Eva and Mom's (Mini) Adventure

Eva and I set out yesterday on our first road trip together. First stop: the doctor in Madison for her one-year well check-up. The visit went well and she even took her three shots like a tough girl. From there, we headed up North toward Fon du Lac to join Aunt Sue and Stevie at a cabin. We stopped at McDonald's on the way up and Eva had her first Happy Meal - chicken nuggets and apple slices!

We enjoyed the cabin and quiet Forest Lake. We spent time on the beach, playing in the water, and even taking a little cruise in a paddle boat. Unfortunately, our trip was cut a little short. Eva wasn't feeling her best today so we headed back rather than staying one more day.

Overall...a fun little outing for us!

Mom and Eva drying off on the dock after a swim.

Eva was entertained by cousin Stevie.

One-Year Pictures

Eva spent her birthday afternoon getting her pictures taken. She was a lot more wiggly than she was at past photo sessions. The photographer earned her wages today. But, we did get some cute ones!

You can almost see her 6 teeth!
This Amish made rocking chair was Eva's birthday gift from the Weier's. It's a great match to her toybox from the Hollingsworths!
Mom's dream...a baby who loves to read!

Happy Birthday Eva!!

Today is Eva's first birthday. This morning her dad said, "I can't believe it's finally here. It feels like we've been celebrating for a week." He's not that far off! We've had a run of parties in the past few days.

We started the festivities with a birthday picnic at a park in Iowa with both sets of Grandparents and dad's family. Some of the partygoer's: Aunt Lynn, Aunt Laura, Emma, Abby, Great Aunt Joyce, Great Grandma Sheckler. Both Grandma's are on the other side.
Dad helps Eva open her gifts. She was a big fan of this part of the event.
A family picture with our one-year-old and the substitute cake (the original one didn't arrive at the bakery in time for us to pick it up.)

After Eva's party, we set off down the road for Natalie's 4th birthday party. Meg included Eva in the fun. Here both girls are sporting their birthday crowns.

Summer eats

Dad offered Eva a bite of sweet corn the other night at dinner. She loved gnawing on it with her two new front teeth. There were even some tears when he took the ear of corn back. Eva: proud of her Iowa roots!
Flashback to April: another favorite treat...cantelope!

Dancing Machine

We spent the past weekend in Rochester, Minnesota for Art and Melody's wedding. The whole wedding weekend was beautiful and we had a wonderful time. Eva points to the dance floor during one of the competitions. (She made a second appearance at the reception in her pajama's after covering herself with dinner.)
Family picture
Eva is already making her Dad nervous by showing a fondness for boys. She enjoyed smiling and laughing at all of the young men. Here she is with Jesse, Aaron, Gene, and Dad.

I love dogs!

Eva is a lover of animals...she squeals in delight if we pass a dog on the street or spot a bunny, bird or deer on our walks. Recenly we hung out with Ryan, Angela and Gus while they were back visiting. The "big people" enjoyed coffee and catching up while the little ones played together. Gus plays so nicely with Eva!
And it's no wonder...she shares her snacks with him.

First haircut

Eva got her first haircut this afternoon. We've put it off for over 11 months. She still has her long springy curls...they just won't be in her face so much now. She was very relaxed in the chair with her little dinosaur cape.

Ta-daa! Eva showing off her new bangs. No more hair in the eyes!

Our Big Girl

I thought I'd share a couple of candid pictures of Eva enjoying some playtime at home...

Eva appears to be less of a baby and more of a little girl each day. Her newest source of entertainment is getting into anything and everything. She is especially attracted to our end table that holds our DVD's. Pulling them out is a big thrill for her.

Her fifth tooth pushed through yesterday. She now has two bottom teeth and three front top teeth. The new tooth has been a little uncomfortable for her. She has been extra cuddly the last couple of days.

Her hair continues to be a source of conversation with people we meet. Today during church, Father Charles walked over to us and told me he'd have a lot of uses for all of that hair. It will now stay in a ponytail on the top of her head, making her look a lot like Pebbles from the Flintstones.

She is also displaying one of her dad's attractive qualities: a deep dark suntan. She and I spend lots of time outside going for walks, playing at the park, and swimming. Despite the globs of suntan lotion I put on her, she gets darker and darker. She now is sporting a tan most bikini models would kill for!

Father's Day

Our family had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. The best part: having Dad back home! Les has been gone for the past two weeks to Fort McCoy where he works as an instructor of Field Artillery for the Army National Guard. He was able to take a short leave to come home and spend his first Father's day with us.

We helped Jenny celebrate her graduation with family and friends at a reception at the country club on Saturday night. Then, we headed to Governor Dodge State Park on Sunday for a picnic and some beach time.

Eva shows Dad her swimming skills in Cox Hollow Lake.

