The List

Every summer there's a list. The summer to-do list. I'm pretty sure that most items on the list from last summer have carried over to this summer. I guess that's what having a baby can do to you. Last summer's list should have simply read: adjust to life with a baby. Anyway, that makes this summer's list a little longer.

See, it's not just a mental list. It must be written out. Items must be crossed out as they are completed. If something gets done that wasn't originally on the list, it is then added to the list and crossed out. C'mon, I know everyone does that.

Big things on the list:

#1 Paint the kitchen table and barstools black. This is the third summer for that to be on the list. It was moved to the top of the list this year to denote its urgency.


#2 Restain the deck. There's some discussion about this item. Matt wants to completely rebuild the deck so it's all one level instead of two so there's more usable space. I'm on board with the fact that it would be better that way. However, I think it's completely unrealistic to think we can pull that off. Can we please just try to get the stinkin' kitchen table painted?!


#3 Install the drop-ceiling in the basement. I haven't asked too many questions about this...Matt put it on the list. I'm just hoping he's planning to hire an expert for this...but I feel like that's probably just wishful thinking.


Not-so-big things on the list:

#4 Hang the outdoor lights on the deck that I got for my birthday (two years ago). I'm hoping if I get these lights hung that will put a kink in the whole rebuilding the deck plan?


#5 Send back swimsuit. I ordered a suit online which is a terrible idea, I know. Especially since their racing suit sizing is weird. I guessed my size. I guessed wrong. Doesn't this suit look tiny? Yep, apparently the strange sizing was children's sizing. Whoops!


#6 Install Cade's big carseat. That's right folks, we've finally hit 20 pounds! Now there's all this talk about keeping kids rear-facing until age 2...so I don't know if I should consider this one fully marked off the list or not?


Many of the other items on the list include setting up playdates, taking advantage of parks and rec stuff with Cade, and just in general to hang out with some of my favorite people...like Gibbystyle and Trophy Wife for example!


Playdate with Jessica and Reegan at Great Mall play place, check!




Wish us luck with our list...I'll keep you posted as to when (and IF) we get any of this accomplished!

I Wear My Sunglasses

Time to bust out all the summer toys Cade received for his birthday! Matt and I were jacked about this. We got everything ready and waited for Cade to wake up from his nap. I'll let the pictures tell the story. It was pretty much the best Sunday afternoon ever.



















It was time for Cade's second hair cut--this time a short summer do. He was covered in hair by the end of it so we pretty much just had to strip down for the ride home.

Thanks to my mom and the Hepkers this kid barely eats anything but goldfish and cheezits these days.

Not a well balanced diet.

Dumpster diving?


Ah, summer. Let the good times roll!

Happy Father's Day!

Even though I'm pretty terrible at picking out good Father's Day gifts...I'm thankful for this holiday that causes us to reflect on what truly great Dad's we have in our lives. Thanks for your leadership, inspiration, and advice!

My dad, Cade's G-Dad


Matt's dad, Cade's Grandpa Mike



My Papa


Matt's Grandpa Schartz



Matt is pretty much the most fun dad a kid could ask for! Need photographic proof?







Have a wonderful Father's Day!

Summer Fun in Double 1

I vividly remember making tie-dye tshirts one summer and puff painting "Summer Fun in '91" on them. I wore mine all the time. It blows my mind to realize that was TWENTY years ago. Wow.

Ok, onto the fun of THIS decade.

Cade officially made his first pool trip of the summer! We hit up the Hepker's neighborhood pool which worked out perfect because it has a nifty little zero-entry area. Amy graciously offered to take pics, knowing full well that would mean that I end up in the pics and she doesn't. Very sly.

So, we're making a fashion statement...it's called as many prints and as little skin showing as possible.

Easing on in

Starting to enjoy himself

He's a natural!

Not sure about this float thing...


Trying to keep up with Brooks Rundberg

And already the social butterfly of the baby pool

Cade really enjoyed chasing Matt's cousin, Mason, around this week!

Mason stayed with us and attended basketball camp this week. He was a real trooper going to morning workouts with Matt and playing with Cade in the evenings. You're welcome back anytime, Mason!


Since Cade has taken well to the pool (just like I hoped!) we can't wait to explore Black Bob Bay during the Parent/Tot swim time! Did you know that they open early (10:30am-Noon on MWF) for adults with children age 5 and under? Unfortunately, sporadic rain showers kept us from checking it out today but I'm looking forward to taking advantage of this opportunity. If you've got kids under 5 you should join us too! Happy Summer!