Those Darn Jerome Kids

Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T16:52:00.000-06:00

Lonny enjoying himself in his hand-me-down exersaucer.

Lonny, meet Santa. Alice, meet Santa again.

Alice helps Grandma from Las Vegas make some pierogi dough.

Alice getting in some doll-house time.

Carrie arranged a play-date with Alice and Grandpa. They built a "ginger-man house."

Adding some detail.

Voila!

Opening some presents.

Lonny got a jumper!

Jerome family photo.

Lonny and Icky snuggle.

Opening more presents.

An Olesen family tradition, taking a photo of the kids in wrapping paper.

Christmas eve. Matching candy-cane pjs.

Late, Christmas eve. Santa's been here!

Alice digging for stocking loot.

Carrie helps Lonny play with his ball-popper.

Alice gives her new easel a whirl. I believe this piece was titled: "Santa in a Christmas Parade with Snakes and Frogs."

L3 and Rice Cereal

2009-11-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

Lonny started eating solid foods around mid-November! Rice cereal, down the hatch!

Aaaaah, Fall!

2009-11-22T23:14:00.002-06:00

Alice "doin' her thang."

Lonny bundled up for a car-trip, no doubt.

We'll have to remember the "happy times". I'm sure the "fighting times" are right around the corner...right?

Oh, so good news! Alice is potty-trained! (More or less!!) The bonus of getting to go potty by yourself, is you have some quality alone time with Mommy's make-up kit. Ain't she pretty?

The boys.

Alice feeds Lonny.

Auntie Carrie went and bought the coolest little playhouse. We're gonna move it indoors for the winter.

Alice posing for a photo for Auntie Carrie's home-sewn custom kiddie pillows. Want one for your kid? CONTACT US!

Carrie decided this weekend would be a good time to finish all the Autumnal yard work, so while she mulched the yard, Alice and I raked some leaves, played in them, and climbed some trees.

Tai chi?

Yoga?

Alice in the tree.

Daddy in the tree.

Carrie in the tree.

Mommy and Lonny in front of some trees.

The family.

Alice and Lonny in the leaves.

Lonny looks happier inside!

Alice Mae: Swimming Lessons

2009-11-21T10:54:00.000-06:00

Sorry it's been so long since we last updated. Lonny 3 keeps us busy, and tired. Here's an older video of Carrie and Alice at Alice's swimming lessons. This was the beginner lesson, where the kids are joined by a parent (or auntie) in the water. When these pick up again in March, Alice will be on her own, with the teacher.

Big October Update

2009-11-01T07:22:00.010-06:00

Alice started out the month with her first visit to the dentist!

Open wide!

And it ends with a new toothbrush, and she got to pick a toy out of the bucket!

Lonny is starting to enjoy car-rides more.

Alice with Auntie Carrie at swimming lessons.

Out of the pool.

At the State Theater to see Alice's favorite group, The Wiggles.

We even got an up-close visit from Murray in our nose-bleed seats.

Alice and Carrie at The Wiggles.

Couch time with Alice and Lonny.

Lonny tries on his new winter hat.

More couch time.

Trying on the Halloween costumes, and taking a picture to send to Grandma and Grandpa in Las Vegas.

Hanging out on the play-mat.

Alice chomps on the "spider" she made at her school's Halloween Party.

Painting a pumpkin on a bag.

Cookie-smile!

My co-worker Caroline gave us a pumpkin she grew with Alice's name on it. (She scratches the name on the baby pumpkin with a nail, and it grows with the scar.)

Alice helps Daddy get the yucky guts and seeds out of our pumpkins.

Spoonful of guts!

And now it's time for a silly dance.

More couch-time. It's hard not to take a picture when they're looking so cute.

When Mommy makes a post-office/coffee run on the weekends? It's couch jumpin' time!

Trick-or-Treat! First stop...Auntie Carrie's!

There she is: WONDER WOMAN!

Fighting crime!

Bella gets some love.

Our three jack-o-lanterns.

Close-up of the "Alice Pumpkin."

Super sitting pose!

Onward to Grandma's house!

Grandma holds Lonny.

The kids in their costumes.

Cousin Zach is a monkey!

TRICK-OR-TREAT!

Looks like someone just got some candy.

Alice and Mommy.

Superbaby swoops in to see what's up.

"What do these look like? Let's open them. I won't eat them." (Yeah, right...)

Alice helped Grandma hand-out candy. Even got to see a big-girl Wonder Woman.

Back home. Goodnight!

Alice and Her Little Buddy

2009-09-12T23:50:00.005-05:00

Just a few quick pictures of Alice and Lonny together. Alice insists on picking him up sometimes, which is a little worrisome since he weighs 14 lbs! Oh yeah...2 month appointment 13 lbs 13 oz (90th percentile) and 23.5" long (69th percentile)...he is a big boy!

Lonny thinks Alice is pretty cool

He looks a little worried...

I think Lonny was "talking" to Alice here

Photo shoot

Lonny looking at Mommy, Alice looking at ??

Say hello to my chubby little friend

Alice in her Baby Legs legwarmers. They used to cover her entire leg! She is getting so big!

Dog Days/State Fair/Etc

2009-08-31T00:16:00.006-05:00

Since Jaime's a stickler for accuracy, here's a comparison photo of Alice and Lonny, in the same location, in the same outfit even, at 2 months:

Kooky, huh?

Jaime's high-school buds had a get-together when Liz and Skyler and their new daughter Melody were in town (from Los Angeles), so we had a good time there, and Alice made some new friends as they sat around the campfire and told stories.

Auntie Carrie and Lonny on the couch, catching some Zs.

Most nights, Lonny will come visit Alice for goodnight kisses/hugs. What a cute pair!

LMO4LIFE

Alice showing off one of the gifts Lonny got at the "Baby Bret's First Birthday and Welcome Lonny Party" at cousin Cheri's house in Elk River.

Our friends the Turman's stopped by to meet Lonny, and that gave Alice time to catch up with Ada and Mae.

Lonny being cute.

There's a smile! He's smiling a lot lately.

Last Friday we met Joanna, Josh, Debbie, Zach, Jerome and Hannah at the State Fair. Lonny was pretty good for most of it. Alice and Zach took the "Kidway" by storm.

I'm pretty sure Carrie and I rode this exact same ride in 1980.

Here comes trouble.

Kiddie-swings were a hit.

The 5 O'Clock Spaghetti-O beard completes the look. Alice walked up to me in this get up and said, "Hello Der!"

Isn't that funny?

Alice checks out my skateboard before our trip to the Mall of America today.

Nickelodeon Park was a hit. Here's Alice riding the Fly-Boat ride.

Alice on the Blue Skeedo ride.

A wave from the driver's seat of her big-rig. After the two boys got on the back, Alice looked and me and let me know that two boys are riding with her, and that's ok.

The Carousel at the MOA was cool!

Enjoying the hot-air balloon ride.

"Look everyone! No hands!"

Cool Comparisson Photo

2009-08-10T10:47:00.003-05:00

I was just looking back at when Alice was 2 months (like Lonny is almost now) and noticed we have them in almost the same photo on their Baby Einstein play-mat thing. Check it out.

More Summer fun!

