Aftermath

The day following the wedding, everyone went their separate ways. Brent and I wanted to take the girls back to Temple Square when there would be no bridal parties and we could walk the grounds at leisure. Grandpa Nielsen decided to join us which was perfect because Ireland fell asleep on the drive to Salt Lake City. The two of them napped in the car while Brent and I took Liesel on a tour of the Conference Center. We'd all been IN the Conference Center, but never taken the official tour.

This wall is found on the rooftop garden. As you walk towards it, your reflection
 becomes part of the families pictured on the wall.

The girls were pretty content to let us peruse the different displays in the north and south visitor's center. Well, as long as we broke it up with some time to play in the many fountains on the grounds that is.

We waited here for Grandpa and Ireland to join us. An elderly
 couple told us from the other side it looked like the girls
were floating on top of the water.

Even though we weren't looking very sharp (or Sunday appropriate for that matter), I was happy we found an amateur photographer to take a family photo with the Christus statue.

No heads cut off THIS year! Hooray!

While Brent and I rested a bit on the benches (Grandpa was downstairs chatting with the missionaries), the girls wandered a bit. This is my favorite photo of the day:

I wonder what she's thinking...

All in all it was the perfect thing to do the day after the "big" day. The girls really felt like they got to see the temple and Brent and I felt like we were able to soak in a bit of the wonderful spirit that permeates the place.

I can't stop taking pictures like this of my dad!
Someday he'll be gone and I want my girls to know
how much he dearly loved them.

Afterwards we headed to Joey and Lisa's for a family barbecue and to celebrate all the April birthdays. We had an impromptu "non-talent" show. Allen did a parody of the song from the bride and groom's wedding brunch (I nearly peed my pants), and there was lots of dancing from the nieces and nephews. Reagan and I showed off our stuff to I'm Pregnant and I Know it (youtube that one if you haven't seen it already), Hunter did his robot dance, Krystal showed us her interpretation of the "Elaine" dance and the girls shook their booties with Brent.

Matthew snapped this picture of Isaiah and Ireland (exactly 1
month apart) looking out the window during all the fun.

Memo To Me, Memo To Me...

Do NOT leave the camera where Reagan can get a hold of it!

Whitney's Wedding (In Photos)

The bride showing the flower girl her flowers. One person commented
Ireland looked as if she "fell straight from heaven." Agreed.

The girls waiting to be called up for photos.

I read somewhere never to teach kids to say "cheese"
because you get fake smiles. Rather, say something
like "Who likes chocolate?" and you'll get genuine
smiles. Or, you may just get one who raises their
hand like Ireland did.

Sadly, the only family photo we were able to get amidst the mayhem.

Oh how I love my little family!

What the bride and groom have to look forward to. I love that Ireland's bawling and Sam is just laying on the ground.

We thought all black would hide our bumps.

I think we look better instagramed! I got TONS of compliments
on my fascinator. Maybe I should wear it more often?

When wearing an ivory dress with a white sweater at a solemn location like
Temple Square, of course you should play in the dirt... OF COURSE!!!

Nobody makes the girls smile like Grandpa Nielsen!

Trying to stay modest...

Liesel's Marilyn moment.

Cousin Photos

It was widely acknowledged among the family that this may be the last time the Nielsen side gets together for a wholly positive occasion. Now that Whitney has graduated, she's leaving Utah to make her way in the world with her new husband. Even some of the Utah-based families are looking elsewhere for the next chapter of their lives. Cousin photos are usually a high priority whenever the family gets together, but they were particularly important this time. Not to mention we actually had ALL the cousins together!


The motley crew

The boys

In many ways, it was crazy to add one more agenda item to the already busy festivities. However, if you don't stop for a second and record things like this, time just passes you by. These faces will never look like this again. I'm grateful we fit it in!



The girls

Caine's Arcade

One of my mission companions, Hermana Collette, sent me this video. Memories of serving with her in East LA came flooding back and by the end of it I was a little teary eyed. Next time I'm there I'm definitely getting the "Fun Pass". Enjoy!
Caine's Arcade from Nirvan Mullick on Vimeo.

Celebrating Our Children

The Schaumburg Park District had their annual Celebrating Our Children program. No idea what that is? Neither did I. All I knew is it used to be called "Dancing With the Stars" which made it all the more mysterious. We got to the huge gym and I led Liesel over to her preschool group who were seated on large blue mats. Then the fun began.

