Communing

Chris had a big birthday this year and a big wish for the celebration - a family camping weekend. Erin, not having camped in many a blue moon, was hesitant. Natalie, though she had no idea what it meant to camp, was very excited. Audrey, as usual, smiled cheerfully and was happy to do whatever was asked of her.

Governor Dodge State Park was our tent home from August 18-21.

We did some hiking...

Some lounging and playing games...

Cooled off in the park's streams and lakes...

And had lots of wonderful campfire food (the latest culinary leaf Erin has turned over).

Though Audrey may not have agreed that it was so wonderful.

We had a great weekend communing with nature and our family. One more time I want to wish my extraordinary husband a wonderful 30th. It was a great party and it's going to be a great year! Who knows, it might even include another camping trip!

We're Beginning to Wonder if We Feed Them Enough

T-Rats

Thanks to Michels' partnership with the local minor league baseball team, the Timber Rattlers (feeder team to our own Milwaukee Brewers), we scored half price tickets to last night's game. Add in a ballpark hot dog picnic and some beautiful weather and it was a great night!

Stages

Have a new baby and someone (or more likely lots of someones) is bound to send you a lovely card full of beautiful sentiments like, "Enjoy every moment. They grow up so fast." We, with only our 2 who are still so young, are learning quickly how wise these sages are.

Audrey, a whopping 6 1/2 months old already (seriously?!), is growing and changing so fast. Gone is the lump of a newborn blob (though a cute blob she was) and in her place is a curious, wiggly, smiley, laughing, moving baby.

She's onto trying solid foods... (Wow, do I look like the mean mommy making her choke this stuff down!)

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Learning to sit up...

And working on crawling. She isn't on the verge of taking off quite yet but she's got the rocking on her belly and flailing her arms and legs in some sort of coordinated effort down pat.

Maybe she's channeling Baby Natalie? Really, I think a stranger could tell these 2 are sisters. Though Audrey is lucky to have more hair! (Natalie - 5 months old)

Don't grow up on us too fast, little ones! (Mom, we might need to borrow your shrinkng dryer.)

Double Double Trouble

This blog is dedicated to sharing the blessings of our wonderful family and we were recently blessed with a long visit from some of the TX contingent of said family.

Our brother-in-law Matt just deployed for his 3rd tour in the desert. (God bless you, Matt, and your courage, dedication, and service. Come home soon.) Alexis, ever couragous herself, decided not to sit around but to fill the time with fun trips and distractions to make it fly (literally) by. We were so excited that she, Mom, Holley, and Levi headed north for a break from the TX summer heat (wish we could've offered a larger temperature differential - you should be here this week!) and some fun in WI.

What's crazier than 2 under 2 in one house? Having double that! (Yes, I know the big ones are already 2 but that didn't calm the craziness at all! Zoom in and read their shirts.)

We had lots of fun at the cabin...

Fun at LedgeStone Vineyards...

Fun around the Fox Valley...
Pollack Community Water Park

Miller Park

And lots of fun just hanging around the house together. (It's hard to get 2 toddlers and 2 babies fed, dressed, napped, and out the door at the same time!)

Thanks so much, Holley crew, for trekking this way. We LOVED having you and miss you!

Caption Contest

Taking entries now!

We've had some great submissions so far!

Jerry - The wings are a nice try, but the smile proves that the horns are more appropriate.

Linda - A little of Mom, a little of Dad, you decide what I get from who.

Lois - Looks can be deceiving...