hope you enjoyed the long update! We miss everyone!