Iowa State Fair 2012

A few weeks ago my mom came up and we all went to the fair! This was Wes's first trip there. Quinn has been every year since she's been alive! We left right after breakfast and had a nice, cool morning at the fairgrounds. The kids were great and the food was good; another fair trip in the books!

Riding a pony with Daddy. These horses looked so big next to tiny little kids!

so brave!

Quinn and Daddy up at the top of the big slide (can you spot them?)

They had a blast on this!

Watch me grow: 11 months!

Wes,  you continue to be the wiggliest boy around!!


You are officially 11 months old! Almost a whole year. The invitations for your birthday party are sent out, and before we know it you will be chowing down on cake. I can't wait to snuggle you on your birthday and smother you with kisses.

At 11 months old you...

*pull up on everything and cruise nonstop. One of these days you are just going to take off walking!
*have TEN teeth, including two molars that have been extra painful for you lately. *Those teeth come in handy because you love to eat. Recent favorites are watermelon and grapes. You can't get enough of either!
*wear 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.
*are in the one-year-old room at day care. They take just one nap in that room, so you are ready for bed by 7:00 p.m. You usually sleep until 5:45 or 6:00 a.m.
*love trucks, cars, balls....all boy :-). You love bathtime with your sister; you guys continue to be great pals.
*are still bald! I love your cue ball head.
*have recently started wearing shoes. You now rock some baby Pumas and plaid topsiders. So. Cute.

Next time I post a monthly milestone update, you will be 1.  Until then, let's hope for lots of giggles, snuggles, and adventures!

Wordless Wednesday

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Turtle Sandbox

We recently got a hand-me-down turtle sandbox from my sister. I don't think we are going to fill it up with sand until next spring, but the kids are loving their new toy anyway!

Come back, buddy!

so very handsome

My boys

Happy First Day of School!

Trainwreck?

It is so funny the things that kids hear from their parents and then repeat.

Today at lunch, Quinn asked me if I was going to be a trainwreck when she goes to preschool tomorrow.

The truth? Yes.

Quinn, I can't believe you are headed off to day care tomorrow. You are going to learn so much! We have been talking about it all week, and I know you are so, so excited. I know that it isn't real "preschool" yet, but I can't wait to see all of the projects you create, sing all your new songs with you, and hear about all of your new friends. Wes and I try to be exciting at home, but I know you love to play with kids your own age. You deserve that opportunity.

You are so independent. You have been sleeping in your own bed for so long, play on your own so well, and are such a good helper around the house and with your brother. Tomorrow morning I will have tears in my eyes as you head off to school for the very first time. I'm not nervous for you at all, and I'm not sad to see you grow up. I can't wait to do even more and more fun things with you!

I am so proud of you. I see so much of both Daddy and me in you. When I drop you off and you skip to the nearest activity, pigtails flapping, goofy smile on your face, singing a little tune to yourself, please know that I'll be standing there, wishing you luck, craving one more snuggle but also ready to let you run.

A special treat

When the kids and I were at my parents' house last week, we made sure to head to Dairy Queen so Quinn could get her first Denison burger! It was the perfect size for her, and she gobbled it right up (with plenty of ketchup, of course). Too cute for words. :-)

Wordless Wednesday: everyone in the pool!