Fun At Daycare

It has been about a month now since Shay and Alyssa headed back to daycare while Brett headed back to work.  This year the girls are going to separate places (long story), but so far so good.  Alyssa is enjoying the small group at Tracie's house (she is 1 of 3 kiddos there) and Shay is loving the energy, activities, and outdoor time she gets at Caryline's house, just down the block.  Its been nice for all of us to be more on a consistent schedule, and bedtimes are a bit easier :).  Tracie emails daily pictures of Alyssa, and Caryline sends a picture newsletter once a month-- so nice to see some of what they do during the day.  We get daily journals, but it is great to actually the activities!

Playing with "little people" one of her new favorite activities

 Shay and Alyssa both headed to Tracie's when Caryline was on vacation

Another favorite- looking at pictures of herself and the other daycare kiddos

Shay and Alyssa have run into each other at the 

neighborhood park more than once already

A Busy Last Week

Over the last week we have attended a big couple bridal shower party, went to a 60th anniversary/fundraiser party for the civic theater, hosted a meet with over 1,000 runners, and had the cabinets, wood floors and tile go in at our new house.  The most notable quote from the week however, came from Shay after I hit a deer driving the girls home from daycare.  After hitting the deer with the front of the car, then having it roll onto the windshield and then off the car- I immediately looked into the back seat to see 2 girls staring at me with huge eyes.  A few seconds later, after regaining composure, Alyssa starting laughing and Shay asked me- "Mom, did you 'dead-em'?".  Obviously we are currently not a very empathetic family, or maybe we just haven't seen the movie Bambi.  Below are some the everyday expressions we get to see.

First Steps

At 16.5 months old Alyssa decided to take her first steps... thank goodness!  We have been working with her every day trying to encourage her to walk, but to no avail.  Last week was the first breakthrough.  Brett had been using a dishtowel to hold her up around the middle (since she always wants to hold onto our hands), and last Wednesday we decided to tie the dish towel around her instead.. and off she went walking down the hallway, taking at least 12 steps in a row by herself.  Since then she has taken a few steps here and there, and by no means is a walker, but we are so glad to learn she CAN walk.  Now, we will find out when she WANTS to walk- which maybe a whole new story.
Shay in the meantime has also practiced walking and is doing well :)

First walking pictures, not the best- but proof that she started!

Hello Fall

Well, our summer is officially over.  Brett had his first day of school and both girls are back at daycare.  We celebrated our last weekend with a few ski runs, including Shay on the ski tube and Papa Bill barefooting.  It was a great summer on the lake, and now we are looking forward to a consistent routine, lots of learning and getting up early.. or maybe not.

 First time out on the ski tube. 
We are so proud-- and she is only 3! Go Shay!!

Papa Bill's first time barefooting

She is just too cute- crazy hair and all

Julie and Seth Come to Town

Aunt Julie and Seth came to visit MN for a long weekend.  We were able to have several family meals, enjoy boatrides and have great conversation.  It is good to catch up and hear how life is in Seattle.  We look forward to seeing them again in November- but in a new location- Chicago for Brian's wedding!

 Seth and Julie

 Bubble Blowing on Amma's Deck

 What is he doing now?

 Concert time

 All the Girls

 Well, we tried for a group shot

 Cousin Millie

 Cousin Olive

1st Dentist Appointment

This month Brett took Shay to her first dentist appointment with Dr. West.   Just as we expected she was tentative at first, but then warmed up and did a great job while they checked out her gums and teeth.  Shay was pumped at the end because she got a Cinderella toothbrush along with new toothpaste and sunglasses!  I don't know how Dr. West is going to top that next time.  After her appointment was done our family went out to Panera for breakfast so Shay could fill in Alyssa and Mom how everything went!

Talking teeth with Tracy

Pretty relaxed for flossing!

Organized Sports.. Not in the Cards (Yet)

Shay and Patrick were able to participate in the local YMCA's sports sampler nights aimed at 3 to 4 years part of July and August.  Each Tuesday night they were introduced to a new sport- either soccer, basketball, football or baseball.  To say the least, neither toddler was very interested, the instructions given by the coaches were very hard for little ones to follow, most of the kiddos spent their time picking grass, running or trying to leave and I ended up playing in most of the "games".  Not quite how we intended it to go, but I am glad we experienced it.  My favorite quote from Shay- "Mom, I don't like this. I am sweaty and want to go sit in the shade".  An athlete in the making.  Next time back go to gymnastics (which both Patrick and Shay loved) or swimming lessons.

This speaks to the typical atmosphere-

a little confused and not too interested