My brother Charlie and his family came to visit us last month - it has been years since we have seen each other so this was a very fun visit. It was great to catch up and for Violet to finally meet her cousin Teagan. They are currently stationed in Japan but we are hoping they may be moving back to the states soon. Thanks again for the great visit!

Okay I know I'm a little late in posting Halloween Pics - this was a fun night for the girls and little Gabe Monster.
We took the girls trick or treating in Grandma & Grandpa Bartels neighborhood.

Update on Violet -
This sassy but sweet little girl is fast approaching the terrible two's. She is like a sponge when it comes to learning and often will sing her own version of the ABC's and Twinkle Little Star. She is into playing with her stuff animals, baby dolls and she still loves her books. Her two most favorite buddies right now are Daddy and Frank. Her other two favorites are Lucy and Baka Bake (*aka Gabe) - we can't say Lucy's name unless we are on our way to see her. Another big milestone in the past month or so ... she is now sleeping in her big girl bed - she still brings about 5 stuff animals with her, but whatever works! Enjoy the pics as mentioned in the captions she is growing - I think John might get his vollyball player after all.

Here are some pics taken awhile ago when we got together with friends and kids at Joe & Christiane's.

My brother and sister in law live in Hawaii - they sent Violet a Hula girl outfit as a gift. She looked so adorable dancing around the living room.

Here are a few pics of Gabe, Lucy & Violet at Grandma Bartels house.

Teddy Bear Band

These are some pics from an outing with Grandma Bartels to see the Teddy Bear Band. Violet loved it - it included many of her favorite things - Music, Dancing & Teddy Bears! Enjoy

New Pics

Cousins

Christiane and I took the kids to Como Zoo a couple weekends ago. I just had to post this pic of Lucy and Violet, I love the expressions on their faces as they are running - full of mischief.

More Pics of Miss Sassy Pants

I received a special request from Aunt Julie for more pictures of her niece! My parents captured all sorts of personality. Here you go - enjoy!

Happy 3rd Anniversary

Thank you John for being such a wonderful husband and father - I will always cherish this special day and I look forward to many more years with you! Love you! Tona

Sunshine

Hoping for some more Sunshine so we can enjoy many more lunch times on the deck.

Easter

Well we finally downloaded some pics off the camera and found the Easter pics.
Grandma Bartels setup an Easter Egg hunt for Lucy & Violet. I wasn't sure if Violet would do it or not but as you can see she mastered Egg Hunting with no problem, she just needs to work on being quicker then Lucy.

Dancing with Grandpa

My parents came for a visit a few weeks back. They wanted to celebrate their anniversary by spending time with V and me. =) They brought Violet gifts of musical instruments - as you can see she is mastering them with a little help from Grandpa. She is also showing off her other favorite activity "Dancing" she dances to everything - she is full of personality.
(*I most enjoyed Grandpa's dancing) =)

Chocolate Pudding Face

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Violet Showing Off

Violet was in a good mood tonight and decided to repeat some of the words she knows. Most of the time when I try to get her to speak she just looks at me and laughs or runs away, so catching it on video was like photographing Bigfoot.

I LOVE BOOKS




I often find Miss V in her bedroom sitting in her comfy chair reading her books. She has a tradition of pulling all of her books out of the basket and spreading them all over the floor near her feet. It is one of my favorite things to watch her do. She will read out load in her gibber gabber and will point to all the pictures on the pages. Here are a couple pics.

Happy V Day!

Christmas Pics

Better late then never - here are an assortment of pics from Christmas. Enjoy!

Christmas Weekend in Madison with
Grandma & Grandpa Wallsch.

"Grandma you crack me up!"


"Is it breakfast time?"




Grandpa Wallsch showing Violet how to ride her new pony.


Miss Lucy & Miss Violet hanging out in their
chairs at Grandma Bartels


Violet carefully touching each ornament on the tree.


Grandma Bartels gave Violet her own chair - she has it in her room and we often find her reading her books...well trying to read the books.
(*Notice the guitar,Violet is showing a little of her rocker side.)

Violets First Birthday Party

I know this is a over due post - but better late then never.
Enjoy the pics I'll write more when I get a little more time.

(*Smaller piece of cake - but just as much fun)

(*I'm actually hiding from the messy frosting hands)

Look at that belly!

One of Violets favorite books!

Mr Piggy Bank - it sings songs and Violet dances to it

Violets first baby doll - we are practicing hugs.