Speechless...

No words can describe how much I love this little boy. The older he gets, the more wrapped around his finger I am. He is finally saying "Mama" and giving us sweet kisses (especially before I send him to timeout - he thinks a kiss will take care of everything!). I've recently given up rocking him at bedtime and I miss the only cuddle time I had with this busy 18-month old.

Pennsylvania

A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting my mother's father's side of the family in York, PA. My great-grandmother hadn't seen her great-great grandson yet...and we were able to get 5-generation portraits taken. It was awesome to see our extended family - albeit for just a long weekend. My great-great Aunt Lois graciously hosted us, my parents, and grandparents. Will did fairly good on his first plane ride and only cried the on the last flight in from Newark, NJ...let me tell you...people are NOT sympathetic towards you when your child is crying - no matter how many time you know they must have gone through it. As soon as we stepped into Epply airport - Will lifted his head from my shoulder and started clapping...he was outta there!

We spent one day exploring Philadelphia - and could have used several more. Of course we had to run the "Rocky" stairs. It was hilarious - that's what everyone was doing. I have a feeling they have more people running up the steps and raising their fists than actually stepping foot in the museum.

Also, as of yesterday

8 years and counting!

14 years ago, girl saw boy and was smitten - supposedly, boy saw girl and was also smitten.

For 4 years (yes four!) girl stalked boy and boy stalked girl - but barely spoke a word to each other.

Almost 10 years ago, boy FINALLY asked girl out.

And 8 years ago, girl and boy tied the knot.

Sweet Sixteen...

Months that is...as of yesterday.
He's probably not ready to drive yet, but he sure did love playing in Grandpa Casey's 'vette.

Scenes from a Summer

I know its been several weeks between posts...but they don't call it the "lazy days of summer" for nothing. Also, because my brain has been on a sabbatical for while and I cannot think of anything clever to write - you are just going to have to enjoy the pictures. A couple of updates on Will's new tricks...1) walking full time - he just started this over the 4th of July, 2) kicking Mackenzie with sound effects and taking new stints in timeout for doing so (!), and 3) saying several words including: Dad, cracker, cheese, dog, ball, hat, bird...but sadly, not Mama.

First Vacation

We had our first family vacation with Will (and Grandpa and Grandma Norton) last week in Estes Park, Colorado hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Will loved being in the backpack and was quite the trooper for our 3 hour hikes. Staying in carseat for 8 hours is another story. He was so fed up by the time we hit Ogallala, he decided to drive the last leg home (!).

Lincoln Safari: Healthy Families Play Together...

and then enjoy chocolate milkshakes at the UNL East Campus Dairy Store. Mmmmm...

Lincoln has some great community programs. We really enjoy the One Book One Lincoln program and discovered our favorite book with its 2005 selection, The Kite Runner. Last year, Lincoln Safari was implemented and encourages families to explore public parks. Will and I ventured out today to the Game & Parks Commission Park and then walked among the fragrant lilacs while enjoying our chocolate shake. Anybody who knows me knows I am highly addicted to ice cream - and it seems I now I have a partner in crime.

It is finally getting warm enough to put Will in short "jimmies" for bed. He looks so cute - he often confuses his hairbrush with his toothbrush.