Trip to WI in June

The kids and I went to WI while Bill started a summer class.

Great Grandma Rassbach with Olivia and Gabe.

Grandma and me
My mom found my dad's closet "rearranged." When questioned, Olivia said that Simba needed somewhere comfortable to sleep.
We got to spend an entire day w/ Renee and her girls--it was such a treat! Carly and Olivia having a tea party.
Fun in the sun and water with Renee!
Watermelon w/Aunt Nancy
Carly
Renee and Evelyn
Uncle Terry and Gabe. The boys were outnumbered.
Olivia feeding MayBelle.
Dixie hasn't quite lost her winter coat.
Olivia and Carly.
Me and Gabe
My parents took us up to the lake for a few days. There were record highs around the state, so it was great to be near water. It was fun, relaxing, and peaceful.

Gabe ready for the beach.
Olivia and I went tubing. This is before the white-capped waves drowned us. There were a few tears, but we made it :)
Grandma and the kids ready to go boating.
I can still get up! It has been a few years...



Hotdog roast.
Papa teaching Olivia how to cast her Dora fishing pole.
The "Larage." Holly and I started affectionately calling my parents' cabin the larage, a combo of lake home and garage. It's funny to me, because it's really nice inside, with two bedrooms, a kitchen, bath, and living room. But it's also a garage on one end.
Water play on the cement. So proud he can stand.
Lounging in the ladybug.
Ready to boat!

She wanted to go by herself, but we're glad I went with her!
A sink bath, a tradition at the lake! He barely fit.
Only a couple more years!!
"I will catch a fish. I will catch a fish."
Happy.


I LOVE this picture. Look closely at Gabe's finger and eyes. He's got someone in his control:)
Her first S'more. It was 95 degrees, and the chocolate melted before we could get it on the cracker.
Neighborhood walk. Gabe does not have personal space.
Great Papa and Olivia sharing a special moment.
Of course, time was spent playing and singing with Grandma.
The team all hitched up and ready to go!

Uncle Rod was up to visit--it was nice to spend some time with him too!
Olivia would like to "train" MayBelle to be obedient and nice.
A trip to Culver's. This is WI's version of CA's In 'N Out and the East Coast's Chick-fil-A.
My dad fed Gabe some custard. The next picture explains a lot.
After too much custard.
The kids with Papa and Grandma.
Relaxing with Grandma at The Aster Cafe on St. Anthonys Main.
Peter
Cousin Lyle with the kids.
My parents
Olivia and Kena.
Cole
Bekah and Gabe
Finally got to meet Genet!
Me and Bekah and our newest kids!

A Month has gone by

These will be in order from oldest to newest, over the last month.

Olivia and Damien reading.

Gabe loves the kitchen too.
Olivia
First time swinging at 8 months old (April).
Our Virginian friend Kevin meeting Gabe.
Balancing act.
Easter eggs.
Playing together.
Hopeful.
All 4 front teeth are in.
Baseball bottoms.
Happy!
Grandma and Pops visit!
Day trip to the Getty Villa in Malibu.
Flying a kite on a beach in Malibu.

Grandma and Pops and kids.
A rare sweet moment.
Olivia and I have been reading the Pinkalicious book, so we made pink cupcakes.
Loves pink and has been waiting so patiently to eat this!

Bathtime.
Relaxing in the courtyard.


Gabe really likes to read and look at books. He's not eating them as much anymore, so that's helpful.
Olivia the performer at the children's museum.

That's life as we know it right now! The kids are both well and sleeping pretty good, Bill has wrapped up the semester this week, and starts summer classes on Tuesday. In between there, he has to grade 40, 10 page papers and possibly a class of final exams. The kids and I will head to WI for 2 weeks for a change of pace. I look forward to being outside in the open, and Olivia can't wait to get all muddy (here we come, Mom!)

Life

Sorry, no pictures this post. Our computer died 2 weeks ago and we're using a friends' computer. We're in the final stretch of the semester, and Bill is pumping out papers and projects. I wanted to update on Gabe because he's growing so fast! 

He's waving.

Pointing at things.

He has 2 top and 2 bottom teeth, which has NOT been fun.

He crawls at lightening speed.

He pulls himself up anywhere and can open drawers and pull things out.

He loves to stand and play at the play kitchen, especially with the phone.

He can push a cart across the room by himself.

He's a chewer--anything he can find goes in his mouth.

His favorite pass time is "chase." and he is FAST!

He loves mommy a lot, and has some stranger anxiety.

He has a fiery temper and has bruised me several times with his flailing arms and legs.

He's very snugly and thinks everything is funny around bedtime.

He's had croup twice now, so I do believe we officially have 2 "croupy" kids. 

I have lots of great videos of the kids that I hope to post once we get a new computer. 

Pulling up Fashionista

Her "sassy face"

Gymnastics class

No fear in the foam pit