Fall Fun

Kate and I have been having a great time so far this fall. She's loving her dance class, which we take every Thursday (started September 6th), and we started our music classes on Tuesday, September 11th, so we've had two so far (we go again tomorrow). She has a blast at the Jumping Jellybeans creative movement class that we take every Friday; we've had two classes so far, and she loves it so much! It's a lot of jumping/obstacle courses/follow the leader, with some singing (like Old McDonald) thrown in. And this Wednesday we get to start our Toddler Tales program at the library, which she also always likes. This two-year-old has a very full schedule!

We have so much fun just hanging out at home, too. She's been really into her Fisher Price Little People lately, so we play that a lot. She loves making a little village out of the house, castle, and barn. We could play that for hours! She also still loves painting, puzzles, playing dress-up, and of course going to various parks. I have so much fun with her each day; I'm so glad I get to be home with her.

 In her new Halloween outfit from my mom; she loves this dress! 

 At Kirsti's volleyball game

 Playing with her Little People while dressing up as Tinkerbell; what a multitasker! 

Kate's First Dance Class!

On Thursday, September 6, Kate & I had her first Tiny Tots dance class. We loved it! There were only two other girls in there, but that's ok; we still had a great time. We started out with doing some warmups, like listening to a song and doing the actions (touching our toes, clapping hands, etc.), galloping or marching across the floor, dancing in a circle, etc. Then we moved to different room and played with huge puzzle foam pieces (the girls would dance on them or hop from one to the other), a cool balance beam (which Kate rocked, even by herself!), and a parachute that we put balls in and then shook up, so the balls popped like popcorn. Kate was in heaven!

Then when we came home, built a castle out of her legos, had lunch, went to the park by our house, came home and read books, and then she took a nap. As she was drifting off to sleep, I was thinking how lucky I am I get to be home with her and how happy I am with my life, and then she hugged me and said in that adorable sleepy toddler voice, "Mama, you good. Mama and Kate have fun today." That was one of the best motherhood moments ever.

Here are some pictures of her before we left for class.

 I don't know why she looks so serious; she was so excited about dance class!

 There's that smile!

 My little girl is no longer a baby; she looks so grown up!

Grandpa's 90th Birthday

On Friday, August 31, we headed down to Madison and had supper at the Great Dane on the east side. My dad and brother always like going there, so I'm glad we got that worked in. On Saturday, we just kind of hung out around the house, enjoying each others' company. Sunday we went to the arboretum in the morning before going to the Laurel for lunch. On Labor Day, we had my grandpa's 90th birthday party at Tracy & Dan's place. It was a great party and a very special occasion, and it was nice for Austin to see everyone, since he hasn't been back here in a couple years.

Kate & Keira

On Sunday, Fred, Guthrie, and Guthrie's daughter, Keira, came up to the lake for a day. Kate was in heaven having a playmate (fairly) close to her age! (Keira turns 5 in November, so they are about 2.5 years apart). They played with Keria's dolls (and they were princess dolls, no less, which Kate loved!) and spent the afternoon basically playing follow the leader--whatever Keira did, Kate followed and did the same thing. We also got out on the boat for a nice ride, although I don't think we could ever go fast enough for Kate & Keira!

 Sitting at the kids' table at dinner

These photos were taken on Monday, I believe, when Austin, Kate & I spent hours in the water swimming. So fun!

Fun at the Lake

We got to spend some more time up at the lake when my dad and brother were visiting at the end of August. Dan, Kate & I went up on Friday the 24th, and my dad and Austin got up there the next day around 3. That also happened to be my dad's birthday, so Kate was able to give Grandpa her present! We had lots of fun that night playing cards and just relaxing together. I just wish Dan could have stayed longer than 48 hours! The rest of the week was spent swimming, relaxing, reading and trying out a new restaurant on Thursday (Calderwood Supper Club). It was so good; excellent food and a cute, rustic interior. I'm glad we tried it!

 A view of the beautiful sunset; talk about dinner with a view!

 In her new Cinderella hairclip from Nana & Grandpa

 New flipflops, too!

 Helping Grandpa open his cards

 "Hey, who's that girl on the mug? She looks familiar!"

 "Oh! It's me!"