Mother's Day and Father's Day 2013

We celebrated Mother's Day here in Dubuque.  My parents came to visit for the weekend, and we had a nice low-key weekend just spent enjoying family time!  It was quite relaxing.  It was a bit chilly that weekend, so we didn't spend as much time outside as I'd hoped, but it was still very pretty.  On Mother's Day itself, it was much nicer.  We enjoyed a delicious brunch at the Julien (2nd year in a row; thanks dad), took naps (well, at least I did), played with the kids at the playground, and had a pizza for dinner.  In the card Mat gave me, he ordered me to make myself a spa appointment for that week.  I happily obliged and had a prenatal massage and a pedicure the following weekend.  It was amazing! 

It's kind of a mix of emotions being away from the rest of the family on holidays like this.  We miss out on seeing everyone and gathering at the family functions, but yet I will admit that it's selfishly kind of nice to be able to relax and even take a nap on Mother's Day and not be on the go!

 The kids and I were having a little dance party (Fresh Beat Band style) before heading to lunch!

 

 Snuggles with Pop Pop.  I think he must have read this book, The Little Blue Truck, at least 30 times that weekend!

 My greatest accomplishments in life, not to the mention the blessing growing inside. 

 Love how little MJ is smushed between us and touching my belly.  So blessed to have my mom with me as well as my children! 

 

 

 

The following month we celebrated Father's Day in St. Louis.  It was much busier, and spread out over several days, but we were so lucky to be able to see my dad, Mat's dad, and all of the grandfathers!  We'd just arrived in St. Louis the Friday night before Father's Day.  This was kicking off our long visit along with our trip to California (more to come later). 

 

 

The Father's Day celebrations began that following day, Saturday, by going to see Mat's grandma and grandpa Keyes.  Grandpa has had a very challenging year health wise, and we were so thankful to be able to enjoy this time with him.  We sat outside in their gorgeous yard (I have no idea how they maintain all this beauty), while the kids played and we visited for at least a couple hours. We even had a nice lunch outdoors together.

 



 Love the affection MJ is showing Grandpa Keyes! 

 Charlotte enjoying a little snack in grandma and grandpa's yard.

 We love Grandma Keyes, too! 

 MJ kept wanting to use my phone to take pictures of all the pretty plants in their backyard.  I thought he was quite impressive! 

 

 

The next day was Father's Day.  Being the busy morning that it was, I completely forgot to snap a picture of Mat with the kids.  :(  We had gotten up nice and early so that we could get on the road, and the kids quickly gave Mat his present (a couple grilling accessories).  This was my 2nd year in a row doing a Father's Day questionnaire with MJ for Mat, and I loved every second of it!  His  answers are adorable.  I can't wait until Charlotte can contribute, too. 

 

 

 



We then hit the road to make the drive to Sullivan, Missouri where Grandma and Grandpa Immekus have a clubhouse on the Bourbis River.  It's become a tradition that all the Immekus family gathers there on Father's Day for some fishing and BBQ, but this was our first year to ever make it.  I hadn't been to the clubhouse in years, and this was the kid's first time ever.  I wasn't really sure what MJ would think of it, but there was no doubt that he was in heaven.  He even caught his very first fish!  He was a muddy little mess by the end of the morning.  He loved playing with the bait worms and touching the fish.  He clearly is braver than me! 

 

 Not sure who's more proud of this moment-MJ or daddy...

 

 

After a few hours at the clubhouse, we then hit the road again, and headed to Mark and Bobi's for the afternoon.  Peggy, Leif, and Lily came over too, so we were all able to visit and let the kids play together.  Papa had  full lap on Father's Day!  

 

Next, we were back in the car to meet up with my parents.  Their church has a huge baptism event every year on Father's Day, and so we met my parents there at their church in Chesterfield (lots of driving on Father's Day).  It was super hot out that evening, but we lasted a couple hours probably and saw some of the baptisms, ate some yummy food, and cooled off with ice cream. 

The following day, we went out go Grandpa Fay's in order to celebrate with him.  He downsized and moved into a one bedroom apartment, in his same retirement area, very recently, so I was excited to see his new place.  He treated us to dinner at their restaurant, and the kids had fun trying to destroy his place.  I think I was officially worn out by the end of that night! 

How lucky are we that Mat and I both still have all our grandfathers alive!?  We even saw Grandpa Bob, later in our trip.  He's not one for pictures though.  ;)  So glad we got to celebrate Father's Day with all these special fathers and grandfathers.