Grandma, Grandpa, and Jenny joined us for the picnic. Here is another goofy picture of Grandpa and Dad (we have quite a few!) There is a story behind Les's "too tight T-shirt," which he borrowed from me. Let's just say he learned a lesson about the effectiveness of swim diapers...

Summer lovin'

Eva and I have been having lots of fun with friends this summer... Here we are at the pool with mom's best friend and Eva's godmother, Beth Jones!

We've also got to spend some time with some very important "little people." We took a break from the adult chit-chat at Jenny's graduation party and headed outdoors to blow bubbles and play with rocks. We're pictured with Steven Weier, Lexi Shea, and Natalie Butler. Steven and Natalie are mom's first cousins...but just the right age for playing with Eva.

Farm Girl!

Well, we did it! We moved from our home in the suburbs to farm country. (This explains my break from blogging.) For the past week and a half, Eva and I have been living between two places while Les is away at Army training. It's nice to finally be settled.

We kicked off our first weekend with a trip to the county's Dairy Breakfast. Grandpa Ron was cooking up pancakes there. Ryan, Jenny, Eva, and I couldn't pass up a big breakfast and the chance to see farm animals and tractors!

Eva has her first encounter with a Jersey calf...at least that's what I think it is...

Grandpa introduces her to these two Guernseys calves

Mom and Eva smile in front of a cow from "the square." (Despite our efforts, the balloon in her hand was much more exciting than the livestock.)

Pool Party!

We celebrated Crystal's 25th birthday with an outdoor BBQ and pool party at her home in Madison. Eva was the youngest partygoer. She had a great time swimming with the girls and joining in on the fun. Eva swims with Mom, Crystal, and Aunt Jenny

Snuggling up with Uncle Ryan after a long day of fun

Our scoop

The end of May finds us scrambling to make our next move a reality. We are packing up and plan to move much of our stuff next Sunday. We will be renting an apartment in town while our new house is being constructed.

It's my turn for big news. I was offered a position as an assistant faculty member at a nearby college. I will be teaching two classes and supervising student teachers. I am very excited about the new position...and thrilled that it is half time! I sign the contract tomorrow and get the curriculum materials so that I can begin planning over the summer.

It's taking a lot of effort for us to organize everything, but we hope all the work will be worth it in the end.

Future sight of our new home and view from the back of our house.

Spaghetti: A Comedy In Four Parts

"Okay Mom and Dad, let me at it!"

"Hey, this stuff is fun!"

Extreme close up.

"Officially a mess. Ta-da!"

(Special thanks to Robyn and Jonas for the idea)

The Sandbox

Eva has discovered sand.

It was love at first sight.

She enjoys picking it up, pushing it around, wearing it, and...occasionally...eating it.
She joins Jack, Max, and Molly in the sandbox at daycare.

Congratulations Aunt Jenny!!

Time for a little "back blogging"...

Jenny recently graduated from Indiana University's Optometry program. Our whole family traveled to Bloomington, Indiana to celebrate her most excellent accomplishments!

Dr. Jennifer Weier with her very proud parents

Jenny and boyfriend Nate Otte at the Optometry graduation

Ryan and Eva got to bond over the weekend. Here they are with some more classic hairdo's

Our family -enjoying a beautiful afternoon with Ryan and Gus

Little Red

Finally, the weather here has turned beautiful and we took full advantage of it this weekend. Eva is at such a fun age! She loved our outdoor adventures this weekend. We bought a bike trailer from a neighbor and gave that a spin. She loved it and we enjoyed getting out for a bike ride again. Then, we took a break on a picnic blanket in our backyard. I'm so excited to spend the summer with her.
On a sadder note, this weekend had its bittersweet moments too. Our other baby, Frank, went to a new home. His health issues have grown and we just haven't been giving him the time and care that he needs. Laura has a friend who recently got a little black pug and was thrilled to take Frank in. We hope to hear updates and maybe even visit him at his new home. While it truly seems the best for everyone, our house is unusually quiet this weekend. He'll always have a special place in our hearts.

Life's Precious Moments

After a busy morning of excitement in downtown Madison with Crazy Legs and the farmer's market, Eva took a long nap in her crib. When I peeked in on her, I found her curled up with her "Precious Moments" bunny, a gift from Grandma and Grandpa.

9 Months

9 month pictures of our precious little girl!

Easter Fun

Our family celebrated Easter at Grandma and Grandpa H's house. We arrived Saturday just in time to meet the Easter Bunny and join in on an Easter Egg Hunt. It was a windy cold day! Eva and I ran for the car shortly after the hunt was over.

Family Picture

(Dad, wake up!)

On Sunday, we had Easter dinner with Eva's relatives on Dad's side. Here she is with little cousins Emma and Adam.