little adventures

Looks like it's more of an every week event to update this blog now that we're in the 'real world'.  We've been keeping plenty busy too!  Last Thursday we had a summer get together with our small group at the Weis' new residence. It was so fun catching up with everyone, eating great food and spending time encouraging and sharing with one another.  While I was chatting with the ladies, Dan took Adi across the street to the park with the other husbands and kids.  Apparently, Adi had her first rides down a slide - even beat Flynn in a race down it.  Apparently his shoes caught him up.  Dan assured me that he was carefully watching/catching her as she slid down on her blanket...not sure how I feel about it - but it's all done now and she's safe.  I know that's the fun side of Dan that I need to see so I don't get so bogged down in worrying! :)

Friday night, I tried to surprise Dan by having him meet me at a secret location after work, but as I was pulling out of the driveway, he was pulling in and followed me around the block.  So we had to modify the plan and we went there together.  Since it was a nice night and we didn't have plans, I thought it'd be fun to go to a park in Plymouth and have an impromptu picnic.  I picked up some food for us, packed the dog up and we all enjoyed a meal on the grass. I'm realizing that our life is different now that we have Adi, but that doesn't mean we can't have spontaneous adventures now and then.  They may just be on a slightly smaller scale.  I don't remember if I took any pictures there but will post them if I did - another note that I've been bad at taking pictures lately! :(

Saturday I met up with my bestie, Kristen and went for a walk around Centennial Lakes.  That area is gorgeous and I think we will be spending more time there now!  It was great catching up and talking about how her pregnancy is going...I am SO thrilled for you and John to welcome Natalie's little sister or brother into this world in December!  What a wonderful reminder of how blessed we are, though undeserving of that joy.
We headed up to Elk River to see G+G Powers in the evening.  We got to see pictures from their trip to Israel and enjoyed some time with the Hinchcliffs, Auntie Jenn & Uncle Ben too! Always nice to spend a summer evening relaxing with the fam.

Adi is an absolute treat and we are loving the time we have with her in the mornings, evenings and weekends!  I have been struggling with feelings of guilt for being at work all day - but have been reminded of God's plan. It's incredible to think that He knew we would be in this position, in these jobs, at that daycare at this time...So I take comfort in knowing that this is all part of His plan and we just have to continue to seek His will in our circumstances - every moment of every day.  We also have to remember to just ENJOY the time we have with Adilyn - and don't worry, that comes pretty easily! :)

Here's what Adi has been up to lately.  She all of a sudden seems to want to try sitting up.  Though without her hands down, she tips over pretty quickly!

happy...father

I know...late again - just so busy living life that I fall behind on the blog sometimes.
Well, had to pay tribute to a VERY proud Papa.  We had a pretty low key weekend this past weekend - and it was fabulous! Got a little caught up on the house, on sleep and some quality time just hanging out as a fam. 
Happy Father's Day to my wonderful, loving, fun hubby. Adilyn is so blessed to have you as her Daddy.  It's such a great reminder of how much we are loved by our Heavenly Father - who cares for us and loves us every day.  Adi, we are so excited for you to grow in understanding of how much the Lord loves you - even more than your wonderful Daddy on this earth does (I know it's hard to believe). 
Dan, you are such an amazing Father to our precious little girl. I love watching you with her - playing, talking and even napping.  You make her smile and giggle and teach her about the world around her.  It has truly been a blessing to me to watch you so quickly grow into your role as a Dad in addition to being a caring, loving husband.
Alright - enough mushy stuff; I just feel so grateful!

I just love my Daddy

Happy Father's Day!

Trying to sneak a lick...not this time

We spent Father's Day watching the U.S. Open and spending time with some visitors - Auntie Lola & Auntie Jenn + Uncle Ben!  So fun to have them over and spend some time catching up! Stop by anytime guys!!

We love you too Grandpas - thank you for being such incredible, loving Dads to us! 

Unfortunately, this week has been pretty busy at work - so we haven't had a ton of relaxing time in the evenings.  Then yesterday, I got a call from daycare that Adi woke up from her nap and was warm - so they took her temp and she had 102; not severe enough to head to the Dr. but high enough that she had to go home.  Despite her temp last night, she was and is still the picture of happiness - giggles, smiles and play time.  Dan is home with her today since she has to be fever free for 24 hours before going back.  Oh well, a little quality time with Dad never hurt anyone, right?

Next week, G+G Powers will get to spend time with Adi - as we're starting our modified 'summer schedule'.  Adi will go to G+G Powers' house on Mondays and G+G Peltiers' on Fridays.  Then in August, we'll mix it up and I'll get her on Fridays and G+G Peltier will have her Mondays.  I'm pretty excited for some time to hang out and enjoy the weather (if it stops raining at some point). 

Well, that's all for now - hope you're all enjoying your summer thus far.  We're just trying to enjoy every moment!

5 months + some change

Well I've fallen behind once again...unfortunately, this week has been a little hectic and my work-life balance has been heavily tipped toward work. :( I suppose it happens from time to time, just have to figure out how to make up for it!  I've definitely started to feel the impact of fewer hours of sleep at night (not due to Adi) - just to the busyness of life...All that said, we've been having an absolute blast with Adilyn.  She is smiley, alert and very active - and on top of it all, we've been getting some good belly giggles out of her.  Though I haven't figured out the surefire way to get her going - kind of depends on the day.
I've also been struggling with getting out of the house in the mornings.  Adi is probably in her best mood right when she wakes up in the morning (rather, when I wake her up).  She is all smiles and still sleepy enough that she just wants to snuggle - the world is quiet, our house is quiet (Dan and Cade are usually still sleeping) and it's a fresh start to a new day.  I've really been cherishing that time with her, but it makes it hard for me to get going - knowing that I have to drop her off at daycare.  I'm just so incredibly thankful for this little beauty - and for the privilege of watching her grow and change every day.  Dan and I are such proud parents already!

