45 years..Brads parents

Saturday night we surprised Brads parents with an anniversary dinner at Old Town Inn. We invited the immediate family and it was really nice. Then they all came out to our house for awhile for cake and ice cream and to visit. They are wonderful people and really have shown me the love of family and how to make a marriage last. All of Brad's family is just amazing, that is pretty much it in the nutshell.

Trinity family fun festival

Friday night was the festival at Trinity. Talk about fun for Emma. She had a blast. They had lots of things for the kids to do. They had the jumping tents, of course the playground, face painting, games, snocones, pizza..bail and jail, etc. Emma pretty much stayed the whole time on the jumping and inflatable slides and the playground. She enjoyed playing with Camryn on the playground and Damon on the inflatables. It was a gorgeous night for it!!

The band did a tribute to breast cancer awareness and made the symbol in the middle of ohio. They had the spielman family stand down in front....it was very touching and emotional.
One of the highlights for me was seeing Evan Turner and coach Tressel shake hands at the 50 yard line. It was pretty cool.
We went with the Wellers. We always have fun with them and I love this picture of them!!!
This was Emma's first time in the stadium. We took her to a basketball game this year and thought the spring game would be a good start for her..for 5.00 we thought what the heck, if she makes it til halftime that is ok. The game was at 1pm. Emma can usually make it til 2:30 or 3 and then she will crash for a naptime. She made it thru the first quarter and then she crashed on me for an hour. It was still have having her there and we left at halftime anyways because it started to rain. It was fun being in the atsmophere and it made me excited for football season!!!

In Step Dance Pictures...

My little bumblebee....Wow..this was a fun but crazy night...
Emma and her buddies at dance Maggie and Camryn
Emma was so excited to put on her costume and sing her bumblebee song..but I had to remind her that this was not the big recital time. This was just picture night. She was excited for mommy to braid her hair and put a little bit of blush on her face and lipgloss. Once we got to the studio though..she kinda broke down. She was like..what the heck is going on here, this is not my normal routine. I had to go upstairs with her to where they were taking the pictures and then the cries began. Don't leave me mommy...ow boy, I thought this was going to be a disaster!!!! I went in the room with her, and explained what was happening and then she saw the other girls getting there pictures taken, and calmed down. What a 100% turnaround...she got up there and became a total ham!!! Her picture turned out awesome, I can't wait to get them back!

Reds Opening Day

Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds..Brad and I went the day after Easter together. It was a beautiful day! I got Brad the tickets for his 40th Birthday. We had a great time. We went down early and ate at the Big Red Machine Room, and then went over to the hall of fame. They had a flyover, Johnny Bench was the catcher for the first pitch and Ms. Ohio brought the ball to the mound for the beginning. The reds were in the game for awhile, but they played the cardinals..and well, Pulhois decided to hit a few home runs..ow well. We still had a great day together with lots of fun.

EASTER BLESSINGS

Easter morning is one of my favorites...I love getting Emma all dressed up even more special and the joy that is always on peoples faces as we walk into church. There does not seem to be as much s tress as Christmastime. I love how our church creates this beautiful flower cross..

Easter is not complete without an Easter egg hunt and getting lots of candy in my basket. What a joy! It was so nice this year being able to wear summer clothes and be outside in the beautiful weather. We had a great weekend full of family.

Happy 8th Anniversary to US

Today is our 8th anniversary..wow, how time flies, but I will be honest, it feels like we have been married much longer than that! We dated for 4 years before we got married, so I guess we actually have been together for 12 years, now that is more like it. We have been thru alot in those years together. We have suffered a house fire, lost a child, seen all of Brad's grandparents pass away but then be able to have another beautiful child in Emma Karen. Life is good for us though and we have been blessed in so many ways. We have a house, cars, food everyday and clothing, a wonderful family who loves us, amazing friends and an amazing church family at Trinity. Through the good and the bad we have always made it because we love each other, and love is not always an easy thing to keep going. Brad is my best friend and I look forward to the many years we have ahead with one another.