Mother's Day and More

I hope everyone had a nice Mother's Day! Emma and I celebrated twice! Her school hosted a Mother's Day tea for the Kindergarten classes. It was so cute-I got there and Emma took my arm and led me into the music room where all the children put on a little concert/play. Then she took my arm again and led me to our table and pulled out my chair. She was so sweet-she really got into the role of hostess! We had fruit and cookies with our drinks-very ladylike. I am so glad I was able to go but it reminded me how fast she is growing up. She is almost a 1st grader! On Sunday we went to Springfield with my family. We visited the Abraham Lincoln museum and then went to New Salem. Emma loved it-she is so fascinated by history and museums in general. I don't know where she gets it! We had a picnic lunch and walked around talking about how different life used to be. It was a very relaxing and fun day together!

Emma didn't want to sit and have her picture taken with Abe until after we went through the museum-he was a little intimidating. When we were walking to the car she said "I'm ready to sit by Abraham". I guess she felt like she knew enough about him by then-though she still didn't want to sit too close!Emma has really missed her aunts lately. We didn't get to see Rachael since she spent the day with Ryan and their mom but she had a great time with Aunt Alli. I need to spend less time behind the camera -I am really sad that I didn't get any pictures of me and Em together on Mother's Day. I need to remember to pass the camera to someone else once in a while!We ended up rescheduling the photo shoot for this weekend but it was a little windy and chilly. The kids did great anyway and we ended up getting several great shots! I think we will try again when it is a little warmer-and sunnier!

Everyone that has been around me lately knows I have been going crazy keeping a secret! My friend Cari graduated from ISU on Saturday. We threw her a huge surprise party and I can't believe it but it was actually a surprise!! She knew that her family was taking her out to dinner after graduation so they were able to get her to the restaraunt without tipping her off. After dinner we had an after-party at our house and celebrated all that she has accomplished. Cari was so grateful and kept saying how much it meant to her. The turnout alone was a testament to how much she is loved. There were over 70 people there! She is a wonderful wife and mother and was so happy to be going back to school even though it meant juggling everything else. I have always admired her ability to stay positive and enjoy the moment--she is a great example for everyone and an amazing friend. Congratulations Cari-we love you!!!