Natalie and Jeff at Fredrick Meijer Gardens.
It's FINALLY beginning to feel like spring outside and at the Kladder house we're all about it.
First, babies are all the rage this April with an impressive number of friends expecting. Already this month I have attended two baby showers, had one friend harvest her eggs for what is turning out to be one of the most intense baby adventures I've gotten to support yet, and we visited the hospital to welcome the newest member to the Dutch Mafia: Lachlan Roger - who already has more hair than Natalie.
Natalie on Easter morning ready for church.
Two weeks ago we celebrated Easter with family beginning with Jeff's siblings at the Lake in Rockford. Jeff's Dad organized the annual egg hunt for the girls and Natalie was so excited that she fell asleep and missed the entire thing. She totally redeemed herself the next morning at church all dressed in her Sunday best. Afterwards we hosted my Mom and Dad for Easter brunch. Nat dove into her first Easter basket from Grandma and Grandpa and Jeff and I are still coasting on the chocolate bunny my Mom gave us as a consolation prize to becoming parents ourselves since last year; I guess once you have kids you don't get your own basket anymore.
Visiting the Butterfly exhibit at Fredrick Meijer Gardens.
Later that week we visited the butterfly exhibit at Fredrick Meijer Gardens and while I have been before, this was both Jeff and Natalie's first time. And like all things at the Gardens, it was wonderful. My parents got us a membership as a Christmas gift this year so we hope to spend more time there this summer. Japanese Gardens here we come!
Last week we OFFICIALLY kicked off Spring by welcoming baseball back to our TV full-time. And while Jeff is traditionally a Red Sox fan (ask him why, it's a funny reason) on Friday we cheered for the Tigers at their home opener in Detroit with friends Zach and Andrea. We made a day of it and partook in the pregame festivities by grabbing a drink at The Old Shillelagh and later food at the Detroit Athletic Club which was just about as fancy as tailgates get. After the Tigers won, we checked out Townhouse Detroit where they specialize in Detroit pride and hamburgers.
And despite our snowy weather last week, things are looking up here folks! This weekend the weather is forecast in the 70s which means soon enough, you can find us on our front porch. Have a great week everyone!