Holy Carp

We had a great Memorial Day weekend at the lake, and the highlight was the visit from Todd's sister Allison from San Antonio. Ali finished her MBA this last year and was just awarded her PhD so she's been very busy this spring defending her dissertation while working as a business developer at Hyperion Technology. We're very proud of her and glad she's finished so that she could make the trip north to meet her new nephew.

The other highlight of the weekend was the huge fish that Steve caught. He reeled in a 53 pound, 45 inch carp after about 20 minutes of work with Todd's assistance and a crowd of onlookers.

Todd and I were able to go down to the lake on Thursday night so it was a mini-vacation for us. We enjoyed nice weather until Monday when it poured on and off all day long. We got in a couple boat rides, some jet ski rides, a fire works show, dinner at the Lutz's (our new neighbor's next door; Martha is one of Jane's best friends from Topeka), our first family nap with our squirmy little guy, and a wonderful time catching up with Ali.

(Ryan with his Aunt Ali visiting from Texas)

(Steve's big catch; a 53 pound, 45 inch carp)

Horseshoe

Ever since he was born, Ryan has been sporting a horseshoe hairdo which has become even more prominent the last month. We still think he's adorable but our little man is a little funny looking from the back these days. We had a wonderful weekend relaxing at the lake. It was too cold to go boating so we planted flowers and watched a good lightening storm. Sunday we went to Henry Koons' pirate-themed birthday party. It was a great time, and we're glad we got to help Henry celebrate turning 3.

Now, we're looking forward to the holiday weekend ahead and seeing Todd's sister Ali who will be visiting from San Antonio. Kudos to Aunt Ali on being awarded her PhD a couple weeks ago! We're very proud of her and can't wait to see her.

(the two Ryans hanging out, and a good view of our little man's hair)

(Callie sporting a pirate dew rag at Henry's 3rd birthday party)

First Mother's Day

We had a really nice first Mother's Day at the lake with some good relaxation and quality time together. Ryan and Grandma Jane enjoyed a nap on the couch together Sunday, and I couldn't resist getting this picture. The sweet guy changes everyday and although he has been sucking on his fingers and hand for several weeks, he actually manages to get just the thumb pretty often.

New Pictures

Ryan is really developing a personality and reacts more and more to things everyday. In fact, he was just crying when I put him down in the bouncy seat and as soon as the Baby Einstein DVD started, he stopped crying instantly, lit up, smiled, cooed and couldn't take his eyes off the babies on TV. Even his different cries have developed more personality. He has a real cute sad face, and actually says "boo" sometimes when he wimpers.

He went into the Topeka office with me Wednesday and did okay. He only took two 30-minute naps while in the office so that was a bit challenging compared to how much he sleeps here at home, but my co-workers were very patient and understanding. We're headed to the lake this evening so we can all enjoy some quality outdoor time.

(This is the sad face and pathetic wimper he gives us when he's out of sorts. Perhaps it's not nice to post a picture of my child crying but we think it's pretty cute and we want to remember all the little things he does at this stage - even his cries)

Busy Weekend

Friday night I had girls' night out with Kelli while Todd and Ryan had a guys' night in at the Koons house. It was First Friday so Kelli started at her booth at Good JuJu then wandered around a few galleries in the Crossroads before getting a great window table at 1924 Main where we enjoyed good wine and cheese. This weekend was the Brookside Art Annual so we were sure to visit the art fair both Saturday and Sunday. Callie is in her element at festivals and fairs and got enough pets to last a month so we're glad the weather was dry so that we could take her with us. My dad and Marcia came with us to the fair on Saturday then watched Ryan so that we could go to a Kentucky Derby party and then to the Killer's concert. My brother, Kristen and their kids ended up coming to KC on Saturday too, so it was a nice surprise to get to see all of them. We went to see the Killer's Saturday night at Sandstone with our girlfriends and it was an awesome show. Every song was great and we're really glad we got to see them because they're Todd's favorite band. Sunday we visited the art fair again then went to the Walter's, along with Koons, for dinner. Henry and Hudson played all night long and were a hoot to watch. Ryan is in for a lot of fun once he's big enough to tag along with the older boys.

(our little man who is getting smilier everyday)

(at the Killer's with Kate, Therese and Nichole)

(Henry and Hudson playing at Walter's)