Family Vacation

On Friday, May 18 we drove to Forest City, IA for our first family vacation. (I've been practicing the words to "Over the river and through the woods..."). Adley was a champ, she napped well in her carseat and was still in good spirits when we arrived 7 hours later.

We watched Anna and Fai graduate from Forest City High School on Sunday and then there was the graduation party. (see previous post for pictures). By all accounts over 100 people came by to wish the graduates well. Adley was busy meeting more of her extended family. It was a busy day!

After graduation, we stayed a few more days to relax
(all the Eggebraaten siblings under 1 roof!).


We also found time for a lunch out at a Cancun's in Clear Lake.

And a stroll through Pilot Knob State Park, the second highest point in Iowa. This picture was taken at the top of the lookout tower. As you can see, the view is beautiful. Adley stayed home with Grandma so we could enjoy the outdoors on our own.

Auntie Anna bought Adley her first ball and we ALL had fun. Adley enjoys "rolling" the ball and "catching" it when it comes to her. She's starting to show real excitement now. She waves her arms and kicks to show her feelings. As Grandma Mary says, she "smiles with her whole body."

One day it was windy enough to try on the new windbreaker that mom just found.

Grandma took us to visit the "Legendary Surf Ballroom" in Clear Lake, IA. This was the site of the last concert by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson on February 2, 1959 before their plane crashed nearby.

That night we played cards. Its never too young to learn a family pastime.

Mostly we just hung out with Grandma and Grandpa.

We had a great time and made it back to Joliet safely.
Its always hard to leave, but the pictures help us remember.
Until next time...

Say Uncle!

Uncle Andrew

Uncle Noah & Uncle Peter

Great-Uncle Noel

Family

"Having a place to go - is a home.
Having someone to love - is a family.
Having both - is a blessing."
Donna Hedges

Relaxing in Iowa

Congratulations Anna! Class of 2007

Adley's ready. Bring on the graduating!

Posing with Grandma...


...and Aunt Anna...

...and Uncle Noah...


...and Cousin Jeff...


...and Aunt Karen.


Fai & Anna
Forest City High School Class of 2007


What's a party without a little dancing?
Can you do something about the music in here?

Here's to being a mom...

Retro duds

Orange tie-dye and bell bottoms. What a fashionable babe!

"Dad says my outfit is very Scooby Doo. Whatever that means!"

Favorite Teddy Bear (5/6/07)

Toys Taste Great!

EVERYTHING goes in the mouth these days.
And the only way to see the world is by sitting up. Unless she's sleeping or eating, Adley must be in her full upright and learning position.

She LOVES sitting up!

"What a great ring."


"I wonder what it tastes like."


"Its not my fault you're too slow with the camera."


"Oh no! I lost it. Mom, can you get it back?"


"Yum!"

April Happenings

With our first overnight trip coming on May 1, we bought a Pack N' Play. This was the trial run (for all of us).

We'll call this the before picture...


...and the verdict is...










...wait for it...











ALL SMILES!

The Pack N' Play is a big success!

The best part is, at the Pastor's Conference at Pheasant Run (one night only), Adley slept very well in the Pack N' Play. She took her naps and slept through the night.
Wow, this girl is so good to us.


On Saturday, April 28, we attended a 50th Anniversary celebration. This was Adley's first dress-up party. She was beautiful in Mommy's dress. She even wore Mommy's baby shoes to complete the outfit. We didn't have our camera at the lunch, so this was taken after the festivities, much closer to nap time.


This was Adley's outfit for Sunday, April 29. Again, you can tell its nap time.


Monday, April 30, was Daddy's day off. Since the weather warmed up, we spent some time outside.


"Do we look alike?"


Buddies.


"How'd that elephant get up there? Elephants can't climb trees!"