Brooke's Birthday!

On Friday, April 15th the girls and I headed up to Laurel.  We met my Mom, Dad, Laura, Kevin & Nolan for supper to celebrate Brooke's 4th birthday.  After we finished supper we went to Laura and Kevin's to hang out and then we did gifts and cake there also.  The girls are soo busy!!!!!!  Poor Kevin just watched as they played with Nolan (not always so carefully) and his toys too.  Up on the couch by Grandpa, off the couch over to someone else, get a ball, back on the couch.....most of the evening.  After that we went out to the farm.  On Saturday we headed into town for a bridal shower for Sadie Schantz, and then off to McDonalds for Brooke's birthday dinner of choice :) In the afternoon Brooke and Allyx died Easter Eggs for Mom, and Mom let Brooke decorate a little piece of cake.  She loves to play with frostine in decorator bags.  Later in the afternoon we headed home, to get things ready for her birthday party on Sunday with the Forre's. 

Dusty was up in Wisconsin on Friday and in Minnesota Saturday afternoon rodeoing, so the girls stayed up until he got home.  As soon as Daddy made it through the door, Brooke wanted to open her presents from us.  Allyx was so excited watching her it was funny.  They are good buddies most of the time.

On Sunday we had birthday party with the Forre's.  Everything was great, but the weather was a bit cold and windy so the kids were'nt able to play outside like we had hoped.  Our house seems pretty full once we get all the adults and kids in there! Grandma made Brooke a Mermaid birthday cake, and she just loved it!  I can't believe that my little baby is 4 years old. 

First Weekend of April

What a beautiful weekend to start off the month.  On Saturday Brooke got to spend the day at Grandma and Grandpa Forre's and play with her cousins.  They had so much fun.  They helped pick up the yard, rode bikes, played in the horse pens, and ran-ran-ran.  Grandpa and Cooper got Pepper ready so the kids could ride.

On Sunday Brooke and I headed to Beemer for my Grandma Troyer's 75th birthday party.  Allyx had spent the night with my mom and dad on Saturday so she was with them.  Brooke and Allyx were very happy to see each other, I think the day apart did them good!  All of my Dad's sisters were home and most of their families.  After church we had dinner in the church basement.  The food was great, but there was plenty left over.  That afternoon we just hung out and visited, some played games and went outside.  After most of the other guests had left we went back to Grandmas.  It was a great day, we got home around 7:30.  The girls were sure played out and Monday was a little rough. 

Grandma with her kids.

Grandma with her grandkids.

Grandma with her great-grandkids.

Grandma with her kids and their spouses (except for Keith). 

Brooke and Allyx eating their cake and ice cream.  Nice posing for pictures!

David's 50th Birthday Party

Last Saturday the girls and I rode with my parents out to McCook.  They were having a suprise 50th b-day party for my uncle.  We stayed at the Chief Motel and had the tables by the pool reserved for the party.  It was so much fun.  My Grandma and Grandpa Mestl were there and all 9 of their kids made it.  We were only missing four of my cousins!  The girls ran and ran and ran some more.  The pool was fenced in which was great, so the little kids could play on the outside and we didn't have to worry about them getting too close.  Brooke swam for quite awhile, but Allyx had no desire to go in.  It was nice and relaxing to just hang out with everyone.  On Sunday we got up and headed to Kearney to meet Amanda for brunch at Perkins.  Brooke got to ride with Nolan, Laure & Kevin, she was pretty much an entertainer the whole drive I think.  She talked the whole time....which is not surprising.  Here are a few pictures from the weekend. 

 My mom's family, with and with out wigs :)

Brooke and Allyx shot in the motel room Sunday morning!

March Birthdays

Let's see I am now a week behind, again :)!  Last weekend we went up to Laurel on Friday and Saturday.  On Friday I was able to go see my friend Lindsey and her little girl Kamryn.  We lived together in college, and now it seems we are both quite busy so it was great to get to catch up with her.

   We then spent time at my parents and had a birthday party for Laura on Saturday.  The girls love getting to see and "help" with Nolan!  Both think they are just the most help in the world, running to get things for him.  Allyx can seem to find a plug from a room away and bring it to you saying "baby." 

I got to go out with dad both days and ride so that was really nice.  I got to ride his 3 yr. old that he bought in Texas, his registered name is McLovin----I just found that hilarious, but since my dad hadn't seen the movie Superbad it didn't click with him.  Needless to say he has now watched so he can feel included as Amanda and I say.  We headed back home Saturday evening both girls slept on the way home so that always makes for a nice drive.

On Sunday after church we went over to Danielle's for Cooper's 3rd birthday party.  There was a smaller crowd due to that darn flu bug.  I think that Dusty and I ate enough for all of the people that couldn't make it.  Danielle had a great meal!  It was a nice afternoon and the girls enjoyed playing with their cousins.  We had the church soup supper that night, so it was a busy day.

Indoor Fun!

As much as the girls love playing outside, they have found a few ways to keep themselves busy inside as well!  It is amazing to see each day how much more they are busy playing with each other.  Allyx doesn't always do just what Brooke would like her too, but that is just part of growing up.  Things have been pretty quiet around here.  Last weekend Allyx got the flu and was down and out for several days, Brooke did catch it but not as bad.  When the girls are sick it makes me realize how lucky we are that we are usually very healthy.  Still can't believe how big they are getting.  Have a good week.

                                                           Busy playing playdough.

I am not sure what it is about the laundry baskets, but my girls sure love to play in them!

Busy with their horses.

Baby Nolan!

I am proud to announce the birth of my new nephew, Nolan Joseph Nordby!  He was born on February 24th at 6: 39 PM.  He was 8 lbs and 14 ounces and 21 3/4 inches long.  We went home this weekend to see him, and had a baby shower for Laura.  He is so adorable, the girls absoulutely love him. 

Bowling!

The Preschool went bowling this week for a family activity.  Allyx had gotten her shots earlier in the afternoon so she stayed home with Dusty, and I took Brooke bowling.  The kids had a great time!  They got to bowl as much as they wanted, eat pizza, and of course be silly with their friends.  Brooke seemed more interested in sliding on the floor in her socks than actually bowling :)

                                                               Brooke and her friend Haley

                                                                       Brooke and I

Brooke and Mrs. McIntyre

We had a nice time, it was something Brooke has never done before.  Little kids are so enthusiastic, I wish I had that much energy again. 

Wonderful weather in February

This week has been great for February.  I now remember another reason why I love summer so much, the girls get to play outside.  Winter has its benefits also, but being cooped up in the house is not my favorite.  A few days ago the girls where playing outside and riding their little vehicles.  Brooke took the barbie bike and went flying down the hill.  Allyx didn't pay close attention to how she got to the bottom and she tried to ride the firetruck down the steps.  Needless to say it didn't work very well.  She got up and was fine, I did think it was pretty funny!