Kari's First Friend

This is Kari and her first little friend, Campbell. It's so cute to watch them interact and play together. Campbell is one of our wonderful neighbors and this month I've been watching the girls a couple of times a week. It's been great and really given Kari and Campbell a chance to get to know one another and explore the wonders of learning to share! And when I say that these girls keep me busy, let me reassure you that I'm not exagerating! They sure love getting into things and toddling around after the big kids. It's all been worth it though because I love watching both of their little faces light up when they see one another--even at so young an age, they are fully aware that they are waving at a friend! Love it!

First Day of School 2011

It's here. Again. The first day of school. It's a good thing, right? Emily and Christian were starting to butt heads a bit too much and Emily was missing her friends (and the structure of her day as well). But, it was a fabulous summer and the house is just a bit quieter now that she's gone for the day.



Emily is starting first grade--already! She has a very nice teacher and knows a few friends from last year in her class. She has even made the effort to befriend two "new kids" in class. Such a thoughtful girl. And, although I didn't get the "It's a dream come true!" statement when she came home, she was happy and has enjoyed the first couple of days.

Here are our neighbor friends, Ella, who is in first grade with Emily (although not in her class--boo!), and Brooklyn, who is Christian's age. We now have friends to walk up to school with! Hurray!

We Love Miss Caitlin!

This is Miss Caitlin--our family's angel! We met her a couple of years ago as one of Christian's first swim instructors. She and Christian totally buddied up and after the session was over, she gave me her number and told me that if I ever needed a break, to give her a call! Well, the summer went by and I thought she was just being "nice" and didn't call. Then, last summer, we met up with her again and this time she insisted that she really did want to take the kids out sometime! So one afternoon I took her up on her offer and she took Emily and Christian to the pool (where she works...on her day off no less!). I figured they'd be gone for an hour or two and appreciated the break. Well, FOUR HOURS later, she comes home with some super happy and tired kiddos! And so, the kids had their first taste of how incredible Miss Caitlin is!

This summer, the kids did not get her as an instructor, but that didn't stop them from giving her big hugs the first chance they got! Then, she came over to me and told me how she was just bummed that she only got to take them out that one time. So this summer, she told me to pick a day of the week and she'd request that day off. Then, she'd come by and take them out each week! (For real???? Yes, folks, she's for real.) Emily and Christian were over-the-top happy.

They had big fun--the zoo, Fontenelle Forest, Dairy Queen, our house, her house, etc... They were always so excited for Friday afternoons when they'd see her red car, "Lucille" pull into the driveway. Their excitement rubbed off on Kari and I ended up either having to time her naps so that she wouldn't see Miss Caitlin, or, I'd time it so that we could go with them on that day's adventure. (And Kari is one that normally takes a bit to warm up to anyone.)

Well, this past week, Miss Caitlin had to return to college--boo! So, the kids and I prepared some going aways gifts for her. Fun little stuff that maybe she'll be able to put up at school and remember how much she is loved and appreciated! She has truly blessed our lives and certainly made my kids' summer that much more fun.

August is Awesome!

Why is August awesome? Well, compared to July, or any month, really, the weather has been BEAUTIFUL! I don't think it dropped below 95 all of July. The high this week? 84. And, no humidity! Yes, folks, it's been a glorious start to what is usually the hottest time of the year.

What do we Omahaians do when the weather is good? Go to the zoo, of course! This week we went with a couple of our great neighbors--nine kiddos in all! 'Lots of craziness but a beautiful day to be out with the animals. The big kids on the lion statues...
The little ones congregating at the strollers.

Checking out the penguins and giraffes

My three amigos--Kari's looking smug about something...maybe it's that she gets aways with some super crazy hair!

Grand Camp 2011

This past week Christian and Grandma Karen got to go to Fontenelle Forest's Grand Camp! The weather was pretty decent--humid, but not as steamy like the previous weeks. So, it made "camp" a bit more comfortable.

Christian and Grandma learned about trees--both about what makes up a tree and also what types of animals live in and around trees. They took nature walks and looked at all of the trees in the forest.They did tree crafts, had visitors who live in trees, and even looked at what animals use trees to make their homes. Christian made some new friends and they all enjoyed playing naturalist and learning more about their environment.

On the last day they got to release butterflies (a very cool experience for Christian!)
Grandma tried to get some pictures of Christian with the butterflies, but the camera kept fogging up! (It was humid!)

Christian was so thrilled that he got to go on this little adventure with Grandma and get some good one-on-one time with her. Thank you so much, Grandma Karen, for the fun days!

For SI

I asked the kids to chill out and find something to read the other day. This is what I found Christian reading....And this is him talking to his "agent" (aka Grandma Karen)... I'm thinking about sending these pictures in to Sports Illustrated--maybe he'll make the "faces int he crowd" section :-)!

Getting So Big

It is amazing at what a big girl Kari is becoming! (And not just because she gained 2 lbs in one month!--Yeah, she's feeling better!) Kari is learning to put on her own shoes! And, like so many little ones, they seem to go on wrong-footed--why is that?? It's okay though, we're proud of her anyway! (And she's pretty proud of herself!)

Here are also a few sweet pictures of her all dressed up before church. Doesn't she look like such a big girl?? My mom made this little dress for her from some vintage material she'd found and it is just soooo sweet on her!

Kari will be 19 months old this month! Crazy how time flies. As petite as she is, she has a HUGE personality and major opinions on everything! Getting her dressed each morning is always a battle (unless, of course, she decides she wants to get dressed...which, is usually in her swimsuit!) She gives such sweet kisses and hugs. She loves chicken nuggets, apple juice, waffles, pretzels and animal crackers. She is extremely girlie and loves to be "a pretty girl," particularily with her shoes! She loves baby dolls, her bunny, blankie and, yes, her binkie!

We are so lucky to have such a sweet, active and fun-loving girl in our family.

We love you, Kari-belle!