Happy Birthday Kyle

Our buddy Kyle turned 6 on April 5th. We missed the celebration because we were camping. So, on Sunday we had a cookout for Kyle. We had hamburgers and hot dogs. Sorry this is so late. We love you Kyle. I hope age 6 is a great year for you. Michelle, Maddie, and Kelsey Jamie and Ben

Don't let the cake sit in the sun, even if it is only 64 degrees outside.

We got Kyle a WORM FARM

and some PopShotz

Steve and Kyle

Conner received lots of kisses.

and he gave a few kisses .

Camping

We took our first camping trip of 2010 this weekend in our new camper. We went to a place in Derby, IN. It is actually a place that rents out cabins on the Ohio River, but they had some campsites too. We were on top of a cliff with an amazing view of the Ohio River. It was the most peaceful place we have ever camped and we were the only ones there. It was truly beautiful. The weather was perfect. The night sounds and the view of the stars made us remember why we camp. To get away from the city, the computer, the cell phones, the laundry, and the housework. It was very peaceful. As some of you may know, there is not a darn thing to do in Derby, IN. On Saturday, we drove up the Interstate to O'Bannon Woods Sate Park and looked around. We spent several hours there walking, exploring, and riding in the wagon. Conner had a picnic lunch at the Lookout of the Ohio. On the way back to camp, we stopped and had a late lunch at the "Overlook Restaurant" in Leavenworth. It was a place I had always wanted to go too. It was a great day. We enjoyed our weekend away.This is our picture window in our camper. It is right by Conner's pack in play where he sleeps. When he woke up, I opened the blinds, and he spent some time taking in the view. The sun was so bright Saturday morning that we only captured the shadows. Hiking O'Bannon Woods State Park.

Walking through the Nature Center

Conner was pointing to everything and grunting.

The Overlook at O'Bannon. Conner had his lunch on a table here.

The boy loves his wagon. This time, he rode it til the wheel fell off.

Our campsite

Cliffs and Rocks everywhere.

Our view was great.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to all of our Blog Followers. Today has been the best day. What beautiful weather we are having. The temperature is perfect and the sun is bright. It is wonderful. Today, we went to mass and then out to eat for breakfast. While we were gone, the Easter Bunny came and left a card and an Easter basket full of goodies for Conner. He hid the eggs we decorated on the Living Room floor. The Easter Bunny has been good to Conner this year. We then went out and planted 3 pots of Magic Jelly Beans. To our surprise, they grew plants during our afternoon nap. We spent the entire day outside playing. It has been so much fun and the day isn't over yet. Hard telling what we will get into next. Have a great Easter everyone.

Conner's Blog

Two people told me today that they didn't know Conner had his own blog. One of those people was my little sister. Someone told Steve that a while back too. Yes, Conner has his own blog and it is a book of every little move he makes. He doesn't have any secrets, because his mom shares it with everyone. Poor little man. You can get to his blog by clicking on his icon in the left hand column of our blog. "The adventures of Conner" icon. Or you can go to it by typing his address into your search box. http://www.theadventuresofconner.blogspot.com/ We will print this blog out every year into a blog book for Conner to have as his baby book. ENJOY!!!!!!!

The Camper is Here

Our new camper made it home Sunday. It is even better than I remember it in January. We are trying to get it filled up and ready to roll. Conner loves going in and playing around in it. He sees something new every time he goes in. It is like a new home to explore for him. We can't wait to plan our first trip and try it out.

What's New?

Well, it has been over a month since I have updated this blog. We haven't done anything as a family that is picture worthy or blog worthy. We are staying busy as usual. That happens when you own a business, both work outside the home, and have a 10 month old on the move.

