Parties and Rehersal Dinner

So one of the things that has been keeping us busy is Aunt Terri's wedding. Matt is one of seven Beffa kids and little (and only) sister Terri got married this past weekend. For those of you who may not know, Terri lives in Germany with her new husband. He is a German professional basketball player (notice the height) and teacher. Here are pics from the bachelorette/bachelor baseball game and Rehearsal.

The bride and I!

Matt and I at the Bachelorette/Bachelor Cardinal game - thanks to Nonna for watching the kids so we could go out without them!

The bride and 4 of her brothers (left to right: Tim, Matt, Patrick and Todd)

The bride and groom with the boys (left to right: Tim, Matt, Patrick, Todd, Matze, Terri)
The boys were trying to be tall and Matze was trying to be shorter.. LOL


The girls (left to right) Terri (bride), Kim (MOH), Me, Michelle (SIL)

Some of the gang at the game. I have to say that bleacher seats are the best and I had no idea they even existed! The front two people are Matze's mom and dad that came in from Germany for the festivities.

Some of the 16 Beffa grandchildren at the rehearsal - Notice Jacob trying to escape the pictures - this became the theme of the weekend!

Me and my sister-in-law DeAnna at the rehearsal dinner. Matt's family has owned a bar for 113 years and it closed for good the last weekend in May. However, they agreed to hold one last Beffa family event there and of course only Terri could pull that off. This was our last time in the restaurant and bar and it was very sad :(

Jacob had SO much fun in Brenna's stroller that night. He got pushed around by all his cousins and was living the life. He didn't get to bed before 11 any night but enjoyed spending time with his cousins.

Aunt Michelle, Rachel and Brenna - this was probably 10:30 and WAY past B's bedtime!

The Europeans with Baby Colin (Colin is Terri and Matze's baby boy that was born in January). There were lots of people in from Europe for the wedding - it made it even more fun but I have to say that Europeans like to stay out REALLY late!! I was so tired by the end of the weekend and I didn't even make it to the end of most nights!!

Last time we see the Beffa's fine food sign lit up.. so very sad. It's odd to think that the tradition of my kids going there is now lost. However, we obviously wanted what was best for the family and wish everyone the best as the bar closes turns out the lights for the last time!

Pics of the wedding and some of the family pictures the day after the wedding will be posted soon!

Random May Pics

So for all of you who are e-mailing, calling and asking... I have not forgotten about the blog. It's been a crazy few weeks and I am just getting around to posting things.

The kids have been really healthy (and now I'm knocking on wood)! Brenna is still apx 8 weeks delayed developmentally due to her setbacks early on but generally is on track. She has started to sit up and is rolling everywhere. She is even army crawling and can get just about anywhere she wants. I used to wish for her to be more mobile and independent but now I'm thinking I've gotten what I asked for and I want to go back!! Generally speaking she is an awesome little girl. She is so laid back and is very rarely upset. Her sleeping habits could use some work but I have to admit that with out schedule these days she's lucky to be in any sort of a routine.

Jacob is doing very well too. He is talking like crazy and some things are adorable and some things make me cringe. He's putting more and more together and at least once a day I think he is the smartest little boy ever. Just today he ran up and gave me a big hug and told me he loved me (totally unprompted).. however then he proceeded to shake his cup so milk went flying everywhere. He's a little phobic about germs and dirt but who could blame him considering everything he's gone through. He is amazing with Brenna and will do just about anything for his sister. He's very gentle and protective of her as well. He's also developed a huge fear of thunder (and now fireworks) which has proven very awful as St. Louis has had lots of bad weather these days. I'm hoping it's a phase he is quick to grow out of.

Brenna at 8 months old playing with the remote

Here is Jacob at 8 months old playing with the remote.. now I'm thinking they do not look a like?

Brenna did get her ears pierced - here's a pic of her bling. By the way, this was ALL Matt's idea. I was a nervous wreck but she did awesome and doesn't both them at all. Look at those cheeks!

Can't forget Jacob.. here he is hamming it up for the camera