Photo Recap

Enjoying the nice (hot) weather

Wagon rides with Weston (1.5) and Eli (almost 4)

Driving the antique fire truck in Krape Park

Kid's Castle with Poppa

1st time on a merry-go-round

The fam

Reese is 1!

We spent last week/weekend in IL and Madison visiting Nana and Poppa and celebrating Reese's 1st birthday.  With 160 pictures taken, finding just a few to share was a tough job!  The kids enjoyed swimming, playing with Eli and Weston, riding the merry-go-round, and seeing Kali, Kyle, and Reese!

Next Step

I took a giant leap of faith on Friday morning (as we were stuck inside AGAIN by the rain) and converted Aidan's crib into a toddler bed.  After setting the rule, (don't get out unless mommy or daddy gets you out) Aidan took a test run during nap time and did great.  So far, so good.  Three days in and no problems.  Aidan has stayed in bed, and he knows that if he wakes up before anyone else that he can read or play with toys in bed.  I think Aidan's favorite part is that I can sit next to him and tell him stories before he goes to bed. He's even asked for breakfast and snacks in bed! I nixed those ideas. : )

Mini-Vacation

We took a weekend trip Up North to Lac Courte Oreilles Lake (pronounced Lacooteray) over the 4th of July weekend, then Nana and Poppa came for a visit last week.  A whole week with extra hands to help with the kids was the best part of my summer vacation so far!  Quick recap of the past week and a half...Kyle and I celebrated our 6th anniversary, we boated/golfed/swam/had lots of fun at the lake, Aidan and I watched fireworks, Nana and Poppa completely re-landscaped half of our backyard, we took Nana to Rockin' Lunch Hour, we went to the zoo, and we watched a parade of vintage cars.  Yes, we've been busy!

Tim and Aidan on the first of many rides in the golf cart

 Braving the chilly water

 Queen Bee

 Another botched attempt at a cute brother-sister picture

 Helping Aunt Marsha husk the corn

 Driving the boat!

 This little boy LOVES to go boating

 Swimming in the lake with Grandpa and Uncle BJ

 More toys to play with!

  

A very tired little girl by the end of the trip

 

 The newly landscaped half of our backyard

Thanks Nana and Poppa!!!

 

 Cooling off after a hard day's work.

  I don't recommend trying this at your house.

Slip 'n Slide + 3 year old + almost 30 year old = bruised shins for everyone

 

Aubrey Update

Aubrey and I visited the doctor this morning for her 15 month appointment.  All continues to look good, minus her not being able to eat dairy.  The doctor was very unconcerned about it, saying that lots of kids can't eat dairy right away, but that she might be able to eat cheese when she's two, then gradually be able to tolerate milk and other dairy products.  Easy for him to say.  He's not cleaning up nasty diapers multiple times a day because something Aubrey ate doesn't agree with her stomach.  I still plan to take her to an allergist to make sure it's just dairy and not some other food allergy also.  That appointment is on Tuesday morning.  Aubrey handled her two shots (HiB and Hep A) like a champ.  Minimal screaming and then she took a nap when we got home.  Gotta love the return of a morning nap!

Stats:
Weight: 21 lbs (20th %-ile)
Height: 30.5 in (51st %-ile)

Happy 4th of July!

15 Months Old

Up close and personal with Aubrey

Ohhhh! She can walk!

(usually with her mouth wide open, must help with balance)

And play in the grass...

And be a little wild!

Check out my curls!

We go to the doctor this Thursday for Aubrey's 15 month check-up, but I'm guessing she's catching up in the percentiles. Now that she's walking, and I've pretty much figured out what she can/cannot eat (basically anything without dairy), she is getting stronger, taller, and filling out. I'll update later in the week with height/weight.

The Best Dads Around

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads/Poppas/Grandpas in our lives. We love you!

Pics from Madison Trip

Sum, Sum, Summertime!!!

School's Out For The Summer! Woot Woot! Summer has officially begun, and to kick it off, I'm doing....nothing. Kyle is going to the Twins game tonight with his dad while I stay at home with the kids. Not to be left home alone too much, I do get to go out with my girlfriends tomorrow night for some dinner and drinks. Always much needed by the time we can all coordinate schedules.

Plans for the summer? Oh yes. Kyle's aunt e-mailed us to check on free weekends, and I could give her two. The first and second weekend in July. Seriously??? Our summer is already that booked??? Looks like it. No major trips planned, just random things here and there that fill up the calendar. Kyle has two bachelor parties. Little Miss Reese (or Baby Reese as I like to call her) will be turning 1 at the end of July. Can't miss that little peanut's birthday party. Plus some time spent in IL lounging in Nana and Poppa's pool. Add the zoo, splash park, library, and preschool, and you've successfully created a busy summer! Bring on the FUN!

Movin' and Groovin'

Finally!!! Aubrey is FINALLY walking! Yes, she is 14 months old and just taking her first steps. I would have been excited if she had done it two months ago, but now I am ecstatic. Well worth the wait to see her smiling face and hear her giggles as she toddles around.

Road Trip

The kids and I are headed down to Madison this weekend to visit my sister and her family. Aidan has been talking about it for days, so I know he can't wait to get there. Bonus: My mom and dad are coming up Saturday late afternoon to join us for dinner and some quality time with the kids. It's going to be a short trip, but packed with fun!