Schreiners, Schreiners, and more!

The last few days have been so fun -- the Idaho Schreiners and the Iowas Schreiners came to Owatonna and we all spent some super amazing time together.  It was just so good to have the kids all play and hang out, since we don't have that many opportunities where we all are together.  I think I got some great pictures, and they should really tell the story.  We were so thrilled to have one day with Dad and Grandpa Wesley, and the next day with Mom and Grandma Berniece!  I think everyone sufficiently wore Ben out, as he is almost at a 3 hour nap as I am posting this.  Whew!

Day One:

Day 2:

So cute--- Ben was sitting by himself on the stairs, and he kept saying to Katherine... 'choo chop' --- and pointing at the stairs.  We finally all realized that he wanted to have all the kids sit behind him in a choo choo train!  Here is take one -- Eden on her way up.

Take two -- everyone looking at Anne!

Take 3.  We finally had to stop, because Eden was squeezing Wesley's neck too hard!

Such a FUN couple of days.  We are so fortunate to have such AMAZING FAMILY!  We love you all so much!!

Happy Father's Day to Daddy!

We had SUCH a nice day on Father's Day this year!  It was gorgeous outside, so we were lucky to spend some of the day in our backyard, just relaxing and having fun, getting the pool out for the first time this year.  Just a few pics....

Playing in his new tent

i love this one below - they were splashing water at each other :)

Happy Father's Day, Patrick!  We are all so lucky to have you.  Yesterday, in the car, I asked Ben who his BEST friend was.  Without hesitation, he said "DADDY".  And that is the truth - he loves you so much, and you two have a blast together!  Thank you for being the best Dad ever, both to Benjamin and Baby-on-the-way!

Mother's Day

I had such a lovely Mother's Day!  Grandma Bernie came up to see us that day, and Charlie and Patrick made Mom, Grandma, and me an amazing brunch!!  Then we three women did a yearly tradition, just at another location.  In all the years that I can remember, we have always gone to the farm to plant flowers  in Grandma and Grandpa's planters.  Since that wasn't an option this year, we decided to plant the flowers here at my house!  It was so fun to go to the greenhouse with Mom and Grandma, and pick out beautiful flowers to plant.  Ben even helped and planted his own flower of his choice.   We ended the day with a wonderful dinner with Grandma Karen and Papa Tom.  And I only took one picture of that day, with how the night ended..... oops (see below).   But all in all, it was a great day!

Patrick was putting the umbrella back in the Marso's glass table, and all of a sudden, there was the loudest noise and it just SHATTERED.  It was such a mess, and Patrick did a great job of meticulously cleaning it up, shopvac and all, so the kids will still be able to play outside.  Oops!  But the meal and company was GREAT!

Grandpa Scott playing baseball with Ben

I LOVE this video of Dad.  He was so embarrassed that I took a video, so of course, I had to post it.  We are so lucky that Dad is coming up every Friday to hang out and watch Ben.  They have SUCH a special bond --- Ben just lights up whenever Grandpa Scott comes around.  It is amazing to see!

See how much FUN they have together?  They adore each other :)

Rock the Cradle with Emma and Avery

We have been so happy to have made some awesome new friends!!  Ben has been in a gymnastics class with his new friends, Emma and Avery, and it has been so lucky for us that both their parents have become friends of ours as well!  We really look forward to more play dates and times out and about, and this was our first get-together outside of Subway or gymnastics :)

We went to "Rock the Cradle" which is a MPR (The Current) sponsored festival for kids and families a the Minneapolis Institute for Art and the Children's Theater Company.  First, we met for brunch, and then headed over to the fun!

Ben and Emma holding hands outside the cafe.  Ben was hamming it up for the camera!

Ben's FIRST bus ride!  He was talking about this for days after the event.  SO exciting for him!

Avery, Ben and Emma.  

First we went to a dance room (see the kids dancing below!) and then we checked out story time. 

So Ben and Emma went to a place where the played pretend-guitars, and their jam session was broadcast on the big screen in front of all the families!  What a hoot.

And a video of the 3 dancing.  a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e!

Ben's Baptism

Ben was (finally) baptized on March 17, 2013, also St. Patrick's Day!  We decided to do it at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, and Ben was baptized at the same time as Chloe Kellum and Jack Abeln.  We really loved the service, and the Pastor who baptized Ben was amazing.  We feel so blessed that the Lord is looking down on our son!  And Ben did an amazing job.

Getting ready.... Ben wearing his Thomas the Train pjs that he loves!

His adorable outfit.... he wore a green tie in honor of St. Patrick's Day!

Ben was a ham for this picture.  He was just so happy to run around with his cousins!

THE ACTUAL BAPTISM

(Thank you, Charlie, for getting such great pictures!)

Ben's sponsors/godparents are Kim and Paul.  

This white blanket is the same blanket that I (Anne) and my brothers were all baptized in.  It is so special in our family, and we wanted Ben to share in that.

His cross with his name on it, from Auntie Kim and Uncle Paul

Once again, Great Grandma Bernie, we were so happy that you came to help us celebrate Ben's baptism.  We love the cross you got him, and the fact that you wrote on the back and we will always have it!

And Ben really really loves his Auntie Linda!  She picked up Grandma in a snowstorm to make the trip for Ben' baptism.  thank you, it was so special to share this with you! 

We are so happy to have had such a special baptism for Ben.  Ben is so happy every night to thank God for everyone he loves, and it has become a more meaningful prayer time.  I think the books he received for his baptism has also helped him sort out what Jesus and faith means, and has helped him grow.  Patrick and I are also growing as we strive to explain more to him and help him understand all the amazing things that come with having faith, and loving one another.