Annie looks like....

As a parent you're used to people telling you who they think your kids look like. When Rachel was born I would hear people say that she looked like me but I didn't see it. To me she was all Scott, especially those eyes. When Annie was born all I could see was Rachel. As the months passed I could slowly see the resemblance between her and I. Tonight I was digging around some old photos and came across a few of my baby pictures. The photos aren't in the best of shape, thanks to my brilliant idea to keep them stored in our old garage ALL year round. I would not suggest doing that. But back to my point. I was amazed to see just how much Annie looks like me as a baby! Especially in the last photo.


Seriously, I had some great hair!
I wonder what product Mom used.


Mom & Dad, looking good.


This one...I see a little of Annie


Put Annie on an ugly couch and
a plaid jumper and this is her.

Dance Class

Rachel had her first dance class tonight and she seemed to enjoy it. She took one class last spring so she knew what to expect. It was 45 min long and parents were only allowed to come in during the last 5 min. As much as I wanted to watch, I'm getting used to the fact that I can't always be by her side. We should get her dance costume in the mail in few weeks and I'm afraid I'll have to hide it from her or she'll try wearing it to school! Speaking of school, it's going VERY well. She already has two new friends that she plays with and she loves recess and circle time. Today I asked her if she had a good day and she said, "Mom, I did my personal best today!" Enough said!

Annie was busy tonight running around and wearing one of Rachel's dress-up skirts. I tried several times to take video of her but she moves too quickly. She rarely stays in one place for more than a few seconds. She also discovered that Rachel's baby doll stroller works GREAT to help her get those toys that are out of her reach. Yes, a little dangerous but it was funny to watch.


Princess in training






No babies were harmed for
this photo


Ahhh yes, that's the one I've been trying
to get.

What a nice, long weekend. Friday night we hung out with the girls and ran a few errands. We left Sat afternoon for Cascade and took Rachel on her first canoe trip. I wish I had taken pictures but canoes and cameras don't mix. We went on a short route and it only took us a few hours. The river was down and the weather was beautiful. We found HUGE millipede on a sandbar and decided we, ok me, should bring it home. I love almost all bugs but even this one made my skin crawl. I'm hoping Rachel will agree that we should let Harry go in a few days. I'm not exactly sure how to take care of a millipede and I don't want to be held responsible if he dies.

Sat night I went to my 15 year class reunion in Cascade. I didn't plan on going but I'm glad I did. I enjoyed catching up with some of my friends that I haven't seen in years. It's been a long time since I've closed a bar down but time flies when you have 15+ years to talk about.

Today we got up early and took the girls the Kids Parade downtown. This usually happens on the 4th but it was delayed because of the flood. There we a ton of people downtown for the races but not many people for the parade, which usually draws hundreds of people. BUT, we didn't want to miss it and Rachel had fun riding her bike. The rest of today will be spent doing laundry and relaxing. There are fireworks tonight and I hope we can just take the girls in their PJ's and find somewhere to watch them in the car.


Pete, Travis, Amy, Me, Doug


Kerry, Amy, Amy, Me


Harry


Ewwwwwww


Waiting for the Kids Parade to start


We found these crazies walking around


Obviously Annie LOVES parades

The First Day of Kindergarten

All is well at the Lester house! I'm actually glad this day is over. Now we start adjusting to early bedtimes, packed lunches and HOMEWORK!!!

Rachel did so well this morning. She woke up, got dressed and ate breakfast, no issues...which is rare most mornings. Sam came over early so we could take pictures of both of them before they left for their schools. We took Rachel early and met up with her teacher while we were putting her backpack away. Mrs. Utterback took Rachel by the hand and walked her all the way to the cafeteria. They enjoyed a nice discussion about bugs and butterflies and Rachel was all smiles. All the kids lined up with their classes in the cafeteria and they left for their classrooms after the first bell. Rachel got right up, looked at us, gave us a kiss & hug, waved and off she went. She never looked back, not once. I of course was left standing there, in tears. Scott assured me she would be just fine and it would only be a few hours. I had no doubt she would have a great day. It was just this overwhelming feeling that I was losing my little girl. I know Rachel is independent but I couldn’t believe how much bigger she seemed today.

I picked Rachel back up at 12:15 and I was anxious to hear all about her day. She gave me a kiss, told me and missed me and when I asked how the first day of school went, all she said was "Mom, we didn't even go outside today!!!!" That's it. That was her WHOLE day. She will have a full day tomorrow so I'm sure she'll have more stories to share.

