Bowling Babies

I just thought these pictures were too cute not to post! When we were in New Hampshire visiting this summer, we took the kids bowling. It was Libby's first time, and she and Lilly were so funny in their tiny bowling shoes. They loved rolling the ball down the ramp, and playing on the chairs. Lexi and Ryan helped them, and cheered them on. It was so much fun, and probably the last time I'll go candlepin bowling for a really long time.

Big Bugs

The "big bugs" were here in Okoboji for a few months this summer, and we made several trips to see them. The girls loved seeing the giant bugs scattered around in the woods, and I enjoyed walking on all the wooded trails out at the Lakeside Laboratory. It almost felt like New England! Libby ran and ran and had a blast. Lexi made us read the descriptions of each bug. Really, when is the last time you saw a 10 foot preying mantis? Super fun. If the bugs make it to your area, I highly recommend paying them a visit. What a beautiful way to learn about the world of insects!

Family Camp Weekend 2009

The Balch family joined us this year for family camp weekend over Labor Day. It was a great visit with them, with perfect weather, and lots of fun things to do. We rode horses, went canoeing, did some archery and riflery, swam, and even left camp for a while to head out to Arnolds Park. Lexi and John play so well together, they always have fun. And I think Libby and Andrew just liked being outside! Libby had her first ride on a horse, and she loved it. She laughed the whole time, and kept calling the horse "puppy". It was so nice to be able to spend some quality time with our friends. We wish we could see them more often!

First Day of School

Lexi started kindergarten this fall at Okoboji Elementary School. It's the same school she went to last year, but this year she goes for the full day. So she has been very excited all summer. She requested a short haircut for school, so a week before we went and cut all her hair off. She loves it! Here are a few pictures of Lexi getting on the bus on her first day. She loves school, loves riding the bus, and her favorite part is buying lunch at school.

Frustration

Greetings from Iowa! Well, as many of you have noticed, I have not posted anything in a while. I have lots of great pictures, and stories about the holidays to share with you, but today I am sharing only my frustration. Our computer is not working, so I am not able to upload pictures.
So I will get some pics up as soon as possible, but for now, here is what we have been up to.

We had a fantastic Christmas, which began a week early with a trip to visit Tony's family in Illinois. Thanks to Tammy and Tommy who made our visit possible! We had such a great time. It was our first Christmas with the family since we've been married, and Lexi absolutley loved spending the holiday with her cousins. She got her fill of playing Barbies, and playing with the girls, and even learned how to play Guitar Hero! Libby just crawled around tearing things apart, but she did finally warm up to everyone shortly before we left.

After our visit (which was too short!) we headed home for a quiet Christmas alone. It was a really great day, with Lexi teaching Libby how to open presents. We enjoyed some rare family time, and relaxed.

Then came my birthday. I got the best birthday present EVER! My sister Jacki, her kids, Ryan and Lilly, and my Mom came to visit, and I didn't know they were coming until they walked in the door. It was amazing. We had a whirlwind visit, and it was way too short! Lexi and Ryan managed to spend enough time together to start arguing, and Libby and Lilly were fascinated by one another. So I rang in the new year with my favorite people in the world. What a great way to start the new year!

And that catches you all up for now. I will post pictures as soon as I can, and I'd love to hear how all of you spent your New Year's Eve! Happy Inauguration Day!