2009-08-09T16:10:00.006-05:00

Bathing Lonny is sometimes a full family affair.

Sleeping like an angel.

Playtime!

Jaime and Lonny at the New Brighton Stockyard Days Parade.

Alice loved the parade, though she was too shy to run out for candy. (Thanks for helping Auntie Carrie!)

Alice loves her Sesame Street game. She's very good at it...it's sort of incredible.

Obey the shirt!

Awww!

Icky chillin' in one of Alice's baby's baskets.

So, last night around 9 p.m., the tornado sirens went off. The whole family went into the basement. Alice didn't wake up for any of it.

Sleeping through a tornado warning.

Lonny out and about at Long Lake Park.

Weeeeeeeeee!

Alice on the airplane at Stockyard Days Fair in Long Lake Park.

Riding some freaky fish.

Hey there beautiful!

More swinging.

Serious playtime.

We found Long Lake!

Testing the water.

Alice in the water. We're gonna head back after dinner, now that Auntie Carrie is back. Whoo hoo!

Lonny 3: Wiggly Party

2009-08-03T22:51:00.000-05:00

Alice Mae: Jedi in Training

2009-08-03T22:50:00.001-05:00

Alice's 3rd Birthday and beyond...

2009-08-03T22:39:00.004-05:00

Lonny looking cute in his robo-baby legs.

Alice heading out to school in her new rain-coat.

Lonny giving the bouncy chair a spin.

Alice in her birthday dress with matching boots. I think this is before she dumped an entire glass of red kool-aide on herself.

Make a wish!

"Oh man I love the cake!"

Tons of loot!

Birthday outfit #2. Ready for dinner at Perkins. (Alice's choice)

Cool three-year-old!

Lonny conked out on the couch...

...er, make that Lonnys conked out on the couch.

Wilbeski Family Reunion 2009

2009-08-03T22:05:00.008-05:00

We missed the last Wilebski Family reunion in 2006 because of the birth of Alice Mae, and since we plan our kids almost exactly three years apart, we had planned to miss this one too...

...but strong willed family members convinced us to go and we're glad we did. It was a great time to catch up with family, introduce Lonny 3 to the group, and Alice had a blast. Here's some pics:

First stop was Great Grandma and Grandpa Sanner's house. Carrie and Alice unwound with the old classic: Cheeze Wiz sandwiches.

Carrie and Lonny snuggle.

One of my new favorite pics.

A bunch of Polacks eating breakfast on Joey Wilebski's farm.

Alice bust out the cards early.

Found the tire-swing!

Alice was actually quite good at the ball-toss game.

There were lots of activities for kids, including finding prizes in a "haystack."

She's got some cowgirl in her. :)

A massive craft table was a great idea too. Kept lots of the kiddos busy. (I'm sorry to whoever had to clean up that area!)

Alice inspecting the Polish Horseshoe pits.

Jaime and the kids having lunch.

Alice did not pass up a pony ride. She LOVED it.

Abby joined Alice for the wagon ride. Alice told me they went too fast, but Abby was there to hold her hand.

Grandma holds Lonny.

Mini Jon, Mini Michelle, Mini Katey and Mini Lon.

Grandma and Lonny checking out the barn.

Grandpa shares a story.

Alice got to drive a tractor.

Carrie and Heidi during the auction.

The Jerome clan.

Lon Jerome Senior.

The Lon Jerome family.

The next generation of second cousins.

Alice shows us what dirt roads did to our rental vehicle.

A bath in Great Grandma's sink.

Great Auntie Phyllis looks on as Great Grandma Sanner holds Lonny.

Alice and Emily get one last playdate in before we all have to hit the road.

Saying goodbye to Great Grandma and Grandpa.

The drive home.

Lonny's first bath

2009-08-01T09:23:00.001-05:00

Think he liked it?

Meet Lonny 3 Party

2009-08-01T08:34:00.003-05:00

We decided to have a "Meet Lonny" party, and were joined my lots of friends and family for a nice bbq cook-out!

Alice gets ready with a little twist and some mix-matched shoes.

Alice checks out the games at top speed!

Auntie Sue gets some quality Lonny 3 time.

Alice and Lonny with their Great Grandparents.

A few generations of Sanner ladies.

Me playing "sack" with some help from Alice.

Jaime enjoying the party.

Yo Gabba Gabba art show

2009-08-01T08:27:00.003-05:00

Jaime works for Puny Entertainment, and Puny animates a hit kids show for Nickelodeon called Yo Gabba Gabba. Puny also has a gallery called Pink Hobo, and their third show is the "Art of Yo Gabba Gabba."

Alice is a huge fan of the show so Grandma and I took her to check it out.

Alice was quick to find the original prop from her favorite episode. She LOVES the "Happy Ball Friends."

The sad thing is, we own about 90% of the toys they had on display.

Alice in front of some screenshots.

Pointing to some more show props.

Summer fun

2009-08-01T08:17:00.004-05:00

Alice had been running back in forth in the living room, so I snapped an action shot. Gordon Ramsey doesn't seem to approve.

Alice gets some pool time.

Alice and Bella.

A bbq with Grandma. She came and helped out with the kids for two weeks. It was awesome! (Grandpa was there too for the second week!)

Grandma watching both kids.

Alice mugging for the camera.

Grandma and Lonny III.

Dance party! If you want to have a dance party as fun as ours, just play the following song and let 'er rip!

Auntie Carrie surrounded by love.

Alice loves Lonny.

4th of July

2009-08-01T08:11:00.003-05:00

We came home from the hospital on the 4th of July...just in time to get some fireworks and celebrate!

Alice gets her camera ready so she doesn't miss any of the action.

Carrie and Alice.

An amazing display of firepower!

Two buddies chillaxin'.

Even Lonny came out to see what's up.

There's a New Boy in Town!

2009-08-01T07:51:00.006-05:00

On June 30th, 2009 at 8:50 a.m., Lon Alan Jerome III was born.

He was 8 lbs, 1 oz and 20" long.

He entered the world screaming.

Meeting Mommy for the first time.

I think at this point he wasn't screaming, but his mouth was stuck that way. :)

Checking his vitals.

Proud big sister and auntie look on.

First bath.

Alice can't wait to hold him!

First nap!

Meeting Mommy again on better terms.

Alice finally gets to hold her baby brother.

And kiss him.

Alice even helped me hold him.

Swaddled up.

I think it was night 3 in the hospital that we decided to let Alice stay with us. Jaime says "Never again."

Alice goofing off with some doctor's gloves.

Lonny getting his picture professionally taken.

As long as it was all set up, I took a pic too.

Alice giving some love...

...and snapping a photo.

All in all, it was a different experience this time around (some for better and some for worse), and we're so glad to be home.

Tomorrow is the Big Day!!

2009-06-30T01:07:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the day...Alice is super excited to meet her new baby brother! (and mommy is ready to be done being pregnant) Wish us all good luck!

Penelope's Baptism

2009-05-31T21:29:00.005-05:00

Alice watching the Choir rehearse before the service.

Alice rubbing Mommie's tummy, saying hello to little brother.

Carrie and I are Penelope's Godparents, so we had to help out with the ceremony.

Alice helping with pictures.

Proud Pappa Bongo.

