Stayin' Cool

With the past couple weeks being so hot, hot, hot, Eli has been putting his water table and pool to good use! These pictures are from the 4th of July when we had a family day at Eli's pool.


Splish splash at the water table


Dad can play too


This pool is crowded today!

Celebrate Good Times! (a.k.a. First Birthday)

Catching up a bit, here are a few pictures from Eli's first birthday party (which was actually before the real birthday). Eli was so blessed to have many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents make a trip over to celebrate with him.


Started the morning off with a wagon ride inside


Lunch-a-munch outside


Opening presents


Cousins playing together


Party favors


And of course, there was cake (and cupcakes)!


Do I really get to eat this whole cupcake?


Yum! That's delicious!


Birthday crown and a swing

Happy First Birthday!

Eli had quite a full day celebrating turning one year old. The morning started verrrrrrrrrry early (4:30am!) - Eli must have wanted to make the most of every hour of his big day. Here is an overview of the day, in photos, of course.


Started off the morning opening a few presents


Grandma came to visit for the day


Went for a ride (indoors) in the new wagon.


Mommy and Grandma tamed Eli's wild hair - this is his serious pose


A fun surprise - Eli's cousins sent him a balloon bouquet! He was a little tentative about the balloons at first, but then liked to point to them and tell us about his balloons.


Out to lunch - Eli colored with an orange crayon and flirted with a little girl in the restaurant.


Taking an "official" birthday photo


Getting a little tired of playing photo shoot (this picture included just for the people who think Eli never has a fussy moment...thankfully he is overall a very even-tempered kiddo!)


Much happier after a rest, and enjoying his new water table (thanks Uncle A and Aunt T!)


Enjoying Concerts on the Square with Mommy and Daddy


Birthday cupcake - yum!


Birthdays are exhausting!

Strollin' in the Zoo and Splashin'

Grandma came in town this past week for a day of Madison fun. We spent the morning visiting the zoo; Eli's favorites were the Sophies (giraffes) and the tiger. After nap time, we cooled off from the heat at the spash pad. Eli observed the bigger kids initially, and then joined in the fun by putting his hands into the shooting water.


Watching "Sophie" with Grandma


Great day for a splash


Grandma is my favorite splash buddy

Signs of Summer: Baseball

Take me out to the ball game...Grandma and Grandpa let Eli come visit for an evening so that Mommy and Daddy could go cheer on the Twins at Miller Park. Even though the Twins didn't win, it was a great evening to sit outside at a baseball game.


Go Twins!


Taking Grandma for a walk


Helping Grandpa work (or play a computer game)


Trying out an Eli-sized chair

Signs of Summer: Concerts on the Square

One of our favorite summer traditions began this week: Concerts on the Square! It was a different scene from last year's outing to Concerts (see post from last year). Eli did not sleep through this performance; he was busy, busy...eating, crawling, people-watching. We enjoyed the concert with our friends and their 6-week old baby. Glad these kiddos can experience good music and a lovely summer evening together.


Family fun on a summer weeknight


A picnic and good music!

Cousins Weekend

Eli enjoyed watching and playing with all the big boys while his cousins and their parents were in town visiting. Having additional kids around gave us a good excuse to go play on the playground equipment in our neighborhood, watch some cartoons, and explore the children's museum. How wonderful to be able to get together with family for a weekend of fun!


Slide races


Love to swing


Happy baby


So fun to play with Uncle Mike


Making music at the children's museum


Kisses!