Mom for the Day

I got to be a mommy for the day on Friday and went with Jake and his crazy first grade class to Eagle Creek Park! We had a great day of learning about plants and animals. We went on a nature hike and made a habitat with a millipede (which we brought home!). We also learned about reptiles and amphibians (where we were able to touch them!) and we saw birds of prey up close! We also were able to visit with our friend Carrie, who used to work with Daddy at the zoo. It was a WARM day, but we had lots of fun!

Jake's 8th Birthday!

Today we had Jake's 8th birthday party at the bowling alley. There were ten boy (YIKES!) but they had a great time.

Here is Jake with all his buddies! Most of them are in his class at school.

Jake in the process of blowing out the candles on his cupcakes!


Even though everyone thought I was CRAZY, I thought that the black frosting (which actually looks a little purple in this picture) turned out great! They also were not as messy as everyone thought they would be. (P.S. the big glob on the front of this one was candle wax!)

Another shot of the boys having fun--eating pizza and drinking pop!

And of course--you can't have a party without presents! He was just a little excited about this one! :)

Auntie Beth Graduates!

We are proud to announce that Auntie Beth (and my sister) has officially graduated from college! She went through commencement on Saturday, May 2 from Saint Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute with her degree in Elementary Education. I guess you could say that I taught my big sister everything she knows when it comes to being a teacher. :) Congrats Beth!

Beds for Birthdays!

This year the birthday presents have been about beds! Jake was lucky enough to have his Nana and Papa and his Great Grandpa buy him a new bunk bed and mattresses for his 8th birthday!(which is in a couple of weeks) As you can see, he is a happy boy! Then, with him getting his new bunk beds, Olivia moved from her toddler bed into a twin bed with new comforter and sheets and all the trimmings. She is excited about being a big girl!

Family Time!

I must brag... We are just the cutest matching family! The funny thing is that Chris and I didn't intend on matching!
The Lawson Family. Olivia, 3, Chris, Megan and Jake, 8. (Well almost 3 and 8)
The Bielefeld Family. Emily, 16, Beth, Chris and Allison, 18.

The Lawson, Bielefeld and Nietzel kids.

Easter and Olivia's 3rd Birthday!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Olivia!


Happy Birthday to me!!!


I don't know who she was looking at, but she was excited that we were singing 'Happy Birthday' to her!


Olivia's My Little Pony cake.



This is Olivia waiting for the boys to come in from looking at Uncle Freddie's building to have her cake... Those darn boys!

This was the only time I could get them together!

Jake after he took all the eggs away from the little ones.... just kidding--but he did end up with the most I think...

So cute! She looks so innocent too!

Getting ready for the Easter egg hunt! Jet is 5, Jake and Maya almost 8 and Olivia celebrating her 3rd birthday!

January Birthdays

Emily was celebrating her 16th birthday, Biele celebrated his 40th and Daddy celebrated his 36th.

Daddy being a stud. :)
Daddy and his girl cuddling on his birthday.