Well, the latest milestone is Adi turning 5 months old!! Cannot believe that she is already approaching a half a year old. I definitely feel like time is flying by - and now appreciate the warnings I received on how quickly it all goes.  Before we know it, our little girl will be walking across the stage for HS graduation, then down the aisle to begin the rest of her life with her husband.  These are our hopes for her - though we have to be reminded that our plans are not perfect plans - and we should really be praying and hoping for the plans the Lord has for her - to love and nourish her.

As you can see, pictures are a little more challenging to get now that Adilyn is moving around :)
This one's a winner for two reasons - the belly & she's definitely watching TV here. She's totally into it - we think because of the color, movement and sound.  Though we're realizing that it may be a poor reflection on our parenting skills...in my defense, she was born in the middle of the winter and our options were somewhat limited! :)

Here's one in action - thus it took about 500 takes to get a decent one.  I also laughed when I saw this one because I feel like her face is a little bit 'teenage attitude-ish' and think we may be seeing some version of this in the future.

And finally - here's our little Adilyn Rose at 5 months old.

flowers + picnics

Summer must be here...this past weekend was VERY busy again.  We were able to spend some time relaxing as a family on Friday evening after work.  Adilyn is quite entertaining - making all sorts of noises and bouncing around in her newest (well newly opened) toy.  Dan and I are constantly amazed at how grown up she seems now and we can't get enough of her smiles and giggles!

Saturday Dan went to help Uncle Ben & Aunt Jenn move into their new apartment - which coincidentally is closer to our house...we may have some surprise visits for them (watch out)! :) 
I spent the morning getting myself and Adilyn packed up and ready for the rest of the weekend.  At about 3:30pm, we headed to Blaine to get ready for the festivities.  Our dear friends Tiff & Dan got married in Mexico on April 14, and Adilyn and I were both supposed to be a part of that celebration - but weren't able to attend.  Saturday was the reception for their friends and family that couldn't make the trip down.  I've known Tiff for a LONG time, so I was a bridesmaid and Adilyn was a flower girl.  It was fun getting ready and dressed up with my little girl and some of the other ladies in the wedding.  We had a lot of fun celebrating and even had a dance as a family :) 


Took a couple of us to get into her dress - she wasn't too sure at first...

All dressed up - and all smiles!

Being admired by the Bride

Getting sleepy - hanging with Daddy at the reception

 

Sunday brought us a whole new set of adventures...we had our first annual DUPI picnic.  For those of you that don't know, the 'DUPI' is made up of about 20 of us that are all bound by the guys who lived in a Duplex during college.  These guys share a bond like you have never seen - and fortunately, all of us ladies happen to get along fabulously.  We have historically had a DUPI Family Thanksgiving and shared a meal together around that Holiday.  I got to thinking that we go too long without getting together, so figured we could have a summer celebration as well.  This year, almost everyone made it [Kevin+Amy Pieh; Brad+Lisa Madison; Josh+Ashley+Riggins Larson; Ryan+Carrie+Logan Moorlag; Brent+Amber+Charlie Gilchrist; Matt+Anna+Ben+Bob Dorweiler; Dan+Leah+Adilyn Powers]- and we met up at Como Park.  It was the perfect day for a picnic - sunny and a slight breeze.  As usual, the men spent their time competing in games (real and made up) while us ladies chatted and oohed and ahhed over the little kiddos.  There was a lot of great food, lots of activity and some quality time with amazing friends - I am so thankful for each of them and love that we can continue to grow together (in depth and in size--couple more babies on the way this fall).

As I've said before, I have to get better at taking pictures - but here's one of the guys playing.  Thankfully, Amy played photographer and got some great ones - I'll try to post a few once she gets hers out.

Needless to say - we had a GREAT weekend! 

a little bit older...

Well, I was right on my last post - we had a VERY busy Memorial Day weekend...However, I did not do a good job capturing those moments on film - I told Dan he needs to help me be better about that. It's a hard balance...just enjoying the moment with my own two eyes vs. snapping pictures.  Though I have to admit that looking back on photos from the four and a half short months of Adi's life is incredible and already refreshes my memory, so I will try to get better! :)

Some highlights from the weekend...
 - Attended Denae Eve's baby shower (who was up from FL) and caught up with some old friends
 - Spent time with G+G Powers and Auntie Jenn & Uncle Ben (and enjoyed some sunshine finally)
 - Met Great Aunt & Uncle Muller while hanging at the cabin with Grandpa Dale
 - Enjoyed some quality relaxation time with Mommy & Daddy

Our weekend was pretty jam packed, but it was so fun to just spend time as a family!  Going back on Tuesday morning was more difficult than my first day back to work - I spent most of the day looking at Adi's picture and missing her.
When I picked Adi up from daycare, the ladies commented that she looked more mature on Tuesday.  The Director was there and said her face looked more grown up while they talked during the day.  You can judge for yourself I guess...

Other than that, this week has been plenty busy too.
Grandpa Dale went back to FL yesterday, so we spent Wednesday evening with him and Deb over a lovely dinner made by Auntie Lola.  Last night, we went to watch Daddy's softball double header - and survived the wind.  Tomorrow we get to get dressed up and celebrate Tiff & Dan's wedding at their MN reception (Adi is a flower girl and I'm a bridesmaid, so we'll definitely post some pictures of her in her get up)! 

Dan and I are quickly realizing that there is very limited free time now.  We're both totally ok with it because we are thrilled with our Baby girl and know that she'll be grown before we know it...