Summer

Summer weather is finally here!

Lydia is decked out in her swimsuit and "cheesing" for the camera. She squints her eyes and says "cheese!" Too cute! Considering she only started walking a couple months ago she is quickly gaining momentum. She chases Grace everywhere... or maybe she is the one running away from Grace. She likes to climb like crazy and she loves the swimming pool.

She is getting her first bottom molars, so she hasn't been as happy as usual, but otherwise she is a delight! She is ready to boycott the use of sippy cups. She loves to drink out of regular glasses, like Mom, Dad, and Grace.

Grace had two dance classes already and she absolutely loves them! Here the girls are dancing! She can't wait to go back and dance with Miss Laura. We went strawberry picking at Basse's Farm in Colgate last week. Here the girls are innocently eating their strawberries.

Paul eating strawberries. According to Paul, he picked almost all the 12 pounds of berries we brought home. All the berries that the girls picked they quickly devoured. They also ate anything that I picked.

It didn't set in until we were home with loads of berries that we had no idea what to do with them. We ate lots of them, made smoothies, froze some and make 12 jars of jam. I had no idea making jam was so easy!

She just kept eating. Check out the strawberry juice all the way down her shirt! Lydia ate the entire time. She would even take strawberries from other people's containers when they weren't looking!

There were goats at the farm that the girls fed.

What do you do with 8 kids and 4 pregnant moms (and one nonpregnant one) when it going to be over 90 degrees? Set up a couple pools, watch them run and hope they get tired enough for long afternoon naps! I filled the water just before all the kids came over so it had to be pretty cold, but they didn't seem to mind much!

Grace in her shades! She had to hold them up because she took the sides off.

It's June!!

The first Friday in June we walked in the Relay for Life. Here Grace is dancing with her friend Allie as some members of the UW Marching Band play. Grace started her first dance class last Thursday. She loved it! At the end of the class the other little girls were happy to be back with their moms and dads. Not Grace, I had to carry her out screaming because she wanted to stay and dance more.

Last weekend we were back in the Freedom for a bachelorette party and wedding shower. We took the girls to Bay Beach Saturday before the parties began! Lydia in the car.

Grace in the airplanes. Check out the cheesy smile!

Here they are in the boats. Lydia got yelled at for being turned around and putting her hands in the water.

More driving .

Sunday morning, we celebrated at Deena's wedding shower. One of the games was to make a toilet paper wedding dress. Here's Grace modeling her newest gown! (Also, buttering up the judge)

... And the other "brides".

Summer doesn't officially start at our house until Grace has paint on her toes! What kind of mom, would I be if I didn't oblige and get her toes ready for the princess sandals. It didn't take Lydia long to figure out the routine. Sit on the table, feet on the chairs, and wait for the toenails to dry. Grace and Lydia are showing off their new pink toenails. (That's Lydia saying "Cheese.")

Hanging out at the Pedersen House

Here are pictures from the last couple months at home. We spend lots of time outside. Here is Lydia!

More Lydia!

Grace and Lydia

... in the sandbox.

...in the sprinkler. I think we were watering the garden.

...on the swingset.

...lying in the sun.

...in the pool.

Once in a while we have to head back in the house. Here Grace is putting a diaper on her bear... her tiny bear.

Work in progess

and the finished diapered bear.

Here Grace is playing dress up. There is more material on her hat, than her so called skirt.

Lydia joins in the fun too. She hikes the skirt up and uses it as a dress!

Did you know all princesses need a hart hat?!

Silly Lydia!

Obviously we were a little behind because here is Grace singing with American Idol. It was her favorite show. She liked to watch the people sing. We all had to sing along with our microphones.

Last, but definitely not least is Grace's owee. (How do you spell that?) She fell one day walking along a path. She didn't realize that she had hurt herself until hours later when she was at home - then she cried hysterically and insisted on Neosporin and a band aid. Three weeks later, there is not much left of her skinned up knee, but she still shows everyone and insists that I take pictures of it.

Haley's First Communion

Here she is at church. Grace took pictures to keep herself entertained.



...and the cake.

Spending Time with Grandpa Charlie

Lydia and Grandpa just chillin'.
Grace and Grandpa fishing. Obviously Grandpa is a bit better at helping her fish than I am. When I helped her fish, she threw the pole into the lake. Thankfully Grandpa was able to fish it out!

Lot of Catching up to Do

I didn't realize that I haven't posted pictures since Easter and haven't posted in nearly a month. I would blame it on being pregnant or having a couple of kids, but I think I have just been busy in general. I will try to get caught on on postings and pictures in the next couple of days.

What have we been doing since April?

We bought a new van. It's a 2009 Chrysler Town and Country. So far it it great! I love having the extra space when we travel. I have to admit, I thought the automatic sliding doors were a bit gimmicky, but I love them already.

Lydia had her 15 month appointment. She is 25 pounds and 33.75 inches long. She is doing everything she should be doing and probably more. She had a few more shots, but we didn't have any problems yet. None of the vaccines were live viruses this appointment so she had no risk of actually getting something like last appointment, when she got chicken pox from the vaccine.

We went to the Mai Fest in Germantown, the NEW Zoo with friends, went to Erick's 1st birthday party, and most recently went to Kevin and Angie's wedding.