Vacation

Last weekend we had a wonderful time with both sets of grandparents and Uncle John at Big Cedar Lodge. We boated, swam in at least five pools, floated in the lazy river, played mini-golf, ate ice cream, went fishing, went on a horse-drawn wagon ride, roasted marshmallows and heard two cowboy singers. The most memorable part was our cabin, decked out in tribute to Dale Earnhardt, Jr. There were pictures and memorabilia everywhere, and Niko called the cabin his "Race Car Cabinet." As we pulled away, Niko said bye-bye to everything, "Bye Bye Big Cedar. Bye Bye Race Car Cabinet...." We know he enjoyed the trip. We told him we didn't want to leave either, and he couldn't comprehend why we would leave if we didn't want to. Two weeks later, he keeps asking, "you don't want to leave vacation?" Needless to say, he can't wait to go back.

The Guys

Niko keeping Julian away from his container of fishing worms.


Thank goodness Niko didn't catch anything, despite using his Spong Bob fishing pole.

Julian had a great time as well, possibly having the most fun at the bar listening to the guitar player. He danced and clapped and yelled to the music, attracting the attention of the singer and half the bar with his enthusiam. Luckily we didn't attract the attention of social services by having a baby at the bar!

More Steps

Happy Birthday Julian and Grandma Humphrey

Happy Birthday to Mom and Julian!  Mom and Julian have the same birthday.  That is two generations in a row where the youngest son was born on the same day as his Grandma.  I was born on the same day as Mom's mom, October 24th, and now Julian was born on May 27th. Lots of love to Grandma Humphrey and have a great time in Alaska.

Dinosaurs!

So at Niko's Birthday some of the boys got on the swing set and said they were Dinosaurs.  This led to an extended screaming session, which led to this vid.

Happy Birthday Nikolai

ITS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!
The fire engine that Grandma Allie got Niko was a hit.  There was almost a riot when we opened it.  It actually works too.  We filled it with water and let Niko put out birthday candles with it after the party.  Yup, we let him play with fire on his 3rd Birthday :)
Braden and Niko eating some cake
Lizzie, Gretchen and Otto doing the same
Niko got shy and nervous during his birthday song, he was better once he stuck a plane in his mouth.

First Steps

Steps!

Julian is taking steps! He takes one or two occasionally, but he took almost six in a row in the bicklebee last Thursday. He especially loves balls, so he is most encouraged to walk when he is chasing after one. He is also working on his hoops skills. Last week, Nikolai was shooting baskets on the patio, and Julian carefully picked up a ball and dropped it in the big plastic tub that we use to keep the outside toys in. Then he would look to make sure we were watching him, and he'd clap for himself and then get the ball out to do it over again. He was so proud of himself!