Alice, Carrie, Lon, Penelope, Jaime

Auntie Michele holds Penelope.

Alice gives it a short, awkward, but enthusiastic try.

Godmother Carrie and Penelope.

Alice and her new best friend, Uncle Carl.

Como Town

2009-05-31T21:22:00.003-05:00

My pal Justin and his family (Laura and Peter) were in town last weekend for the Twins/Brewer's game. We met them on Sunday and checked out Como Zoo and Como Town. I didn't even know about Como Town, but it's a mini fair place with rides and the whole shebang. Alice didn't even care about the lions, penguins and giraffes we were seeing...she just wanted to ride the choo-choo-train...so we did.

Here comes the train!

We were first in line, and Alice picked the Caboose to sit in. It was a bit tight for Daddy, but we managed.

I imagine she'll have the same expression on her face when she gets her license at 16.

Riding the tea-cups with Daddy. Yup. She's ready for Disney.

Spring Fun Part 2

2009-05-31T21:10:00.004-05:00

Sizing up the sprinkler.

Carrie shooting hoops.

This looks a little low and too the left.

Getting her courage up.

Drying off with a little help from "sunny sunny."

Ready for round 2, now armed with sunglasses and deflated floaties.

Climbing the plastic "rope ladder" at Totem Park.

Suspension bridge? No problem.

Alice is getting pretty good at working the camera.

Descending the apparatus.

Time to climb!

Had fun, but now she's ready for the bike ride home.

Flying her Spiderman kite in the backyard. Yes, I noticed the powerlines, and we no longer fly the kite in the backyard.

Doing a little dance after trying on Daddy's socks.

Party at Kindercare!

2009-05-31T21:04:00.003-05:00

The whole family headed out for Kindercare's Spring party. Here's Alice dragging Mommy and Auntie Carrie across the parking lot.

Having fun in the jumpy thingy.

Ice cream? You bet!

Alice showing off on one of the school's trikes.

Catching some air!

Alice loves face-painting

Especially when it's Elmo.

Spring Fun

2009-05-31T20:55:00.004-05:00

This photo may explain why Jaime and I often call Alice "little monkey."

Trying on a new hat.

Alice came home from daycare one day with two pigtails. It was the cutest thing. She won't let us put them in for her again.

Helping Auntie Carrie water the lawn.

She did eventually realize how fun it was to spray Auntie Carrie and Daddy.

Alice making a cheese quesadilla.

Flip it over!

A pretty double rainbow right in front of our house after a spring rain.

Alice's tulip that bloomed in the front yard.

Easter 2009

2009-05-31T20:44:00.002-05:00

Kicked off Easter this year the same as last: Painting eggs! Alice is getting ready here in her apron.

I'm just following orders here, as my hands are steadier than Alice's.

After we colored them, we drew on them with markers and put stickers on them. Fun!

Alice on Easter morning, after finding her basket of goodies, and a cool stir-fry toy set from the Easter Bunny.

Alice running through cousin Cheri's backyard looking for eggs.

Found one!

Still looking. Eventually found them all with help from Mommy, Daddy and her aunties Joanna and Jenessa.

That night (April 12th) when we got home was Alice's first full-night's sleep in her big-girl bed. She's been out of her crib since.

A very pregnant (29 weeks), very happy Jaime talks to her friend Liz on the phone, congratulating her on her new baby girl, Melody.

Alice Mae: Reading

2009-04-05T14:06:00.001-05:00

Swimming/Hunter Girls '09

2009-04-05T10:40:00.005-05:00

Well, we had fun last weekend up in Detroit Lakes at the annual Hunter Girl's Reunion, but we forgot to take any photos, except for some swimming pics and a a Great Grandkids photo. Enjoy!

Carrie took Alice into the pool while I made a last second run to Wal-Mart for a suit and a floaty toy for Alice.

Alice enjoyed dipping her toes and her body into the warm whirlpool.

Playing with a "water worm" thingy.

Am I making boaty noises? I think I might be.

Alice's new suit!

In the kiddie pool.

All of the great grandkids.

Alice, distracted by the TV.

March 09 Catch-Up

2009-03-23T00:40:00.004-05:00

Got some catching up to do. Enjoy!

A while back, Jaime checked on Alice after she had been sleeping for a while, then called me into the room. Seems she had arranged all of her crib friends in a row. We both thought his was funny/strange. A few weeks later, she did it again, but was up when we checked on her, and she inserted herself into the line-up. Kooky kid.

Daddy/Alice jam session. This one went for about thirty minutes. Me on acoustic guitar, Alice rockin' the "mic stand".

Alice brings the vocals.

She's a natural.

Listen while she plays her green tambourine.

Fun in the front-yard during the last big snowfall.

She liked to ride backwards.

Sure, let her dress herself.

Pushing cousin Zach around the house. This went on for quite a while.

Strike a pose, pretty lady!

What's this? Oh yeah...a BIG GIRL bed! While she hasn't had a good night's sleep in it yet, she likes it, and thinks hat it's "cool," so that's good. Someday, she'll give up the crib and love the bed. Right?

Wide shot of the bed.

The result of the first "nap" in bed was, Alice climbed out of bed and fell asleep in her rocking chair. She had emptied her sock drawer onto her lap, and yanked her shirt down through it's neck-hole.

So, the pitfall of re-arranging the room is, I didn't realize the downfall of putting the crib too-close to the changing table. Alice called to us letting me know she needed to wash her hands. She had grabbed the bottle of Vaseline and was wiping it everywhere.

Awww cute? Right? Sheesh. Late second bath and a few loads of laundry, and everything is still slippery.

Superbowl and the Zoo!

2009-02-08T17:41:00.006-06:00

Alice loves helping out in the kitchen. We put her on "potato scrubbing duty" last week when Mommy made some delicious "porcupine meatballs."

Playing with balloons at Josh's Birthday party last weekend. Zach was going nuts!

Birthday boy with Zach waiting for some homemade blueberry cake (it was great!).

Alice liked the cake!

Zach too!

Alice and Zach spent a lot of time playing in Zach's crib. They didn't want it to end.

I don't remember what was going on here, but there was a lot of running back and forth, and laughing.

Today we went to the Minnesota Zoo. Here's Alice and Mommy checking out some Arctic Monkeys.

After watching the shark swim by a few times, Alice let me know..."No, I like fish."

Alice with Auntie Carrie.

Alice in the Jungle with Daddy. Alice thought the Jungle was very smelly and covered her nose for most of it.

Alice and Carrie looking for some exotic birds.

Looks like Alice didn't want to get this close to the Leopard.

Russian brown bears.

Having lunch before we left.

Carrie and myself enjoying our lunch.

Alice "I can see you!" through her onion ring. A fun time was had, and we even solved a mystery of a song Alice sings at Daycare (she saw the book that is tied to it in the gift shop!), but alas...no nap today, so she's getting kinda grumpy tonight. Maybe she'll go to bed early, right?

Riiiight! :)

Sesame Street Live, and more...

2009-01-14T22:07:00.005-06:00

Alice models her New Year's Eve hat she made at school.

Then she "hams" it up for the camera.

