Dancing Machine

Last night, we attended my cousin Nate's wedding reception. It was a beautiful event with great food, entertainment and people. Although we had an opportunity to chat with lots of my family members, the highlight of our night was watching Eva. She bounced back and forth between the dance floor and a "kids' room" complete with bouncy balls, puzzles, and art activities (what a great idea at a reception with many children.) At one point, the dance floor was full of people doing the cult classic Chicken Dance. And, in the middle of everyone...Eva was showing her stuff. I couldn't help but scan the floor and see most people fixated on her entertainment. It was a cute moment for us to enjoy.

We left the reception and headed home while she slept peacefully in the backseat. Upon arriving at home, she woke up, crying and demanding "Dance! More dance!" Apparently she was having sweet dreams of her own about the evening.

Our little party girl.

Eva adores cousin Steve.

(Although, while looking at this picture, she smiled and named him "Aunt Sue." Oops! I often pair the mother and son when I talk about them. She seems to have gotten slightly confused.)

The Negotiator

Eva's developing language is beginning to take on new functions. Lately, she has become quite the "negotiator." Here are some examples of her little mind at work:

Her newest phrase is "right now," which follows most requests. She is getting more and more demanding so I've been reminding her to say please. Tonight, at supper, she loudly announced "more milk right now, please." (We'll keep working on those manners.)

If she'd like another treat (cookie, candy, cake....anything with sugar), she'll say: "one more," then "just one more," and finally "a little bit more, please." Grandpa Ron often falls the victim to these requests.

Yesterday she wanted to stay at the park longer. While holding up her pointer finger, she announced "more park....one more minute."

I find her 2-year-old qualities more endearing than anything. Of course we cope with the occasional temper tantrums, but I am continually fascinated by her growing development. We see new evidence of it every day.

Back to School

The start of the school year has been a happy time for all of us. I think we're adjusted to new schedules. My college recently kicked off its academic year with Convocation. Faculty, students, and staff participate in the program and tree-planting ceremony. Here is a picture of my fabulous department all decked out in academic attire for the ceremony. The colorful robes indicate the doctor's (and there are four new ones this year!!) I should have stood in the back with the other ones wearing master's robes. Maybe in a few years....

Dairy Days Fun

Our local fair is in town this weekend. Les, Eva, and I made a pass through the midway last night before Les headed up to Army duty for the weekend. The parade was this morning. Eva and I walked with "Family Connections," a local agency that puts on a lot of great programming for the community. I sit on their board of directors and enjoy supporting such a great cause. We were in the front of the parade so we were able to run back and catch a good seat to see the rest. She loved the bands with the flag girls and drum lines. Anyone who threw candy was also a favorite. Then, tonight we ate dinner there, caught a few more rides, and socialized with the people in our town.

Hobbies

With the new space and land we acquired, I was excited to plant a garden this year. Despite all of the rain, our plants did remarkably well. Between my parents' garden and ours, we had an abundance of vegetables. So, my dad and I decided to do some canning. And then some more....and some more....we now have a surplus of canned goods stored downstairs in our basement. Making our second batch of salsa...

One night we canned 25 pints of pickled cauliflower and bread and butter pickles.

Our third and final day of canning salsa produced big results.

And, the fun isn't over yet. Three jars will be entered and judged at the Belmont fair next weekend. We're hoping for some big prizes!

Snapshots of Summer

Some fun pics.... These "corn eaters" enjoy a first cook out on our new deck.

Mom and Eva pose in front of a "Ted Weier Wagon." One of many welded by my grandfather. Grandpa Ron got inspired and bought one of his own shortly after this picture was taken.

All smiles at her birthday celebration with Grandma, Papa, and Uncle Ryan.

Eva and I made a weekend trip up to visit Dad at Fort McCoy.

Our little swimmer enjoys a lake on post.

Back Blogging

Hello family and friends!

It has been awhile since I have made a post to the blog. We had a wonderful summer, but I'll admit, I got a bit behind. I began teaching an online course which had me working at the computer more than I cared too. Also, our camera was temporarily out of comission so many of our summer memories weren't captured on film. But alas, I committed to doing some posts tonight.

Our summer was very enjoyable even with Les's 6-week army duty. He enjoyed his training and courses for the most part. Eva and I did the small town summer scene with lots of visits to parks, the swimming pool, and some local events. We also spent a lot of time with family and friends.

As always, the months passed quickly and we find ourselves back at work and "school." Les is enjoying his job and the new course he is teaching this fall. I am also happy to be back and am enjoying the second year with much less anxiety than I did one year ago. Eva has adapted well to the Children's Center she attends and comes home with more new words and stories every day. The baby is growing quickly. Les and I got to take a peek during last week's ultrasound. I'm feeling healthy, happy, and hungry....life is good!