Sunday, April 24, 2016

Kate's First Communion

This weekend we celebrated Kate's first communion. She has worked really hard this year to get to this point, including weekly faith formation classes, several family center nights, and a Saturday morning retreat. Both sets of grandparents were there, which was really special, and she did a great job with her reading. We could not be prouder of this sweet little girl!


Grandma & Grandpa Vogel
 Grandpa C & Papa Jack
 Family photo--nailed it.


Lately

April means spring has finally come and we are LOVING it. We have found lots of fun ways to enjoy the weather and could not be happier to be outside. 

This is a photo of Andrew running in the rain on a trail without his shirt. We had scootered to a park and just as we were heading back to the car it started to pour. Andrew chivalrously gave me his scooter (and his shirt, obviously) and ran the 1/2 mile back. 
So Kate & I had a good time scootering back together!

 We spent an afternoon on the Browns Woods hiking trail. Despite an accidental "bonus loop" that made the hike much longer than we had planned, we had a great time. Love that this is right in the city, but feels completely secluded. 

 More scooter adventures: this time with mom & dad on scooters too! We quickly learned that it was a LOT of work trying to keep up with too speedy kids while on foot, so we decided to join in on the fun. And the Vogel Scooter Gang  (VSG) was born. 

 Not all of April had great weather: mostly while I was coaching track meets. This is my view during one of them. It's hard to see the runners between the sheets of rain. 
 Crazy hair day at Andrew's school. 
And one more adventure: more scootering, this time around Gray's Lake. The Bald Eagles have a giant nest that is really fun to watch.
 Lots of snack stops along the two mile loop.
 And across the street to Water Works Park where the blossoms were in full bloom. 
 Photobomb by Andrew's head.

 Wrapping up the adventure by a rousing game of tag before we headed downtown for burgers and milkshakes. 

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Kate's Birthday Party

Last night we had Kate's friend birthday party at a nature lodge. She picked a pajama party theme and it was so much fun. I loved the fact that the whole party, including the crafts and all the treats, were included. All we had to do was show up & have fun!

The kids all got to decorate a sleep shirt with paint. 


 Kate's end project. 
 Next up was a short movie on a projector with popcorn...just like a real slumber party!
 Pajama cake. 
 Blowing out her candles. 

 And opening presents. 


 It was fun watching all these girls interact and getting a glimpse of what Kate's probably like in class (quiet & reserved, but quick to laugh at something funny). After spending two hours with them though I was exhausted. I'm sure their second grade teacher feels the same way. Every day.