Sophia and Blake's Wedding

After much anticipation and excitement, Sophia and Blake got married! The girls were honored to be flower girls, so we participated in a weekend full of fun. 

The rehearsal was low key and a fun excuse to get dressed up. We went early for the wedding run through and dinner and came home to get some good rest before the big day. 

We made the most of the wedding fun with nails and hair and make up, myself included ;). The weather looked meh all day and miraculously cleared up in time for the outdoor ceremony... we even had a sunset! The wedding itself was lovely, Sophia was the most beautiful bride and the dance party was fun for everyone, especially Sully ;), he loves to dance, I love that about him. 

We are so excited for Sophia and Blake and thankful to be a part of their lovely day. 

Rehearsal dinner. 

Greta, so excited. 

Piper

The girls are ready- looking so nice. 

Grandma and the flower girls.
Sabrina, Greta, and Pip. 

Officially taller than me. 

Fam photo with Sophia and Blake. 

The original crew. 

My parents were the last ones standing with 59 years of marriage. 

Sully and Grandpa Paul

Congrats! 

Maycember

Between the big events, May brings absolute chaos... its fun, its a coordinating puzzle, but somehow, we manage it every year. Enjoy the recap in pictures...

Sully runs track for Edison. 

Piper's school carnival. 

Greta's choir concert. 

Avera Cancer 5K.

The crew, an extra special year as we ran in honor of Jeff
following his prostate cancer journey. 

Piper's talent show. 

Sully's soccer team. We made it to the finals this year, 
it was the most fun. These soccer moms are among my favorites. 

Last day of 4th, 6th, and 7th.

Bruno Mars

My Aunt Patty invited Maggie and I to a Bruno Mars concert under the only requirement that Jeff secure the tickets. Much to our surprise, Bruno toured and had pit stop in Minneapolis, the dates worked all around, and it was on the calendar. 

We had so much fun, we stayed with Patty, arrived in time to see her pup Bernice and to hear about her recent Ireland travels and to head to the concert. We walked to the Monte Carlo for dinner and then to the US Bank Stadium. The show was fantastic we had awesome seats and the energy was top notch, until the very last song when the power went completely out on stage. It was bizarre, but after about 10 minutes, all was well and he was able to finish. It was a really fun experience with Patty, and fun to be with her as she took it off her bucket list. We had full hearts when we returned to Sioux Falls. 

Ready for the show in our Bruno glasses. 

Fantastic seats.

Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day, not only because Dave is so thoughtful, but that my kids (ok, mostly the girls) love to go all out which really brings Dave to the next level. This year, the (handmade) breakfast menu had a burrito feature, but it turned out, most of the ingredients needed were not on hand, so it made more sense to run to the local Mexican drive through restaurant to simplify things, and I think we stumbled upon the best kept secret. It was quick, easy, and no mess for Dave to manage. I loved breakfast in bed, followed buy a long walk with Maggie, and finally to the State Theatre for Mama Mia. I love my village. 

Burrito made exra fancy with the salsa smear. 

The girls 'sharing' my berries and cream. :)

Inflower flowers and coffee. 

Mama Mia!

My 20th Workiversary

I celebrated 20 years at my job on May 1st and was humbled with a small celebration including a cookie cake :). Im so proud of myself for continuing on with my nursing career through babies and life's changes and everything else. Props to Dave for seeing the value of my job and stepping up at home and being such a supportive partner in order for me to make my work commitments. Nursing isn't a very glamorous gig, but its rewarding and fulfilling in so many ways and it works with the ebs and flows of life. Im so thankful I made the decision to be a nurse at the ripe young age of 17 as I was applying to colleges, it was one of the best ones I've made and has lead me to a full life. 

Im thankful for the many many friends, and one husband (:)) I've collected along the way. 

Dave was even invited to the party. ;)

A handful of my fantastic current coworkers. 

Proud of Piper

Piper had a couple of notable mentions in a week's span including an Una Manada award at school where she was recognized for her kindness and her sense of humor by her teacher, Srta. Medina. I kept the award a surprise and surprised she was. She was so nervous and excited and proud of herself. We are all so proud, too. She then participated in a an orchestra contest with two of her friends. They took it very serious and practiced together ahead of the event. They did great! 

Keep it up, Pip! 

Piper and Srta Medina.

A family celebration at 7:30am :)

Let's Go Orchestra! 

Ruby, Maggie, Piper, and Mrs Sipp

Celebrating Sophia

Sophia's loving aunts (me included :)) had the best time planning Sophia's bridal shower and left no stone unturned to make it so special for her. I think it was perfect. We hosted it at Oak and Olive and had a plant theme. We brought our plants from home to make an impressive back drop, propagated plants from our own plants to create a propagation station, had a fantastic charcuterie spread. and the most lovely center pieces, allowing each of us to use our own creative touches. 

Sophia was so grateful and it was so fun to see her showered with love and goodness in anticipation of her special day, only a month away. We love you, Sophia! 

The space. 

Besty for the resty. 

Charcuterie spread.

Connelly side cousins with Grandma.

Sophia and Mandy.

Propagation station. 

Sophia and her Aunts
Shelley, Mag, Jamie, Sophia, Liz, Tish, and I.