This one is for Lynn

I have been so very, very behind...it seems to be in all places in my life lately. Unfortunately, this blog is sort of a web-apparent manifestation of the back log. It has been pointed out to me by one of my faithful followers, that there has not been a post in a very long time. Here are a few shots from the summer...days gone by...when shirt sleeves were short and the sun still shone at dinner time.

One of my only shots of Ulao Creek Music festival this year. On the left you will see me dancing with Alice, Tia Mimi rocking with Emily, and Gigi keeping it real with Scarlet.

I think I will remember this summer as the summer of parks...oh, so many parks.

This is Alice swinging with her "daycare siblings" - Jack and Katie (and their respective Dads behind them) I like that Jack and Alice are keeping their eyes on each other...but Katie looks a little jealous.

I call this one: "Teething baby at the Zoo". Emily has so many teeth! At least we are getting all of the teething out of the way all at one time.

The girl who dreams of giraffes.

Eagle River

Over Labor Day weekend, we headed up to Eagle River to celebrate the wedding of Ryan Zinkel.  We took advantage of the opportunity to have a little family vacation at the resort where the wedding was being held.

Lots of time to play and relax.

Three silly girls.

All cleaned up and ready to party.

A wedding with a swing set - could it get any better?

Happy Campers

The first weekend of August, we joined my parents and the Chenhalls for a weekend of camping at High Cliff State Park.

This one is called "Girl Contemplates Weight"

The Chenhalls girls showed Alice how camping is done.

Lots and lots of card-playing.

This one is called "Girl Contemplates the Ace of Spades"

Thank you Gigi and Grandpa Bob for letting us tag along!!

Happy 60th Birthday, Mom!

In June, my mom turned 60. She had told us that she did not want a party, so we decided that we would plan a surprise getaway to celebrate her 60 years.  She was told very little, only a few suggestions on what to pack and when she would be picked up.

We decorated the mini-van and picked up Mom at 1:00pm sharp. She has no idea where she is headed.

She also didn't know that her sister flew in from Florida and is hiding in the backseat!!

We started driving and the only clues that she received was a word search - the clues told her where she was going...if only she could find them!! We surprised her even further by picking up our Dad in Green Bay - she had no idea he was in on the plan!

Bayfield, WI was our destination. We stayed in the blue house on the hill.

On the first day, we took a private boat cruise to the Apostle Islands.

Led by our fearless Cap'n Pete!

The sights were incredible - we saw many eagles!

The beautiful caves of the Apostle Islands.

At one point, Cap'n Pete docked the boat and told us to climb up this island to see if we could find the keepers of the lighthouse. With only that as direction, we headed out to find the rangers.

We found the lighthouse!

And an outhouse!!

We even managed to find the rangers who let us go to the top of the lighthouse.

Back on dry land, we found this beautiful spot to sit outside and enjoy some afternoon cocktails and lunch.

The next morning, despite a little rain, we headed out for a hike/stroll along the shoreline.

It was a beautiful trek - Dad was the designated coat-carrier.

That afternoon, we stopped at Sister's Winery for a little wine tasting.

WARNING: the next picture contains some graphic material, it may not be suitable for small children who are prone to nightmares.

And enjoyed the town. (Be careful when you photo bomb...this could happen to you)

 We stayed in an adorable Bed and Breakfast, although I didn't do the best job photographing it.

 

Here is the view from Mom and Dad's room.

We spent a lot of time on this front porch.

But those shenanigans will remain in Bayfield and our very fond memories.

Lukaszewicz Lake House

Several weekends back, we packed the family up and headed to the lake house for a family getaway.

Even though it was a little cold,we got our swimming suits on...

Grabbed an ice cold beverage...

And made the best of it.

Even though we need contraptions like this to enjoy the icy, cold water.

There is always fun to be had inside!

The view isn't too bad either...

All About Alice

You always hear about the "terrible two's"...but people don't mention enough that with all that new-found independence and will power, comes incredibly wonderful, hilarious, surprising, mind-blowing every day occurrences.

This little lady makes me laugh every day...for most things that no one else would ever find funny. Mike is worried that she won't hone her craft if I keep laughing at everything that she does...but I simply can't help it.

We do a family photo book and we print pictures on a photo printer. Alice gets so excited..she sits here waiting for the picture and literally jumps up and down so violently that she often falls over.  It actually reminds me a bit of the old polaroids...how you would wait and shake it and watch the picture appear. Although, I don't think I ever fell over from a Polaroid.

Alice and her Tia Kelley.

So, this is Alice...but a still picture just doesn't capture her funny little spirit.  If you have the time, please enjoy the following videos. Full disclaimer, this very biased Mom thinks these are funny...take them or leave them!

 

In the above video, she started doing this voice during lunch all on her own. In case you can't understand her, she is say "Daddy come home."

She has also taken to randomly singing Happy Birthday to different people. Grandpa Bob is a favorite, as is bunny.