8 Months

The months seem to be going by faster and faster, and the summer definitely isn't helping to slow the time! Our monthly chair pictures are becoming more and more difficult to take because Anderson doesn't sit still for very long. The session now resembles a professional photo shoot (snap, snap, snap!) as I try to capture him in a smiling sitting position! Here are our outtakes from this morning...

Lake View, IA

We just got back from a quick trip to Lake View for their annual Summer Carnival. Tim's mom's side of the family (sans a couple cousins) was there and we enjoyed getting a chance to see them. We filled the weekend with a parade, chillin' by the lake, swing rides and a carousel ride! It's a 5hr drive up there, so I have to give Anderson props for being quite the sport and doing really well in the car.

the family

he LOVED the swing

inspecting his parade stash

1st carousel ride

We're home for the week, but then Anderson's off to Grandma and Grandpa Pyle's house for 5 DAYS while mom and dad enjoy the beach in Mexico!!

Hi Tyson!

Anderson and I went down to Halstead for a couple days this week to visit my brother who was in town from Chicago. We played at the park with grandma and grandpa and Anderson cheered as grandpa and Tyson duked it out in Wii bowling. We're headed to Lake View, IA this weekend to visit Tim's aunts and uncles. Look for fun family pics soon!

Swinging in the park

Amazed at Uncle Tyson's and Grandpa's Wii bowling skills

Here are some other things Anderson has been doing in his spare time!

first masterpiece

new favorite activity

learning to share

exhausted!

The Farmstead

Anderson and I met Amber (Abby had to work, boo) in KC for lunch and a trip to the Deanna Rose Farmstead. Boy did we have a great time! We checked out the goats, gobbled with the turkeys and rang the cow bells! It's pretty awesome that KC has such a wonderful place for kids to go (for free) and learn so much - plus get hands on time with many animals. We will definitely be making trips back.

Future farmer

Ride 'em cowboy

Ringing the cow bells!

Havin' fun with Amber

Warning.....

The following pictures contain nudity, please be advised... :)

We had backyard fun in the pool today! What a great way to beat the heat!! Who can resist baby-buns???

Motion and Music

So I know I've mentioned before that Anderson is mobile -- but seriously, I've had to barricade the step to the kitchen and we've had to lower his bed! The guy is pulling himself up to kneeling and standing pretty easily now. When he tries to climb the pillows its like he climbing over an army trench -- but when he falls its like rolling down a soft hill.





Downtown Lawrence sponsors a weekly concert on Mass Street over the lunch hour. Tim, Anderson and I met Uncle Mike down there to enjoy the music. I think this might be a weekly treat!!

Happy 4th of July!

Anderson and I had a wonderful treat this weekend because Tim had Friday off -- so we had a fun three day weekend as a family. We played at the South Park wading pool and watched Anderson become a bigger and bigger water-baby. Seriously, so far the guy has no fear! Also, mom FINALLY finished painting the living room. I had two walls left for a like a solid month. Ugh!




On Saturday we went downtown to watch the Tour of Lawrence bike races. There were quite a few people downtown and the weather was perfect! Then we headed to my Uncle Mike's house for a family 4th of July celebration. Anderson played with his second cousin/once removed (whatever) Deagen who just turned 1! We ate watermelon and watched my cousins have a snapper war. I opted out due to baby-duty. :)



Sunday was more of a relaxing day. Ashley came by for a visit and Anderson went on a jog with dad. Whew!

Lake Weekend

We had a fun filled weekend down at Table Rock with lots of our friends and Anderson's buddy Davis. This was Anderson's first time in water where he was completely floating and using a life jacket. He did surprisingly well -- even with the life jacket by his cheeks he was all smiles! We piled down with six adults, one baby and lots of luggage in one Expedition. Shocking, I know!