happy nine months Buggins

I can never pick just two or three

Opal's been out as long as she's been in! The past few weeks did a number on her sleep with all that traveling, but she eased right back into her once-a-night wakings to nurse. We'll take it. She's gotten a little better about eating now that her diet includes more "adult" food that she can happily feed herself. Her balance is being perfected daily as she pulls herself up and inches along the edges of the couch and chairs, etc. She knows she's closer to walking- that's what that scrunched up nose and mischievous little smile tells me. I love observing her reactions to things I say to her, like "hi" and "bye," "bottle," "night night," "more," "up," "kiss"... She mimics or responds to those in her own, dear way. She's such a sweet, funny little thing. We are blessed. I couldn't have thought up a better number four for our growing family.

Grandma and Grandpa time

It was nice to be back at Grandma and Grandpa's in Wisconsin after being away for only a month and a half. We played lots of games, watched wildlife and a hail storm and played with Sparklers, among other things. The rest of our time with them was spent in Iowa for the Ryan family reunion.

traveling whirlwind- Madison

We've been traveling the past couple of weeks. We've finally landed back home for a while, and I'm going to try to recap here some with pictures.

Our first stop was Madison. I'd never been downtown before and was very impressed by how lovely a city it was. Despite it feeling like 100+ degrees outside, the day was gorgeous- the clouds blew me away. I must have commented on them a few dozen times that day. Checking out the shore of Lake Monona The ducks went to town on Opal's puffs. Getting a better view Farmer's market Refueling at Tipsy Cow When in Wisconsin... Playing with fun waterfalls fountains by the Capitol Spied a playground by Lake Mendota Wanting to dive in by this point. If I hadn't been by myself with them (Mike was taking care of work stuff), we probably would have, as there was a little beach area further down. Sorry Pittsburgh. Downtown Madison is prettier. Completely wilted. We had just done Madison by foot in three hours. In the blazing heat. They did an amazing job, my little troopers.

And there you have it. Madison. Next stop, Holmen.

the traveling Buggins

We've seen a lot of this face during the past week. taken mid-fuss by Aunt Ashley while in Iowa for the Ryan family reunion

Blackridge Pool fun

Our friends, the Wards, invited us to their pool in Blackridge last night. It was a perfect evening for wading and splashing around in the kiddie pool (and learning to stay afloat in the big one), grilling out, eating ice cream soup cones (we may have waited a bit too long for dessert in the 90 degree weather), and chatting with good friends. Thanks again, Wards, for a fun evening!