More pictures of Kate

On Tuesday, July 5, I decided to take Kate to the zoo, since she always loves that. We had the best time; there is an entire family (mom, dad, baby) of lions, and we got to see them romping and playing with each other, instead of just laying there like they normally do. Kate kept patting her chest and saying, "kitty, kitty, kitty" like she does when she wants Maxine to come to her. I don't think these are the type of cats you want to come over to you!

We of course went on the carousel, since that is one of her favorite things to do. We also rode the train, but she didn't like that nearly as much, and I didn't think it was worth it, since it didn't go around the whole zoo like I expected, but rather just a small part of it.

We also went to the zoo on Friday with Meghan and Adelaide. My mom was here by then (she got in on Wednesday the 6th) and she had a hair appointment downtown, so I took her to that and then went with Kate to meet Meghan & Adelaide at the zoo. We had a great time; Adelaide and Kate are to that age now where they really interact with each other. We rode the carousel with them, too, and they were both so excited! Kate was kicking her legs like she does whenever she's excited, and Adelaide was clapping and laughing. It was so cute! Afterward, Kate & I went to the lunch at the Laurel with my mom. I was hoping Meghan and Adelaide could come, but Meghan thought it was too close to her naptime. But my mom and I really enjoyed our lunch there; that is one of my favorite places.


Her shirt says Mommy's Little Sparkler; boy, is she!


Playing in the part of the play area that's like a fossil


Happy to be on her zebra. I obviously ride with her; I just stepped back so I could take a picture of her.








Proudly showing off her UW sleeper. Go Badgers!


Learning to feed yourself is messy business! (And yes, I stay right there to ensure there's no issue with poking herself with a fork)


Forks aren't for combing hair, silly!



All ready to go to the Original Pancake House on Saturday, July 9 (we met my grandparents, Tracy and Kirsti there). We say she looks like she's ready to play tennis; I love this outfit!

New Year's Resolution #4 Complete!

With Dan's paycheck on the 15th of July, we paid off my second (and last) student loan. We're so excited; it feels good to get so much of this debt paid off, so if we ever have to go down to one income (since my company isn't the most stable), it'll be a lot more doable.

And, that means that in the not-quite-four years we've been following the Dave Ramsey plan, we've paid off 73,000 worth of debt. Yay!

Our Fourth of July

Sorry I've been so bad about updating; we have been having a fantastic time this summer with my mom here, but that doesn't leave much time for blogging! Our 4th of July was a lot of fun; Dan, Kate & I went with Kirsti and Rori to a parade in Columbus; I thought that a parade seemed like a fun, old-fashioned way to spend the day. Afterward, we went to Tracy & Dan's to spend the rest of the day with them, my grandparents, and Roberta. We had fun grilling out and swimming in their new pool (especially since it was so hot out!) We tried to stay for the fireworks we always set off, but Kate was too tired, so we headed home.


Uh, how do I work this thing?






Some old cars we saw at the parade.




A close-up of the watermelon cookies I brought to the get-together at the Hines.




The girls in their red, white and blue--Kate looks like she's trying to escape!

Father's Day Weekend

I know, I'm kind of working backwards, but I've been busy with work and enjoying my summer with Kate, so I'm trying to get caught up! We had a great Father's Day weekend. On Saturday, it was absolutely gorgeous out, so we went to the zoo. Kate loved seeing the lion and the lion cub; she got so excited. But her absolute favorite part was the play area and the carousel, of course. We rode the carousel first, then went to the play area. She went down this huge red slide (Dan put her down, and I caught her), and even though it was way bigger than any slide she had ever gone down, she was laughing the whole way (it was a tube slide, so I just kept hearing her adorable laugh echoing through the tube as she slid down).

Afterwards, we ate at The Laurel, one of my favorite places downtown. Then on Sunday, we went to the Jet Room with Tracy, Rori and my grandparents (Dan H. and Kirsti were both working, obviously). I can't believe this is Dan's second Father's Day as a dad (well, his third if you count the Father's Day when I was newly pregnant, which I, of course, did.)


Running to see the lions




Such a good walker!






Watching the animals







Kate coming down the slide!








Help! I'm stuck in this blasted thing!


Such a good climber!






Enjoying her kids' cup at the Laurel


She looks tired; you can tell it's near naptime!

Our weekend at the lake

Last weekend, we went up to Turtle Lake to visit my dad and brother. It was a fun trip; lots of good food, nice weather, and just general relaxing. Kate went boating for the first time, and she loved it. Well, she loved it when we were going fast; if Fred dared slow down, oh boy! She let him know she did not approve. And of course, my dad and Austin loved seeing Kate; she's changed so much since they last saw her (especially since Austin saw her, since he hasn't seen her since Christmas).

We were able to spend Saturday with Fred, Kathryn, and Missy, since they came up for the day. It was so nice to see them, too, and Kate loved having a new audience.


She loved this little crocodile chair that belongs to Keira, Fred & Kathryn's granddaughter. She was so impressed that it even had a cupholder for her sippy cup!


Just chillin'


Other boaters better watch out!


Playing the organ with neighbor Cliff

A day for swimming!

I had Friday, July 1 off (our office was closed), and even though I work from home, it was so nice not to have to worry about constantly being available via email/phone, etc. Plus, since it was 85 degrees by 11 am, we decided to go swimming in our complex's pool. Kate absolutely loves the water; she has so much fun there!


I'm ready to go, Mom!




She looks so adorable in this hat!


In her new 4th of July outfit from Nana


Loving that banana


It only took 16 months, but Maxine is finally warming up to Kate and letting her pet her!

Kirsti's 16th Birthday Party

On Saturday, June 11, we went over to the Hines' to celebrate Kirsti's 16th birthday. I know it's so cliche to say this, but how time flies! I still remember when she was born, and how excited we all were! (My mom & I were doubly excited, because we were some of the only people, other than Tracy & Dan, to think it was a girl.) To think she's now 16... it's crazy! And it's so funny to see her & Dan work on chemistry or math together; when he met her, she was an adorable five-year-old, and now she's in high school needing his help on complicated subjects. I sometimes can't believe it!

To the party, Kate wore her cute birthday cupcake outfit that she wore to her own party, and when we celebrated Dan Hines' birthday in April. It's such a cute outfit, I figure she might as well wear it more than once!