Thursday, August 27, 2009

Pic-a-nic basket

We had no pic-a-nic basket but rather a few coolers. To my knowledge, no pictures were taken. However, this evening, we had a date with The Dukes at our local park, Central Park. And boy, did we have fun.

The delightful two-some explored the playground and played on all the features. Madelyn sat on the ground while we ate and played with our empty sandwich container. She's getting so grabby lately and wants to hold on to anything within arm's reach. Gran (The Dukes' Grammy) and Grandad helped her swing on the bucket swing, and, later, she enjoyed her very first picnic meal -- carrots and a bottle.

Henry and Ian are the cutest two-and-a-half year olds around. Their exploration and amazement of all the different toys was so fun to be a part of and watch. We were lucky, too, that Ian took the wheels off our BOB and inspected them for us before left. He gave us a clean report. And, he taught Madelyn how to give a high five as we said good-bye for the walk home.

It's too bad they live in Lawrence and we only get to see them every so often. We like our friends from the east and look forward to seeing them again.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Happy birthday, Dad!




Our weekend travels were uneventful. Madelyn did well on the airplane and, both times, made friends with everyone sitting in the rows around us. We're lucky she's such a sweet, happy girl. And, I think next year she'll be more than happy to help blow out candles and indulge in a little birthday cake herself.

It's Miller Time!

One of the stops on Griff's 30th birthday trip? The Miller (Coors) brewery tour in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Although we didn't partake in the brewhaus part of the tour -- advertised as 56 steps and 105 degrees...who wouldn't want to partake?! -- we still enjoyed our trip and complimentary post-tour samples.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Birthday week

After a dark week on the blog last week -- Madelyn was under the weather -- we are back. She's feeling much better and the little bit of what's left of her rash is fading quickly.

This week is Dad's Birthday Week. It's sort of like Shark Week, only different. At any rate, we are stoked for the big celebration on Friday and Madelyn's first out-of-state trip.

We're going to Chicago to do some fun Summer time activities. And, as a bonus, we get to stay and visit with Honey and Poppie. Thursday afternoon, we fly out. I've been grilling our neighbor on travel tips and am as prepared as can be. Honey and Poppie are more than prepared and very excited for our arrival.

Tomorrow's our Friday...let the vacation begin!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Ah-1, ah-2, ah-3!


Introducing the newest bleacher bum! The hand-me-down jersey fits and she's all set to root, root, root for the Cubbies this weekend. We have tickets to Sunday afternoon's game so Madelyn may get to officially attend her first baseball game.

If Harry Caray were still alive, he'd make sure this little Cub fan got on TV.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

The newest game in our house

The sing and play stage is no longer just for singing and playing. It can also be used as a tool to practice standing up all by one's self.










Sunday, July 19, 2009

My weekend

Friday
Meghan came over and stayed with me while Mom and Dad went out. Meghan is my morning instructor at daycare and I really like her. We had lots of fun.

Saturday
I got up extra early at 6:00 am so that I could maximize the weekend with Mom and Dad. We went over to my friend Gray's house. His mom and dad fought over who got to hold me. I like them a lot. They had to go out for an hour so Gray and I read books and played while his parents were gone.

Later, Mom and I went to a ladies' lunch with her friend Brooke. I had only seen her in pictures and heard stories about her. She's really nice in real life and I'm glad I finally got to meet her.

And, because I didn't want to miss out on any of the weekend, I only napped for an hour-and-a-half...all day!

Sunday
We went to the SuperTarget to get our groceries. Guess who we ran into there?! Ethan and his mom and dad. Our moms were both picking out food for us. I got peas and sweet potatoes. He got all sorts of fancy stuff. Some of it included compote but I don't know what that is anyway. I like my vegetables.

Then we were down by Grammy and Grandad's house so we stopped in to visit. I got to say hi to Grandad. My Uncle Lee is going to be on Wheel of Fortune sometime soon, too. I can't wait to see him buy a vowel!

After all that, I'm pooped and headed to bed. Being a six-month old is hard work but it sure is fun.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Boo - Green beans

Day one of green beans was not as successful as Madelyn's other solid food adventures. The face she made was not pleasant and we only got through half of the serving. Hopefully she grows to like them a little more each day as the week progresses.

Perhaps we'll go to a yellow/orange vegetable when she's done with the green beans.

Water baby

As soon as Dr Brandon cleared Madelyn for swimming and sunscreen, it was imperative that we make our first family trek to the swimming pool.

Her buddy, Gray, and his parents were going to the pool, too. So, the six of us headed off together.

Madelyn is living up to Kerkhove and Anderson family traditions of being a good little water baby. She splashed and smiled and laughed and talked and even had half of her lunch bottle at the pool. And, when a little boy jumped into the pool and splashed the three of us, it didn't phase her one bit. She just made a funny face and then kept on enjoying herself.

Now that we're members of the parent club in our neighborhood, I completely get and appreciate all the family friendly touches especially those at the Puddle Jumper pool with all the water features and zero-depth areas. I know Madelyn appreciates them, too.

Hopefully Uncle Jerky won't be too disappointed that she hasn't mastered the cannonball...yet. The summer's not over.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Happy 6-month birthday!

I can...

...sit up by myself.
...eat solid foods (rice cereal and oatmeal).

...recognize Mom and Dad (and Sadie and Felix).
...roll over from back to front and, sometimes, front to back.


I can remember what I was doing six months ago tonight but I can't remember life without you. Happy six-month birthday, Madelyn.