Jaime and Alice making cupcakes. It was sort of too late to be doing this, but Jaime had just gotten off the phone with her sister who was also making cupcakes (for Zach's birthday) and Jaime said, "You don't tell a pregnant woman you're making cupcakes and then don't expect her to make her own." (or something like that)

Alice mixing.

Ready for Mommy to pour the batter in.

Tonight was Sesame Street Live. We met Joanna, Josh and Zach at the Target Center, and I dropped an silly amount of money on treats and souvenirs. Here's Alice playing with her Elmo light spinny thingy.

Bert and Ernie doing some hip-hop thing.

The whole gang.

When Elmo took the stage, it was like a rock-star was there. The kids went crazy. Alice and Zach were both screaming for him. It was awesome.

Alice making sure we don't miss any of the cool stuff.

Looking down our row.

Josh with Zach. It was Zach's 2nd birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACH!

Alice on auntie Carrie's lap. Note Alice's long(er) hair.

Bert, Ernie and Big Bird ruled.

At intermission, they carted out the Elmo balloons (which we didn't buy--yet) and cotton candy.

Zach, after trying a bite of sno-cone.

Alice, after several.

The big finish. Alice kept asking me if she could go on stage. She was pretty upset with my answer. Overall I think she had a blast. As we were leaving, she saw all the kids with balloons and started whining for a "bayoon" until I decided I didn't want to walk 15 minutes through the skyway and into the parking ramp with a screaming kid on my shoulders. So, yes, she got her bayoon, and she was pretty excited about it.

Now, a few more sno-cone pics:

Pre-Vikings Playoff Madness

2009-01-04T13:15:00.003-06:00

Vikings fever has swept the house, and win or lose today, we had fun getting ready for the game. Alice sort of lost her mind for a while and put a full-on tackle on her Diego doll.

One more thing...

2008-12-27T21:52:00.002-06:00

Yup.

Jaime's pregnant again. Due date is July 5th.

Whooooooo!

So, eventually I'll have to change the title of this blog, and that will be the first of many things Alice will need to learn to share with the new baby.

Thanksgiving/Christmas and more!

2008-12-27T21:07:00.007-06:00

Hi peeps! Long time no blog. Well, deal with it. We've been busy. :) The following 35 photos should catch y'all up.

Alice likes to build tall towers out of her blocks. Then she knocks them down. It's good to see at this young age, she's not shy about achieving a goal, then moving on to the next goal. Good for her!

As part of super-fun Saturday, Carrie and I took Alice to the Metrodome for the high-school football playoffs. Kitson County was playing, so we knew about half the people there. My friend Justin (from Fargo) even came down with his wife and kid to watch his youngest brother play.

Then is was off to Chuck E Cheese for lunch. Carrie had made the promise, and Alice would not forget, so a "just for fun" trip was just that: fun. Alice had a good time playing games and eating pizza. She's not quite big enough for all the games/rides yet, but almost!

Cool shades.

Here are Alice and her cousin Zach on Thanksgiving. Aren't they sweet?

Alice even had time to visit us at our annual No-Coast Craft-o-Rama craft fair. On the second day of the fair she spent the day with Bob and Sue (my Aunt and Uncle) and had a great time. She loves going to Bob & Sue's house.

Jaime's booth at the craft-fair.

Alice shows us the proper way to finish off a bowl of chocolate ice-cream.

Trimming the Christmas tree.

Alice puts the star on top.

She looks pretty excited for Christmas time.

My folks came into town a few weeks early for Christmas, so Carrie hosted a cabbage roll and pierogi making party that the Nordin and Jerome kids came out for. I set up Rock Band for the kids, but it was a little too advanced for most of them. Alice still gave the drums a try though.

Grandma Jerome and Alice rolling out dough.

More dough rolling after Jaime ran home and got Alice her apron.

Looking sly as she opened presents a few weeks early.

"Hey, thanks for all the toys and clothes and stuff, but I prefer this box."

Grandma and Grandpa Jerome took Alice to see Santa at Rosedale Mall.

Alice shows off her new dress from Grandma and Grandpa.

Carrie and I gave our new snowblower a go after we got about 6 inches last week.

Zach hamming it up at Christmas in front of the newly engaged Jenessa and Matt.

Alice and Uncle Jerry exchanging glances before Jerry unleashed his annual pesent-draw on us. (I got a set of four Ramones CDs, Jaime got an REM CD, and Alice got Finding Nemo on DVD!)

Opening her big present from Grandma Vicki, a DOLL HOUSE!

Everyone opening presents.

Jaime pretending to be surprised with the Vikings hoodie she helped pick out.

Christmas really takes it out of you.

Alice and Zach in their jammies, ready to go home.

Look what Santa brought!

Alice getting her first peek at what Santa brought her.

Opening some present in Mommie's lap.

Playing with her doll-house for the first time.

Mommy watching Alice play.

Alice, decorating.

"Oooooh! Another box!"

Carrie and Nipsy get some quality couch time.

Alice-isms: Part 1

2008-11-06T08:50:00.004-06:00

I got out of the shower the other day, and walked to my bedroom with a towel around my waist to iron my work-shirt. Alice was up, and came into the room and looked at me, standing there in nothing but a towel. She looked me up and down, then declared, "You a naked baby!"

I asked Alice on Tuesday who I should vote for for president. Without hesitation, she said, "Elmo." I explained to her that Elmo was too young to be president and I needed to vote for someone older who had more responsibility. She thought about that for a minute then said, "Cookie Monster." I laughed, and told her if Cookie Monster was president, all he would do is eat cookies. I told her we needed to elect a person to president. She thought about that for a minute, and finally concluded that Zach, her cousin, would be a perfect president.

A quick primer on Alice's developing language:

Punchkin = Pumpkin

Cheecheedaba = Yo Gabba Gabba

Bome = Jerome

No, I want it = I don't want it

Halloween Update

2008-11-01T15:24:00.003-05:00

Well, Alice's wheezing wasn't any better this morning. Worse, if anything. So, we took her to an Urgi Care clinic and she got nebulized. She was a total rock-star in the doctor's office, and with the nebulizer.

She was instantly better and breathing fine, until we'd been home for over an hour, then she started wheezing again. Jaime went to get the prescription filled (the doctor had given us) and to pick up our own nebulizer.

So, it looks like Alice inherited my asthma. That sucks, but hopefully we'll be able to keep it under control. She's napping/wheezing right now while Jaime is out getting the medicine. Hopefully she'll be breathing easy when she wakes up.

Alice on her nebulizer.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T08:52:00.005-05:00

What a fun week! We did some pumpkin carving, had a Halloween party at Alice's daycare, and went Trick-or-Treating. I have photographic proof of all of these things! Look!

Alice with her own pumpkin. (Or, as she calls them "punchkins".) She got to color on it with markers, while Daddy and Auntie Carrie carved the two big pumpkins. I also kept the seeds and roasted them with butter and creole seasoning. They were awesome!

Carrie and Alice talking to Grandma and Grandpa on the computer.

Alice showing Daddy what she wants in the Toys R Us Christmas catalog.

Our punchkins, all lit up.

Alice can't wait to get to her Halloween Party.

Playing with the gourd/dirt sensory table at the Halloween Party.

Playing in the water with Thomas the Tank Engine and the Scream dude.