Steve has been busy working outside getting everything spruced up for spring. It looks so nice and fresh. He has been working hard. Our next step is planting some potted plants and doing some landscaping around the back patio. Our old swing/ glider bit the dust at the end of the summer last year so it retired to the landfill. We have since replaced it with a new one. That is very exciting. Conner and I spent many hours in our swing last summer over our 3 month maternity leave. It could calm him in an instant and put him right to sleep. I am looking forward to many summer nights on our swing together.

I have been spending many hours planning Conner's 1st Birthday bash which is right around the corner. In seven weeks, the boy will be ONE. I can't believe it. I am making his invitations and getting a jump start on shopping for the big day. I am really excited. That is my project at hand. Although, I always have a few on the back burner.

Steve is in Chicago right now picking up our camper. If your remember, we went there in the beginning of January to look at one. We bought it that day, but had to leave it because the roads were ice covered. We told them we would be back in the spring when Chicago thawed out. We have been itching to get it home and hit the woods where we like to spend our summers. We have several trips planned and one maybe as early as April 9th. We'll see.

Camping is going to be fun but challenging this summer. Conner is into everything and starting to walk. So, campfires and things on the ground that look YUMMY are going to be a challenge for us. We may be more exhausted than rested when we get home from our weekends. He does love to be outside and that will be fun for him. When we walk out to the garage. We ask him what he wants and he points to his Red Wagon and grunts until he gets put in it. He would ride in that thing for hours if you would pull him. The whole time making the motor noises.

Conner is enjoying more overnights with his grandparents which I have found are getting easier on me. I now look forward to my time off and get excited for him to spend one on one time with his grandparents. He does so well, or so they all tell me. He knows his grandparents and gets excited when he sees them. I love the looks on all of their faces when they greet each other. It is like new life has been brought to mine and Steve's parents. Grandparents were a very important part of my childhood and Steve's too. I am so glad that Conner has his 4 grandparents close by to spoil him.

So, that is what we are doing here at the Elfreich house. Getting ready for spring, camping, and a birthday party. The winter was way too cold and way too long. We all have cabin fever. If it is nice outside, you won't find us in the house. We are usually on a walk, in a swing, or on a stroll.

I hope everyone has a great spring.

A Surprise Engagement Party

On Saturday night, one of Andrea's friends threw her a surprise engagement party. It was at the Miller House in Owensboro. It was a great night. Great food, Great company, Great Fun. Afterwards, we went to the firehouse to see Byron. We got a tour of the house and got to see what he does every day. It was the highlight of my evening. It was like a field trip for old people. I won't bore you with the pictures. My dad, Steve, and Conner hung out at Mom and Dad's house for a boy's night.

Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day was extra special. I had not one, but two valentines to share it with. My sweet boys. Conner made a gift for each of us. He made his daddy a finger painting and he made me a collage of pictures of him or him and I. It was the best gift ever. He did such a great job and put a lot of thought into it. Thanks Conner. His painting for daddy. His gift to his mommy.

Meeting Baby Abigail

Tonight, Steve, Conner, and I went to Santa Claus, so the boys could meet their new cousin/niece. We ate dinner and visited with everyone. Conner and Sophie had fun playing together as usual. Conner stared at the baby a lot and wanted to touch her. He is pretty rough right now not knowing how soft to touch, so he just got to look at her. I think he liked her.

Everyone is doing great and adjusting well. Conner and Sophie sitting in the Rockers. Abigail, Sophie, and Conner

Those two know how to cheese for a Camera.

Welcome Baby Wollenmann

My sister, Stephanie and Brother- in- law, Tim welcomed a little girl into the world today. Abigail Rose Wollenmann was born at 4:24 p.m.. She weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. She is absolutely beautiful. She seems so tiny. They called and told Sophie and Tim's sister said her eyes got really big. She was excited. She wanted a sister. Congratulations to everyone.

Andrea and Abby Byron, Andrea, and Abby

G-Daddy and his new granddaughter

Abby

Fuzzy hair

Mommy, Daddy, and Abby

Granddaddy and 2 of his 6 girls

Mommy and Abigail