Tyson's 1st Birthday

Tyson had a wonderful birthday or should I say Birthday
weekend. We celebrated it on Friday, we went to Grandma
and Grandpa Ekenstam's on Saturday and Grandma and
Grandpa Shurtleff on Sunday. Needless to say he was
spoiled. It was fun to be with family and to celebrate Tyson's
first year with us. Enjoy the pictures.

What happens when Daddy comes home?

Eleven Months Old!

Pre-School

Kaleb enjoyed his first day of pre-school and is continually
asking me when he can go back. I will enjoy this while I
can. We are excited for him to have this new experience
and look forward to all the new friends he will meet and
the new things he will learn.

Made this bag at the Pre-School open house. Look at how
big Kaleb's hands are.


First day of school. So excited!

BBQ

The Girls: My friend Lisa had a BBQ and amazingly enough

6 of my girlfriends and their families were able to get together.

It was so good to see you and have our kids and Husbands/

boyfriends hangout together. We missed Nicole, Ashley, and

Andrea. Maybe someday we will all get together again. It

was a fun time for everyone and glad we remembered our

cameras.

Jill, Me, Amy, Rachel, Lisa, Mikell

Erich, Tyson, and Nate in the Man Cave

Bobby and Kaleb they hit it off right away. We couldn't

get them to look at the camera for any pictures.

Ben and Karen

Beautiful Bride and Groom on their wedding day in
Sunny California at Sunset on the beach. Congratulations
Ben and Karen. My brother Ben was married on August
4th. Welcome to the family Karen can't wait to see the
two of you and all your beautiful pictures from Spain.

THEN:


NOW

10 Month's Old

Tyson is now pulling himself up to standing and climbing

up stairs, scaring his mom to death. We love our little guy

and look forward to the events ahead.

Summer Days!

Kaleb, Tyson, and I went on a short road trip to my friend
Kristen's house. It was fun for the two of us to have some
girl talk and to let the kids play. The kids spent the day
swimming in there pool in the backyard. We also had a
picnic lunch outside. Then there was more fun to be had
in the house. It was fun for all and hope we can go visit the
Hansen's again soon. Thanks Kristen, Karalynn, Rachel, and
CJ.

Kristen and I we have known each other almost our whole
lives and were roommates for two years. I can't believe it.
I am glad she is so close.


Pack of Wolves: Kaleb, Rachel, CJ, Karalynn, and Tyson.



CJ and Tyson. New friends. They are only two months
apart. Fun times to be had.





PEORIA ZOO!

On monday we finally made it to the Peoria Zoo to see the
new African exhibit. We met up with my friend Jill and her
little boy Jack. It was a nice day not too hot and the zoo
is a good size for the boys. The Africa section was cool, but
it does make me think. WOW! that Zoo must have been
tiny before this was added. I didn't get many pictures, but
here are a few.

Kaleb, Tyson, and their friend Jack.

Kaleb watching the turtle swim around.

Jack taking it all in.

Nine month update!

We visited the Doctor yesterday for Tyson's
9month check-up. He is doing well and growing.
He is a healthy little boy.
Height: 28.5in (49%)
Weight:18lbs 7oz (12%)

He has reached many milestones. He is crawling,
clapping, waving, and has said "ma ma" and "da da",
sad to say he said "da da" first, but he says "ma ma"
more so I will take it. He is growing up so fast. We
love him so much and look forard to everyday we get
to see him change and learn new things.

Fair

Saturday Evening we went to the Heart of Illinois Fair.
It was a fun time. There was lots of good food, Carnival
Rides, Clowns with balloons, and an animal show. The
boys had fun walking around seeing all the craziness. They
love to be out and about. I am glad I have active boys on
my hands when we have fun things to do, but it makes
life interesting when we are stuck at home or in a place
where they need to be quiet.

Tyson watching the animals. Kinda


Airplane balloons from the Carnival clown.


Kaleb watching Animal Show

Animal show. Here is a hyena one of the only three in animal

shows in North America.

Baby Wolf

Owl. He also had a baby grizzly bear, baby Ligers, Monkeys,

porcupine, and other animals. It was actually a pretty good

show.