Tonight #2 had band practice and I had an evening alone with Kate. Normally when this happens I am just sorta beat from the day and the evening is just an extension of a long day alone with her. But tonight was different. As the day turned to evening and we had a delicious dinner together, she got older. During the day today she was a baby who cried and clung to my legs, but tonight she was a big girl who stirred a spoon in a bowl and fed it to me and to her. We made slurping sounds together. We were silly. In the bathtub she actually took the balls and put them through the basketball hoop (a toy she's had since early Dec but hadn't figured out yet). We were listening to music and dancing when I laid her down to put on her PJ's. She said, "what's that?" and I said, "dance" and she said, "Dance! Dance dance dance dance!"

A fantastic new word to end the day.

Knee Deep

Kate has started to really be adventurous (exhausting) and fun (naughty) these days. And who can blame her - what could be better than swimming in fun toys?

Our Adoring Fans

I just found some photos on my camera from our MI trip and had to share these of Kate's adoring fans (cousins) on one of their many visits to Grandma's house to see us while we were home. Thank you for showing Kate so much love!!

Home Again, Home Again

Through snow storms and freeeeeezing cold temps Kate and I made it back to Boise this afternoon. We were scheduled to return yesterday; however, the Snow Dance that Grandma B did to keep the planes on the ground in MI worked. So instead of a late afternoon/evening return trip on Wednesday, it ended up being a wee-hour morning/afternoon trip today. Kate handled it well, I could have handled it better, and the person on the plane next to us was a hero. Kate is currently resting and I can't wait for Daddy to come home to see his big girl! I told him before we left that she wouldn't be different upon our return, but alas, I think that was a lie. She is more busy (hard headed and independent) than ever, and has all sorts of new words and expressions (mainly, "what's that?" x300 and "yeah" x250).

To all of you whom we were able to see in W Michigan, thank you for taking the time to visit with us! We had a wonderful time!! And a huge thanks to Grandma B, who washed bottles, sippy cups and onesies non-stop, who worked around our sleeping schedule and tip-toe naptime requirements, and who allowed us to invade her wonderful new home with toys and crumbs for an entire 2 weeks!! We love you!

A New Trick

Fun times at Grandma's

Auntie Lauda and Sydney visited us at Grandma's for a few days and Kate seemed delighted to have a playmate. They entertained each other, showed off for each other, and fought over toys with each other. It is always fun to see what fun things Sydney is doing in anticipation of what Kate will be up to in the coming months.

We thank them for packing up and coming to Michigan for a visit!!

Sledding at Grandma's

This video speaks for itself. Kate LOOOOOOOVED sledding and we had a grand time this afternoon while Grandma and Aunt Marilee watched from the window.

Home Sweet Michigan

We are in Michigan visiting Grandma, helping her get settled into her new home, and visiting with COUSINS! We're having some good times and I promised #2 I'd share video and photos, since he seems to be missing us a great deal. We love and miss you, #2! Oh - and please enjoy the photo of my black eye. Kate clocked me in the face with a plastic toy.

And Happy Birthday to BOTH of Kate's Grandma's this week!!
(This first item is a slideshow. Click on it to view)