Lunch at Mom and Dad's to celebrate: two graduations and a birthday!

Quinn dropping by to say "hi" to uncle Pete!

Quinn with Jack {my parent's dog}.

My grandpa Shepard

Four generations:

Quinn, Gretchen, Grandma Shepard and Mom

On Sunday, August 29th we headed over to my parent's to have lunch. It was in celebration of two graduations -- I recently graduated with my Paralegal Associate Degree from Inver Hills Community College, and my sister Mandy just graduated from Rasmussen College. It was also my dad's birthday on the 26th of this month -- so we celebrated them all!

We were surprised to see a white car in my parent's driveway when we pulled up, and weren't sure who was joining us. We were happily surprised to see my grandma and grandpa Shepard were there to spend the day with us! It was a great day. We had a nice lunch, went outdoors to play washers and then relaxed under a shady tree with a nice cool breeze to keep us cool on the hot August day!

Paul and Haley's Wedding

Paul waiting for his bride at the alter

Gorgeous flowers.

Awesome view.

mom. sisters. quinn. me.

My grandma and grandpa Sattler

Cousins. catching up.

Memories.

Spotted Cow beer in a mason jar. How cool!

Natalie and Quinn meeting! They are the two babies in the family.

We had a wonderful time at my cousin, Paul and his fiance {now wife!} Haley's wedding on Saturday, 8/21. I think it was one of the most beautiful weddings I've been to. It was outdoors at Haley's parents cabin near Minoqua, WI. It was simple. had breathtaking views of the lake. family oriented. perfect. we even had beer/wine in mason jars!

On a side note, Quinn and I took a little walk around the beach area and saw a beaver swimming in the water, then he crawled up to the beach area and dragged a tree branch back in the lake!

Mama's Boy!

I know someday this will change. It might even be someday soon. I will savor it while I can :)

Quinn is already half a year old!

Can you believe it?! Already six months old??? Where did the time go...

It's amazing that it's already been six months since Quinn came into our lives and changed them...FOREVER! What a wonderful blessing he is! Before we know it, we will be buying candles and baking {or buying!} a birthday cake to celebrate his first year!

Happy semi annual birthday {can you tell I worked in insurance for five years!} little man...we love you SO SO SO SO much!

Beautiful baby Sydney Jo!

Awww! Proud new mama, Angie :)

Our friends, Ryan and Angie Caputo, welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Sydney Jo, on 8/08/10. I got to meet the little peanut on the 19th at our playdate. Ang and Syd are already in the rotation! Congrats you guys, we are so happy for you!

Cooking up a storm...

...Quinn is eating good, wholesome food and growing like a weed!

...The only problem is, now that he isn't just eating milk, his spit up stains the carpet {and everything else that it lands on!} We have random orange and green spots all over the carpet!

Amanda's Bridal Shower - 8/14/10

Beautiful drinks!

Doesn't this avocado dip look scrumptious?!
{It WAS!}

Quinn, Katie, Erin {our cousin who flew in from Alabama!} and guest of honor, Mandy!

Mandy and her future Mother-in-law, Penny.

Checking out the decorations Penny had placed through out the house for the shower.

{Photos of Mandy and Nick as kids, and pictures of them together.}

Love this one! Great moment captured by the camera...

The house looked beautiful!

Kaylana and Amanda

Mandy's favorite part! {the gift opening!} J/k :)

Good turn out!

Missy, mom, Mandy and Quinn

Missy and I

Quinn and Erin :)

On Saturday, August 14th, Mandy's future mother in law, Penny and sister in law, Michelle, planned a gorgeous and very fun bridal shower for her! ...It was fun to get to know her future "in laws" a little bit more before the big day and celebrate her upcoming wedding {10/10/10}. Mandy, I'm so happy for you and Nick, and am so glad I was able to celebrate this day with you!

Quinn and Abby

Quinn and Abby hanging out at Playdate

Look at these two cutie pies! Oh how I love their smiles!

Little Abby Heimark is the daughter of our friends, Ally and Brandon.