4 Months!

The baby in the family is now over 4 months old!  Alyssa is learning new things everyday.  In the past couple of weeks she has found her hands, and now her feet.  She also continues to coo and smile a lot, with a few laughs thrown in between.  Overall she is content babe, and we are excited of her new 9pm-6am sleeping pattern.  At the doctors yesterday she reached the 10lb mark, which we were excited about.  She is definitely still on the small side, but does continue to grow.  Hopefully we can make it into the 3 month clothing soon!  We are so happy to have her around :)

Julie and Seth Visit

Brett's sister Julie, and her boyfriend Seth came to Minnesota all the way from Seattle.  Julie has been living there over the past year, and we were all excited to see her and meet Seth for the first time.  We had lots of good food, were able to get out for a dinner kids free (of course we didn't take pictures then), spent a day at the lake, went to a zoo and just hung out.  My guess is Julie and Seth were a bit tired after spending 5 crazy days with a bunch of kiddos and their parents.  All and all, a good visit-- hope they both will come back for the holidays!!!

                                   

A Visit to the Zoo

Alyssa with Papa Bill

Fixing Something at Papa Bill's House

Dinner at Omma's House

Spitting Up... Again?

Playing and Talking

Spitting Up in Action

Me- Cleaning up Alyssa (with a burp clot that we carry constantly) and Shay- being grossed out

We have another spitter on our hands.  Both Shay and Alyssa were/are great at making sure to wear at least 2-3 outfits a day.  Bibs can help, but they only do so much.  With all the spit up happening, you think we would catch it on camera more, but haven't yet.  But the other day Brett was taking pictures when it happened and the episode recorded!

Pence/Gale Cabin

Alyssa (3.5 months, Anders 1.5 months)

Amie and Shay

Evan and Owen

Owen and Shay enjoy the great sandy beach

Rachel and Alyssa

Last weekend we headed up north (about 5 hours plus) to the Pence family cabin.  I have been there a few times before, but this was the first time the whole family came, including Bailey.  We arrived very late Thursday night and stayed till Sunday, which was nice to have a few days at the lake.  Alyssa and Anders got acquainted, while Shay and Owen stayed busy playing on the beach or in the cabin.  Bailey and Roofus also had a good time playing, swimming and napping.  We also went out to eat at the restaurant on the lake, got some waterski and kneeboard runs in, along witht a couple of boatrides.  At night, Pete made a bonfire and we all cooked smores (okay, Shay pretty much just ate chocolate and Brett burnt marshmallows).  All in all- a really fun weekend!

Brainerd

Its been a couple of weeks since we visited Brainerd, but we just got the pictures  - so here is a bit of an update.  We headed to Brainerd with the nuclear Sturm family to spend time with the extended Sturm and Winter families. Lots of fun and food were had by all.   The weather was rainy one day, but the other two were nice.  We played volleyball, swam at the pool and waterpark at the hotel, played on the beach,  and ate lots of good food, with great company!

New Schedule

I am officially back to work (2 days this week, then fulltime next week), so Brett, Shay and Alyssa and hanging out without Mom, till they go back to work and daycare in September.  Below are some random pictures from the last few days at home.

7 Years

Hard to believe, but Brett and I were married 7 years ago today on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  It has been with its ups and downs of course, but lucky for us more ups so far!  We woke up today and had both girls come up into bed with us -- a great way to start the day.  This is also my last day home, I am headed back to work tomorrow morning.  Brett, Shay and Alyssa have a whole month left before heading back to daycare and school.

Enjoying our dinner out at 300 First (which apparently may need to work on their lighting schemes)

Jesse and Ambre are Engaged!

We have been waiting for our family to grow... and it happened this weekend!  Jesse proposed to his girlfriend Ambre Saturday night (July 31) !   He brought her to a photo booth and handed her a strip of pictures "asking" her to marry him, and the photobooth was able to catch her response- what cute pictures!  After popping the question, they came to the bar/restaurant where Ambre works and friends and family were waiting.  Good pick Jess- we are so happy for the both of you!!!

The Happy Couple- Jesse and Ambre

Our Family Celebrating the News- Stacy, Brett, Rachel, Jesse, Megan, Ambre and Mark

Jesse and Ambre with his new in-laws - Carlene and Tom