Sesame Street Live

I took Cullen to Sesame Street Live on Saturday morning. While not the type of show that I've grown accustomed to during my concert going youth, it was just as good. The smile that erupted on the little guy's face when Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie and friends made their way out from behind the curtain was priceless. Cullen yelled "Hi" to each character as they appeared. He sang, danced and jumped up and down throughout the 90 minute show. On his non concert going days, Cullen spends the majority of his time playing either baseball, basketball, kicking his soccer ball or swinging his golf clubs. Which I am loving. He has picked up on each one quickly. Little Cullen is also growing quite fond of going potty. He is informing us often now of his need to relieve himself. Although, his bladder seems to be the weakest right after we put him to bed. So he has figured out that the potty call will also put off bed time a little longer. Brains and Brawn. What a kid.

Simone is doing fabulous. Its been an amazing three months so far. She is beginning to smile quite a bit more and every time those tiny lips turn upward my heart just melts. She is just precious. She rolled over for the first time two days ago. It is a reminder of just how fast time is flying by. Three months old already. Where does the time go?

My little Irish lad.

As you can see, I really love dressing up my little girl. There's just something more fun with girl clothes than boy clothes. And in case you are wondering, I am doing my best to expose my little girl to good music - i.e. Madonna, Lady GaGa, etc.

Cullen, Dirk and I spent Saturday morning at La Crosse's Irishfest. While it is nowhere near the magnitude of Milwaukee's or Minneapolis' fine Irish festivals, it's still a good time. We started the morning with a 5k run at 10 am. The runners are sent off with an Irish blessing, kilts are common running attire, the winner is booed and there is a keg of Killian's Red at the finish line. What more can you ask for?! We then listened to some live Irish music and played some kiddie games. A fine morning for my little lad.

Playtime with the Vogels.

Kari and I got together with the kids last week - one of many playdates to come. Cullen and Jack had fun finger-painting while the girls just hung out. Cullen and Jack are 2 months apart while Simone and Stella are just 4 weeks apart.

Our new lawn boy.

Cullen thinks mowing the lawn is pretty cool - just because Dirk does it. Hopefully, we can still convince him that it's cool when he's 16!

Summer Haze, Summer Daze.

We can't believe how fast this summer is flying by. Dirk and I have managed to have a bit of adult fun - Liz and Scott's wedding, a night in Mad-town and a Jack Johnson concert. Thank God for grandparents who love to spend time with (a.k.a babysit) our kiddos. Cullen continues to amaze us with his conversation skills. The other night, he yelled from his bed "Dodo, my butt hurts. I need some Bee's" (translation: Burt's Bees diaper rash cream). He is also a very sporty little boy - always showing us that he can "jump really high" and "shoot the ball with my big muscles". Simone is just a sweet baby. We are biased, but we think she's the prettiest little girl we have ever seen and truly the best baby. She is starting to smile a lot, but we have had a hard time capturing the said smiles on camera. Simone becomes to intrigued with the camera and stops smiling every time she sees it!

Enjoy the pics. We have had a lot of fun with family and friends lately. Simone and Cullen recently enjoyed a visit with Maggie and Luke Hanson. And I should note that Simone and Luke share a birthday! We also spent time with Magnus and Talla Hansen. And finally, we were introduced to Emma Reuter. Who would have thought that Andrew Reuter would bless this world with an adorable little girl?! I have a bad feeling that Emma and Simone will be getting into trouble together in the years to come....