Alice got to decorate her own cookie, and she chose the black/green frosting. Can you tell?

A little family portrait.

Alice in her full Abby Cadabby outfit, with Zach as Elmo, and Auntie Joanna trying to keep them both from running away or fighting.

The motley crew of Trick-or-Treaters. The two mermaids are Ada and Mae Turman. The rest of the kids are kids of Adam and Sara Turman's friends. Quite a bunch to arrive at your door!

After being a little shy at the first house, Alice really got into it, and was pulling me to the next house and running. She did a really good job, and had a lot of fun saying "Trick-or-Treat" and "Thank You." By the end of the night, she was wheezing really bad, but she calmed down by bedtime.

After each house she would run back to me and Mommy yelling "MORE CANDY!"

Ok, these aren't ours, but I just saw them online, and they rule. Yo Gabba Gabba pumpkins. Hope you all had a Happy Halloween too!

Yay FALL!

2008-10-21T21:56:00.003-05:00

Long time no blog, eh?

Well, we're in our new place, and have been since September 27th. Thanks to everyone who helped us move...it was quite a day. Moving our house and Carrie's took all day, and three big Uhaul truck-loads.

Having been in the house for almost a month, it's starting to feel like home...even though we're only 70% unpacked. Still need to find a place for everything, or at least find a way to get rid of some stuff.

Ok. Here's some recent pics

Alice twirling her baton (that we picked up for her at Archie McPhee's in Seattle) in the new living room.

Alice posing with Mommy's labbit. (Fake popsicle in mouth).

Holding her new 2nd Cousin Once-Removed or whatever (Carrie will fix that ;) ) baby Brett.

Alice giving me a look after I told her to stop playing with the red chili-flakes in an unpacked box.

Alice loves playing outside. Even in cooler weather. And she's recently discovered the thrill of running through a big leaf pile.

That's it for now!

Our House: Video Tour

2008-08-06T01:18:00.001-05:00

We close on Sept. 17th, and couldn't be more excited! Whoooo!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Alice!!

2008-07-26T20:29:00.005-05:00

I cannot believe Alice is two already! Alice's birthday was super fun. She started out the day with a birthday video chat with Grandma and Grandpa in Las Vegas.

Opening presents from Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Carrie

Alice hanging out in her new wagon that Mommy and Daddy got her for her birthday

Alice's party started around 11:00. It was a low key party this year...just immediate family and the Turmans...but it was still lots of fun!

Ada, Mae, Zach and Alice eating at the kid's table

After lunch, Alice and Zach went for a dip in the pool

Sesame Street cake!

Alice loved opening presents! She is much improved from Christmas time. She made out like a bandit. Lots of new jewelry, a new Elmo doll, and lots of accessories for her new kitchen! She loves the kitchen, but we didn't get a good picture of her playing with it, so we'll save that for next time.

Zach! He did the necklaces himself, but Auntie Jaime may have helped with the bunny ears. :)

Alice wearing ALL of her new birthday jewels

Quick Pic

2008-07-11T00:47:00.002-05:00

It's been a while....here is a quick pic. Will try to do a full update next week, so stay tuned!

Many, many pics...

2008-05-10T07:04:00.010-05:00

It's been a long time coming, so here's a ton of pics/captions to catch y'all up!

Alice splashing in the water at the Children's Museum. She could probably do this all day long.

Dancing around with a handful of other kids at the "Big Fun" portion of the Children's Museum.

A new favorite pastime: piggy-back rides with Daddy. She'll get up there, then demand, "Go Go Go!!"

Coloring Easter eggs.

Alice's egg!

Sleeping on the way over to the Olesen family Easter get-together.

Cousin Zach with a bucket on his head.

Alice hunting for her eggs.

Climbing stairs is a favorite hobby.

BUBBLES!

Ok. So she has some chocolate.

Looking out the window with Brobee and Muno.

Sleeping in the rental van on the way up to our Hunter Girl's reunion in Detroit Lakes.

Holding baby Hannah. (Let me know if spelled her name wrong!) After this, Alice was obsessed with the baby for the remainder of the weekend.

Swimming with Daddy.

Grandma's turn!

Grandpa too!

Found a ball to play with.

I think she likes swimming.

Who wouldn't, with such a cute swimsuit?

"This is Ground Control to Major Alice..."

She's no longer afraid of her rocking horse! Yay!

Pants? Who needs pants?

Having fun on the slide at Chuck E Cheese for Zach's adoption party.

Driving the Chuck-mobile with Zach.

Going solo with Chuck E sitting shotgun.

Taking out her new tricycle for a spin. Thanks Auntie Carrie!!

Climbing and pointing at the park.

Sliding backwards. This kid has skills!

"Shouldn't we be outside now?"

Back to the park.

Walking on the sand is fun!

Swinging in the "big-kid" swings.

Drawing on the front porch with sidewalk-chalk.

Rocking out with Daddy.

After all that playing, kiddo needs a bath.

Ready for "nite nite".

"Yeah, I'm sitting in my toybox. Jealous?"

All dressed up for some birthday parties.

Ok. There you go. Now comment. :)

Busy Busy...

2008-04-21T10:44:00.002-05:00

More new pictures coming soon...we have been busy with work and getting ready for the Craftstravaganza this weekend.

Alice looking cool and chilling out in her car seat

Silly smile

Alice Mae in: Sesame Street

2008-03-20T08:02:00.001-05:00

Mid-March Catch-Up

2008-03-18T23:09:00.004-05:00

Well, it's been a while. What are you gonna do? Wait patiently, and we thank you for that. I've been busy with freelance work and Jaime's been very busy with her work (2 jobs, and a new one starting any day now!), plus trying to get stuff done for the upcoming craft-fair, plus getting ready for taxes, plus selling a ton of stuff on Etsy.com. We need to get Alice in a day-care ASAP.

Here's a few pics of stuff that's happened in the last few weeks...

If you read Auntie Carrie's blog, you'll know we enjoyed ourselves at the Children's Museum in St. Paul...especially their Sesame Street exhibit.

Alice saying "Hi" to her favorite character, Big Bird.

Bert and Ernie.

The family unit on the famous steps to Gordon and Susan's apartment building. Alice knocked on the door, and didn't want to get off the steps. Now, whenever we read a Sesame Street book that has those steps in it, Alice will get excited and point to the steps, then point to herself and make a "knocking" gesture. "Yes Alice, you knocked on that door!"

So cute...yet...

This was the night of the first REAL temper-tantrum. It all started with Alice wanting to wear that towel around after her bath, and since she was so cute, I let her. But then it was all downhill from there. She went crazy. I'll have to familiarize her with the idea of a "time out" pretty soon. (She got her first time out the next day when she went nuts in Super Target).

Playing outside as the snow was melting.

What's more fun that splashing in puddles? Nothing!!!

Alice's first snowball. She made it herself.

Cute pic of Alice at her drawing table. She loves to sit down and just color/doodle. She also likes to hide behind it when she doesn't want to get picked up.

This is super funny to me, but very annoying to Mommy. Alice will carry her step-stool into the computer room and climb up just to pound on Mommy's adding machine. She even does a little "pounding on the keys" dance. It's super funny/cute... unless Mommy is planning on working. Ha!

