Fresh air

Yesterday Nathan was finally feeling better--he actually had an appetite and was his usual bouncy, energetic self. We weren't sure if his stomach bug was completely over though, so we kept him home from daycare for one more day. I, however, was not feeling any better. Luckily Nancy came over in the morning to play with Nathan so that I could take a nap. I think that all three of us really enjoyed that time. :)

My morning nap, combined with another nap taken while Nathan was taking his own sufficed to give me the energy to get some fresh air and stretch our legs a bit in the afternoon, as we were feeling a little stir crazy after being inside and sick for so many days. We spent a good chunk of time wandering around the yard, throwing crab apples into the woods, looking for the deer that likes to come into our yard to eat the crab apples and picking grass.

While at the back of our yard, sitting on the stones that surround the fire pit, Nathan noticed that Deuce had trotted down the trail that leads to the woods and field behind our house. With an inquisitive "Pooder go?" Nathan trotted off down the trail. He had a blast, saying "I hiking!" the whole way, and "Move it, Mama." when a branch was in his way.

Happy Birthday Aunt Erin!

We love you, Aunt Erin, and hope you have a great day!!

Sorry folks...

No cute pictures of Nathan this week. On Thursday Nathan came down with a nasty stomach bug. By Saturday night, both Todd and I succumbed to it. Ugh. All three of us sick at the same time is a less than ideal situation, to say the least. We're all feeling a little more human today, but not nearly 100%. I have to say that I've never been so thankful for on-site laundry facilities...

Hopefully next week I'll have some fun adventures to share.

Nathan's Tree, Year 2

Last summer, in honor of Nathan's birth we planted a weeping mulberry tree. My goal is to take his picture with it every year so we can see how they both grow. Last year Nathan was just a little guy--not even crawling yet--and this year he was running around at top speed! I wonder what the next year will bring...

Year One, July 2009

Year Two, September 2010

On Friday I heard a piece on NPR about how this is the time of year that the butterflies in the Midwest are eating like crazy to build up reserves for their flight South. On Sunday, I noticed that my butterfly bushes were a popular stop!

Deuce getting in on the stick finding mission.

"I running!"

Zoning out and relaxing after a long day of running around like a maniac.

The last few days Lambykins has received a place of honor in his own chair at the dinner table.

Fish Fry 2010

On Friday night we went to the annual fish fry. All the guys who go on the fishing trip to Canada get together with their wives and kids and fry up the fish from their trip that's been waiting patiently in the deep freezer since June. It is funny how this gathering has evolved over the years. I'm sure when it first started there were kids running around everywhere while the parents watched and chatted and ran after them. When I came on the scene 11 years ago, the kids were all grown up, and we didn't do so much running around but stayed focused on the eating and drinking. Now there is a new generation of little kids running around, and the parents are running around after them while the grandparents are chatting and pitching in. I love this group of people and the way it has evolved--it is truly a big extended family.

Lizzie (3) thought that Nathan was a perfect companion--big enough to play and talk, but little enough to be bossed around! Nathan thought Lizzie was beautiful and fascinating--definitely worth following around!

Todd and Marvin having a beer and keeping an eye on the kiddos.

Toby and Todd

Ben, John, Dan, Fred and Steve keeping an eye on the deep fryer.

Ruth, Cindy, Debbie and Lynne

Jamie with his twins, Claire and Henry.

The newest addition to the gang: Evelyn Wise Bierlein. Isn't she beautiful???

Nay Nay

Claire

Claire and Henry were really interested in testing out the structural strength of John and Debbie's coffee table!

Henry giving Evelyn a kiss on the head.

Sweet little Henry

The boys hard at work on a project--they didn't talk much but both seemed to have the same goal in mind. :)

Claire and Delaney working on a project of their own.

Recent videos

Some recent videos of our funny boy!

Arwyn and Dave's Wedding Reception

Immediately following the ceremony, we headed down the driveway to the reception. Carita catered this event as well, with delicious Italian food. It was a party that was relaxed, beautiful, and full of joy and dancing!

The guest book table, set up by yours truly. :)

Arwyn and her friend Amanda baked and decorated the wedding cake. Red velvet--mmmmm!

The groom's cake was a bunch of rich, chocolatey cupcakes.

Sweetheart table and Arwyn's bouquet, made by her friend Melissa.

Here comes the wedding party!

Valerie and Kalen

Brielle and Nielen

Lynae and Torin

Rynelle and Dave's good friend (eek! Can't remember his name!)

Dave's sister Mary and her husband

Daenin, Brielle and Briana

The military guys ready to do their salute to the bride and groom.

Here come Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer!

First Dance

Father and Daughter dance

Enjoying the party, but it is HOT and HUMID!!!

Time for some dancing!

Cutting the cake

Me and my Daddy

Cousins!!

Obligatory self portrait

On the plane ride home after an amazing weekend!