Relay for Life

I didn't get this post done before we left on vacation.....I was a little busy!

We really enjoyed the Relay for Life this year in Ida Grove. Our Paulsen Team was bigger because several from Holly's family joined us. Her mom, Kelley, is currently undergoing cancer treatment, which made the experience so much more meaningful.

Kailey liked to stay about 15 steps in front of us...

Amy was in charge of the event, but she found time to "join us" (Kailey started these phrases..."Amy, you join us?" and "Amy joined us!")

And we all got to enjoy Sophia!

Me and My Umbrella

Aunt Diane gave Kailey an umbrella her own size. She LOVES it!

Kailey and Tanner

These two are buddies! They were born the same week and they play so well together. Tanner is about to be a big brother to TWIN sisters, so Kailey gives him practice with girl toys! We had the whole family over last week and really enjoyed our time together.





And....the outtakes..........

Forever Friends

Sunday was also a special day because I got to see one of my oldest friends, Courtney. She is actually slightly younger than me, for the record, but we have been friends since we were very small. We haven't had a real conversation for about 15 years. It was awesome to reconnect with her and meet her family. We're looking forward to more time together, as we have a lot to catch up on.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Fourth of July Weekend

We really enjoyed our long weekend! Friday we met Amy and Diane at the zoo. I think everyone else was there, too. That evening we went to Diane's for supper - that's where the Michael Jackson pictures were taken.

I'm sorry to say that Kailey did not see any fireworks on Saturday! She did not have a nap and was melting down way before dark. Maybe next year.

Sunday we headed to Iowa where we had lunch with Grandma and Mom. It was fun to see them!

R.I.P. MJ

I was never a big Michael Jackson fan - almost unbelievable for someone "my age". My sister-in-law, however, is a big fan. We spent Friday evening at Diane's place and she played some of MJ's music and videos. It's hard to deny his unbelievable talent. Kailey was totally into it, dancing and singing and spinning, complete with an MJ hat.

Summer Fun

We have been busy! Craig had a road trip (or air trip) for work so Kailey and I had some girl time. We made the best of it!

We met Grandma for supper, ice cream, and park playing. The park even had a train car to climb on! It wasn't open, but Kailey thought it was pretty cool. She is a HUGE Thomas the Train fan right now.

Kailey and I headed for the zoo, too. Each year my workplace has a summer picnic, and the last two years it's been at the zoo. We get bracelet that allows us to see an IMax movie, ride the train or tram, etc. Basically we do all the things I don't normally pay extra for! There was also a face painter, and she put a cute design on Kailey's arm so she could see it.

Finally, Craig came home! We saved up some fun for him and attended a family reunion last Sunday. It's at a private lake near Nebraska City, and it was an incredibly gorgeous day. We really had a great time.

At the reunion, these two girls were just so sweet to Kailey. Their names are Diamond and Dalia, and they are third cousins to Kailey. We look forward to seeing them again.