Camping Adventures

Eli went on his first camping trip - to Devil's Lake park to participate in Uncle P and soon-to-be Aunt C's bachelor/bachelorette camping trip. Initially, he was a little curious as to why we were doing everything outside, but he quickly settled in to all the camping fun.


Every meal was like a picnic


Home sweet home (for one night)


This makes a great play room


Ready for a hike


On the trail


This hike is too long...time for a snooze!


Can we go camping every weekend?

Internet Access Has Resumed!

With our recent moving fun, we were without internet access for a week or so. It has been a busy couple weeks, and here are the pictures to prove it!


Welcoming Baby Ben!

Eli met a new friend recently, as our good friends welcomed baby Ben into their family. Eli looks so big next to Ben; was he ever really that tiny?!


Buddies (and an arm assist from Mom)


Crib Changes

We were hoping to be able to wait until after the move to lower Eli's crib; however, Eli's skill at pulling up to stand prompted us to make the change a little sooner.


Daddy's Little Helper


Hi, Mom!


So this is what the view looks like on this side

Dr. Uncle P

Congrats to Doctor Uncle P on his recent graduation from medical school! Eli is very proud of his uncle, and managed to sit through almost all of the ceremony (with a brief break to crawl around and meet other babies in the lobby). We're looking forward to more celebrating with Uncle P in June!


So proud of Dr. Uncle P!!


I love Aunt Corrinne!


Four generations

Crazy Hair

So some people in the Brasel house (Daddy) think that Eli may need a little hair cut to tame his wild mane...what do you think?


Fuzzy hair is in!


Or maybe the slicked back look?


Mom votes for the mohawk


Maybe I should just keep my hat on

Babies, Babies Everywhere

Everyone knows that it is more fun to go play at your friends' houses. Eli got to visit many of his other baby friends this week during birthday celebrations and play dates, which meant playing with new toys, exploring new places, and some daytime adult conversation for Mommy! Eli and Mommy feel so blessed to have good friends close by for fun and support!


Looking up to Gus, the birthday boy


Boys-only meeting at the table


Not so sure about all these girls...


Cute kiddos


Still love to cuddle with Mommy

Ten is Terrific!

Eli turned ten months old this past week!


Happy baby


Senior pictures pose


Reading already?!

Happy Mothers Day!

Eli enlisted Daddy's help to make Mommy's first official Mothers Day very special. From super sweet cards to french toast for breakfast, to a freshly painted pantry at the new house, it was a day filled with fun. Eli even slept well all through the night Saturday and Sunday night as an extra gift to Mommy (and Daddy). We hope all the other mommies, grand-mommies, and other mommy-like people had a great day as well!


Me and Mommy

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Eli celebrated Cinco de Mayo out to dinner with Mom and Dad and their friends. He did not eat any Mexican food, but he did enjoy the flamenco guitarists (they were really good!). He danced in his high chair the whole time he was eating!


Vivek, Eli, and Cory - say "queso" (cheese)

Play Time

Eli is on the move and exploring his world! He likes to crawl throughout the house(s) and open cabinets and drawers, and push any buttons he can find, along the way. This means that Mom has become very creative in blocking areas off or re-arranging to remove temptation from those little hands.


Follow me, Grandma!


Check out my sweet ride from Uncle Al and Aunt T


Busy at work (play!)

Going Crazy!

This past weekend, Eli participated in Crazylegs with Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa. We even found Uncle Alex and Aunt Tina at the finish line party. Eli doesn't remember it, but he actually participated in Crazylegs last year as well, since Mom and her big belly completed the walkers' route.


Getting psyched up for the race


Relaxin' with Grandpa on the 70's couch


At the finish line in Camp Randall with Grandma and Mom


We made it!


Lunch at Nitty Gritty to refuel after the race