Ok. That's it for now. Should have more to post in the not too distant future.

February Fun Stuff!

2008-02-27T19:40:00.004-06:00

Alice coloring at her table.

A new trick. She'll actually smile when asked to "smile" for a photo. Alice's first fake smile with Auntie Carrie.

Baby in a box.

Wake-up crib-dancing.

Hiding behind her box.

Peek-a-boo from inside the box.

Cute dress. (a la Minnie Mouse)

Checking out outside.

Dinner at Applebees with cousin Zach.

Trying on a clip-on earring.

Broken lamp-hat.

Alice showed us she can draw circles. She also draws cats...we know this because she meows while she doodles.

Snow Walkin'

2008-02-18T23:31:00.001-06:00

Accessorize, Organize, Disorganize

2008-02-10T09:12:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone! What's new with Alice? Well, a lot. She's very into being a "ham" right now. (I told Jaime we should have named our kid "Hammy.") She'll do what she can to make us laugh, then she'll laugh herself, and cover her mouth (something we think she picked up from one of her picture books). She also LOVES to dress-up. If she finds a hat, or a headband, or some gloves, or a necklace...it's going on.

Alice's bedtime routine is still a bit out of whack. I think it's just a real want to stay up later and hang out/play, plus I think the popping of (11!) teeth has something to do with it. That's right, she has over half of her baby-teeth. Crazy.

Ok. On to the photos.

Alice took a break from getting dressed to remove all of her pajamas from her dresser. This happens almost daily.

Trying on Mommy's boots. She actually managed to walk around the kitchen for some time like this.

Mommy grabs some cuddle-time (even if Alice is transfixed on the TV).

Making some calls, while taking care of her baby.

Daddy's hat and gloves? No problem.

On "Daddy/Daughter Day", while Daddy had to use the bathroom, Alice decided to get some crackers out. I cam back and found this.

Trying on her backpack.

Jumping up on some of Mommy's new storage drawers.

When he weather reached 20 degrees, we figured it was okay to venture out. Alice loves going outside.

She walked about two blocks down our sidewalk, and would have gone more, if I didn't grab her and carry her home.

Mommy even made us hot-chocolate when we got inside.

Bee antennae? Check. Mardi Gras beads? Check. Time to push the stroller around.

All dressed up on Superbowl Sunday. Alice started hopping around like a bunny. It was super cute.

Mid hop.

Alice brought me all her Sesame Street dolls, then insisted on joining me on the futon.

From the most recent Daddy/Daughter Day at Barnes & Noble.

She finally fits in her cute pink skull sweater! Yay!

Toothy Smile

2008-02-08T23:46:00.001-06:00

I will try to do a proper blog update this weekend but until then, here is a picture of Alice to tide you over. Have a good weekend!

Can I Has Playtimes Now?

2008-01-14T23:20:00.000-06:00

Alice loves to play. She loves to play, A LOT. It's a good thing, but it makes it hard to keep up with her, and to keep her on schedule for bedtime. Her personality is really coming out lately, and she's sort of a "stinker." I think she gets that from me.

Here's Alice rocking out to RockBand. RockBand is my latest video-game splurge. Heard of Guitar Hero? It's like that, but it doesn't stop with guitars. Add drums and vocals to it, and you got the idea. Anyway, Alice really likes to hit the skins. Good girl!

She's also taken an interest in the guitar. She'll pluck away at it and laugh. Maybe someday she can teach Daddy how to play it.

Alice has discovered the remote control for Daddy's computer. I had sort of forgot that it even existed. She now has control over the music, and won't hesitate to pause, play or fast-forward through the Beatles, until she gets to her favorite songs...then it's TOTAL DANCE PARTY.

Try on Daddy's shoes? Why not? She even took a few steps.

This is Alice tonight. About 15 minutes after her bedtime. Just hanging out, playing, laughing, crawing on stuff. It's been about two weeks now where she won't go to bed without a fight. Then I gotta rock her, then Jaime has to rock her. It's a big to-do. Hope she's almost over it... or it has something to do with her new teeth (I've lost count!). Allright everyone. Have a good week!

January already?

2008-01-12T22:05:00.000-06:00

Hi! So, it's been awhile since I've updated the blog. Work (and then being sick for two+ weeks) kind of took over my life for a while there and things like updating the blog (and cleaning the house) kind of got put on the side burner.

Anyway, Alice is doing well. She pretty much avoided the sickness that Lon and I both got (and couldn't get rid of) so that is good. Our house has been taken over by toys from Christmas, so Alice is loving that. She also likes to take ALL of her books off of her bookshelf in her room and bring them into the living room to look at them in her Elmo chair. I think she'll be an early reader. She is still not much of a talker, she says ma ma and da da and a couple other things and has said words like "grandma" and "Carrie" and "thank you" but won't repeat them when you ask her to. She likes doing funny dances and funny walks, so she keeps us entertained! Now, on to the pics!

Pushing her socks around in her new baby stroller. Like you do

Rocking out with her kitty keyboard that Santa brought her

She still loves putting on hats. Here she is getting ready for a night out on the town

Wearing her bib like a cape while getting Bert ready for a ride in the stroller

Looking cute in her outfit from Grandma & Grandpa

New Yo Gabba Gabba toys. She loves this show!

This is the face she makes when you ask her to take out her pacifier and smile for the camera

This is a new game that Carrie taught her ( I think) where she crawls and roars like a lion. I was trying to crawl ahead of her to get some pics, but she is too quick (or the camera is too slow). Also, notice the drool...I think we have more teeth coming.

Sitting on the couch with the Boppy

Playing with Zach's piano during his party today

Dad, you let me out of here right now!

Today was cousin Zach's 1st birthday party. He LOVED his cake. He started out picking up the frosting with his hands, but decided it would be more efficient to just stick his face right in it. Heh. Happy Birthday Zach!!

And here is the after picture. Alice saw Zach with the cake/frosting all over his face and was very concerned (she furrowed her brow and everything). I wish I would have taken a picture of her because it was really cute.

Been A Long Time!

2007-12-28T20:20:00.001-06:00

Let's get y'all up to speed:

Alice is now a walking/dancing machine who has had her first visit to the ER. She loves oranges and staying up late. Her vocabulary is building, but she's too shy to talk around anyone. She has SIX teeth. Let's look at some photos, okay?

Sitting on Daddy's guitar, lightly strumming, while watching Blues Clues.

We bought Alice a table and chair set at Ikea, so she'd have a place to draw, color, etc... She fell out of the chair and bumped her head, so we put those away. For now, she'll just stand at the table.

Alice makes this face when a phone rings, when the doorbell rings, or when the microwave dings. It's a ring-ding face.

Wearin' hats is where it's at.

Alice and I put the tree up. She's a good helper.

Hat? Nope. Bikini bottom. Pretty cute stuff.

Look who showed up for Christmas: GRANDPA!

Alice found my dirty "printing cap."

Sitting with Mommy, opening a gift on "Little Christmas Eve." (An Olesen family tradition.)

One of the only pics we got of her in her cute Christmas outfit. The sweater came off eventually, as she got hot.

Showing Auntie Joanna her gift, while scoping out cousin Zach's stash on Christmas Eve.

