I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream!

Future Baskin Robbins worker...already have my outfit. "What can I get you sir? Waffle or sugar cone? Single or Double Scoop? Enjoy your day and thanks for coming in to see us!"

7 months

Hey! It's Kate! Dad sometimes calls me "Kate-a-licious." Mom keeps saying "D, Can you believe it's been 7 months already?" I can! I am getting used to this world, I am trying my best to crawl but still haven't figured out what to do with the two long things in front of my head...I think they are called arms. I can move my feet really well though! If there were races for moving backwards, I'd win. I love baths and going to the pool. I love watching my Big Brother (he's crazy!) and prefer eating solid foods over drinking milk. I am doing a great job sleeping about 12 hours each night and wake up with a big smile on my face while I wait for someone to come in and get me. No need to cry...I just lay thinking about things us 7 month old babies think about. I wouldn't dare tell you my secrets! ;)

"Let go Mommy, Let go"

Did he really say that? I thought it wasn't until your kids were tweens that they didn't want you helping them or at their side, but a week before my sweet Jack turns 2? Will Jack soon be asking me to drop him off at the corner from daycare so that they other kids don't see him with his dorky mother?
We went swimming tonight...a date, just the two of us while Dan bathed Kate at home. I was holding his hand in the water and had a Sponge Bob Square Pants raft in the other. Jack wiggled a bit and out came, clear as the water in the pool, "Let go Mommy, Let go." Of course I did and I couldn't believe where the time has gone...it seems like just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital and now he can do so many things himself.
I guess this is ultimately what we wish for as parents but so soon??? He's like a little kite to me...I will let him fly but for now...at least for a few more years, I will have my hand very very close to the string (especially at the pool, the kid is fearless!). I am not ready to let him go quite yet and to be honest, I think he prefers my being close to him more often than not at least for the time being! Later on he was crying for "Mommy Mommy!" and pulling on my pant leg, "I want to play." Ah...the joys of parenting. I'll take every bit of it.

Bean Sprouts Restaurant

Grandma Venzke treated us to the neatest lunch at a place in Madison called "Bean Sprouts." It is a restaurant developed for the littlest in minds...even Kate was able to order off the menu! She ordered "Sam I Yam," pureed sweet potatoes with rosemary. Yummy! Jack loved his "Banana Octopus" and his cake ball that had chickpeas and wheat germ sneaked into it. It was a win-win for everyone. We want one in Austin!! Check it out...so cute! www.beansproutscafe.com

Family Time!

Uncle Brian and Auntie Apes

Cousin Alli

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Olson

Grandma and Grandpa Venzke

Congrats Erin and Brad!

Cousin Bret!




Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, laughter and love! We also got to spend time with Cousin Bret who used to teach in Houston but is now in Italy teaching. We sure miss having him down the road but Jack loved seeing him if only for just a couple of dances.

Family Photos

Dressed up and ready to go! We had a GREAT time at Erin and Brad's wedding and felt so blessed to be surrounded by such good friends, family, and an open bar!

Fun In The Sun

We enjoyed an afternoon at the City of Madison pool. Don't let Kate fool you in her "Perfect Yoga Plank" position, she loved the water but decided to try to crawl instead of swim. Poor girl gets her legs moving but still isn't quite sure what to do with her arms. No hurry though! We like that she still can't move too far!

Tickling the Ivory

Memories in the making...Papa and Jack played piano together before bedtime while we visited. Jack had a great time, I am sure that Papa is missing his partner tonight!

Rub A Dub Dub, There are Two in the Tub

Bathing at Grandma and Papa's house is FUN! Kate thought Jack was hilarious...There is nothing better than watching your children play and laugh together. Be still my beating heart!