Fall Mini-Vacation

We took mini-vacation to northeast Iowa to view fall colors. We certainly got to see a lot of God's beautiful vacation and enjoyed getting away as a family. We left Thursday late afternoon and headed to Dubuque, going off road thru Graf and up Potter's Hill (which Jameson had biked up on RAGBRAI last summer). It was amazing how far you could see and the trees and countryside was BEAUTIFUL!

After checking in to a hotel, we had supper at Tony Roma's. The flatbread pizza appetizer was very tasty!

Jameson and Anna at the resturant

After supper we took Alice for a swim in the hotel pool. She had a great time, despite that she was freezing because she doesn't move enough in the water to keep herself warm.

Alice got to sleep in her own queen bed, which she was delighted about!

Both girls slept well and woke up early and ready to go. After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, we headed north along Great River Road.
We saw a lot of beautiful trees over looking the Mississippi!

We stopped at a park in Guttenburg, IA to play / strech and feed Anna.

Watching the barge go through the lock in Guttenburg.

Alice enjoyed reading a lot of books. Hopefully in upcoming years she'll appreciate the beautiful colors of the leaves more.

We went to Pikes Peak state park and took a short hike/walk to Bridal Veil Falls.
Jameson and Alice

Me and Anna

Family photo at Pikes Peak overlooking the Mississippi :)

Beautiful Trees

Our mini-vacation ended by coming home and going to a UNI Volleyball game

Sept. '11

Alice's first day with full pigtails.

Alice has been having a lot of fun swimming in her pool in the backyard. She loves laying on her tummy and kicking her feet and blowing bubbles.

Alice has finally decided that getting her picture taken is fun and now makes BIG Cheesy smiles for the camera.

Jameson and I got to go to the Iowa State vs. Iowa game in Ames. His friend won tickets and gave them to us since he already had season tickets. Our wonderful friend Gayle, along with her two girls, graciously agreed to watch Alice and Anna for the day since both Grandmas were busy. This was my first time away from Anna for more than an hour. It was a close and exciting game from the beginning to the end. After 3 overtimes, Iowa State won 44-40. It was a great game to be at!

Labor Day Weekend we spent the weekend at Jameson's families. We've been staying with his parents the last couple times as Jameson's brother Austin has graciously moved to the downstairs bedroom when we come so that we can have both bedrooms upstairs during our visit. This works out great, allowing Alice to have her own bedroom which helps her, and thus us, sleep much better.

Alice and Anna with Grandma Roose

Jameson and his dad did some fishing and caught several large fish.

Alice had fun playing with her cousins, especially Timothy. He's older so there's not competition for toys between them and he does a great job of helping watch out for her. She can now say Timothy ('T T'), Arie, and Lydia and has mentioned them at least once, usually multiple times, everyday since this visit. When I ask her who we should pray for Timothy is frequently one of the first people she mentions.

Alice playing with Timothy.

Anna showing Grandma Roose her delightful smiles

Anna and Great-Grandma Roose

Alice geared up to cheer on the Cyclones. (Cheesing, but not quite as much.)

Daddy having quality time w/ his little girls.

Alice & Anna 'riding horse' on the chair arms.

We went down to Jameson's family again at the end of September to meet our newest nephew, Peter, the weekend after he was born.

Anna & Peter (2 months apart)

Jameson and Peter

We went to a nearby farm with grandma, grandpa, Aunt Joy, and the cousins to buy some pumpkins for fall decor.

Alice & Pumpkin

Saturday night we had a hot dog roast at the farm.

Alice 'helping' Grandma Roose & Uncle Austin w/ dishes.

Aug '11

Garden produce- first big pick of cucumbers

The second Sunday after Anna was born, Jordan, Joy, TImothy, Arie, and Lydia came to meet Anna.
Aunt Joy, Lydia, and Arie meeting Anna

Jameson and Timothy had fun climbing one of the trees in our front yard.

Alice busy 'working'.

Jameson giving Anna her first bottle (practice for her baby shower the next day).

My friend Cindy threw a baby shower to celebrate Anna's new life. She is a great host and the decorating, food, and fellowship with good friends and family made it a special afternoon.

While guests were arriving at the shower everyone made flower hair clips for Alice and Anna.

Family photo.

Sweet Sisters!

More garden produce- the first big pick of (roma and large) tomatoes.


Since Anna was born she has slept much better in her car seat than she did laying flat in her bed. We decided to let her sleep in there if it meant mommy could get some sleep during the night (and some things done during the day). Then I started having her sleep in there during naps, when possible. Now I start the night having her sleep in her crib but if she wakes up before feeding time and can't get back to sleep I still put her car seat and then she sleeps great (and I can too)!

Aug.20/21 my cousin Elizabeth and her boyfriends Ryan were going to be 'home' (in the QC) for their birthdays so we made a trip back that weekend as well. We came Friday night and stayed thru Sunday afternoon. Usually we head home Saturday night so we can be back to our church on Sunday morning. It was nice to have a little longer visit this time and we got to go to the Moline OPC church and hear Pastor Ken Golden preach, which we really enjoyed. Saturday night we had a get together with my relatives for Elizabeth and Ryan's birthday. The weather was BEAUTIFUL so we spent the evening outside.
Alice playing with side walk chalk w/ my Aunt Carol.

Anna w/ Elizabeth and Great-Grandma Granger.

Alice trying to get in on a game of Bags.

Alice and Anna w/ Grandma and Grandpa Teeselink.

Alice still loves Anna just as much as the day she was born... or more. She is a GREAT big sister, eager to help mommy by getting Anna's burp rag (which Alice refers to as 'burp'), pacifier ('ba ba'), diaper, wipes, etc. She likes to have Anna close by and almost always stops what she's doing when Anna wakes up from a nap and comes with me to get her. She loves to give her hugs and kisses and asks to have Anna sit by her by sitting down, patting the floor next to her and saying Anna. Alice still gets super excited around Anna at times and needs constant reminding to be careful around Anna so she doesn't hurt her.
Anna seems to love her big sister and gives her great smiles. She is patient with Alice's close hello's, hugs, and kisses (Alice doesn't seem to think Anna needs much, if any, personal space). I'm excited to see the girls become great friends in upcoming years.
Sisterly Love

Smiling for the camera.

Alice playing with a new toy- a magnet puzzle that my mom's good friend Judy sent her along w/ a baby gift for Anna. She loved this new puzzle and quickly mastered it and learned her sea animals. Previously she's done puzzles with pictures underneath to show what pieces go where. This one she just had to go by the shape but that didn't stop her. So far it appears she'll love puzzles as much as I do! This is probably because I am always willing to sit down and do puzzles with her :)