Checking out her "Brobee" figure from one of her favorite shows, Yo Gabba Gabba.

Checking out the haul on Christmas morning.

Playing her kitty piano.

A toy guitar from Grandma and Grandpa.

Alice is serious about her presents.

Dancing to the Beatles with Grandpa.

Playing with Grandma and her "Giggle and Go" garage.

Out in the snow.

Dancing in the snow.

Asking Auntie Carrie for a little help up.

Finding her stride...

Making it down the sidewalk on her own.

Had a fun time with Auntie Carrie in the snow!

Alice Mae in: "Dancing Fool'"

2007-11-22T22:32:00.000-06:00

Alice likes to dance, and here's the proof. She also likes to make a mess.

Happy Halloween & More!

2007-10-31T22:44:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been an extremely busy month. My freelance work is chugging along at 100 mph, and Jaime has stayed VERY busy with Brock White and Puny work. Not to mention, we're both trying to get ready for a big craft fair on December 1st, and I just moved printing studios. Whew! Oh yeah, and lots going on with Alice.

So, what's new? Well, she now has four (maybe 3 1/2) teeth. Two bottom/center, and two right above. Her smile is so cute. She's become obsessed with Blues Clues (a kid's TV show)...she's walking and climbing like crazy...she can do animal noises... and we've got two new words: Elmo and Dog. (Even though they sounded more like "Mel-mo" and "Du....g")

Alice loves the park, but now it's almost too cold to go out. Last time Jaime and I took her there, she made friends with a little boy (Pedro) and really enjoyed the swing.

Here she is climbing on the Stegosaurus slide thingy.

A fun bouncy ride in the Triceratops spring-ride-thing-a-ma-jig.

Mommy worried she'd get stuck under there, but Daddy wanted a cool photo. :)

Her first Star Wars toys. Daddy rules.

Having fun with Auntie Carrie durring the Vikings game last week. At least somebody was having fun.

New Elmo slippers.

Watching either Blues Clues videos or watching Vanhtha play online poker at Auntie Carries house.

A new past-time is wearing hats around the house. Good habbit to get into, since the cold days are right around the corner.

Not much there, but she still needs two brushes to get it all.

Go Vikes! (Or is that sign-language for "Blues Clues?")

Painting Halloween Pumpkins. Icky wants to help.

My little Kandinsky at work.

However, pumpkin painting requires a bath afterwards.

Alice found Mommy's new winter hat and gloves today. Looks good kiddo!

We were invited to Turman's for Halloween for pizza and trick-or-treating. Alice and Ada comparing costumes.

Alice with a slightly modified "Minnesotan" costume. Heavy sweatshirt under the bee costume.

Three amigos. Ada as a beautiful butterfly, Mae as a poodle and Alice as a bee. By coincidence, Sara was also a bee.

TRICK OR TREAT!

SMELL MY FEET!

Riding around in her brand new car-seat. Forward facing! (Just installed today.)

Our little stinger!

Bees climb stairs?

Our pumpkin patch.

Alice's first trick-or-treat haul.

That's it for now. Happy Halloween!

Mid-October Photo Upload

2007-10-17T01:20:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates. Busy as usual. Here are some pics to tide y'all over...

Alice found Daddy's flask, and realized it was just a metal sippy cup. Good thing it was full of Juicy Juice! :)

She's been into "collecting" things, and wanting all of "same" types of objects. Jaime got a pic when Alice decided she had to have ALL of her bibs.

We went up north a few weeks ago to celebrate my Uncle Glen's 80th birthday. Grandma and Grandpa even flew in from Vegas for the occasion, so we all hooked up in Lancaster at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house. Yay!

At the birthday party (in a church gym/lunchroom/function room) Alice decided to put herself in danger and climb all over dangerous stuff.

Alice with Great Grandma and Grandpa.

A kiss from her biggest fan, Cousin Katey!

Giving some love to Grandma and Grandpa.

The Birthday Boy's family...Cousins Jomie, Seeto, and Faith and Auntie Phyllis and Uncle Glen.

We stopped at a Toys R Us on the way home and Alice got to try out some toys. She like the rocking horse...

And the push-trike...

...but wasn't too sure about the big moving horse.

Alice striking a catalog pose in her cute little Beatles shirt.

Officially a Toddler

2007-10-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

Alice is walking...all over the place. Lon and I realized on Sunday that we hadn't seen her crawl once that day, and she hasn't really crawled at all this week. It's all walking, all the time!!

Things have been super busy here (thus the lack of updates). Besides walking, Alice is doing a lot of new things. She can point out all the animals in her books and make a cow sound (more like mmmm than moooo) She knows who all the people are in the pictures on mommy's magnetic board on her desk. And thanks to daddy, she can point out Luke and Chewbacca among others on the Star Wars poster in the hall. :)

Now on to the pics

Alice has started carrying Elmo with her wherever we go. She isn't so good at holding on to him sometimes and he has been run over by the cart at Target and the stroller a couple of times already

Having fun in the sand last Daddy-Daughter Wednesday

Modeling her Evil Alice Corporation shirt

A couple of pics on her bus, which she sits on all the time.

Crossing the bridge at the park

Wheeeee!

Cute kitty shirt from Amy Jo and Dale...it finally fits!

Giving the cat a hug

Playing with her baby doll. She gives the doll the bottle and makes a sucking sound. It's super cute!!

Feeding herself strawberry applesauce...yum!

Helping mommy by putting her jacket on herself

Action shot pushing the highchair

Most of the pics taken in the past few days are similar to this...baby charging towards you too busy to stop

Lounging in her totally 80's outfit

Alice Mae in: "Walkin'"

2007-09-16T23:39:00.000-05:00

Some video of the earlier steps in Alice's walking career. She's gotten a lot better since these. We'll get some new video in the near future. She still gets pretty excited when she gets up on two legs and usually laughs or screams. Pretty soon we'll be chasing her around the house. :)

Early Sept Photo Dump

2007-09-10T21:16:00.001-05:00

Riding Icky Cat. You know... like you do.

Sweet-pea.

Strike a pose on the changing table.

Daddy's chair makes a great baby-walker.

Sharing nuks with cousin Zach.

"Lookit mah tooth!"

Playing in the dirt.

"This dirt tastes funny."

Helping Mommy fix her computer.

Auntie Liz was in town last week. Yay!

Peeking outside.

Tip-toes make you taller.

Little monkey likes to climb.

"Hug Me, I'm Polish" and about 30 other things. :)

Super-cute outfit.

Alice wore her new Vikings jersey and got the 2007/08 season off to a good start!

Her new obsession is watching Jack's Big Music Show videos online. She LOVES it.

Playing with Caleb on his 2nd birthday party last weekend.

Checking out a new Elmo book with Caleb and Auntie Sue.

Paige, Kyla and Caleb on his new slide.

Fun in the sand/water box.

Hiding in the bottom of the slide.

Bouncing with Auntie Carrie in the giant, bouncy giraffe.

Don't go too far away Auntie!

Alice getting a little brave.

Alice made a friend.

Standing by herself, having some apple juice.

