BABY # 3 IS ON THE WAY!!

Here's the reason for our silent blog for the past few months! We were thrilled to find out in April that I was pregnant again, but knew right away that the next few months would be pretty rough. We were right. Early pregnancy is not kind to me- I'm sick and exhausted for a good 18-20 weeks. We've survived, the house is still standing, and the girls have learned to play independently a lot better now. I'm finally feeling better, and life is returning to normal.

Again, we decided to let the gender of the baby be a surprise for everyone... including us! We have no preference and can't wait to welcome whatever is in store for us! Baby is scheduled to arrive on November 28, 2011. What a blessing!

Goodbye to Great-Grandma Schmitt

On July 9, 2011, Great-Grandma Schmitt joined Great-Grandpa in heaven. I will miss her dearly. She was a tremendously important person to me as I was growing up, and I will always remember the sound of her laugh, her wonderful cooking, her love for God and her family. I hope that my life will be as well-lived as hers was!

We went down to Quincy for her funeral and enjoyed more wonderful times with extended family. Madeline and Evie enjoyed the hotel- especially riding the luggage cart!

Cousins Graceann and Andy and Caitlyn.

Madeline and Evie playing with second cousins Bethany and Anna

Laura, Cousin Annette, and Caitlyn

Bethany, Anna, and Caitlyn

A visit to the farm to see the cows

Madeline was not a fan of the flies!

Evie and Grandpa took a tractor ride

Even though we won't be taking trips to Quincy to visit Great-Grandma anymore, we still plan on continuing our visits, and a big family reunion is planned for next July!

Evening at the Beach

Playgroup families decided to meet up at Centennial Beach on a Friday night for some dinner and swimming. Weather was beautiful, water was refreshing, and time with friends was wonderful!

Evie and her buddy Micah

Evie loves the bathtub, and is quickly loving the beach too!

Despite her hatred for swimming lessons last year, Madeline loves going in the water as long as she doesn't go under!

Madeline and Rori

4th of July

It's getting harder and harder to get a picture of the girls together! This is the best I have of them in their matching dresses.

We were pretty low-key this year. BBQ with G&G Schmitt and Uncle Mark, followed by fireworks for Madeline, Dad, and Grandpa. Evie and I were happy to go home to bed. :)

Trip down to Schuyler County

4th of July weekend we took a short trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa Hay at their property in Schuyler County, IL. Instead of driving, we decided to hop on the train. The girls love being able to move around and see the sights out the train window.

We arrived... Madeline cozying up in her bunk in the trailer.

Saturday morning started early with 4-wheeler rides. Evie was quick to get on, but Madeline decided to wait until later to ride. They enjoyed a 20 minute tour of the property along the trails.

We're ready for the bugs and the sun! But after deciding not to go on the trails, Madeline changed into cooler clothes to be more comfortable in the 90+ heat.

Enjoying a some hammock time with Grandpa

Grin face!

Grandma came prepared with lots of activites- including bubbles, chalk, and a kite.

Madeline decides to take a ride

What fun!

Storytime at the Riverwalk

Another group of people that I'm so grateful for is my playgroup mom friends. They have been a phenomenal support system- especially during the past few months. We usually get together a few times a week for some laughs and adult conversation, and oh yeah... so the kids can play together.

Here we are at the Riverwalk on a Wednesday morning for library storytime.

Avery, Erin, Evie, and Madeline watching the ducks

Reading with Grandma

The girls (and I) look forward to Wednesday afternoons when Grandma Hay comes to visit us! She provides entertainment and excitement for the girls, and a bit of respite for me to take a nap, or maybe even get a few jobs done. She also graciously provided homecooked meals for us during the weeks that I could barely look at food. We're so lucky to have grandparents who are so close and who love us so much!

Happy Father's Day!

Although we didn't have any projects planned for this summer, sometimes the projects seem to find us! At the height of my morning/all-day sickness in May, our water heater decided to give out and leak all over the basement carpet. We quickly got that cleaned up and replaced, but I noticed a few weeks later that we had some water leaking from the main water valve coming in to the house. We realized that it had likely been leaking since I had to turn off the water to the house when the water heater leaked. Although the carpet was wet, we were fortunately able to save it and only replace the carpet pad underneath... after Dan rebuilt some of the cabinets and replaced the water valve. This took 8 weeks due to the fact that life pretty much came to a grinding halt when I got pregnant and could barely take care of myself, much less the kids or the house. House projects got put on hold as Dan just tried to keep us afloat in daily life.

We sure missed using our playroom for those 8 weeks- especially on the hot and rainy days!

But we celebrated Father's Day by finishing the project and getting everything put back together. HOORAY!!

Caitlyn comes to visit!

In early June we got to meet Caitlyn Marie Murray for the first time! She and Aunt Laura came in for a quick visit since our plans to visit them this summer went by the wayside. Caitlyn is a beautiful and happy little baby with bright blue eyes.

Grandma and Grandpa and their girls.

Madeline especially loves playing with Caitlyn. She'll be a great big sister again soon!

The Morning Routine

Because I've felt so miserable, we've been fortunate to have a lot of help lately! Our mornings have started out with Grandpa Schmitt joining us for breakfast and then helping with laundry, cleaning, and getting kids dressed and ready for the day. The girls LOVE the yummy, sugary Fruit Harvest cereal that Grandpa brings over. When Evie sees him at the door, she is overcome with joy and excitement for "Haast" (Harvest)!

Labor Day Parade

Preschool "Step-Up" Ceremony

On the last day of preschool we attended a mini-graduation ceremony. The kids sang a song and did a little show for parents, then got a graduation certificate.

Madeline with her beloved teachers, Mrs. D. and Mrs. Melby.

This picture cracks Dan up! Apparently no one was interested in having their picture taken at the moment.