Stop-over in Omaha

The big Davidson gang at our stop-over in Omaha.  Thanks Pak and Paul for hosting us and cooking up a delicious meal!

Layover

Look who we found in MPLS!! On their way to Thailand, we surprised these two brave travelers at the airport!

Sweet snuggles!!

Giving Aunt Beth the "pout"

But guess who rocked me to sleep?? Have very safe travels, miss you already!

Merry Merry Merry

We spent a very quiet (relatively) Christmas at home. The kids all nestled in their beds after just barely making it through the Christmas Eve service by candlelight. Vincent has quite a habit of informing all the church members that he likes yellow and proceeded to demonstrate his impression of a big yellow DINO.. which means stomping loudly!

In the morning the kids were impressively patience watching and waiting as each took a turn opening a gift. We spent the whole day playing and enjoying as a family. It was fun!

The girls enjoyed their gifts. Both have been devouring their books on the Kindles, so much so that Eloise shouted from her bed that she was ordering another Berenstain Bear Book at 8:30pm, hoping that we wouldn't mind that she used our credit card.. oops.

Julianne snuggled up with her new puppy.

And Vincent was happy just to have his YELLOW M&M candy.

Turkey and a Day

Vincent and Uncle Paul admiring the big bird. Nineteen some pounds of meat!

Claudia and Aunt Pak enjoying the umpteen game of "My father owns a grocery store and in it is something...."

The two little ones listening to a book with Uncle Mark.

The food was great; all my favorites for the Thanksgiving holiday. The best, though, was really the time and memories that the kids shared with family. Family that live too far away to see every day. I'm thankful for that special time.

OH--IO

Our last adventure before the school year begins... Ohio.  Since we moved from Columbus, Ohio four years ago we had not been back.  Long overdue were visits with family and friends, but the main reason we made the trip this time was for Claudia.  

She has been so dedicated to the idea of having a helper dog that we are doing our best to support the dream.  After researching, we felt like a group in Delaware (close to Columbus) was the best for us.  The final step before being placed on the waiting list for a dog is completing a personal interview.  So you will see we have a photo from the interview with one of the dogs there at Canine Companions for Independence

There most certainly was an animal theme to our whole trip... Starting with the 

Davidson Dairy Farm.

(My apologies for not getting a better photo of family.)

Great Uncle Ned showing off the cows

Giving a calf some water

Tractor Rides!

In the above photo, we were visiting the early intervention teacher and therapists (Darla, Nancy, Dee, and Vicky) at the Childhood League.  Both of the girls qualified for early intervention services in Ohio based on their premature birth.  We are forever indebted for the great start they gave the girls.

Claudia and Eloise smiling at the Canine Companion Office.  "Patti" was kind enough to keep the girls company while we finished the interview.  Claudia had a chance to try working with a dog while she was there.  

Claudia and Helen (her first PT) posing at Children's Hospital in Columbus.  Helen has spent hours staring into those eyes working on rolling and sitting back then!!  We have always been amazed by Helen's dedication and fabulous therapy skills.

The Krueger Crew burning the night oil with the Rank kids in the hotel.  The kids had a blast playing together as always.  Their parents are wonderful too!!

Our neighborhood friends from Westgate gathered for a beautiful evening.  We dearly miss all these lovely lady role models.  Each one of them has been generous and kind to our family.

And finally a quick stop in Indiana to visit Katie, Matt and Speckles!  What a cute and well-behaved little puppy.  Thanks for having us.

Pheeewww.. we survived!

Nebraska

Here are some of the highlights of our Nebraska trip.  Honestly, we were a few naps shy of our best travel performance... maybe next time.  I apologize for the lack of sweet corn photos, my hands were busy.

Just for you.

Uncle Paul helping Claudia to climb a little higher.

"googled"

Here's the Davidson group.... so far!

Bobby

We are extremely blessed to have a kind and generous Uncle Bob.  He has taken time from a busy parish and driven across Wisconsin to spend time with us.  Above is from a visit in Ohio when the girls were just about two and below was early this week.  He is calm and sweet with the little ones.  He even allows the little ones to call him "Bobbi".  He also takes the time to listen to Matt and I chat about our thoughts and worries.  Thanks for the visit Uncle Bob!

Door County

Some photos from the weekend trip to Door County. We had the pleasure to welcome Lewis into the family.

And spend some time with cousins.

Take in the wildlife of the bay.

Catch a few little ones.

Enjoy the bustle of a BIG family.

And someone had time to be a little pistol!

Rain on our Parade

Our 4th of July Kiddie Parade was rained out! It is still raining so we are grateful that Friday and Saturday were such beautiful days. We were outside playing and picking raspberries. Happy July to you!

King Dado

We celebrated with our very special royalty today in style. Dressed in crown and cape our fair father weathered the fun. The girls have become famously good at keeping secrets, so Dado had a nice surprise.

Summer

Marshmallow roasting, boat rides, bike rides, long car rides, visits with family and friends, kids camps, swimming lessons, piano lessons, and so much more.. With eight days of school left the girls may be a little sad but they have a lot to look forward to this summer.

Weekend Highlights

Claudia dreams of serving as a firefighter.

Career number 2... COP

Transportation Fair

Got the Beans planted.

Eloise delivering the birthday cake for an (early) celebration. This is just after a near miss of the floor.

Enough waiting.. stealing some frosting!

Grandma Jane's Birthday!

The girls had a good dance recital, complete with professional bows. It was a true blessing to have both sets of grandparents here. The grandkids thrive on their attention and doting, hope we will be able to repeat the event next year. You're invited!