Catching up!

We've given up on our computer so I'm adding this from Ben's computer. Catching you up... we are watching LOTS of PSU games this fall. A few brave souls have joined in to watch the games with us. THANKS!!!!

A few weeks ago, we ventured to Dyersville, IA to see the "Field Of Dreams" film location with Justin, Cindy, and Norah. It was a lot of fun. This is Karis in front of the house. Notice the purple baseball glove!

Ben and Justin got into a little game with a few of the other tourists. They were like kids on Christmas morning.

I also attended a Halloween part/fundraiser for work. This is Mary and Kathi as Betty and Wilma. Ben made my costume... I was a PURPLE iPod.

Timothy was dedicated at church on October 11th. Unfortunately, we did not take any pictures that morning, but I managed to get a few shots when we got home.

Quick Note...

Sorry there are no pictures. I'm writing this from Ben's computer. Our computer is experiencing technical difficulties. Karis and I have also been sick all day. Poor Ben is taking care of his family on his last day of vacation. It sound like things may last until tomorrow. Once we and computer are back in order, we'll have a PSU picture for you!

School and Boating

We were invited on the Kothari's boat last night for dinner and a cruise. What a blast! The weather was perfect, the food was great, and the conversation was lively!
Karis enjoyed hanging out with Brittany and Samantha. They decided to go below deck and rest in the bed for a while.

Karis wanted to help clean the boat...

The Kothari's boat.

Oh, and Karis enjoyed her first day of school!

Catching you up!!!!

The next three entries are kind of a running commentary of our past three weeks. This picture was taken last night of Timothy. He's getting so much more expressive. I love to catch it on "film" as much as possible.
Karis started Kindergarten this week. Yesterday included a 1 hour session at her school. Karis is so proud to go to school. Here she is in front of the Kindergarten Center's sign.

This is Karis and her teacher, Ms. Pratt. We've heard lots of good things about her from other parents. I look forward to seeing what Karis learns this year.

Today was the first full day of school. This picture was taken this morning at Karis's daycare with her friends Brynn and McKenna. They will take the bus from daycare every morning. We will also pick her up there in the afternoon.

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL OUTFIT!

Karis was able to give Timothy a bottle on August 30th...

she was very concerned about doing it right!
Notice the "plaid" shirt that Timothy is wearing. He got lots of complements at church. Karis is also wearing a Steelers shirt. She also got a lot of attention!

A quick picture at the Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in south La Crosse. We spent the day touring the grounds on August 28th.

Timothy received his first bottle of breast milk on August 22nd. He took it with no major problems. Ben was excited to be able to be a part of the feeding process.
Notice Karis's hand "helping out" during the feeding.

A very loving sister was concerned about her brother's feeding.

This is Karis and Adelaide at our life group outing on August 23rd. We hung out at Mike and Kerri's farm in Houston, Minnesota.

August 27th was Timothy's welcome party with my co-workers. He's showing off his new hat that was made by Sue Leifer.

Our family of four...

We decided to venture into the world of professional photographs when I was pregnant with Timothy. We did a package deal with a local photographer/artist named Theresa Smerud. She did some pictures of the three of us when I was pregnant. We then went back for a session after Timothy was born. I thought I'd share a few of our favorites from that session.
Cuddling with Mom

Male bonding with Dad

A proud sister!
Tender moments between dad and daughter.

I LOVE this one!

Karis LOVES her little brother!

The Robinson/Rothermel visit...

Mom, Nance, Dave, Evan and Ashley visited this past week. They could not wait to meet Timothy. One of our first stops was at Riverside Park.
I caught this sweet moment as Evan read to Karis in the sunroom.

The Robinsons put their feet in the Mississippi River right in front of the blue bridge.

A smile from Timothy as Aunt Nancy talked to him.

Mom-Mom and her grandkids... a long awaited picture.

Our week in review...

Gretchen, Kirby, Erich, Caleb, and Jonathan visited us this past week. We had a great time showing them around... especially at the waterparks. The kids played hard all day and ate a big dinner that night.
Timothy and I didn't participate in the water activities. We sat under an umbrella and enjoyed watching everyone at play. He was very interested in his surroundings.

Karis finally tried a bigger waterslide during this trip. Ben and Jonathan were in one tube and Karis and Gretchen were in another. Karis is holding up her two fingers, saying that she wants to go down the slide two more times.

After saying goodbye to Gretchen, Kirby and the boys, we headed home for another adventure. Friday night we participated in the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life" with the team from the hospital. This is Kathi and Sue Leifer showing off the tent they decorated.

Saturday afternoon we decided to take a boatride on the Mississippi. We had free passes to go on the Island Girl yacht, so we decided it was time to cruise!

A visit from Grandma and Grandpa...

Grandma and Grandpa Newman visited us this past week. We were so busy that we had to make a point of taking pictures. Here's Timothy hanging with Grandpa.
We went to the fair while they were here. Karis was fascinated with the animals. As you can see in this picture, she's developing a relationship with a horse.

A family photo with a plastic cow!

We went to the Loggers baseball game Saturday night. Grandma put Timothy to sleep even though it was extremely noisy and cold!

This was also taken at the baseball game.

Hiking as a family of four...

We decided to venture to a local park to try a little hiking Saturday. Ben managed to have the camera this time.
Timothy slept most of the way through the hike. He must have enjoyed the gentle rocking as we hike up the trail.

Karis learned about cowboys in school this past week. They tried beef jerky as a part of learning about what cowboys eat. She's now hooked so Ben brought some along for the hike. The irony, she would never have tried it if WE had asked her to do so. We're just glad she's willing to experience new things!

The Big Kahuna!

I was walking through the mall the other day, unsuccessfully looking for nursing bras, when I came upon Gymboree. I don't think I've ever bought a thing from that store for Karis, but my stress level took me in anyway. Suddenly, this outfit called out to me. Thank God it was on the clearance rack! Since Timothy was so big at birth and he continues to grow like a weed, I couldn't resist! The Big Kahuna and I went to my work yesterday to meet my coworkers. He relaxed and slept most of the way through being passed around and being talked to in high pitched voices. Sunday is the big test when we will make an attempt at attending church for the first time.

Chuck E. Cheese

We went to Chuck E. Cheese Tuesday night to celebrate Karis's kindergarten shots being done. No kicking, screaming, or crying.... WOW! Karis gave Ben driving instructions in this picture.
They were throwing baseballs here.

Jeni came along to celebrate. She instructed Karis on the bubble game.

Karis wanted someone to ride in the car with her. I hopped right in! She was somewhat frustrated over the past nine months when I couldn't do things because of being pregnant. SO, this was my golden opportunity!