Each preschool had a chance to go in the middle and show off their stuff. Then there were songs in between everyone could participate in. Liesel's class did one called Count of Five which had a western beat (hence the kerchiefs). Of course Ireland was itching to be involved and she was ecstatic when Liesel's teacher told her it was okay for her to tag along. Even though Ireland was sick as a dog, her excitement about finally being able to "go to preschool" outweighed the sniffles and coughs. I have much better video but alas it's too long to upload. Here's a little taste.

Brent does ring around the rosie during dance time with the girls. He teases them and goes ever so slowly then picks up speed until they're both flying in the air. Our home fills with peals of laughter and then they beg him to do it again. I thought it was so cute they put together a ring around the rosie here. 



Build-A-Bear

Brent and I gave the girls $25 gift cards to Build-A-Bear in their stockings for Christmas. Their incredibly generous grandparents did the same thing! We held on to them until Grandma and Grandpa Wuehler could be around to see the spoils as a result of all their spoiling. The girls had enough moolah to get whatever they wanted so this was a particularly fun trip.

Liesel kept gravitating towards an obnoxiously bright pink bear I knew I couldn't stomach so I gently coaxed her towards one I wouldn't mind picking up a million or so times around the house. She seemed okay with the exchange. Ireland nabbed a really cute black bear and got him a hot red car. Even after all the outfits and such, we still had enough left over to get another bear. This time Liesel went for a cute little dog.

Their beds are covered in Build-A-Bears! We're going to have to think of something new to put into their stockings this year, for sure. Luckily the cute little carriers they come in are perfect coloring projects. The girls have kept busy making their bear homes beautiful and bright.

As if Build-A-Bear wasn't enough, Grandma and Grandpa Wuehler treated us to dinner at The Olive Garden! Jeanne was feeling under the weather so some hot zuppa toscana hit the spot. Ireland ate fistfuls of black olives while Liesel was delighted with her penne topped with butter and Parmesan. Both girls chugged their chocolate milk while we adults feasted on our soup, salad and breadsticks. It was a wonderful ending to a wonderful day. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Wuehler!

Results Are In!

I was floored. For oh so many reasons I was sure the babe growing in my womb was a boy. I told the ultrasound tech as much and then told her to just say whether I was right or wrong. She seemed a little too delighted to tell me I was wrong. Along with my shock came a flood of relief. I'd been mentally preparing to make the switch and suddenly I didn't have to. More bows, more fluffy dresses, more pigtails. Yes yes, I can DO this, no problem!

Everyone has been asking how Brent's taking the news. I'm sure he wouldn't mind having a boy in the family but he honestly and truly loves having girls. As President Hinckley once said, "When a man gets old he had better have daughters about him." Perhaps it's the shock of white hair that's suddenly and aggressively appeared on his right temple, but Brent takes that idea seriously. From a pragmatic standpoint, we have girly stuff so this baby will be practically free aside from diapers, wipes and formula. The accountant in Brent doesn't mind that one bit.

The only person who was disappointed was Liesel. After seeing her baby boy cousin William, I think she wanted one of her own. She even cried a little. Hopefully her disappointment will be tempered by mid-August!

Amenities

Since we only use cell phones these days, Ireland couldn't get
enough of this phone. I'm pretty sure she inadvertently called
the front desk a couple of times.

The girls were so cute with their newest nephew!

Did your family travel much? When I was a kid, most of our trips were to visit other family. Dad strategically planned each trip to maximize road time and minimize any chance we'd need to stay in a hotel. Mom would pack a cooler of rolls, deli ham, crackers and squirt cheese which were our glamorous meals for the duration. Rest stops were a Chinese fire drill. All six of us kids had to use the restroom and grab a quick snack in record time. By the time the gas tank was full and Dad's personal tank was empty, he pulled out of the rest stop with or without you. No dawdling allowed. On those incredibly rare occasions when we stayed at the hotel, it was a real treat. Everyone wanted to "explore" and my parents had eager volunteers to fill the ice bucket. Something about hotels brings back those memories.

The hotel we stayed in while visiting Jim and Vanessa certainly did not disappoint. Normally we opt for a place that serves breakfast but when I saw the swim area at this Marriott, I knew it was the place for us. Almost half of it was essentially a splash pad (in all of 1.3' of water) which the kiddies adored. They went so often, they started asking to go swimming right when they woke up. Not once did they complain pulling on cold and wet swim suits to head back downstairs for more fun.

