Time to Kiss Singlehood Goodbye, Kris!

Dave's sister (or shall I say, one of my best friends?), Kristin is getting married in t-minus 5 days. It hasn't really sunk in yet, as we've all been in the planning stage for so many months, but we're very excited for her and Dan. They're a great match, and Dan's a fun addition to the family :)

As her matron-of-honor (is it just me, or does the word, "matron" sound old-maidish?) I had the privilege of planning her bachelorette party. Luckily for me, she didn't want the "typical" bachelorette party (whew!), so I was able to be a little bit more creative in the planning process. Since the major theme of Kristin's wedding is romantic vintage, I ran with that...everything vintage.

We began the night with all the girls meeting at our house, then ventured off to do a little shopping. Following our shopping spree, we went to a fabulous restaurant and ordered pretty much every appetizer on the menu. I reserved one of their quaint rooms, and we all stuffed our faces with amazing food. We concluded the evening back at our house for a round of desserts.

I particularly like Kristin's hat in this photo.

anyone else obsessed with hydrangeas? LOVE these flowers!!

We're so excited for you, Kris...you're going to make an amazing wife. Dan's a lucky man...and we think he's a pretty cool dude, too ;-) I can't wait for your big day...you're going to be a beautiful bride!!

Stealing Ideas Left and Right

You can't say I didn't warn you (my mom friends, that is) that I'd be stealing some of your fun ideas ;-) I'm sure just like us, you're trying to take full-advantage of these last remaining warm days. We've had gorgeous temps in the 70's the past couple weeks, but apparently the shift happens tonight. Today's high reached somewhere in the upper 70's, but there's talk of snow flurries next week (GULP)! Apparently a cold front is coming our way, and tonight, rain to boot...which explains this nasty headache of mine that won't go away.

Nonetheless, me and the boys have been out and about as much as possible. The first idea we stole was going on a nature walk. We made some high-tech toilet paper roll binoculars, and collected leaves, tree bark, berries, acorns, and flowers along the way, and glued them to construction paper. Thanks for the fun idea, Meredith...we had a great time.

our nature walk treasures

The second idea we stole was from my friend Becca. I took the boys downtown to the riverfr

ont this afternoon. There's a park area right on the river that has big metal slides. At first Will seemed a little unsure about going down, but he was having fun watching all the other kids. I could tell he was contemplating it, but until I asked if he wanted to go with me and Graham, he was pretty hesitant. However; after hearing my suggestion, he responding with a resounding, "YEAH!" Hence, Will, Graham, my camera, purse, and I all went down the slide at the same time...wish I had that one on video...or not ;-)

Thanks for the ideas...keep them coming, yall!!

for once, Will's actually cooperating with my camera

thinking about it...

at the bottom right after we went down :)

yes, this is Omaha...not as podunk as you thought, huh? :)

We met up with Dave after work for dinner, and had some great family time. To make the day even more memorable, Graham took his first official (independent) steps today. He was so proud of himself, and so were we...good job, little buddy...you're growing up too fast!!!

Love this face!

So i am waaaay behind on blogging, but i will eventually catch up...PROMISE!! Just had to post these couple photos i took of Graham today...this little guy melts my heart :)

Happy Fall, everyone!

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Anyone else love doing crafty things as a kid? I remember being so excited when my mom would take me to the store to pick out something to make together at home. I totally forgot about these sun catchers, and when I saw the turtle, I couldn't pass it up.

Will loves helping me in the kitchen, so I thought he might enjoy this little project as well. He thought it was pretty fun putting all the plastic pieces into the turtle and watching them melt in the oven.

These 2 boys do such a good job entertaining one another. And although I still feel like a good part of my day is spent playing Referree, it's all worth it when I hear them giggling from a distance.

Will is a wonderful big brother (most of the time), and Graham keeps up very well...he always wants to do whatever Will is doing, and play with whatever Will is playing with. They have very different personalities, but both seem to be more on the sensitive side. I have a feeling, though, that Graham's might not stick around forever...he's definitely more mischievous, more rough and tumble, and leaves no room for questioning what he wants and doesn't want. I think little G is going to give me and his daddy a few gray hairs over the years!