As I mentioned in the last post, we were able to get some much needed prep work done on the basement prior to our new carpet being installed. It always seemed pretty dark downstairs and we thought a painted trim would help lighten the feeling. Here is the time-line: Monday we determined we would be installing carpet that coming Saturday; Tuesday evening consisted of clearing out everything from in front of the walls; Wednesday was sanding all the trim and a coat of primer; Thursday was the first finish coat; and Friday was coat number 2... and 3. Although it was A LOT of work in a short amount of time, it was one of those, "this was well worth it" moments. We are so happy with how it turned out and how different it feels, even to just walk down the basement stairs - huge difference. Thanks to Jon's dad for coming over that Friday and lending a much needed hand to help paint and pull up old carpeting.
It wasn't a typical birthday, but I had fun. Plus the outcome of a transformed basement just keeps giving and giving and....!
The first weekend in May, which was also my birthday weekend, mother's day on Sunday AND the weekend we decided to recarpet our basement, Brianna took a trip with Gammie and Gamfie to their trailer for a little camping adventure. From the pictures my mom took (all 120 of them) and the way they described her all weekend, she loved it and loved hanging out with them. More and more, she loves to be and play outside and just get dirty. It worked out perfectly, for us anyway. We were able to get some much needed prep work done on the basement Friday night before the carpet came Saturday morning. Plus we went out with friends Friday for a little birthday celebration. Thanks mom and dad for being willing to take her, even though you just had surgery on your hand and you hadn't been out there yet to clean up. I know she had a blast!
On Easter we headed to Jon's parents for lunch and another fun Easter Egg Hunt. By this time, Brianna had gotten the hang of it and was set on doing most of it herself. It was fun to see her get so excited about the eggs. PLUS, she realized there was something special inside each egg, that she was even more eager to partake in!
Here she is with a mouth full - her first extended taste of candy or should I say, sugar!
Thanks to my sister, Michelle, for hosting a fabulous Easter Egg Hunt and lunch (and dinner for family). We had a great day playing with all the little kids and searching for Easter eggs. Brianna caught on pretty quick to the concept. Too bad there weren't a thousand eggs, because I think she could have gone all day! Here are a few pictures of our search:
I didn't get many pictures at that moment because I was also trying to capture the moment on video. Maybe we'll be able to get that up at some point too. Right after the hunt and when all the kids were inside, she found the metal bucket of all the Easter eggs. She didn't want to go inside quite yet so we stayed and playing with the eggs... and the toys from the little sandbox. How can you resist!
Margaret was even kind enough to capture an adorable picture of Brianna and a good family photo. Thanks Margaret for the sweet pics!
On the weekends, it seems Brianna just gobbles up all the time with her daddy. It is so fun to watch her snuggle up beside him on the couch or lay down next to him, just to be close to Jon. He is a great dad, and I know Brianna adores and looks up him! I mean the laughter he can get out of her is amazing... and contagious!
Brianna loves spending time with Mommy. Here they are reading a new touch and feel book from the doctor's office. It's kind of fun, every time we take Brianna in for a visit they send her home with a new book.
Brianna loves learning new things. Here she is helping comb her hair after a (tumultuous) bath. She no longer sits and plays nicely with her toys in the bathtub during bath time. She now tries to crawl, climb, walk and squirm all over the place. It is definitely a two person job!
Eme and I have been super crazy busy with work, family commitments and bouts with the flu. But hopefully we can get back on track and slow down a little bit.
We were able to make it to the Twins game a week and a half ago. The weather started out beautiful! However, the starting pitch temperature fell from 75 to about 55 degrees in the 9th inning. It was windy and chilly by the end of the game, but at least it didn't snow!
Shelley wanted to point out that here jacket was zipped all the way up and she was very cold. And Eme, the trooper she is, was the only one who proudly went short sleeves the whole time. Kudos.
This past week has been filled with love, memories, laughter, and tears. Last Tuesday, we got word that my grandpa had passed away.
It was just the week prior that my mom and I had the opportunity to go down to see him in the nursing home, what would be our last visit together. Before we left him that final visit I took his hand and said, "Bye Papa. We love you very much. We'll see you soon, ok." A peaceful look took his face, and I could just feel he heard me. He wasn't able to stand and give hugs like I know he would have wanted, but I know that I will see him soon, and that bear hug is waiting for me.
Then Thursday, my sisters and I ran around town finishing our errands so we could make the 7 hour trip that evening down to Nebraska for the visitation and funeral. Thankfully we made good time, even with three little ones in car, and arrived at our hotel just after midnight. I was glad to have all morning Friday and afternoon before the visitation to spend with my mom (and not in the car), who had arrived Wednesday, and other family. Michelle and I were even able to prepare and arrange the funeral flowers at the church that morning and drop them off at the funeral home. They were beautiful!
Saturday at the grave site, he was honored with a military burial for his service during WWII. Knowing my grandpa's passion and pride for his country, the flag ceremony was about as powerful as it can be. There was no way I could hold back tears any longer. I was standing right behind my mom and her sisters while the officers folded the flag and presented it to my Aunt Connie assuring her "On behalf of a grateful nation, we present this flag as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service to our country."
Besides his service to our country, his legacy is also wrapped up in his large family. With having seven children came numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Even though it's hard to gather under sad circumstances, I am so thankful for my extended family and that so many could make the trip. I love seeing everyone, and sharing the memories that made him so special to all of us.
Brianna was such a trooper the entire weekend. As we all hung out at the church after the service, she was walking all over the place, following cousins, and posing for photos. I asked her if she would give me a kiss, and here's what I got!
We shall miss him, but look forward to our reunion. Papa we will see you soon!
P.S. Thanks to my cousin, Aaron, for taking the photos at the grave site and for capturing the "Kodak kiss moment" with mommy and B!
