"Notes" from the teacher

In the age of new technology, I got a few e-mails last week from Riley's teacher regarding her day, complete with photos and all....

Riley sat down to read a book. "Peek-a-boo belly button!" She stopped to look for her own belly button. Too cute!
We have been working on transitioning to "toddler-like" behavior. Riley did AWESOME sitting at the table for snack. We will continue sitting at the table for morning snack and afternoon snack!
Look Mom, I am a big girl! So glad we have found a place that can feel like a home away from home and teachers who love and take good care of her.

Could it be summer?

After a long chilly rainy spring, we finally had a slew of days in the 90s!!!...before the temps dropped back down to the 50s again! But we took full advantage of those warm days and spent lots of hot sweaty time outdoors.

Mother's Day

I am so blessed to be a mom.
We spent the beautiful sunny day outside playing with the new bubble machine Riley got from Leah, Andy and Carmen for her birthday.
I love these two SOOO much!!
My mom always told me I could never really understand how much she loved me until I had kids of my own. Well, I get it now, Mom! Thanks for all you have done for me and for teaching me to be a mom who loves my kids so deeply and intensely. Love you too.

Riley's Second 1st Birthday Party

While in Minnesota, we celebrated Riley's birthday one more time, this time with family. My cousin Ang, her husband Heath, and their son Cruz, recently adopted from Columbia, were able to come join us. It was our first time meeting Cruz and he fit right in with the other kids. Looking forward to more gatherings in the years ahead as the kids grow up together.

Conor and Laura baked Riley a cake.
And Leah bought her the traditional 1st birthday cupcake.
She opened a few more presents in her special birthday hat.
Group photo (I think I took about 30 and this is the best I got...pretty good, I think).
Time to eat the yummy cake.
Daddy greeting Cruz
Hanging out after the party playing the new game Grandpa and Grandma bought: Disney Pictionary DVD Game. Conor loved it, and was actually very good at it. We all had a good time playing it together.

Nate & Diane's Wedding

On April 30, my cousin Nate got married to Diane so we have added yet another Skala to the ever-growing clan. The wedding party had a whole choreographed dance to "Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night" by the Black Eyed Peas, which was quite entertaining. We had a wonderful time at the wedding and the kids had a blast dancing the night away! Congrats Nate & Diane.
Carmen is growing so quickly and changes every time we see her. It was nice to get to spend some time with her again. Pretty blue eyes. Pretty smile. Pretty girl!
Conor snoozing on Grandma's lap between the ceremony and dinner.
Just before dinner, Grandpa trying to entertain the hungry kids.
Family photo...
Just the four of us...
Mom and her three girls...all grown up
And the dance begins...

Easter Egg Hunt #2

On Easter Sunday, as has been our tradition every year since meeting the Wellers, we have spent the afternoon with their family celebrating the day and enjoying their company. Since Conor was born, the have set up and Easter Egg hunt for him. This year they were even able to spread the hunt outside. Conor was well-practiced and ready to quickly find the eggs. Riley did get a chance to grab a few herself. Thanks Kip and Janice..and Jason and Lindsey..for hosting and hiding eggs.

Happy Easter

Good Morning! Happy Easter! Rejoice for Jesus is risen!! We are blessed in so many ways and the biggest way is that our Lord and Savior died on a cross to bear our sins and has risen from the dead so that we may have new life in Him.

It is easy to get caught up in pretty dresses and bows, handsome vests and slacks, baskets, eggs and candy, but we are so thankful for a God who loves us and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. We strive every day to impart that on our children in both daily living by words and example and through more pointed teachings. We pray that they grow up with a solid faith, built on a strong foundation. And in the wisdom of a child's understanding, I realized that at least some of what we have talked about is getting through to Conor. The following conversation took place the week of Easter...
Conor: Mom, are all the bad guys that killed Jesus back in jail?

Mom: Yes, Conor, they are. (a very simplistic answer)

Conor: Thank goodness. Now he doesn't have to be killed anymore.

What a perfect opportunity to again discuss that, not only are the bad guys gone, but Jesus rose from the dead and won't ever have to die again.

Nonetheless, you can't put that faith and foundation into pictures, so here are some pictures of the pretty dresses and bows, handsome vests and slacks, baskets, eggs and candy.
Not wanting his picture taken but looking handsome anyway.