I'm Back!

Wow - it has been a long time since my last post! I recently looked through my old posts and really enjoyed reading about our past family adventures and seeing the pictures. I wish I had kept up with the blogging. So much has changed in the last few years, including the birth of our 2nd daughter Lola.

I can't go back and catch up on everything, but I can start back up again. And now that I just got the blogger app for iPhone, I can blog just about anywhere, which hopefully will allow me to blog more consistently.

Join me on this adventure that we call Team Simon!

Tutus!

I have a new hobby - making tutus! I started making and selling tutus this fall. All the tutus I make are custom - meaning you can pick the size and color. My favorite idea is that I make matching tutus for baby dolls. What girl wouldn't love a tutu for her and her doll? If you are anyone you know is interested in the tutus, just shoot me an email.

 

Mother's Day Weekend

Our Mother's Day weekend was jam packed with fun! That Saturday we went to Mascoutah in the afternoon for Lilah's 2nd birthday party (and our first time to meet Laith!) The party was at Scheve Park and Mia loved the playground. After the birthday party, we headed to Tony's with Art, Randa and Scott to celebrate Mother's Day with the Simons. On Sunday, we had lunch after church at Mom & Dad's house to celebrate with the Twenhafels. Sunday afternoon and evening was time for just Jake, Mia and I to celebrate together. Last year I had decided that a tradition I wanted to start was dedicated family nap/snuggle time on Mother's Day. This was definitely my favorite part of the weekend - just hanging out at home with my 2 favorite people!

At Lilah's party at the park!


The Twenhafel Girls


Mommy and Mia

Lauren's Graduation

On May 16, my niece Lauren graduated from University of Illinois with a degree in International Studies. We are so proud of her and all of her accomplishments! We all made the trip to Champaign for the graduation ceremony. I was nervous that Mia would be difficult during the ceremony, but in true Mia fashion - she was awesome! There was a large lobby area that Mia explored while we were waiting for the ceremony to begin. It definitely helped that she could run off some of her boundless energy. Once the graduates started walking into the auditorium, Mia was content sitting on my lap and watching. In fact she made it through almost the entire ceremony and helped cheer for Lauren as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma. Afterwards, we went out for a nice family dinner. Then it was back to Lauren & Adam's apartment to help them pack up. They both decided that they wanted to pack up (neither had really started) and leave that night, so there was a little craziness as they packed and we made trips to load up the car. On the way home, Jake and I both agreed that while we enjoyed our college days and have many memories that we cherish, we are glad to be where we are in life. (I guess we really are getting old!)

Magic House Fun

Here's a little secret....every 3rd Friday of the month, the Magic House is FREE! We decided to meet up with our friends, Sarah & Chris and their little girl Miranda, on the free Friday in May. (Miranda and Mia took gymnastic classes together this past winter.) As we expected, the place was pretty crowded. But the girls had a lot of fun. The slide was a big hit, as was the dollhouse. Also, once the toddler area cleared out a little, the girls loved playing in "the store." I am a big fan of the Magic House and definitely recommend it for a family outing!

Big Girl Hair-do

One Sunday afternoon in May, we were visiting at Grandma Randa and Papa Art's. It was warm outside and Mia had her hair down. So I grabbed a clip and put her hair up in a twist. She looked so grown up, and it goes with out saying, so cute!!

Forest Park

Back in April, we went to the Earth Day Festival in Forest Park. It was a beautiful spring day and we enjoyed being outside. After we walked around the fest, Mia had a blast running around in the grass. Of course we had the camera handy to snap a few pictures.

Peek-a-boo!


Practicing for Senior pictures


I'm going to get your nose!


Mommy & Mia


Forest Park is so much fun!