Sam & Rachel


Ready to go!!!!





Rachel & Mrs Utterback


Even Annie was ready to see her go.

Well, tomorrow is the day we've been talking about since Rachel was born. Her FIRST day of kindergarten. I'm excited but I don't think I'm ready to let her go yet. She went to preschool for two years but only a few days a week and only a few hours each day. This is ALL day, five days a week!! We took her in tonight so she could meet her teacher and drop off her supplies. Her teacher is Mrs. Utterback and she's new this year at Madison. Rachel introduced herself and said she was very excited about starting school tomorrow. I actually started to tear-up when we first walked into the room and we saw her cubby with her name on it. I think it just finally hit me, she's growing up and there isn't anything we can do to stop it. I can only imagine what kind of mess I'll be tomorrow morning when I drop her off. I'm sure she'll give me a hug, tell me she loves me and off she'll go. I guess I should be thankful that I'll be the one crying and not her!!!!

Zoo Weekend

Scott and I took Friday off and took the girls to the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley with my parents. We took Rachel to this zoo when she was two an it's the perfect size for small kids. Thankfully it was overcast and cool out and it didn't get hot or humid until we left.

Rachel loved the new exhibits, especially the chance to feed exotic birds. Annie liked everything, especially riding on Scott's shoulders and the carousel. After the zoo we stopped for a late lunch at Granite City and headed back to Cascade. We spend the rest of the night playing outside at the farm and going on golf cart rides. Thanks so mom and dad for feeding us for three days, especially the awesome birthday dinner on Thursday night. GREAT meatloaf mom!!!

I'm going out tonight with my girlfriends. No husbands. No kids. Rachel has a birthday party tomorrow afternoon and that's about it. I plan on doing a whole lot of nothing on Sunday...as usual.


Everyone, except Scott


Rachel & Grandma


Annie & Grandpa


Annie liked riding on Scott's shoulders, and
holding onto his hair for balance.






Annie was not thrilled with the goats


Rachel's favorite part of the day,
feeding the birds with Grandpa

\


Rachel & Annie.


Very fitting, don't you think?


Yes, the Strang name is totally awesome.

Last Weekend

I was organizing photos and realized I forgot to add a post from last week. We spent last weekend in Manchester with Scott's family. His sister Lori and her family were home and the kids enjoyed playing together. We took all the kids to the Manchester pool on Saturday and had a great time. The pool wasn't at all busy, which is usually not the case here in CR.

Saturday night we grilled out and had our own "dance party" for the kids...and Aunt Lori. Let's just say Lori has not lost any of her dance moves and I laughed until I cried watching her. Hey Lou, maybe can pass on your "running man" skills to Rachel!


Scott & the girls


Annie and I


Lori, Mike, Ella & Trey


Annie & Ella

Happy Birthday Miss Annabelle!!!

This time last year we were in the hospital, preparing for our lives to change yet again. It's been such an amazing year Annie has been such a blessing to us. She's such a happy baby and Rachel enjoys being her big sister...most of the time! We had our families over yesterday afternoon for her party and we had friends over later in the evening for a get together. It was a long day but Annie was champ for all of it.

She had fun walking around and going from lap to lap. Her favorite part of the day was the CAKE. We had a feeling she would prob eat half of it. We had no idea she would instantly dig into it and eat the entire thing. It was 30 minutes of non-stop eating. She was covered in cake from head to toe and she enjoyed every minute of it, and we did too. After taking a bath and playing it was time for nap #2 of the day. She slept a few hours and got back up around 8pm, had some pizza and went back to bed for the night.

This morning we got up early (ok, 8am but that's early for us on the weekend!) and to have breakfast at Hy-Vee. Annie enjoyed some pancakes and then we came back home and cleaned, cleaned...and cleaned some more. Scott's running errands this afternoon and both girls are napping. After I finish this, I'm prob going to take a nap too!

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate!!! A BIG thanks to the Felbers for taking Rachel on Friday night so we could get ready!


ready to go!


approx 2.5 seconds later









...and she finally hits a wall.


Annie and Papa


Quinn & Rachel

Annie's One Year Pictures

My friend Stacey took these on Friday night for us. It only took about 10 min in her backyard and we LOVE them. She turns one in just ONE week...where has the year gone???