33 Years Old!

The love of my life turned 33 yesterday!

I gave him a new bicycle seat, and here he is back from his first ride on it!

Anne's Baby Shower

Gini and I threw a baby shower for our friend Anne!

She was there for our showers and now it is her turn!

We did a bicycle theme because Anne loves to bike!  But probably not right now in her current state, I'm guessing.

Jason graciously allowed me to steal his bicycle wheel to make this ribbon sculpture.

She received many lovely things including this "Team Llama" bib and onesie set.  Anne and David call themselves Team Llama (don't ask, I don't know why) so this is perfect for their new team member!  

Baby showers are a blast to plan.  I wish I had way more time to craft up a million decorations, but I think Gini and I managed to pull together something quite respectable.  We make a good team!

Second Day of School!

Grace enjoyed her second day of school!

Avery was sick the first day, but she was ready to go in a big way today!  Grace is being a goofball as always.  The girl in the middle is our neighbor Ada!  We've had a few play dates and she is a sweet girl.

It is going to be a fun year!  I already have homework.  I'm bringing the snack next Tuesday!

First Day of School!

Grace started preschool today!

She seemed to really enjoy it!  

I don't know what I was worried about, but I was a bit of a wreck while she was gone and I wasn't expecting that.  I guess it is conditioning me for future milestones!

Clara Walks

Clara walks finally!  It is funny that both my girls took their time with this milestone.  They are cautious, we think!  It is sweet to see Grace cheering her on.  She loves to give people "presents"!

This was first thing in the morning, so please excuse the bedhead.

Bicycles, Doctors and Sisters

Grace received a balance bike for her birthday!

She enjoys riding around the house.  She is quite slow still but she has always been a cautious girl.

We take it outside sometimes and she rides up and down the driveway.

Jason and Avery stayed with us for a couple days while Jason was in between summer gigs.  He was feeling sick but I think the girls fixed him up nicely with Grace's doctor set.

Doctor Grace and Doctor Avery know just what to do!

Clara loves to see what big sister is doing!  Here, Grace is playing with water in the sink, something that can entertain her for quite some time.  Clara would love to get in there too!  Grace gets annoyed sometimes when Clara breaks up her race track or destroys her tower, but for the most part I think she seems pretty patient with her.  She often invites Clara to play and Clara always obliges!

Grace loves to play with Clara in her crib.  Sometimes they are in there giggling and laughing and mom and dad actually get a break for a moment!  It usually ends with Clara getting upset because Grace is playing too rough, but it is nice for a while.

Grace starts school next week!  Stay tuned for pictures from that!

Balsam Lake - The Wildlife

There was a lot to see at Balsam Lake!

I'm pretty pleased with this picture of Eric!  I don't know if it ever made it as his profile picture on Facebook, but it should have.  He really enjoyed the fishing at the lake, and managed to catch several (can't remember the exact count) bass or something.

Another great fishing shot.  Jason also participated and had some good male bonding, I think.

We spied this Bald Eagle several times!

These pictures were made possible with my telephoto (thanks Dad!).

These loons went swimming by at sunset one night.

There was also a family of loons living right near the house!