Secret Playground

There's a playground down the street that Quinn absolutely loves going to. We used to go in her wagon or stroller, but now she's got her new mode of transportation.

She is such a dare-devil and has no fear as she runs around the playground and now, climbs up ladders.

I'm not sure who has more fun, Quinn or us!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! We had a fantastic day with family today. Papa, GG & Eric were visiting for the weekend and we had so much fun with them. Then we spent the rest of the day hanging out as a family of three. We made a stop at Snookie's for ice cream, bought & planted flowers (Quinn loved helping out with the dirt) and played in the backyard. Quinn even went potty on the toilet three times today!

It was a beautiful day, as well as relaxing and fun. Jay and Quinn treated me to wonderful gifts and Jay cooked ALL weekend long. The best gift though was having us all together and knowing that I am blessed with a loving and healthy family. Here are some photos taken from our camera and phone today. 

Things Quinn Says during Relays Weekend

Miss Quinn Marie makes us laugh more & more each day. We decided to take note of all the fun things she said over Relays weekend.

1. While getting ready to go to the DG brunch: "I wanna go to the Delta Gamma house!"

2. To the DG Raggedy Ann doll named Hannah: "I wanna be with Hannah." (Cue every DG collegian's "awwwwe")

3. While driving and also while at home: "I see Peggy's and Drake Bulldogs!"

4. When an offspring song comes on at the restaurant: "I like this SONG!"

This weekend she also got her second haircut from Betsy, complete with a sucker. And while we're talking monumental moments in Quinn's life, not only did she have her first visit to Greek Street with full tours of the DG and SAE house, but she also went potty on the toilet like a big girl TWICE on Saturday! When we got home after visiting campus she had a dry diaper, so I asked if she had to go potty and she did! She also went potty for her babysitter at the Grefes. She hasn't gone since and we're not pushing it yet, but it definitely is exciting for our little redhead!

22 Months

Our little girl turned 22 months on Friday. It's amazing how time is flying by. Quinn daily amazes us, makes laugh and fills our home with sunshine.

It's hard to keep up with all she's learning and accomplishing, so here are a few highlights:

She can say her ABC's (even though sometimes she skips Y & Z and just cuts to the end). She loves to sing and absolutely melts my heart when she sings "Jesus Loves Me" or "You are my Sunshine."

She puts herself in timeout. For instance after a meltdown she'll say "my wanna go in timeout." ("My" and "I" have been a little confused lately, but the past few days she's gotten much better!) Either way, it makes me laugh like crazy.

Justin Roberts is still king of her music world, and she knows many of the songs before he even starts singing.

She's started telling us what she likes and what she doesn't like. Tonight she took one (half) bite of chicken and said matter of factly, "I don't like that."

We've been going to a lot of playgrounds lately, and now she even points them out while we're driving. The playground off the walking trails is the "secret" playground, so now she's always pointing out a new "secret" playground for us to visit. That girl's got eyes like a hawk! And speaking of eyes, look at them sparkle on Easter morning. We love you Quinn Marie!

One Hot April Fool's

The Bubble Ball was March 31 and when I came home mid-day on April 1 after cleaning up the event, Miss Quinn Marie was outside in her swimsuit. No foolin! And why not, when it was nearly 90 degrees out? Quinn had a ton of fun playing outside and here are the pictures to prove it.

Bemis Love

We've got some major Bemis love going on in our house, especially when it comes to Quinn. A couple weeks ago we had the Bemis clan over for a family night complete with a mac & cheese bar. The kids had a ton of fun (and let's be honest, so did the parents). We played skee-ball, Ring-Around-the-Rosie, read books and hugged. Lots of hugs. Here are a few pics from the night.

Big Quinn sandwich with Josie and Ben.

All three little ones in the toybox. (Look closely for William down there. And yes, Quinn pulled her pigtails out. Again.)

Will with his "best friend" Mildred. Millie's feeling the love.

When it was time to go, the kids changed into PJs and gave hugs goodbye...and kisses too. Here's Quinn going after Ben.

And don't forget a kiss for Will too!

And big hugs!

And here Quinn is with her mentor, the one and only, Josie Bemis.

Thanks for the fun night, Beemers! We love you guys!

Weekend Highlights

I had such a fun weekend with Quinn and Jay! Grandpa Gary had a big party for his birthday, but we had to stay in town for this article I was doing for the Register. We certainly made the most of it! Friday Quinn dressed for the Jayhawks in preparation for their first NCAA tourney game of the season. We had "happy hour" at the Bemis house then sushi at home. (Quinn had a more kid-friendly meal.) Then while Quinn was sleeping the Jayhawks got their first tournament win. Woo hoo!

Saturday morning we started off St. Patty's Day with breakfast at PerkUp Cafe and Quinn got a little leprechaun kiss. She loved it!

After breakfast we went on a long walk to two "secret" playgrounds and then Jay and I had a date night and Q got to hang with one of her favorite babysitters, Anna.

Sunday morning started off with a good breakfast at home then church where Quinn unknowingly stole the show. She applauded and yelled "YAY" during a break in a pretty serious song and made the whole congregation laugh. So cute, but a little embarrassing when it's your little one. :)

After church we went to Wakonda for lunch and golf. Quinn made friends with everyone in the Lower Grill and even got her first taste of lemonade.

We played four holes of golf and she was fantastic. She loved playing in the cart and giving us more balls on the course. (I pulled out a few pink balls and she was a very happy girl.)

After a nap for our sweet girl we had dinner al fresco, played outside and then cheered on the Jayhawks with the Krizmanics. Such a fun weekend with beautiful weather and my beautiful girl!