While Ireland napped or while Brent had the girls down at the pool, I was able to relax a bit. Surfing the hotel cable, I was delighted to find the annual Barrett-Jackson Car Auction. The last time I watched that I was randomly up late with my dad. He commented on muscle cars vs other classic cars, a v six vs a straight six, which person was getting a deal and which one made a steal, and this feature vs that one. Suddenly I became incredibly nostalgic and homesick for my dad. I sent him a text message which he responded to... apparently he was randomly up late too.

Blessings

This represents all of the grandchildren on the Wuehler side minus one (Daniel).

William Jon Wuehler was blessed today and Brent got to participate. I know Vanessa et al really miss the life they left in Malibu but I have to admit I love, love, LOVE having them so close in Wisconsin. Memo to me, memo to me, I need to take advantage of their proximity much more than I do.

Whenever family gets together, I'm fascinated by the juxtaposition of the relatively quiet and tranquil older years...

to the energy and craziness of the younger years...

Easter Egg Hunt

Total eggs: 37

Isaac's yield: 10

Liesel's yield: 7

Elizabeth's yield: 7

Ireland's yield: 13

While the older kids rushed out onto the grass, Ireland stayed close to home and methodically picked up all the hidden eggs near the back porch. Brent was charged with picking out the goodies and filling the eggs this year. I have to say he did an excellent job! Most of them didn't even have candy. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the kids had a blast hunting and then enjoying their spoils.

About an hour later, Ireland snuck out of the house and when Brent caught up with her seconds later, she was headed for the grass again. It's not like Ireland to leave a party. "Eggs!" she exclaimed when Brent asked where she was going. She was on her way to look for more eggs. That is one determined little girl!

An Epic Place to Work

Our first stop on this most recent trip to Wisconsin was Jim's work. Vanessa told us it was like Google with quirky decor and little features all over the place. It did not disappoint! After a fantastic lunch, we took a little tour. We didn't get to see all of it, but that's okay; another reason to come back. Some highlights:

The horse swing which is in sight of the treehouse that can be used for business meetings.

Isn't this the cutest bunch of white trash you've ever seen?
This hallway was decorated like a NYC subway and the
garbage can was just for show. I'd never put my kids in the
trash for real... no matter how bad a day it was!

Ireland on the slide between the 2nd and 1st floors.

We also saw the circus themed conference room and the aviation themed conference room. I would never be bored in a meeting again with rooms like that! For me, the best part was how natural it was for us to visit with the kids. Lots of people even stopped and asked if they were going to try out the slide. They were a welcome presence and not persona non grata for a change. I can see why Jim and Vanessa are so happy he is employed at such a great company. Can't wait to visit again!

Liesel is FOUR!

I love the beaters on her apron since licking them
is her favorite part of being my sous chef.

Liesel has been looking forward to her birthday ever since preschool started last fall and she saw the special treatment other kids received on their special day. She's tried to convince teachers, coaches and even Brent and I for months that "today is my birthday!" When the date finally rolled around, she was ecstatic. Liesel had the good fortune of having preschool ON her birthday (she only goes 3 times a week). She was assigned snacks and brought ice cream cups, which I'm told were a hit. They made her a crown and sang to her. The other parents were so sweet to wish her a very "Happy Birthday!" Liesel was beaming when I picked her up.

The dark ones are supposed to be bunnies diving into the dirt.

Because Liesel has become quite the little helper in the kitchen (especially when I'm making cupcakes), we found an adorable apron that perfectly fit her personality. Of course we made cupcakes as she'd been talking endlessly about it ever since we made the cupcakes for Ireland's birthday. We tried some Easter-themed cupcakes and I was able to use the tiered cupcake holder my mother gave me for Christmas. Liesel carefully placed each and every candy egg in those little plots of grass.

Whenever we asked her what she wanted for her birthday, Liesel would respond, "A pink flower... and a car. A pink one." Dad picked out a lovely bouquet of flowers with plenty of pink in them. I guess we did get a car although it was in no way related to Liesel's birthday. In any case, she had a fantastic day.

Sometimes I feel like I'm watching Ireland so closely, willing her to stay my baby, that I forget to notice Liesel is becoming all legs. As much as she can mix it up with Ireland, she's also got an extremely strong nurturing instinct and will protect her and teach her. Between parent-teacher conferences and yearly doctor check-ups, I've had a lot of conversations about her personality. She's definitely a positive and happy person (takes after Daddy!) and relatively calm. In my totally unbiased opinion she's wicked smart and although she gets complimented on her looks often, it's her personality that really shines for me. Liesel makes me laugh every day and I love, love, LOVE being her mother! I'm excited to take another trip around the sun with her.

Motherhood



Isn't it beautiful?