Photo Shoot

As a surprise for Father's Day, Sarah and I met up at Kent Park to do a mini photo shoot of the girls. Here are some of the images we captured:

Lakers Fan... just like her father

Leah and Norah

Leah with Brett's childhood "Teddy"

Father's Day

Last weekend was Father's Day. Leah and I took Brett to Iowa River Power Company for brunch. The food was awesome and the view was gorgeous. We also spent the evening at the Coralville pool. We had a great time spending the day together.

BRETT...

I love to lay in bed with you at night as you share your favorite stories of Leah from that day. You have been such a great father to her. I can tell from the way she says "dada" that she loves being around you. You always know how to make her laugh. Thanks for being such a natural in this role. Leah and I are so lucky to have you in our lives. I love you!

8 Months

What you've been up to this month:

* You said your first word: Dada! You've also started to say mama, but only when you're upset.

* You love to wave goodbye to everyone.

* Your favorite song is the theme song for X-Files. Every time it's on you drop everything you're doing, stare at the TV, and bounce up and down.

* You love to smack your lips and say BAH BAH.

* You are able to walk around furniture.

* You love to watch daddy work in his new garage.

* You are becoming more and more attached to your mommy and daddy.

* We cannot give you any paper. If we do, you'll eat it!

* You are starting to prefer solids. You normally refuse baby food after the first few bites.

* You can drink through a straw.

* You had several other "firsts":

- First camping trip

- First boat ride

- First ride on a ski lift

- First trolley ride

- First meal at a restaurant (though the jr. pancake ended up being larger than your head!)

- First time in a pool

- First trip to Illinois

* According to Baby Center, your eye color should be set by now. That means you have either green, grey, or hazel eyes. They are so beautiful!

* When you are in your stroller you love to spread your legs as far as you can and rest them on the side bars. It makes everyone that we pass giggle.

* You love to look in the mirror at yourself and make funny faces.

* Sometimes, after you've been asleep for a few hours, I like to sneak into your room, pick you up, and rock you back and forth. And while you're in my arms I sing to you.

I love you baby girl. You make mommy and daddy so proud, each and every day, with your new accomplishments.

XOXO

Trip to Galena IL - Part 2

As Brett mentioned in his last post, for Memorial Day weekend we drove to Galena, Il for a short family vacation. We took our pop-up and stayed at a family friendly campground for three nights. (perfect camping for us - Walmart on one side for all those items we forgot and Culver's on the other side for late night ice cream runs.)

During the day we spent our time site-seeing in Galena. We had a blast learning the history of the town; in the 1800's it had a population bigger than Chicago! It was even home to President Ulysses S. Grant for a few years, whose house we were able to tour. We also took a boat ride on the Mississippi river and a ghost trolley ride around the city. Oh, and I can't forget the shopping on main street. Unfortunately for Brett, we were able to fit some shopping in for me each day!

Our Campsite

Leah had such a great time!

Some of the sites...

Trip to Galena IL

Megan, Leah, and I spent Memorial Weekend visiting Galena Illinois. Here are a few photos from the trip:

Ulysses S. Grant, Leah, and Megan:

Grant with his son:

Brett with his daughter:

Riding the Ski Lift up from the bank of the Mississippi River:

Leah playing with Daddy in the pool:

Posing for pictures in front of the oldest house in Illinois: