The weekend was full of nonstop busyness and excitement.  I am exhausted just thinking about all we did.

First of all, I do want to thank all of you for praying for my Grandma Helen.  She fell on Friday, was taken to Des Moines, where the orthopedic specialist chose not to operate on her femur because of the risk of infection and her age.  She is home, but dealing with the pain while being immobilized and fighting off the onset of pneumonia, now.  So, continued prayers would be appreciated!

Now, let me tell you.  I thought maybe we were going to be on the next Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.  For about an hour, I was full of hope.  See, Friday night, Hubby and a buddy went mushroom hunting up at the 240.  When walking to go get the tractor (because they got the Ranger stuck in mud, of course, and needed to pull it out), Patrick looked down and spotted a coin.  In the dirt.

The coin that about made us rich

Yes, he found an 1888 Indian head penny.  Instantly, my mind went to “We’re rich!  We’re rich!”  Until he looked up the value on the internet.  “Ang, I don’t think we’ll be retiring right now.  $2 won’t get us anywhere.”

TWO dollars???  I thought for sure it’d ring in at a couple of grand.  (There were some that went for about $400-500, but those were coins that were in top notch condition.)  Well, it still was a great find.  I’m sure I’ll be fielding calls from Mike and Frank of the American Pickers any day now.

On to Saturday.  Nate had his last track meet of the season.  Super proud of our Speedy Gonzales!  (I don’t lie when I say…he’d beat me in the 400.  Not like that is saying much, but MAN.  The kid can run.)  Then, we were off to the races.  Well, not really.  But we were off to nonstop family gatherings.

First, we stopped by Grandma Helen’s with some flowers to brighten her day.  Then, to Aunt Laurie’s Victorian-themed Garden Party to celebrate her birthday.  And then, over to Marshalltown to attend our niece, Chloe’s, graduation party (or as Maxim was calling it all week…Chloe’s Celebration).

Back to the first party.  I have never been to a Victorian-themed Garden Party, so I had no corsets, white gloves, or big hats in my closet to whip out and wear.  (Red gloves.  Yes.  Gold lace gloves or silver gloves.  Yes, yes.  Who doesn’t still have their prom outfits from 1989-1991?  Please tell me I’m NOT the only one with tubs of ‘keepsakes’ in their basement.)  Anyway.  Aunt Laurie was prepared and immediately offered a hat and scarf for me to wear with my maxi skirt.  And yes, she had hats for the men and children, too.  (Patrick made me promise not to post a pic of him and the boys when they were politely asked to put on a hat for a picture.)  (I will tread softly on this subject, but let me just say…my hubby doesn’t even dress up for Halloween.  I didn’t even ask him to dress up for this.  Because a.)  I was just happy he was attending a garden party with me.  and b.)  Tails and vests and top hats are not in his wardrobe.  Listen, we wives know just how far we can push it.  I knew my limits here.)  The party was fun as we visited with family, enjoyed yummy food, and sipped on tasty punch.  It was fun to honor my aunt, who has been like a sister to me.  We gave little speeches about fun memories.  I shared about the great times we had when I lived with her for a summer in Honolulu after my junior year of college.  Then, Aunt Laurie and I posed for a pic.

Vogue…strike a pose…there’s nothing to it

Then, we were off to Coco’s Celebration.  And, oh…it was beautiful!  My brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Tim and Ang, had their place just perfectly decorated and everything was amazing…the food, decor, pics of Coco, fire pit fun where Nate and Maxim hung out with their cousin Tate and his buddies…it was a great time!  Trust me, if you need party decorating advice, my sister-in-law, Angie, is the person to go to!

Ang and Chloe with the barn decorated so beautifully

Well, after that busy day, we rested up and Sunday was just as busy.  After church, the boys and I went to visit my bestie, Francy, and her family before we went to football, since we haven’t seen each other in awhile.  Her hubby watched the kids jump on the trampoline while we ran to Starbucks for twenty minutes of peace and quiet and much needed caffeine.

Francy and I soaking up a little sunshine and enjoying the peace & quiet of Starbucks

Then, we were off to the football field for a triple-header.  Yes.  That would be three games.  I’m not sure who was more exhausted.  Nate playing three games back to back or me making many o’ trips to the concession stand.  (In my defense, I can’t help it that Metro Football has so many glorious options…kettle corn, shaved ice, nacho grande…it’s all too tempting for a hungry 5-year old watching his big brother.  And perhaps this mom and dad.) And, below, you see Nate proudly showing off his trophy with little brother.

Nate and his #1 fan

Well, that about wraps up our busy weekend.  Track and football are now over, so we can concentrate on wrapping up the school year and baseball and t-ball.  Which reminds me…today will be a hard one for this mama.  Our baby is graduating.  As in, graduating from preschool.  I can’t believe it.  Where has the time gone?  Tears might be shed.