Swingset Surprise

Last year at the end of the season, we bought a swingset and with all of the nice weather, we thought it was about time to put it together.  Matt, Papa B., Papa H., and John all volunteered their time to try and figure out how all of these pieces...

...turned into this!

The guys also had some help from two kids who insisted on dressing themselves (notice the hat and the winter boots with the shorts :))!

The kids were totally surprised!  While the guys were working during the week, we told them Daddy was building something in the garage.  Then on Saturday (the rainy day when the guys put it all together), Mema and I took the kids shopping.  When we came home, the swingset was almost done.

Now every day they want to go out and play...no matter what the weather or how sick they are!

Thanks to everyone who helped out.  The kids LOVE it!!

Surprise!

The big moment!

Steven had the idea months ago to surprise Kristina for her 30th birthday!  He secretly got her to Indiana (on a weekend even) and to mom and dad's church where many friends were waiting to surprise her for her birthday.  Everyone was waiting in the basement to surprise Kristina who was "getting an organ book for mom" to bring home after their "dinner at Notre Dame."  She was completely surprised and even got teary-eyed as she realized all of the friends that came to wish her a Happy Birthday!  Steven also had a video from all of the guests that couldn't make it to IN for the party.

Landon, Emmy, and Gunnar were hiding under the table in anticipation.

Kristina with her yummy ice cream cake!

Black frosting = NOT A GOOD IDEA! :)
Thankfully it came off before church the next morning!

Then after the yummy meal of Nelson's chicken and many other delicious items provided by mom and dad :), we had a NW Class Picture session.

Class of '97:
Amos, Dan, John, Mikel, Jessica, me, Matt (and Kristina)

Class of '00:
Becky, Andy, Jessica, Kevin, Lindsey, Tony, Suzy (holding Oliver), Erin and Kristina

Class of '99 (even though 1 wasn't from NW):
David and Brent (and Kristina)

People who married in to the NW family:
Emily, Brent, Steven, Jess (and Kristina)

The only adults I missed (I think) were mom and dad, who were working tirelessly in the kitchen!

Happy Birthday to the best little sis in the world!  Kristina, you've always been my biggest supporter and friend.  Even when you moved to NC, we've stayed close (Hey, you're the only person I talk to on the phone for more than 10 min. :)).  I am SOOO excited at the chance for you and Steven to move closer to us so we can hang out even more.  I love you!  Happy 30th Birthday!