Catherine and Katherine

My dear, sweet, wonderful friend Katie came to visit the Little Blue House for her Spring Break! Katie is a rockstar graduate student at the University of Arkansas, and her home is near Philadelphia. She tours the country from time to time in her trusty Pontiac, and sometimes her little dog Casey joins her. We are fortunate to be the halfway point between Katie's school and her home, so we have had the pleasure of hosting her several times this past year! Last week, though, we kept her for 3 whole days!

We crafted (obv), and Katie made this adorable headband for Cate!

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYTHING THIS BEAUTIFUL!?!

Chili's. Duh.

Katie made Fancy Mac 'n Cheese, and it was dee-licious.

Mint Cake Balls. Holy Moly.

Cate spent some time getting to know Auntie Katie.

Size comparison!

We spent a day and a night in Carmel and were spoiled by Gramma Dot.

Katie got mixed up with the police in Carmel.

We may make a trip to Bub's a tradition. Next time, Cate will attempt the Big Ugly.

Come see us again soon Katie!

Maestro Chris

Chris's parents visited us not only to play with Baby Cate but also to see him conduct the East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra in their Spring Concert. The performance was lovely, and Chris, as always, was a charismatic and precise conductor. This was Cate's 6 week "birthday," and what a way to celebrate. She was a very well-behaved concert-goer. Many other audience members comments to me afterward on how well she did! Nevermind her father, the conductor of the whole orchestra, this little gal was the belle of the ball!

Here are pictures of the event along with photos from the rest of our visit from Carla and Chuck. We loved having them and can't wait until June to visit with Nana and Papa again!!

Nana and Papa time!

Chris's parents aka Cate's Nana and Papa, have been visiting since Tuesday! These people really love our little gal, sheesh! We'll have to squeeze in as much grandbaby time as possible before they head back to Park City, Utah, on Sunday afternoon.

You look like such a mom

I finished my Young Women's lesson and walked with all my gear to meet Chris, Cate, and Lauren in the foyer. As I approached, Chris said, "You look like such a mom, so on top of it with all your church stuff. Hang on a second, I am going to take your picture."

Well.

What a compliment...I think!

I do like to feel like a mom though!

Without further ado, I present the photo which captures me being mom-like:

Last few days with Auntie Lolo

Lo, Cate, and I were treated to some delicious fried pickles on Saturday! Aunt Libby was rehearsing in Muncie for a production of The Ten Virgins, and Grammy joined her. The five of us went out for lunch at Amazing Joe's, home of the finest fried pickle chips around, ask anyone.

We had a chill afternoon an evening together, trying to squeeze in as much Lolo-and-Cate time as possible since it was her last night. Meanwhile, I experimented with some stuffed bell peppers! Yum!

We said goodbye for now to Auntie Lolo on Sunday after church. Then, we ventured into Alexandria, Indiana, where our friends Katy and Kyle Penrod and their 13 month old Amelia just moved. Their house is beautiful! They were celebrating their new home as well as Kyle and Amelia's birthdays! What a party. Chris and I learned how to play Spades and loved it!

I give this weekend an A+.

Friday Friday

Friday, March 9, 2012, according to my iPhone:

Things That Are Important in the Coonradt Home

After 5 days with us, Lauren has comprised this list of Things That Are Important in the Coonradt Home:

Aunt Thursday

Aunt Libby says she is going to tell Cate that her name is Aunt Thursday since we visit her house for piano lessons on Thursdays. That way, she reasons, Cate will forevermore associate Thursdays with her Auntie Libby who loves her. :)

Cheater's Paella

Delicious success!

Cate's First Young Women's Activity

Tonight we had a fun Beehive activity with special guests Lauren, Brianna, and Baby Cate! We made scrapbook pages and celebrated Justin Bieber's 18th birthday-- really! I love being a Young Women's leader. Cate was a champ and slept through the whole activity like a little angel.

The cake decorator at Marsh and I had a little miscommunication about what to write on the cake. Love it. Overall it was a memorable evening!

Grammy Food

Last night we welcomed Lauren to Indiana with a big dinner at Grammy's house. The food was absolutely incredible- I asked to take home the leftovers! No shame here! There is just something lovely and familiar about a million family members sitting around a crowded table, eating delicious food, and talking all at once. I wish I taken a picture during all the action. I just got a shot of the beautiful table setting. It was such a nice night to admire out the downstairs windows, too. We held a big Family Home Evening after dinner which included beautifully harmonized singing of our fam's favorite hymn Love at Home and a great lesson about General Conference. Sheesh I love these people.

Girls' Outing

Today we had a fun afternoon of shopping with Auntie Lolo and Auntie Brianna. It is so fun to pick out outfits for little Cate! Plus we enjoyed delicious Chili's chips and queso and chicken enchilada soup, best ever. Now we're chillin at home, watching Hulu and of course-- CNN! It's Super Tuesday!! Chris and I are election nerds! We've been looking forward to this for weeks! :)

Auntie Lolo

Finally. We are so ready for our week of fun with Auntie Lolo. :)