Erin's Thunder Birthday

The day before we left Kentucky was Erin's 6th Birthday!! She got to open a present and then we headed downtown for Thunder Over Louisville. It is a huge kickoff to the two week party that preceeds the Kentucky Derby. There was an airshow with fighter jets, helicopters, and stunt fliers that lasted almost five hours. There was lots to see. We had a bird's eye view from grandma's office tower on the 31st floor overlooking the Ohio River. Once it was dark we were able to watch the amazing fireworks show. Every time a heart firework appeared Katelyn and Ethan would tell Erin it was just for her- because it was her birthday. How sweet! We had a great time with grandma and grandpa and Megan, Andy and Jason. We're missing you all!

When we got home from KY Erin's bday gift from us was waiting. Her new light blue bike and helmet. She had to wait until the next morning to ride it, and she did great! No more riding her brother's "old junker"!

This is my sweet baby Erin 6 years ago! I love her so much and can't imagine my life without her. I didn't know how my heart could grow enough to love another child, but it has, and more. Erin, I love your personality and spunk, your peacemaker skills, your tippy-toe walk. I love that you are a good student, always willing to help, and such a great sister. You make me smile. I love you Erin!

Let Them Eat Cake

Erin had her birthday in Kentucky this year. The day before her birthday her grandma took her clothes shopping. It was a no-mom affair and they had a great time. Grandma even let Erin pick where she wanted to go to lunch. Erin told her, "I know exactly where I want to go, but I don't know if you want to take me there." Grandma was very obliging and took her to McDonald's!

Erin designed her cake this year. I made it to her specifications. It was a little shorter than she wanted, so next time we'll make it a three layer cake. It sure was tasty though!


Aunt Megan and Miss K

Cousin Jason was loving all the sugar!

Jeff and Ethan like it too!

Fun at the Zoo

We had a great time at the Louisville Zoo. Jeff and I took the kids, and my sister Megan and her son Jason came with us too. The weather was perfect and the three hour walk really used up some energy!

We saw bald eagles nesting, tigers, big crocs, and the penguins. They were very stinky but way cool to see them so close. There was a thick plexiglass wall separating them from us. The penguins were very active and one kept swimming right up to the glass.

This one particular monkey was very fun. It was eating some food right up next to the glass. All the kids got a chance to see it and they were fascinated for a while. Who knew monkeys liked to eat corn on the cob?

And some more fun playing around on statues. It was a great day at the zoo!

** Click on the collage pictures to make them bigger**

Pampering

Erin got to go with her mom and grandma to go get a pedicure. It was a big girls' outing, no Katelyn. Erin got to soak her feet and then she picked a light blue color to paint her toes. No surprises there! She loved it, as did I. Hopefully we haven't ruined her forever. I'm sure this won't happen again for a very long time!

Slugger Museum

While in Louisville, and being inspired by the Bats game, we headed downtown to the Slugger Museum. They make about half of all the baseball bats made for the major league players. We got a tour of the factory and had some fun exploring downtown.
The kids on the giant glove sculpture.

Our family next to the humungo bat outside the building.

Yes, it really is THAT big!

Easter Morn

The Easter Bunny found us in Kentucky. The kids got awesome baskets filled with lots of goodies. Ethan and Erin also got a Webkinz, and Katelyn got a Little People set. When Erin saw her Lil' Seahorse Webkinz she said, "The Easter Bunny read my mind. He got me exactly what I wanted!!" That Bunny is amazing!

All of us ready for church on Easter Sunday.

Bats Game

After our egg dyeing adventures it was time to go to the baseball game. I was really glad that my dad was there to teach Ethan a little about the sport since Jeff and I are mostly non-sporty people. The kids liked having some ball park snacks and watching the game even though it was a little chilly. The Bats won the game which made it even more fun.
Katelyn gets some cuddles from grandpa to warm up.

After the game was over Ethan got to meet the mascot and even got a ball autographed by one of the players.