On Sharing Clothes

It's nice to have a cousin who is willing to share her clothes...

Sophie Olivia Uhl July 2008

Colleen Jennifer Rees May 2011

On Tummy Time

On Curb Appeal: The Rees Home

While Colleen and I were in Ohio going to parties and visiting family, my husband and his good friend Steve Kibler did a lot of work on the outside of our house.  I didn't know what all he did until I came home!

They power washed the front porch, added the white bench and table, and cleaned and re-painted the green table and chairs!

Mulched all the flower beds and the trees Steve bought us for a house warming present when we moved.

Re-arranged the rocks and added some pretty flowers around the mailbox.

They bought some potted plants and two pepper plants.

A tomato plant too!

They also re-arranged the back deck to make it easier to use the grill.

Thanks Tom and Steve!  It looks great!

On Colleen's First (Of Many) Trip to Ohio

Soon after Colleen was born, my mom mentioned about taking a trip to Ohio for Colleen to meet her great grandmas, cousins, uncles, and other members of my extended family.  At the time, I wasn't sure I could do it.  The thought of traveling through fours states in the car with her was a little overwhelming. Especially since Tom would be working and not be able to travel with us.

However, as the weeks went by, I started to feel more comfortable with the idea and realized that a trip home sounded perfect.  My brother and I were able to work out to come home at the same time.  (Which was good because he is now in San Fransisco for a summer internship).  Also, it was happened to be the weekend of my nephews James and Owen's first birthday party.

My mom was awesome and flew down to North Carolina in order to drive to Ohio with Colleen and I.  (She then drove back with me after our trip and flew back to Ohio).  Colleen was great in the car; sleeping pretty much the entire trip and only getting a little fussy here and there.  Of course, I'm sure she won't always ride this well in the car, but it was a great first trip!

A stop at Tamarack in West Virginia was enjoyed by Colleen with her eyes closed.

A little fun time at my parents house studying up on some football plays.

Luckily, Mom and Dad had a swing.  One of Colleen's favorite activities!

Kyle putting the wagon together for James and Owen's birthday gift from my parents.

Thursday, May 19th was the actual day of the boys' birthday.  Kara and Andy had a celebration at their house to celebrate the day and then a party for family and friends the following Saturday.  Here are some pictures from Thursday's party.

 Owen, Sophie, and James loved the wagon!

 Kara bought the boys' birthday hats on Etsy.  Owen was the only one who was able to keep his on long enough for a picture!

 Owen enjoyed his chocolate cake!

James did too!

On Friday, the five of us (Mom, Dad, Kara, Kyle, and myself) along with Colleen and Sophie went to Baba to celebrate Mother's Day.  

The party on Saturday was fun!  The weather (which had been rainy for the last several weeks) was perfect.  Sunny and warm.  About twenty kids or so were there with bubbles, pinwheels, and large gym balls- a good time was had by all!  Plus, Colleen was able to meet her Great Grandma Mangan and Great Grandma Gebhart.

 Andy and Owen.

 A picture of the grand babies.

Mom and Dad with all their grand kids.

Kara and James.

James saying goodbye to Colleen.

It was a wonderful weekend and I'm so glad I was able to go.  I know Colleen may not remember the trip, but I always will!

On Thumb Sucking

I sucked my thumb until I was well into elementary school.

Colleen might be in trouble...

On My First Mother's Day

Today, Mother's Day, took on a whole new meaning.  Tom and Colleen made it very special.  Take a look!

Check out this awesome Mother's Day banner that my sister-in-law Christine made.

This is the breakfast Tom made for me.

Where is Colleen?  

Mom and daughter

A walk in the park...

What a perfect day!

On a Visit with KimE, Don, Max, and Steve

Last weekend Tom, Colleen, and I drove out to Raleigh to visit our friends and to celebrate Steve's 30th birthday.  We had a great time eating pizza, catching up, and playing with all the kids' toys!