One!

Here are the little toddler's 1 year photos. She was much more interested in what was going on in the photo studio next to ours so these are, in a sense, action shots.

Chase whispered to me during this shot, "That's not how you spell Leah."

Smirking......

Smiling...

Not how you spell Leah...

Taking a break from continually walking out of the room....

Pooping? (Sorry, Leah, I saw Chase do this a lot as a toddler with a diaper change resulting shortly there after)...

My favorite...

Bear hug!

Sassy 6th

We celebrated our 6 year anniversary on the 27th.

This is why we "work"...

Susan to Gary: "Why do we have a dishwasher if you just put your dirty dishes on the counter above the empty dishwasher?"

Gary to Susan: "Why do we have a stove?"

Susan: "Ouch. Good one!"

Advocacy (and a 7.3!)

Chase had his 3 month A1C yesterday. 7.3! He's right where they want him.

Leah had a blood draw as well. She had her iron levels tested as well as a test to check for lead (our home was built in the 50's, so it was just a precautionary test). The poor little girl has inherited her dad's veins. They had to try 3 times to find a vein. The whole time she was screaming, "Done!!!". Chase, luckily, has inherited my veins and he is a total pro at the whole process. It doesn't get any easier for me, though - I want a cure!!!

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is sponsoring an advocacy competition called "Spread the Word." Please help us spread the word! It's quick and easy to become an advocate.

Extra Crispy

We spent the weekend in Iowa to helping Brianna celebrate her voyage into the teen years. It's hard to believe, but that little girl is now a teenager. Happy Birthday, Brianna! You will forever be my favorite niece.

It was Gary (and Leah's) first trip to Kathryn and John's house, too. John took us out on his boat and managed to get rid of our pesky farmer's tans. Unfortunately, Gary and I are now red instead of white (the kids are okay). Chase even shocked us by riding on the inter tube all by himself.

These kids grow up way too fast!

Creative kid

Chase took a pottery painting class last week at Creative Clay. It is a new store in town where go in, pick out a piece of pottery, paint it and then, in a week, you get a shinny work of art.

It is an addicting place. So far, Chase has painted me a coffee mug, my mom a plate, and my dad a bowl. Last week was his turn to create some things for himself.

Birthday Princess

Happy 1st Birthday, Leah!!!

We love you so much. You ARE a princess - even when it's not your birthday.

Hugs, kisses, and headbutts - Mom & Dad

Walking!

Leah started walking a week ago today! I've been trying to get her on video ever since. I was finally able to catch her yesterday while we were at the park.

Chase walked a week after his first birthday. Leah has beat him by two weeks! Our little lady turns 1 tomorrow!! There may be some resentment on Chase's part - check out what he does at the end of the video.

4th of July

Happy Independence Day!

Our weekend in photos:

Thursday night, arrive in DL. Celebrate Brianna and Leah's July birthdays!

Play with Grandpa's new "toy".

July 4th - attend a parade and spend time out at Wood Lake with the family. Susan and Gary are still recovering from inter tubing and water skiing (thanks, John).

July 5th - work on Grandma's stepping stones.

Leah doesn't enjoy decorating the stepping stones. She much rather would enjoy a ride on the cement sweeper.

Take Grandpa's boat out for it's yearly dip in the water.

Learn that gulls like reduced fat Cheese Nips (which is good, because we don't). They also like: cupcakes, watermelon, and pretzels.

Exhausting, yet fun, weekend!

Jubilee

Gary's aunt, Sister Eleanor, celebrated her 50th anniversary of her monastic profession on June 28th.

Congratulations, Sister Eleanor!