Dog days of August

I guess they don't call these the dog days of summer for nothing. We're currently experiencing the second warmest August on record in our area; the mid 90 degree temps just won't go away! This does not bode well for Jeff and his marathon training. The overnight lows just aren't low enough for 20 mile runs, even at 5:30 a.m. So, we hit the pool frequently after daycare and on the weekends. Putting on a swimsuit is not particularly appealing for me, but it's the only way to stay cool.

Redneck Nora; clothes-less, Finn's shoes on the wrong feet, and eating a meat stick, eeewwww.

I decided to try pigtails :)

Last Saturday we drove to Ft. Collins for a change of scenery and stayed the night. Nora rode a metal fish in Old Town.

Probably her favorite part of the trip was that we got a roll-away bed for her to sleep in. I was afraid she'd fall out of bed, and those hotel beds are so high, so thought this would be the best option. She was so excited to sleep with a pillow in that bed...must be why it took us over an hour to get her to sleep! She did sleep well though, and didn't fall out.

She waited patiently for her pancake at Snooze Sunday morning. We were all pretty excited to go there for breakfast, the last time we had the opportunity was when I was pregnant with Nora. The wait is always an hour or more in Denver, which just isn't feasible with a little one. We got to the Ft. Collins outlet shortly after 7:00; just in time to beat the rush.

After our indulgent breakfast, we went for a walk by Horsetooth Reservior. Nora hiked with Mom,

and Dad,

but was most interested in relaxing on a rock. Nora wasn't much of a hiker...hopefully that changes in the coming years.

On the way home we stopped near Greeley at a small dairy farm. Nora enjoyed the petting area.

Monday was the first day of school around here. The Shaw Family was taking the obligatory first day of school on the front porch pictures, and Nora had to get in on the action. Wearing pjs, no pants and hair not even combed. Lily (left) started 2nd grade and Sophie (right) kindergarten. So cute!

Finally, a short video of Nora counting cookies.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pij52EIuuVY

Baby K2

Appearently, Jeff and I are feeling a bit cocky (or crazy)-like we have this family thing under control. Well, this family is growing by one more; Baby K2 is due 2/28/12!

We had our second ultrasound today, and as creepy as the pictures look, it is always fun and reasurring to get a look inside. Some days I wish there were a window in there so I could peak in!

Body with legs outstretched.

Two little feet, side by side (1.18cm long).

Top of the head, with a hand coming in toward the mouth.

Once again, it's been an easy pregnancy so far. Because I am 'Advanced Maternal Age' according to the [wrong] medical community, I am having some additional tests done just to be sure all is well.

All Smiles

We had our friend Karen and her dog, Oliver, over for dinner last Sunday night. Nora was surprisingly well behaved during dinner, then decided to hang out under the table with Oliver when she was done eating.

Our neighborhood kids triathalon took place on Saturday morning. Over 100 kids participated, and, depending upon age, the run course went past our house. Lily participated; Nora and Finn couldn't wait to cheer her on, cowbells and all! We had a great time enjoying the beautiful morning and cheering for all our neighbors.

Later that afternoon, Nora and Finn did their best to stay cool by dipping their heads in the water table.

Sunday morning Nora washed our bikes after and early trip to Starbucks. Notice her bike had to be laying down too, just like mine :)

Monday morning, Nora decided to help Jeff pack his lunch. She got the bread out of the bag, then taste tested it!

Notice as she makes the sandwich that there is also a bite out of the nectarine originally intended for Jeff's lunch, and she chomped on the ham too-it was pretty funny!

Afternoon Fun Today!

Sweet Treats

This photo belongs further down the post, but somehow got deleted and the only way to add it back is at the beginning. I'm working on turning Nora into a baker, she helped me make blueberry muffins while Jeff was racing. She likes to measure and stir the dry ingredients but was disappointed we didn't get to use the stand mixer. She likes it to make a 'sound,' I'd say her Daddy likes it when it makes a sound too :) She helped me make banana bread a few weeks ago and seems to enjoy helping in the kitchen...hmmm, who does that sound like?

As hoped, I did catch some moments of Nora last weekend. Friday afternoon was Jeff's company picnic-they had a blast on the bumper boats, complete with squirt guns!

And for all Daddy's hard work, doesn't Nora deserve a push pop?

Saturday morning Jeff participated in a running race that went past the open space at the back of our neighborhood. Nora did some hiking to go cheer him on.

After being very sad that Daddy kept running on by, we went home and Nora played with stickers. She always wears this hat backwards, defeats the purpose of a sun hat! And notice she wasn't wearing it outside hiking?

We converted Nora's crib into a toddler bed on Saturday, with mixed results. Nora loves going to bed 'herself' and goes down really well. Problems arise in the morning, when she gets up at 6 a.m. and her parents want to sleep longer...

We checked out a different frozen yogurt shop; Nora seemed to enjoy it! And so did the rest of us.

With some funds remaining from Nanny and Papa Koski for Nora's birthday, I picked up this tea set I had been eyeing for her. She loves pouring the water and transfering it from cup to cup. As you might imagine, it requires getting 'more wawa' quite often making it a good outside toy.

Sad but true, I made scotcheroos one day this week. Of course Nora loves them, who doesn't?

It's been a busy week planning vacations for the remainder of 2011. Minneapolis in October, Florida in December and Green Bay in December-all on the books. Until then, life as usual.