Here's our little girl all grown up! (well, not really). We were on our way to visit Uncle Phil in Steven's Point, and Gretta insisted on wearing her new pink backpack (filled with goldfish crackers and clean diapers...)

Sam enjoying college dorm life with Uncle Phil.

Later in the month we went apple picking with a bunch of other moms and their kids. Gretta was amazed at how many "yellow apples" there were. This is her first of many...

Sam's first taste of green beans all mushed up. Hmmm, not quite a fan yet.

"MOM, what were you thinking??? Let's go with something sweeter next time:" :)
For Mother's Day, my 2 moms and I had received tickets to the True Woman Conference in Schaumberg, IL ( so exciting!!). After a somewhat longer drive than we had expected to get there (along with a bout of car sickness, a bloody nose, and a missed turn that almost took us to Chicago) we were so thankful to pull in only a few minutes late (and we even found a great parking spot!). The conference was phenomenal to say the least.



Did I mention that we brought Sam along?? He was a riot! And never lacking in the attention department (6,000 plus women and one handsome little guy...always a willing hand to help!).

The following is a link of the True Woman Conference schedule and speakers available online for free: http://www.truewoman.com/?id=317


Sam enjoying our time, but wondering what Dad and Gretta are up to (they went hiking with Diggs near Door County, and visited with quite a few family members...Tim taught Gretta colors like "white" "black" and "brown" while we were gone, and when we got back, she was combining 3-4 words together...I couldn't believe the difference only a weekend made!).

The conference offered a sweet set-up for moms who had their babies along. Live video feed played in a separate room during each main session. I even met a mom from Freedom!! What are the odds??

Back home...This is Sam's 6 month picture.

And here was Gretta at 6 months.

Playing in the leaves...

Showing off her "orange" pumpkin...

"Maybe if I close my eyes, the camera won't see me either"

"I walk." or "I walk Willa's house too?" is Gretta's favorite saying as of late. Usually she says it with conviction and a furrowed brow. Willa is her friend down the street.

New swings at the park. I love them; they are higher than most and much easier to push.

Gretta loves under-ducks. Sort of a surprise, since she says "weeeeeeeeeeee" as we go down the driveway in the stroller or the 20 degree slant in the sidewalk before the street begins.

"Hanging" out toddler and infant style.

"S" is for September

We try to take a trip to Whitefish Dunes at least a couple of times a summer for a few reasons. One reason is the take-your-breath-away-this-makes-me-feel-small moment at the first sight of the lake. Another; Gretta loves the water and pretty soon the only water she will get to play in is her bathtub. Finally; Digory does not like the water (at least going in past his knees...do dogs have knees?), but this specific beach is dog friendly a mile down from the parking lot. He pretends it is one massive water dish.
Collecting shells...
Notice that Sam is oblivious to his surroundings except for the strap on the backpack.
The beginnings of a sand castle
Back at home munching on broccoli...snack of champs.
These two are so unpredictable. Either hugging or pushing the other away. Can you guess who dictates in this relationship? :)
Sam's 5 month picture. He is such a goof. He giggles easily, even for strangers, and loves watching his big sister. He is starting to sit up without help but still has an occasional spill. No teeth yet, but lots of drool...

I had to put this one on here. It wasn't even planned; it just happened as I took the photo. Grets has been really "digging" Sesame Street lately, and has a few favorite characters including "so-ee" (Zoe), "nuf-me" (Snuffy) "er-nee" (Ernie of course) and especially "elllllmmmmo" (Elmo). She is really catching on to a few letters (A, O, G, and B to be specific), and if you ask her what her favorite color is, she will say "booooo" for blue. She can point to blue things, and even asked to wear the blue sweater below. Her friends name is "wi-wa" (Wila, a neighbor down the street), and if you ask her what B-A-B-Y spells, sometimes she says "bae-bee" but more often says and over-exagerated "DDDAAADDD!"(the first word we showed her how to spell) then laughs.

These big eyes melt my heart!Checking out her "new do"

Hanging out with dad
Stinky feet!

September first was Grandpa Stoffel's birthday. We went to the cottage on Bear Lake to celebrate with him. Gretta's getting ready to swim, & sporting her all-time favorite hat (I found it at a rummage sale!).
Jumping off the dock with GampyAnother summertime favorite...corn on the cob

Taking the wheel


Gretta insists on wearing her "Barbie" shoes. They have the name Barbie on them, and she heard me call them that once. Now she calls them Barbies.

Mom and Sam enjoying the ride

Hats from Gampy from the Milwaukee zoo...


A late night walk...past bed time, but worth it!
Before we left for the walk, Gretta had a bath, then I painted her nails. She wasn't sure what to do with her hands now that her nails were so pretty. She is ALL girl.