Say Cheese!

Today we spent the day together as a whole family! I know, it's amazing!! Especially for a Saturday! With our crazy schedules and events...it is rare to have the time together and it was so nice. Dan enjoyed a whirlwind day of running errands with the three of us (Guess where we went????) and caught a glimpse of what Saturdays are like for us when he is at work. We are glad to have Dan home after being selected for a week long leadership training with PetSmart in Phoenix. It was no surprise he was selected to meet with the CEO of PetSmart and that his team won the competition while he was there. I was hoping the prize was a week vacation in Hawaii but no such luck, just a leather binder to put his notebook. Beggars can't be choosers I guess.
P.S. Love the picture of Jack and Kate...you just wonder what is going through both of their heads. We certainly didn't have it printed because we thought it was stunning...but in 30 years, I know it will still make me laugh!

Dinner for Three Please!

Tonight the three of us had dinner together. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but it is an amazing thing when I can actually sit down with Jack and eat a hot meal, especially when Dan is at work. We had a great conversation about Elmo and cookies.

My little helper!

Bless Jack's little heart! He will grab wipes and diapers for us, close doors, turn off lights, turn on lights, throw trash away, put his sippy cup on the counter and always wants things neat and tidy. (Like mother like son!) He continues to be a big help with Miss Kate, although I think his attention span is a bit too short for her when he gives her a bottle. He'll hold it for her for about 3 seconds before moving onto the next thing!
Tonight Kate had carrots which is why her face looks a bit orange...we hadn't had bath time yet!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I turned 33 on Sunday and welcomed in my 34th year with a bit of a headache! (Aunt Jen babysat for the kiddos while Dan treated me to a night out, when we got home, Aunt Jen and I decided to have a drink which turned into several (!) more...I think we went to bed at 4:30. Ugh!) Dan and I enjoyed a night out by ourselves, we celebrated at Cissis Wine Bar on South Congress. We had Belgian Ale Beer Donuts with a toffee dipping sauce that were to die for! Thanks for the breakfast in bed Jack! I loved the green and red colored pancakes.

Two for the price of one

Tonight after the pool, we bathed Kate and Jack at the same time. Recently, Kate has really taken to watching Jack and seems to find our "Wild Child" quite fun and funny! Jack also has taken to Kate more, wanting to help hold the bottle in her mouth or help her eat (as you saw in a post several days ago). People said "Oh, life is crazy with two" but they failed to mention to me how awesome it is to watch siblings interact and develop a bond that will be unlike any other they will have in their lives. I am so happy that we could provide Jack and Kate with that and I feel so fortunate to get to watch this relationship between the two of them throughout my lifetime.

Kate's Future Suitor

Hip Hip Hooray for the Hanley Family! Welcome Dylan Patrick, born 7/14 in Austin, Texas. Liz and Brian, proud proud parents (Not to mention Super Woman Momma, "I can have a baby without drugs") welcomed this adorable bundle into their lives yesterday. We were able to visit at the hospital today and are so excited for the three of you. The love was palpable and this was long overdue and much deserved. We are so glad that Kate's future husband has entered this world and look forward to many playdates and wedding planning in the future. Dylan, we love you already and you are so lucky to have such wonderful and fun parents!

Steph.D.Photography

I am so lucky to have talented friends! (If you're reading this and you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, you have got to check this/her out for your photography needs! Or even better, she comes to visit in Austin from time to time if you're interested in booking a session and live here!). My dear friend from college, Steph Drow, took great photos of Kate while we were home for the 4th of July. Steph told me these were just a taster and I love what I am tasting! Thanks Steph for making great memories for us!
Check her out...stephdrow@yahoo.com

Swim Time!

Today Jack asked to go to the pool ALL DAY! He would point to the stroller and his water toys and say "Pool Pool Pool" and stand by the door. We had to wait for Dan to get home (makes it so much easier). I think it was worth the wait for Jack, he was all smiles the whole time and got to release some of that "I am almost 2 years old and I am a boy" energy.

University of Wisconsin Terrace

We were able to find time to go the UW Terrace and have ice cream (Thanks G-ma!). Jack fed the ducks and enjoyed all the people watching. What a great trip...we did so many things and loved having time to be a family without work and the Austin heat. Is the next 4th of July really a year away again??? Time flies when you're having fun!

Great Grandparents!

We are so blessed to have such a great family and to have our children meet their Great Grandparents. It was instant love!

Kate's Boyfriend

Kate fell in love with Brian while he was visiting. This is just one of many photos I have of them together...I think he had a little crush on her too! :)

4th of July Neighborhood Parade

Since it was the 10th anniversary of my college friends joining the 4th of July party, we thought it was only appropriate that my Mom be in the parade as the Grand Marshal! We asked and the organizers said "Sure! Why not?" Mom was a bit reluctant at first but got into it 100%. They looked so cute driving down the street to meet at the parade corner! (We did write on her sign, "Just a neighbor" in case anyone thought she was someone famous! A girl told my Mom that she looked like a "beauty queen!")

Decorating cookies with Grandma!

What a great afternoon for Jack, helping Grandma decorate cutout cookies and a new big wheel from the local Goodwill. Good looking out Dan!

4th of July!

What was called "vacation" on my timesheet at work, is more appropriately called an "event." I needed to come back to work to relax! Every year for the past 10 years, dear friends from college, high school, my sister, my family, and the Vernon family (from my childhood) have celebrated the 4th of July. (Truth be told, we've been celebrating the 4th of July with the Vernon since about 1980!) Each year, the celebration gets larger and louder, and the "Holiday 100" drink list is now more like the "Holiday Hundred and Twenty-Five." We have a blast celebrating "America" and have many crazy traditions each year. I can't even do it all justice but it is such fun as the following pictures will show. If you're intriqued, we even have a website: www.vv4j.org (Thanks Apes and Brian!) This year did not disappoint, it all goes so fast. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the kiddos and made our time so much fun!

Vacation in Madison!

We returned to Madison for 8 days to celebrate the 4th of July. We finally got to meet Jen Day's twins! Jen has been a dear friend of mine since the 4th grade and we share many many stories. What a treat it was to spend the morning at the zoo together. Jack is having a hard time deciding who is cuter...Mia or Allison!

6 months old and eatin' rice cereal!

Kate-a-baga turned 6 months old today! What??? How can it be? Where does the time go? I ask myself every month. Since she turned 6 months, I started rice cereal with her tonight, she did really like it and would open her mouth and gobble it down. She wasn't too keen on Jack feeding her though...what a good Big Brother though! He shared in the moment with us! Thanks for the help Jack!