Rehearsal Night

After a full rehearsal time and dinner, those who wanted to headed to the bowling alley for an hour of trying to strike it. :) I took a few pictures - they weren't great but I was holding a babe and just wanted to capture a few memories. :)

These two - always so cute. :) 

Katie, working on her bowling skills with help from Uncle Rob. 

Us two - the best man for the wedding - and the best man for me. 

My mom and sister were such great help looking after the kids during the rehearsal and helping out...

The almost Mr. and Mrs.!! :) 

Jennelle's Shower

A week before the wedding, all of the sisters and sister in laws, got together to have a bridal shower for Jennelle. Her family from Africa had recently arrived so there was lots of family to share this time together. :)

The four Speichinger ladies - before one becomes a Heikoop. :) Jennelle's sister in law - Anna, her mom, and sister in law Katie. Such sweet ladies. It was great to finally meet them!

Colin trying out his adorable outfit for the wedding. :) 

Playing another one of Nelly's crazy fun games - four teams - each with a bag filled with mismatched pieces from four puzzles, and we had to trade to get the puzzle pieces we wanted back. :) Our team was second - and it was a blast. 

Their First Blue Jay's Game

His first game. 

With his favorite team. 

Anne-Marie was flying in for a week while mom was here as well, and she lovingly planned this evening out with Erik - Blue Jay's Game - so they could both watch their first Major Leagues Baseball Game ever - together.

Of course James and I had to come along with baby Leanne - which was just fine for us! So we picked her up at the airport, and took the subway nearby to downtown Toronto. We did miss the first inning of the game, due to a couple traffic/airport issues, but we still got in lots of the game.

Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees

As soon as we got to our seating level, I knew that there was a picture I wanted to get. :) But I didn't know James was behind me taking one too. :)

Something really special for Erik was that Grandpa Fehr, generously gave us money to get Erik his very own Jays hat - which was pretty cool. His jersey was given to him by some neighbors a couple months ago, so he was well dressed for the night. He was excited.

I loved sitting up high - not being in a crowd and seeing the whole field. :)

Her expression when Erik came back with his hat. :)

Leanne's first game. 

Anne-Marie was so great to explain a bunch of the game and it's rules to Erik. 

Cute gal

He had fun with his hat. :) 

He got a pin and a sticker tattoo from a lady on security - being it was his first game, which was fun. 

He shared it with his Auntie as it was her first game too - fist bump!

He's got such a nice auntie. :)

The last pitch - and bam.... the Jays lost to the Yankees. 

Sisters back together again! It had been a year since I had seen her last which is one of the longest stretches we've had since me moving out east. 

And us riding the subway together. 

A fun evening together and so great to have Anne-Marie with us for a bit. 

Grandma'sVisit

 I had all five of the kiddo's back with me alone for a couple days before my mom came to help us in this "transition mode". 

Katy was dressing these two up for a picture - apparently it's Little Bo Peep - and Laura was a supposed to be a sheep - I think. 

 Because life with five kids looks like life with four kids - kinda busy. :) 

I spy... a brand new baby

 Shantel stopped by for a quick visit and baby snuggles.

 And ice-cream to celebrate we are all together again. That and it was the only kid-friendly dessert that we had around. 

Two lickables.

 And then Grandma came and chaos was a bit more subdued - sorta - on a few days. :) She made it all doable, as she did so much of... everything. She helped the kids with school when I couldn't - made meals, did a lot of laundry, held Leanne so I could get some sleep, and did things with the kids that such a wonderful Grandma does with them... it was so great. 

 Even though Leanne is grandbaby #27, mom and dad love them all so much and each one is a treasure in their eyes. :) They're willing to sacrifice so much to help their kids/grandchildren out, and that is such a testimony to me and many others. 

 The hands that have loved and raised 7 of her own. 

 Lots of coloring happened in the next couple weeks. 

 Amy trying to roller skate on Erik/Katy's blades...

 She was pretty determined to try them out - holding onto furniture from around the room to get to the table. 

 Getting ready to go to church. 

Daddy and Erik made a rocket ship together one evening (and Katy snuck in the pose for no real reason). :)

Such a strong little thing.

Lots of snuggles. 

Like daughter like father. :) 

The amazing dad taking four kids on a bike ride. :) Or a ride on a bike x 3.