Catching Up

Spring has sprung in Madison and fingers are crossed that chilly weather is now a thing of the past until mid-September. I've recently been thinking that I need to make it part of my weekly tasks to update this blog, but let's not hold our breaths on that one. But I thought I'd take advantage of this early Sunday morning insomnia to record some of the random events of the last 5 months or so.

January:

1. Welcomed in the New Year with Katie's siblings and family in Lawrence. Great night!
2. Celebrated Mitzi's 26th birthday in Madison with a minor car accident and KU victory over at K-State. (And yes, we are allowed to return to Buffalo Wild Wings)
3. Hatched the plan for a 6 month Keel-Reddig Biggest Loser competition

February:
1. Celebrated Mary Ann's 5th Birthday with a carnival themed birthday party in the basement. She got her first Barbies (Thank you, Cornetts!)
2. Began (and ended) construction of the bathroom. Looks good!
3. Celebrated our third Feuerzangenbowle with friends and enjoyed watching the Vancouver Opening Ceremonies
3. Robert and Katie attended the annual "Beat the Winter Blues Ball" and got their groove on

March:
1. A blur, what happened during March? Oh wait, the NCAA tournament. Well, let's not think about March this year.
2. Well, one thing--enrolled Mary Ann in Kindergarten. She is so excited! Especially since she does not have to do chores since she'll be in school all day. (Um, right)

April:
1. Celebrated Holy Week. Enjoyed our traditional (modified) Seder Meal on Holy Thursday with Mitzi and all of us attended Holy Thursday mass. Most memorable part (family-wise) is Peter cracking himself up playing peek-a-boo during the solemn procession of the Eucharist.
2. Go to see "How to Train Your Dragon" in the theater as a family. Everyone gave it two thumbs up!
3. Mary Ann got to attend Holy Saturday mass with Mitzi and Robert, but called it a night after the Gospel. Rose and Peter stayed home with Katie and helped make bread.
4. Easter was a big hit all around, lots of Jelly Beans enjoyed by all!
5. Rose, Peter, and Katie continue to go to the Middleton Library storytime. Rose particularly enjoys playing "Bluebird, come to my window", especially if she gets a purple bird, and also dancing to "The Bean Bag Rock" with a purple bean bag
5. We get to visit Mary Ann's preschool and see what all she does (which is a lot). Very impressed with her learning! The "Stamp Game" particularly
6. Enjoyed first post-Lent ice cream cone with Babcock Ice Cream on campus. Peter likes ice cream
7. Went to the first Farmer's Market of the season, mainly just to look around and get donuts. Robert survived, barely.
7. Went to Chicago to see Mitzi and Scott. Great visit! Mitzi has an awesome office, Scott gave a lovely homily.
8. Peter begins to decide to crawl
9. The girls enjoy dressing up like Fancy Nancy--ooo-la-la!

May
1. We get our boat out of storage!
2. Nancy (Grandma) comes for a week long visit
3. Go to Farmer's Market for the 2nd time this season and successfully get Spicy Cheese Bread
4. Rose and Mary Ann complete their Storybook Ballet lessons with "Beauty and the Beast", they were beautiful!
3. Robert and Katie go to Baltimore. Robert attends the American Pain Society Convention and Katie gets a pedicure. We also go to DC to see the sights and visit with friends.
4. The girls and Peter go to Chuckie Cheese
5. Enjoy a wonderful Mother's Day, complete with coffee and biscotti in bed to start and a banana split to finish.
6. Spend a Saturday getting the garden ready to plant. Green thumbs have finally started pricking
7. Peter is moving in earnest now and drinks out of sippy up like a pro. He can feed himself and has realized if he doesn't like something he can spit it out (green beans).
8. Spend a beautiful evening on the lake. The girls do so well on the boat. Rose was just chilling in the front as we cruised along, sunglasses on, legs propped up, living the good life. Peter's not sure about having to wear his life jacket, but as long he can eat a pretzel, he's happy. Mary Ann likes to help Robert drive.

We're looking forward to a wonderful summer!