First Communion in Wichita

Our Godson/nephew, Preston, celebrated his First Communion yesterday in Wichita. I was glad we were able to make the trip to celebrate his special day.

Preston with his parents (Joe's brother Mike and his wife Tammy) Preston with the Godparents (Joe and I)

Preston and the Grandparents (Grammy and Papa Schartz)

We couldn't go to Wichita without stopping for a little shopping at Bradley Fair. I didn't have much luck with the shopping (did not make any purchases) but we had fun out by the water looking at the duck.

Busy Busy Saturday

Kira celebrated her First Communion on Saturday. She had her retreat on Friday evening. Then, Saturday was the big day. Early Saturday afternoon Kira had dance recital pictures at the dance studio. We had to pull her hair up and she was sprayed head to toe with glitter. After dance pictures we had to race home for Kira to take her second shower of the day. She wanted to wear her hair down for her First Communion so she had to rewash her hair and wash off her glitter. Then we had to get her to the church by 4:00 p.m. to take her First Communion pictures.

Kira with Father Don

A preview of Kira's dance recital outfits

Kira's jazz outfit

Keylee isn't in dance yet but she sure wanted to be a part of the pictures

Kira's ballet outfit

Happy Easter from Big Cedar Lodge!

We enjoyed a long and fabulous weekend at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri. We have made several trips to Big Cedar Lodge over the years with my family. In fact, we celebrated my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary there almost two years ago. At that time, we had a photography studio take a family photo with the entire family (my parents, sisters and each of our families). Big Cedar Lodge used that photo in their brochure which they send out to people who make reservations with them. During this past weekend, a lady at the Easter egg hunt asked my Dad if we were the family she saw in her brochure. The Easter Bunny greeted us as we checked in.

Kira getting ready for the egg hunt which she takes VERY seriously.

Keylee really wasn't sure what to do but she managed to gather six eggs.

Keenan also takes the egg hunt seriously. He told us his route and plan for the egg hunt but wouldn't let us repeat it out loud as he thought the other kids would follow him.

Each time we visit Big Cedar the kids take a short horseback ride. This year was Keylee's first (and super short) ride.

Keenan has been hesitant in the past but this year he was ready to ride "Chester." The one who really loves riding the horses is Kira but I didn't seem to snap a good picture of her. I will post more pictures later.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY BRIGGS!!

Happy Birthday to my nephew Briggs (actually my great nephew but that is just hard for me to come to grips with)! Most of you know that I am the youngest of 4 girls. Shelbie is my oldest sister's daughter and she has a son that is celebrating his 1st birthday! We traveled back to Dodge City over spring break to attend his party. My niece Shelbie, Briggs' mother, made his cake. I had no idea she had that kind of talent.

My niece, Shelbie with her son Briggs.

Finally a picture with Shelbie's husband Daniel in it. Briggs is riding the bull his Uncle Isaac gave him. (Isaac is Shelbie's brother)

Keylee had to take a turn on the rocking bull with Isaac, to her right, giving her some riding instructions.

Dave and Buster's

We were lucky to see Joe's brother, James, over spring break. James traveled to Kansas City and we took a quick road trip to meet him for dinner at Dave and Buster's. We had a great time eating and playing games. It was great to see James!

First the food. . . Then the games (Joe and Keenan)

Kira and Keylee racing their motorcycle

more games . . . .

Kira, Keenan and Keylee with Uncle James and their prizes!!

Final Wrestling Tournament of the Year

My sister and her son Gage were able to go to Champman and see Keenan's last wrestling tournament a couple weekends ago.

Keenan with his cousin Gage

Vist From Aunt Tam Tam

My sister and her dog, Lexus, came for a visit a few weekends ago. The kids always love it when she comes and it was nice for Joe and I as we were able to go bowling and have dinner with friends.