Lexi's Birthday Party

The weekend before last was Aaron's cousin Lexi's Birthday. I would say that its on the list of the top 5 best birthday parties that we've been to. There was only a few girls invited so it wasn't crazy or chaotic at all. Fun Plex wasn't packed at all either because the swimming area wasn't open for the season yet. The weather was beautiful with a stable breeze. Aaron's aunt Penny is one of the sweetest people ever, but then again I love all of his family so much! Christina and I got to ride all the rides with the girls, for free! Cecelia and I rode the roller coaster TWICE. It was the first time that she has ever ridden a roller coaster. Her stomach couldn't handle much more of it after the second time around. Poor kid. After pizza and cake, the kids got to play the machines. Cecelia hit the jackpot and tickets started pouring out. Some girls have all the luck!

Sunset in Bellevue

One of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen in Nebraska. It was breathtaking. The whole sky was a mixture or pink, orange, purple and blue. My photography doesn't do it justice. But I did the best I could do as we were driving the short distance from Target to across 370 to our house.

Arbor Day Farm

My best friend Rachel and her boyfriend, who live in California were in town for a few weeks recently. We decided that we should head to Nebraska city for a day trip to the Arbor Day Farm a few weekends ago. I hadn't been since I was in High school. Rachel hadn't ever been, and Clinton is from California and doesn't live here, so had never been either. It is absolutely gorgeous there. Not to mention, very educational (for the kids). The best part was the hike through the woods that Cecelia led. No really, the purpose of the hike is to educate the kiddos. So they get a cute little guide and the staff explains to the kids that they are leading the group and they show them how to read the maps and follow the signs. The 3 story high tree house was pretty cool too. It offered a great view of the forest around us. Rachel had thought about maybe one day having her wedding at the Farm (she isn't engaged yet or anything) but she had read about it in a magazine once and then got on the website and all that, so it was neat for her because there were 2 weddings going on that day. We were going to stay at the lodge and eat dinner, but it's so nice that there isn't even a kids menu and a chicken sandwich is $20, plus everything is priced ala carte. So we decided to go into town to a restaurant. Well, apparently on Sundays in small towns, there is absolutely nothing open! The only restaurant was this little Mexican restaurant. Which was super busy, but OMG! It was seriously the best mexican food I have had in Nebraska. Kind of like La Mesa but WAY better. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. That day was perfect. Perfect weather, amazing company, beautiful sights, a scenic drive, peaceful and quiet. I loved it and more importantly, so did Cece:)

Memorial Day

Every year my sister Jennifer hosts a Memorial Day party at her house. She has a huge backyard and deck. The kids have so much fun swimming in the pool, jumping on the trampoline and playing on the various play yards and swing sets she has in her back yard. Seriously, her house is a kids dream come true. Cecelia loves going over there, especially because her kitchen is always stocked with the best junk food, sweets and ice cream just for the kiddos. We went shopping for a birthday present for my niece Priscilla because her birthday falls that weekend as well. We picked out a giant inflatable turtle for her and some water guns. Well, Cecelia ended up riding the inflatable turtle in the pool the majority of time. I guess we are going to need to go buy Cece one now too.

I really don't know where to begin...

It has been way too long since I updated this thing. I finally decided I have to stop putting off and make updating this thing a priority because it really is important to me!

Cecelia graduated kindergarten! I can't believe it. I cried. Well, I didn't bawl or anything but my eyes definitely welled up with tears:( I can't believe she is so grown up. I really don't know where the time goes. Since she was born, I have been going to school (with the exception of summers usually). I know because of this, the time goes by faster but I swear I can remember what she smelled like as a newborn. I remember folding clothes and organizing them in her nursery before she was born. I remember Aaron and I setting up everything we got from our baby shower. Alright, I'm starting to get teary eyed again! And thinking about this stuff is making me want another baby, like NOW! Anyways, Cecelia had a blast on graduation day. Their teacher, Mrs. Westerman, threw them a surprise pizza party for lunch that day. Then after the graduation, the kindergartners, teachers and parents went to the park to play games and enjoy treats. Cecelia has learned so much over the past year. Basically, she has learned the fundamentals of everyday life...reading, counting, some science, increased social skills, etc. I'm so proud of her.

Cece also lost not one, but two teeth! About a week apart from each other. I shouldn't say she lost them. Actually, Cecelia asked her dad to pull them and he obliged. I sat there in awe as she willingly and bravely let her dad take a napkin and wiggle back and forth until it they came out with ease. She thought Aaron was the "COOLEST DAD" ever because of this. It was adorable to see the look of admiration she gave to her dad after that. She was happy to see the tooth fairy existed and did leave money for her too. We were at the park a few weeks ago and her and her friend Spencer from her class were discussing whether or not the tooth fairy was real. Spencer told Cecelia that his grandmother (whom was there at the park) had a letter from the tooth fairy. So Cecelia went to his grandmother and asked if she could see it, Cecelia then proceeded to read the full page letter to a group of about 5 kids. The letter described how the tooth fairy lives and spends her time while not "working", then went on to discuss how sad it is that some kids don't believe and that they are missing out on a lot by not believing in things, just because they can't see them. Cecelia thought that was so neat!

Second round of swimming lessons began last week. Cecelia is the smallest kiddo in the class. And also the bravest. I only say this because they were learning to dive last Friday and no one would attempt it except her. Her fearlessness amazes me and also scares me to death! We had to have a talk about water safety after diving was introduced.