Dana's Graduation

I’m proud to announce that my sister, Dana, received her MBA on Thursday, May 13^th.  

Both my parents came down to attend the event and we watched her walk the stage for the second time.  

Do I look like the proud sis or what?!

The entire family went out that evening, to enjoy dinner together and to celebrate her accomplishments. 

Friday I went to work while Dad and Mike played golf, Mom and Dana prepared for her big party on Saturday and waited for the arrival of my aunts and uncles.  Friday night I had poker with the girls (which I lost) while the rest of the family hung out at my cousin Jamie’s.  I hear that Noah was the life of the party – he definitely enjoys the attention he receives.  He had his hands full with 6 dogs running around the place.  I’m sure he didn’t know what to do with them all.

My brother also flew in that night to surprise Dana. Unfortunately his flight was delayed due to rain and didn’t arrive until 11:30.  Mike was kind enough to pick him up from the airport.  That made it a very short weekend for him since he had to leave Sunday morning.

Saturday Mike left to attend his brother, Matt’s bachelor party.  That afternoon Noah, Dad, Ryan and I headed to Dana’s.  I was floored by all of the food she had!  We definitely wouldn’t go hungry.  We spent the day at Dana’s and even though Noah didn’t take a nap that day, he hung in there pretty well (with bouts of whininess throughout). We were able to spend lots of time with my aunts, uncles and cousins who were there to celebrate.  Dana also had a slew of friends come over and deliver their congratulations.  It was a long and busy day.   

There was tons of food!

Ryan and Aunt Judy were sharing their world traveling experiences

Noah was enjoying all of the attention from family

My mom's 3 of 4 sisters came in for the event - Jean, June, mom and Judy

Mom was gracious enough to entertain Noah for most of the day.  He didn't get a nap so it's surprising we could still get a smile out of him.

Noah is always full of kisses

And more kisses

And even neck kisses.  We've got a real Romeo on our hands!

I too spent my moment of glory that day as my Uncle Jim’s washer partner where we finished  undefeated!  Who wants to bring it?!

Dana had her accomplishment and I had mine. J 

Sunday came all too soon and it was time to say goodbye.  Paw paw stayed with us for the weekend so Noah spent the next several days asking where he was.  That is often the case once family leaves.

Of course, we couldn't have Ryan leave without getting a shot of all of us.  It's rare to have us all together.

Noah wasn't quite as cooperative when it was time to say goodbye to Uncle Ryan.  

Mike arrived back home Sunday afternoon, a few bucks richer from gambling in Shreveport and had a great time with his brother.  My parents took off after taking Ryan to the airport so it was Noah and I until daddy got home.  We had a peaceful evening together.

I had to prepare for my trip to NY for the week.  Mike and Noah would be on their own.  I had no worries though – I knew they would be fine without me.  I'll get you an update on the week soon.  I know, I'm a week behind, but what can I say?

Love to all,

Corri, Mike and Noah

Mother's Day weekend

Ok, yes, I know, I'm way overdue to report on Mother's Day weekend.  So much has gone on since then, I hope I can remember! 

Overall, it was a beautiful weekend.  Saturday morning, Mike and I took Noah to the Frisco Farmer's market (it was rather tiny, so we didn't stay long) but it was a beautiful day and Noah received a balloon.  All was right with the world for him!  After the market, we went to the largest park in Frisco - Frisco Commons.  They have a huge playground which Noah loved going down the slide and swinging.  We also got to see ducks and turtles near the water.  Noah was in heaven, as were we, just getting to spend time together as a family.

We finally got Noah to where a hat (well, some of the time anyway).

Down the slide we go!

My sweet angel!

Mike was sweet enough to do all of the housework and let me relax and do what I wanted.  I spent a fun evening out Friday with my sister, having some girl time while shopping.  I can't remember the last time I did that!

Mike made me dinner that night and by Sunday morning, I got to sleep in and then was brought breakfast in bed!

I received beautiful tulips, some wonderful cards from both Mike and Noah and a mani/pedi GC that I used that day with my sister. 

Mike had to go to class that night so Dana treated Noah and I to dinner and we just hung out.  I was a very spoiled mama!! 

Noah now always says "I la (love) you mama" which is such a wonderful sound to hear!  Even when he makes you crazy, he just has to say those few words to melt your heart!  He challenges us constantly these days.

We had Noah's teacher conference.  We learned that Noah is a leader in class, loves to help his teachers, adores one of them (Ms. Nancy), is very compassionate and friendly.  He counts in English and in Spanish and loves to talk about animals in Spanish.  We are quite impressed with his verbal and language skills!  On the down side, he has quite a temper - he loves to throw things and slap if he doesn't get his way (I'm sure he gets all of this from his father - I have no idea how else he could possess these bad qualities).  His teacher feels this is all part of the terrible twos and nothing we have to worry about at this point in time.  They also believe some of his acting out may be due to knowing about the new baby.  I'm not sure how a 2 year old can understand but they have experience with this sort of thing so I'll have to take their word.

He's been very fickle lately - first he wants something, then he doesn't, then he does again, etc.  He was irritating me so much in the car one day, I turned to him and said "stop being a brat!"  He looked at me, began to fake cry and said "not nice mommy!"  I had to laugh at that - he was very right!  I did apologize but that kid sure can push our buttons!

I'll write soon on this past weekend - lots to share!

Love to all,

Corri, Mike and Noah

Family Togetherness

What a wonderful weekend with family!  Grandma and Grandpa Reichert arrived at our place around 5:30 Friday night and the smile on Noah's face spoke volumes.  He was pretty excited to have them visit and enjoyed showing them his new house.  We had a wonderful dinner together at a Mexican restaurant and then called it a night since the Reicherts drove straight through that day.  Everyone was feeling rather sleepy. 

Saturday morning was a busy one.  Denise, Noah and I attended Emily's (my future sister-in-law) bridal shower in Wylie while the gentlemen got in a game of golf (a very long game!)  I guess that's what happens on a beautiful sunny Saturday. 

Noah did really well considering he had to sit still for much of the party.  Luckily there was a 3 year old little girl, Landry, who helped to entertain him some.  We were very impressed that he hung in there. 

When the guys arrived home from golf, we all met at Matt and Emily's.  The fellas played with Noah for a bit on his new train set (aren't they cute?)

After tiring of the train, Mat and Emily, along with Denise, took Noah to feed the ducks.

As you can see, he had a blast!  After feeding the ducks, we all gathered our things and headed out for a family dinner.  Noah was rather unimpressed with dinner so he got quickly bored.  Grandpa was kind enough to take him outside to run around.  He got his spark back after that.

I like this picture - like PawPaw, like grandson. :-)

Noah is playing "hide and seek" with Uncle Matt.  He thinks if he can't see you, then you can't see him.  It's so cute!

Grandma and Grandpa had to leave early Sunday morning.  We were very much sad to see them go and hopefully they will be able to visit again soon and even stay longer this time!

Noah and I spent the afternoon with Aunt Dana, running errands, getting frozen yogurt and going on a walk.  All in all, a great weekend! 

We've got one more weekend of "down time" before the craziness begins with me and Mike's nutty travel schedule.

The weather is getting warmer too so we're going to try to enjoy it while it lasts - summer (aka hot and sticky) will be here before you know it!

Love to all,

Corri, Mike and Noah