We had a mega-crazy Grand Forks weekend! We headed to GF on Friday evening. Sunday morning we went to St Michael's catholic church for the confirmation of our niece, Gabriella (Gabby).
My sis-in-law, Laura, threw a wonderful confirmation party/reception at her house after the ceremony. Check out the beautiful cake!
Gabby next to her cake. She was so incredibly beautiful! Even I got a little choked up when she came down the aisle and took her seat for confirmation!
Gabby's amazing hair...
A full view of her beautiful dress.
Travis and I sitting with Uncle Heiko, who was visiting from the east coast. Heiko is originally from South Africa, and we have had some great conversations about our South Africa adventures!
Later on we all gathered for Jaylin's party, and kicked the party off by watching the Preakness together! Even the kids were glued to the screen during the race! It's so exciting to have a new Triple Crown contender!
Sophia and Magdalene. Just love the cousin-time!
The boys always attack Travis!
Sophia and the littlest cousin, sweet little Ava
Belly profiles! I'm 19.5 weeks along, and my sis-in-law Laura is about 32... notice that I look as big as her??!! In the last week or two I have "popped!" In other baby news, I had my 18 week pre-natal checkup a couple of weeks ago and had gained another 2.5 lbs (up 7.5 total) and the baby's heart rate is 148... and the old wive's tale says that anything over 140 is a girl! I also felt the baby really pressing against my stomach this weekend... I have no trouble feeling the baby from the OUTSIDE now!
The 3 eldest cousins graced us with a "Hill Billy Hoedown" performace in the new barn. See the post below for hilarious videos!
Lindsey's family is hosting a bulldog puppy, Bentley, until he can find a new owner... Little cousin Gunner looks like he might want to buy him! :)
Cousins! 2nd cousin Mairie is in the mix too, standing next to Sophia.
Sophia was trying to feed the new horse, JC, straw during the hoe-down.
Jaylin's birthday cake! Jaylin is 10 now! She was Sophia's age when I first met her. Wow.
Gabby and Ava...
The next day, Sunday, Sophia and I spent the morning hanging out with Carmen while the boys went golfing. Sophia tortured the dogs for quite a little while! (The dogs were all VERY good sports!)
I had to take a picture of the beautiful old barn... I don't think it will be up much longer! The horses still like to get away from the flies in there. I don't know why they prefer it over the new barn!
LOTS of 4-wheeling! Sophia went down the long driveway with Grandma to fetch the mail!
Sophia was very busy making a "salad"
The boys finally returned! I thought Grandpa Ralph was pushing things when he put 3 grandkids on the 4-wheeler...
But then he one-upped that and managed to get 4!
Travis and his sister, Lindsey, worked with two of the horses in an arena. Travis is on Katie and Lindsey is on Lacey. All Quarter horses!
Little Ava watching the equine action...
Sophia on the 4-wheeler... Travis lets her ride on the motorcycle and she LOVES steering, honking, and revving the engine! Little redneck!
Grandma Carmen, Lindsey, and Travis went for a ride on JC, Lacey, and Katie!
After a day of 4-wheeling, horsing around, and living outside all the little cousins needed a bath before we headed to Travis' cousin, Sammy's, graduation party!
Sammy's big party wish was to have a blow-up jousting game. The kids loved using it as a bouncer!
Little DJ attempting to joust with an older neighbor boy...
Sophia tried jousting, but had trouble holding up the jousting stick!