Minnesota State Fair

2007-08-26T22:30:00.000-05:00

We made our first trip to the Minnesota State Fair with Alice today. I have a ton of fond memories of the State Fair from when I was a kid (my Dad worked on Machinery Hill, and Carrie and I would run around all day), so we decided to start Alice early and get her used to the GREAT MINNESOTA GET-TOGETHER.

This gopher greeted us at the entrance right off of Como that Carrie took us to. We came in right behind the livestock barns and right onto the (then empty) Midway.

Our first sight was this zany Magnum PI ride. How old is that show anyway?

Then Mommy covered Alice in sunblock. Gotta be prepared.

Our first stop was the horse barn, and we got a few close-encounters with real live horsies. Theyr'e a lot bigger than in Alice's picture books.

Alice as a Mounty? Doesn't quite work for me.

We then had a quick breakfast, and then swung through the cow barn. We opted to skip the sheep and pig barns, because the smell was getting to us. Next stop was the DNR area, and Alice got some live music and saw a lot of freshwater fish.

My next great idea was to take Alice on the giant slide. I thought she'd like it. After climbing to the top, I started to wonder if this was the smartest thing for a 1-year-old. But, before I knew it, we were on our way down. I was holding Alice tight, and I could hear her making some "nervous" sounds. It wasn't until I got to the bottom, that Carrie and Jaime let me know that her hat had come down, and she missed most of the ride. This photo cracks me up.

Next stop was the grilled corn-on-the-cob stand. We shared our corn with Alice.

Carrie enjoyed her corn.

Lots of people there, huh Alice?

Had to get a bucket of cookies. We heard this gal makes over a million dollars a year selling cookies at the State Fair. Crazy.

Will Mommy share? YOU BETCHA.

But I won't share my Pronto Pup!

Just under 5 hours, and we were all beat. Alice totally passed out in her stroller and got a nice hour snooze in. We packed everything up, and were home by 2 p.m. Whew!

Playin' Round the House

2007-08-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

What a clown. Alice having fun (ie: bothering) Nipsy, and mugging for the camera.

"Can you see my tooth? Kinda!"

One of Alice's new games is "close the door." She's getting pretty good at it.

"See ya later, sucker!"

A cute walking pic.

I brought Alice out on the front steps for some playtime on Saturday. She decided she'd just climb the steps...

...and hand me all the dirt on them.

Planning the next step.

Almost at the top.

Back down at the bottom. "Wassup, Dad?"

ABRA CADABRA! All our Harry Potter reading must have rubbed off on her.

Checking out a passing cyclist.

This is the "I want to go inside now Daddy" face.

Cutest Picture Ever

2007-08-24T23:34:00.001-05:00

Is right here....

Will try to post some more this weekend, right now I need to go to bed. It has been a long tiring week.

Tooth and Stuff

2007-08-15T21:37:00.001-05:00

We finally have a tooth! Alice's first tooth (bottom right) poked through her gums last Thursday. This would explain the crabbiness and continued clinginess. I was beginning to think we were going to have to have her fitted for baby dentures. ;)

Alice is getting more mobile by the day. She took her first unassisted step on Saturday (to Sara) and then did another the next day to try and get Nipsy. Nipsy was very relieved that she didn't make it too far, but she had better find a good hiding place soon.

Alice's other new trick: Drinking from a straw.

Playing with the magnets on the fridge (and the dust mop hanging next to the fridge)

Big smile

No Daddy, you can't see my tooth! No more pictures!

Alice trying to give Mae a hug. She is used to hugging the cats and gets a little aggressive.

Looking out the window with Ada and Mae

Let me out of here!

Rare not-in-the-car nap caught on film

Alice pulling ALL of Daddy's video games out the cabinet. You would think she would get sick of doing this after the third time in one day. You would be wrong.

More Birthday Pics and Beyond!

2007-08-05T23:49:00.001-05:00

Alice loves her new bus. It moves too fast on the hard-wood floors for her to use it as a walking tool (for now), but she love to ride it around the house and the music it plays.

Playing with her cousin, Zach.

Swimming with Zach. The "Green Swim Team" was assembled, but not all in the pool at the same time. Bummer!

Opening some presents.

The big cake!

The little, messy Elmo cake that I made for Alice. She wasn't sure what to do with it at first...

But then she got into it.

Had to put on her party-hat!

Getting messy...

"Mmmmmmm.....sugar....."

The aftermath.

Party balloons!

Grandma feeding Alice post-party dinner.

The life-sized Elmo looked scary at first...

...but he's not scary! It's Elmo! Give him a hug!

A nice photo with Grandma and Grandpa before they flew back to Vegas.

I had to help Alice out with her building block toys.

Sitting in a box.

Some rare nap-time. She looks so sweet.

We had a garage sale this past weekend, and Alice was helping. It was cool and rainy most of the day, so she got to try out her rain-coat that Carrie got her.

Hanging out in the garage, on Nick and Sarah's tires.

We're safe

2007-08-02T20:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm sure you all saw the news yesterday...and yes, we're safe.

35W was part of my commute to Minnetonka. I took it twice daily for over two years. Since construction began in May, I've been finding alternate routes, because the afternoon commute was a bear, with all the construction on the bridge over the river. So, thank God I've been taking 394 into downtown and coming home via the Hennepin Avenue bridge.

Anyway, we were at Target when Jaime got a phonecall from her sister Joanna. We were floored by the news, and by the looks of it, most of the other shoppers had just gotten word as well. When we exited Target, a mere 2 or so miles north of the bridge, the air was foggy and we could smell smoke and concrete dust. It was surreal. There were sirens everywhere and hellicopters overhead.

After a few hours, I had found out that all of our close friends in the city were fine, along with relatives.

Pray for the families of the people that still haven't been found.

-Lon & Jaime

1st Birthday Recap

2007-07-27T14:56:00.000-05:00

Alice had a fun-filled 1st birthday! She opened some presents, took a trip to Costco where she ate some birthday pizza, went out to dinner at Old Country Buffet and opened more presents. She had such a fun day and was tired by bedtime that she went to bed with no fussing!

Looking at her Elmo card with Daddy.

This one is mine!

You want me to rip the paper? But, it has Elmo on it!

What the heck?

New toy!

Showing Grandpa some baby pictures

Awww. What a big girl!

Fun birthday ride in a box

Alice at dinner.

Hanging out with Cousin Zach

Mommy, get that thing away from me!

Auntie Jenessa wishing Alice a Happy Birthday

Laughing with Grandma

Opening her present from Grandma Olesen. What IS it?

It's freaking me out!

Oh, it's just Elmo!!

The Excitement Builds!

2007-07-25T09:39:00.000-05:00

100th Post Photo Dump!

2007-07-23T19:33:00.000-05:00

100 posts and almost a year later! Here are some recent photos. Enjoy!

Alice outgrew her ducky bath. Time for the big-girl bathtub!

Making faces at Elmo.

Chillin' with her pretty necklace.

Zonked out.

Proud to be a Dane (among about 100 other things)!

Pooltime with Grandma and Auntie Carrie.

Found a leaf.

The pool's pretty fun.

Making faces at Mommy.

Alice is Excited

2007-07-20T21:54:00.000-05:00

Grandma Jerome is flying into town tomorrow and will stay with us for a week. (Grandpa flys in on Wednesday) Here was Alice's reaction: