Father's Day Interview

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy in the World!!!  Mackenzie and I thought it would be special to document, in her own words, some of the many reasons why she loves her Daddy!  Hope you enjoy! 

oops, we had a little technical difficulty, but don't worry, the show will go on:)

Love you, Daddy!  Happy Father's Day from your biggest fan!

Little Swimmer

Mackenzie started swim lessons this week.  She is taking a 3 week course, 4 days a week.  She has the same swim instructor as last year, Kate, who she adores.  So far, she has jumped off the diving board twice, swam several strokes to her instructor and back WITHOUT a floatie, and swam the full lenght of the pool (there and back) during class with a floatie.  I am so proud of my sweet 4 year old!  I sometimes forget that she's still just a little girl, even though she's doing all these big kid things! 

Here's a few video's of our little swimmer!  Enjoy!

                     *swimming a few strokes without floaties:

*swimming the length of the pool (this is lap 2!)

 *jumping off the diving board for the 1st time this summer
 (if you listen closely, you will hear her ask her teacher kindly "can you move a little closer?"  She was trying so hard to be brave!)

Way to go, Kenzie!  We are so proud of you!

Happy 66th, Mom!

Happy birthday to the most amazing Mother in the World!  I am so blessed to have had your influence through the years.  I have such wonderful and loving memories of growing up through my childhood, and have loved becoming good friends in my adulthood.  You continue to inspire me in your giving and selfless ways.  I love you dearly.  Happy 66th!

*sorry for the poor quality of your bday video.  I'm not sure why it cut out, but couldn't pass up posting this bday seranade. 

Party of 7

Over Memorial Day Weekend, we hosted the Limburg family for 5 days (big sis Melissa, brother-in-law David, and 5 kids).  The last time they were at our new house, was when we were in contract; before we officially owned it.  Our realtor set up a showing for us, so we could walk them through the house.  It was so fun this time around to get to enjoy the new house together, and we had plenty of room for everyone.  In fact, they have already booked their next trip this July, and lucky for them, the Buzzard Hotel is available.  We can't hardly wait to have them back!

Here are some of my favorite memories from when they were here:

Kenzie and Sam were the first two up everyday.  I loved coming down the stairs and seeing Kenzie sitting with my sister and her sweet son, and having their morning conversation.

Having a table full of kids at mealtime was always a blast, and full of laughter!  Melissa and I had a good assembly line going on at mealtime...we were like modern day Lavern and Shirley.

Playtime between the kids was one of my favorite memories.  With 7 kids under one roof, you would assume that there would be some arguments or issues sharing.  There were honestly NO arguments or issues.  The kids played unbelievably well and enjoyed having playmates in each other.  

We had a cookout (which turned into a cook-in thanks to weather) where great-grandma Monty got to meet baby Sam for the first time.  Watching the joy in my Grandma's eyes as she played with all her greatgrandkids melted my heart! 

Watching my children, and neices and nephews, be a part of my little sister's wedding was very special.  They all took their role very seriously and were so proud to be a part of her special day.

 Getting some "girl time" with my sister was my very favorite party though.  From quiet car rides without kids, to our late night snacks and talks til midnight, to a few meals (like at the reception) where we weren't worried about kids was fabulous!  I just wished that she lived closer so we could do this more often!

Watching the Dad's and their daughters dancing for hours on end at the wedding was so sweet.  The girls were like little princesses dancing with their princes.  It is a moment that I am sure the Dad's nor their daughters will ever forget.

The day after Em's wedding, my parents had the "Barth" family over for pizza.  It was so fun for me to see my children playing with my cousin's children.   I have such fond memories of family get togethers and playing with my cousins over the years.  It was so special to see our kids now playing together.

Our house sure misses seeing these sweet faces cuddled up on the couch in the morning. We are counting down the days until July when you return!  Love and miss you!

Emily's Wedding

My little sister, Emily, got married this past weekend.  How is it that my little side kick growing up is now old enough to be married?  I have been in wedding mode for months now, planning Emily's bachelorette party weekend, assisting the bride in a trip to Cinci to find her dream dress, attending bridal showers, ordering wedding attire, and preparing for my older sister (and family of 7) to arrive and stay with us for the week. 

After weeks of rain, the weather turned out beautiful for Emily and Cody's wedding.  All their planning and hard work paid off, and everything went off without a hitch.  The flower girls (Mackenzie and cousins Rachel and Anna) loved every moment of being dressed like a princess, and took great pride in throwing their rose petals.  The ring bearers (Caleb and cousin Jonathan) were ridiculously cute in their tuxedos, and although Caleb didn't go down the aisle, he did great during the wedding/reception.  We couldn't be happier for the happy couple, and wish them much health, love and happiness in their journey together! 

Here are some (and by some I mean a TON) of pictures from their special day.  Congratulations, Emily and Cody!  Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!

Friday afternoon, Bridesmaid's Luncheon:

Friday night, Rehersal Dinner at River Club at Confluence Park:

the bride visiting the kids during dinner (clearly they were loving the menu selection:)

Me and brother-in-law David

My older sister Melissa and sweet son Samuel

Cousins Lauren and Ashley (I miss these girls)

Bridal Party and Spouses (my sweet hubby took the kids home early to bed, so I could enjoy

a fun night out)

Saturday morning:  Getting updo's:

Em getting ready for her groom

Enjoying a little pampering

Saturday afternoon:  getting ready at the church:

Me and my baby sister, and my baby girl Kenzie

Emily and her flower girls

Sisters and their kids

the boys getting dressed in their tuxedos

sweet and shy "J"

could these boys be any cuter in their tuxedos?

Cody and Caleb

and I had to add this pic of my nephew, Sam in his bow tie

Wedding Ceremony:

                             Mom being escourted by grandson and usher, Michael

big sister Melissa

Me, trying not to trip on my dress

My nephew Jonathan, who went down without his cousin Caleb

Flower girls:  Anna, Mackenzie and Rachel

beyond precious

Giving away his last daughter

How gorgeous is the back of this dress?

waiting on his bride (something he will have to get used to:)  Love ya, Em!

                                                           the Happy Mr. and Mrs. Coppel

After wedding pictures:

Barth Family Picture

Bridal Party

Family Pic

Me and my sweet son

My wonderful Mother-in-law who helped out before, during and after the wedding and reception!

Reception at The Athletic Club of Columbus:

eating appetizers at Cocktail Hour

The proud parents

Checking in with Jeremy and Kids at reception (thank you and your parents for all you did)!

Nana and Sam

Kenzie hanging with the happy couple

Melissa and sweet Sam

Bouqet Toss

Posing with the bride and her bouqet after the toss.  She was so excited. Sorry, Rachel! :)

Father/Daughter Dance

Can't believe one day these daddies will share in their own father/daughter dances!

Electric Slide

Kenz and Grandpa Buzzard gettin' down.  Thanks for all your help on and off the dance floor:)

The Groom and Flower Girls

The Bride and Flower Girls

Gettin' Jiggy

Kenz and Anna cuttin' a rug

These girls danced ALL NIGHT LONG!

Dancing with Grandpa Barth

Sunday afternoon, Cookout at the Coppels:

Samantha, Kenzie and Rachel

Rachel and Caleb

Sunday Night:  Pizza at Nana and Grandpa's with Barth Family:

Barth Family Grandkids (only about 1/2 of them)!

As you can see, it was an action packed couple of days, and I haven't even posted yet about hosting my big sister Melissa and her family of 7 (coming soon).  Congrats to the Happy Couple!  We love you!