We're having a......

BOY! Yes, it's official! Marc will not be the lone male in the house anymore (not including Simon of course). We were a bit shocked, maybe because this pregnancy feels pretty much the same as the first time around with Lydia. But we are very excited to welcome our new son/brother into our family!

Official Walker!

We have been waiting a LONG time(at least it feels like it!) to see our dear daughter use her feet to get around, rather than her hands and knees, or most recently, just her knees. Lydia had taken a few steps here and there, for the last month, but as of this past Saturday, she is officially walking! We are so proud of her!

Little Tiger...ROAR!

We did not get many pics of our little tiger, and unfortunately none with her smiling, BUT we did get a few. We did go trick or treating with some friends, but not for very long. The week before though, Marc's work had invited all the families in (kids in costume) to his work, and they had games, a magic show, food and fun. This is Lydia in a room full of balloons. She was a little overwhelmed, but this picture does show her entire costume. I don't think she's very keen on dressing up in costume.

Visit to Berlin, WI

Growing up I got to see my grandparents all the time, but now that I'm older, I don't get to see them quite as often, although still a few times a year. This past week, Lydia, my mom, and I, made the trip to Berlin, WI where they live. It was a a short, 3 hour visit, but was so nice to see them, and have Lydia spend some time with them as well.

My grandpa recently celebrated his 87th birthday, and they will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this Monday, August 10th!!! Their marriage is a great model of what lifelong love and committment should be.


Lydia with my grandpa:



Lydia enjoying the lawn "toys":





Ed and Dorothy (Grandma and Grandpa) on their wedding day, August 10th, 1944:




Almost 65 years later!!:



Happy Anniversary! We love you!

Alabama Trip

Over the 4th of July, we made the trek down to Gulf Shores, AL with some of Marc's family. We stayed at a beach home, that was right on the beach. It was pretty nice! A little too warm for my liking but we had a good time anyway! It was a long drive down (16 hours!) It got long at times, and thanks to stuffed animals, books, and DVD's we survived!!! This pic was taken in the first few hours of the trip (Lydia is holding "Kitty").


Here was our view from the beach home.



Lydia spent a good amount of her free time relaxing in her kiddie pool on the porch.



We toured Fort Morgan (2 miles from where we stayed).



Rode on a ferry...... It was windy!



Visited an aquarium that had only animals (sea creatures) from the Gulf of Mexico.



Went to a fun restaurant called Lambert's, where they throw hot rolls at you!



And this picture was taken on our last full day there. I love this one. It's just plain cute!

Because I'm lame...

And can't figure out how to add a slideshow, here's a link to Lydia's 1 year photos until I learn (or someone teaches me...hint hint) how to do so!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=95485&id=517780063&l=1abf2a9f72

Marathon and celebrations

Marc and I have spent the last 3 months training for a half marathon. Usually we enjoy it, but life has been rather full, so we were looking forward to being DONE with the training and the race. We finally got to put our hard work to the test, when we ran in the Wisconsin Marathon (also known as "cheesiest" marathon). The race was in Kenohsa along Lake Michigan. With 50 degree weather, the sunshine, and a view of the lake for the majority of the run, we couldn't have asked for better conditions. Marc ended up getting his best time (under 2:06, and I came close, a minute after him). Here we are with our medals. Look closely..... they are shaped like cheese. Hehehehe.... Only in Wisconsin. After the race, we drove up to Milwaukee, to help my sister move some stuff. Allyson, if you're reading this, congrats on the house! And then we ventured up to my parent's, where Lydia was, and chilled out and rested for a little. Then around dinnertime, we had a little celebration for Lydia's birthday. She didn't like the cake as much as we thought she would. She enjoyed mushing it around in her hands, until she discovered it tasted ever so yummy. It was a lot of fun! I still can't believe that next week we will officially have a 1 year old!!!


Here's a video of Lydia tasting her first piece of cake.



And a family pic on my parent's porch on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.