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!

Family time and visitors...

Timothy and I started out our first day alone with a walk... you can see he was really into it!
Timothy had his two week check-up yesterday. He is now 11 lbs, 5 oz and 22 inches long. He's growing so fast!

We had several visitors yesterday. This is my co-worker, Sue. We figured Tomithy knew her voice since she and I share an office and we talk all the time.

Karis had her kindergarten physical today and got three shots. She did very well... no kicking, screaming, or tears. Since we were all home a little early, we watched a movie in our bedroom. This was just one of those chance pictures where you hold the camera in the air and shoot. Tonight we celebrate Karis's shots by going to Chuck E. Cheese.

The weekend festivities

We spent the July 4th evening at the Burkhalter's house. The kids really enjoyed playing with sparklers. This is Lilly waving a sparkler in the air.
Autumn was a little nervous about playing with the sparklers. After watching the big kids, she got up the nerve to try them herself.

Tim and Ben also had fun trying out some of the other fireworks. They swapped stories of playing with fireworks as teenagers... something about ears ringing for several days after an "incident." This beauty sparked from the ground, shooting lots of colors in the air.

For the past two days Karis has enjoyed playing in the sprinkler. The water is cold, but she just can't stay away!

We are beginning a new tradition in our home. The plan is to have "Sunday night breakfast" as our evening meal. We love breakfast food, but often don't have the time to cook and enjoy it together. Tonight is eggs, muffins, and fruit.

By the way, Timothy's still doing great and growing like a weed! He's almost out of his 0-3 months clothing at this point. Sorry no new pictures to show. Tomorrow, he and I will be home alone most of the day. I'll keep the camera handy. He also has a doctor's appointment, so we'll update you on his development.

Sleepy time

Happy July 4th everyone! There will be pictures of our holiday festivities coming later this weekend. Until then, I thought you may enjoy some sleepy pictures. Timothy is a pretty good sleeper so we think it's appropriate to show that part of his life.
This was early one morning when Timothy was cuddled in bed with me. Notice I was asleep too! He had me up for several hours the night before.

Karis still loves being the big sister. She asked us if she could hold him on her chest like we do. We figured the best way to do this was to lay in bed.

They seem to get along well. Karis's voice is often calming for Timothy when he is upset.

Our photo session...

We had some photos taken Easter weekend by Theresa Smerud, a local, award-winning photographer, of our soon-to-be 4 family. Today, we returned to have our family-of-4 photographed. We have really enjoyed our time with Theresa so I asked to take a picture with the kids. Her dog, Molly, wanted in on the action too. Molly has been a great playmate for Karis, so her involvement in the picture was perfect! We can't wait to see the pictures in a few weeks.