More from Winona Visit

Kelly took these fantastic pictures of the girls. He has a similar camera to mine but bought a special lens to go with it. Man I REALLY want one...maybe after tax returns...

Riley

Riley is my parents dog. He has a very intimidating bark, but anyone who's met him would agree he's the whimpiest dog you've ever met. He doesn't usually like to cuddle, but he sure seems to have warmed up to the kids. Halle was laying on a blanket and Riley decided he wanted some blanket too, so he plopped down RIGHT next to her. Later, he actually sat for a long time letting Kaia lean on him. What a good dog! Kaia must like him too, she found a sticker of a dalmation and she insisted it was Riley.

And Now for What You Really Want...

...some pictures of the girls!

Home Building Week 11

Well, we are almost two weeks away from closing. The house is looking closer to done, just needs carpet and some finishing touches. I had the opportunity to walk through it today. Wow! I'm really happy with how it's coming together.

Home Building Week 10

Mike was able to walk through the house on Monday. I missed it, but he took some pics for me. We also found out a few weeks ago that the construction is ahead of schedule so our closing was moved up to February 13th. We'll be moving on Valentines day. Have I mentioned how excited I am!?

The entry

The upstairs landing standing at the top of the stairs.
The tile guy putting in the tile in our master bath shower.
Garden tub...can't wait for that!

A shot of the flooring in the kitchen.

The kitchen, taken from the family room.

The freezing weather has kept the crew from siding the entire house. Almost all but the front is done. It's a dark gray color, although in some light it looks a little bluish.

Aquarium

So again, time has gotten away from me. We've been traveling the last several weekends. I hurt my back last week. And each member of the family has battled the stomach flu, one at a time, for the last few weeks. Blogging fell to the bottom of my list. Yesterday Mike and Kaia went to the Aquarium with the Kelners while I stayed home recovering from the flu. Looks like they had a good time. I was really bummed I missed out.

I'm Too Sexy

A few weeks ago, on December 27th, we celebrated Mike's 33rd birthday. In honor of the old man, I'm posting this slideshow demonstrating the many faces of Mike. Always entertaining, he is! I wanted to add music, but I thought that might be an unwelcome surprise for those who check the blog at work. So you just have to hum your own version of "I'm Too Sexy" while you view the pictures. Enjoy!

Big Day

Today was a big day in our household. First, it was our first day having Alex with us. I'll be watching her four days a week while her parents are at work. She and Kaia have a lot of fun together. In this picture, they're reading books in the tent. At some point they will team up against me, I know it. Second, Halle rolled from back to tummy for the first time today. Yay!!

Enjoying Some Christmas Presents

Chunka Lunka

Look at this chunky baby! (All comments below were made by Mike as we roared with laughter looking at the pictures of our little chubster.)

"Hey Halle, get that 40 pound cheek off me."

"I ate da baby!"

What's in your cheek, kiddo, a softball?

Still cute as can be.

Merry Christmas!

Late, I know. We spent Christmas weekend in Green Bay with my family. We had a spledid time, except the fact that Mike was sick - a upper respiratory thing.

Kaia got a baby and some baby care stuff.

Kylie got some static.

Kaia and Grandma made cookies. We had some pretty goofy looking cookies, but Kaia sure had fun.
And the best part is eating them, of course. This one said "Kaia".
Halle modeling her Christmas present from Cassie.