How to make cookies...

While Daddy played softball on Monday night, Daniel and I made cookies. Daniel turned the mixer on 'high' instead of 'low.' We had a blast getting covered in flour and looking at our mess. (Well, he did anyway)

Daniel taking a picture of me. What a good photographer! (he he he-and Andie in the background in her bouncer.)

Happy Golden Birthday Nate!

Nate woke up today to this delightful display of flamingos. Daniel almost blew it last night. He told daddy "we got flamingos." That's what I get for bringing a 3 year old with! So, I repeated, "Yeah, we saw some flamingos in someone's yard, didn't we?" Then, this morning we were all sitting on our bed when I said, "Let's go downstairs and show daddy a little surprise." Daniel said, "Flamingos!" So, I'm pretty sure Nate figured it out before he saw them.

Nate, I'm sure you're feeling a little like the way the bird looks above, but you are the best in the world. I know I've only known you for 26.67% of your 30 years, but I can't wait to know you for the next 30. Sure, you might wake up with a gray hair or two tomorrow, but it'll look good on you. And, every gray hair has a great meaning. I LOVE you. Have a great day.

Daniel LOVES horses!

This weekend was great! Yesterday, Jen and Andie went to the MOA to see her mom and aunties. Nate and Daniel went to one of Nate's aunt's birthday party. Then, we met up at a hotel to go swimming. We forgot the camera, but it was a great time. It sure was great seeing all of you!

Then, on Sunday, Jen took Daniel to the MN horse expo. We weren't sure if he'd like being up close to the horses, but he loved it. He wanted to keep riding the pony named Black Jack because he was nice. And, he even wanted to ride the 'big' horses! We saw a lot of different horses and even took a carriage ride. It was a lot of fun!

Daniel on Chester Black Jack

Sox

Sox again!

Tacoma

A little movie of him riding Black Jack.

Here's Herbie the pony. The kids could pick up brushes and give him a quick brush. Daniel thought that was fun.

Fun Stuff

We've been busy! Last weekend, Nate made Daniel a sandbox.

Getting started...
Ready for sand!

Look at the finished product (with toys too!)

We also fill up our time with fun games. Here's one of Daniel's favorites right now. We sit on the chair and put all of the stuffed animals we can find all around us, then we take a picture and throw all of the animals on the ground. It's great fun.

Andie's turn.

Andie's 6 months

At Andie's 6mo check-up, we recieved good news all around. She can sit up and do the tripod thing, she just doesn't have any desire to roll over. Silly girl.

Here are her stats:
Height: 26.5in - 77%
Weight: 16.2lbs - 53%

What's new with her? Not much. She loves to smile, stand, baths, and watch her brother. She's sleeping pretty well and loves to eat.

Before mommy went to work, we did a photo shoot!

Mommy Starts Work

I started my new job at Infinite Campus on Daniel's birthday. What an eventful day! I really like it so far. The facility is very nice and there's free lunch every day as well as free beverages all day every day. There's a rock climbing wall on one wing of the building and I sit by the coi pond and waterfall. It is a great atmosphere. Maybe it's because it's a small company, but everyone is great here. I'm really looking forward to 'belonging' here and being a part of the company for a long time.

I haven't really started my specific job duties because I need to get certified first and that training doesn't start until the 19th. But, I'm in playing with the software on the test sites. It seems like it will suite me just fine though. And, my team is great. They all have such great personalities.

Andie's first day of day care went well. I don't think she was affected by it at all! She is such a happy little thing. The teachers love to see her smile so early in the morning.

Daniel's Birthday

Our little boy is now 3. How did the time go by soo quickly? We can't believe we've been parents that long!

Daniel's stats:
Height: 36in - 12%
Weight: 29.2lbs - 21%

Daniel started his special day by waking up to mommy and daddy singing. They also sang to him at school and had chocolate cupcakes. We celebrated with hot dogs and mac and cheese that night. Then, on to presents! He got a bike. He's really fast on it too!!

Then, we had a great birthday party with the Quist Family. Mommy made Daniel a Lightning cake. He sure liked it. He wanted more 'smoke' out the back of the car. It sure was great to see everyone.

The next weekend, we had a birthday party with Jen's side of the family. We made Daniel a 'dirt cake' for this party. He got a kick out of it. And, I have to admin, mom and dad sure liked eating the left overs for the next couple of days!
Here's him taking his bike for a ride. We haven't let him ride on it after this time because his helmet went with the boat to get stored for the winter. We'll get it back this weekend.