In Memory

On Wednesday, April 16 our wonderful Auntie Joyce passed away. We were all so blessed to have her in our lives. She was such an incredibly giving, loving, witty and insightful woman. We admired her so much. The grace and dignity in which she dealt with her terrible illness was truly inspiring. We loved her so much.

www.caringbridge.org/visit/joycepiepenburg

Famly Moments

Finally, our first walk to Pumphouse for ice cream tonight... we got home from work and daycare and had a chance to enjoy a family walk to our favorite spot! Kate tried the sorbet (wasn't a fan of the lemon ginger)... but as always munched on puffs. It must be spring... we finally got out of the house!

We said 'good-bye' for now to Jill and Samuel tonight as they head to Indiana for a month... we will definitely miss them.

This week has been filled with many special family moments and opportunities to spend time with Auntie Joyce. We were able to pop in on-and-off and share laughter and tears with the great aunts and grandma as they thoughtfully cared for Auntie Joyce in the hospital. She has moved in with Vicki and Mark tonight and is at peace now that she is out of the hospital and at home... surrounded by family who love her as she continues on her journey. I wish these treasured moments could have occurred under much happier circumstances, but it has been such a gift to have Joyce with us and to spend time with friends and family who truly love her.

Hanging with Auntie Ann

Happy Birthday Auntie Ann! Kate spent the morning with the birthday girl at Gertens to see the baby animals at the petting zoo and then they were the ladies who lunch!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

After being cooped up together with colds/flu this past week, we needed to get out for a bit (as we coughed, blew noses and shared our germs with everyone). Kate celebrated her irish heritage this weekend by checking out her first St. Patty's parade in St. Paul and then off to Landmark Center to listen to celtic music and watch the irish step dancers. She was even "recruited" by a dance teacher when she watched Kate dancing to the music. This weekend also brought a nice dinner at the Mich's, a slumber party with Uncle Joe/Auntie Lorna and Amelia and brunch with Tracy!

Auntie Joyce moved to Auntie Vicki's house last Sunday... we miss her around here! I know that Kate and I enjoyed crawling in bed with her in the mornings, and Kate misses the songs and the smiles we shared over the past couple of weeks. She had become very used to having a captive audience who cheered on every cute move she made. We had lots of thoughtful visitors over the past couple of weeks... Auntie Jayne joined us to help care for Joyce, along with Great Grandma Phyllis and Grandpa Hugo, Gina and the Bieringer girls, Vicki, Uncle Joel and Aunt Julie, Grandpa Bob and Uncle Joe.

Thank you to Grandma Julie who came up to help care for Joyce and watch Kate when Mom joined Dad in LA and Vegas for a long weekend during his biz trips on the west coast. First trip away together since Miss Kate was born. Gave us a chance to check out the sites (Spamalot, restaurants, Peppermill), hang with our friend/best man Joe, visit with our friends Mindy and Paul Totaro (meeting Miss Madison!) and most exciting... renewed our vows at the Little White Chapel on the strip! Since my coffee pot broke this week, I thought this would be a perfect excuse to register again! I don't think Kate even missed us... each time we called it sounded like she was having a party with grandma and the great aunties! Also thank you to Uncle Dan, Auntie Ann and Grandma Mary who helped fill in while Jill was gone that week as well!c

Happy Birthday Grandma Julie... we look forward to celebrating with you next weekend!