7.29.2008

As Dane Would Say...This is a biiigggg-un!


Today, Erin and I took the kids to a concert in the park. Dane thought they were so good and listened very carefully. When they finished a song, he would say "yay!" and clap. Such a nice boy.


Celia and Dane played with chalk as they listened to the music.


There are some great fountains for kids to play in right near the bandshell. Here is Dane getting ready to run in the "sprinklers."





These two were so cute to watch run all over the place. Their little faces say it all. Ah...to be young again.


A hug to end the fun day they had together. Hopefully Dane and Celia can be friends for years to come.


We go to the beach every week and every week, Dane gets braver and enjoys it more and more.





Once he gets over being cold, he loves to go out and float. He kicks and paddles and really has a fun time. He won't let me touch the floatie. This new found independence is scary.


We also go to the park almost every day. I always try to catch some good pictures, but Dane is too fast for me. This time, I managed to get a few.



Time is flying by-Dane is almost two already! I can't believe it. These pictures make him look so grown up. My beautiful big boy.


Dane wouldn't let Ross or myself ride with him on the teeter totter. Again, the independence thing is beginning to bug me.



One last trip across the bridge before heading home. He is so very careful to step over the cracks like he might fall through.

I say it quite often, but we feel so blessed and lucky to have such an interested, curious, happy and loving little boy. He is so sweet, has great manners, says "bless you" if he hears you sneeze, and will just randomly say to me, "mom, I love you."
Being a parent is hard work, but being a stay-at-home parent is really hard work. You don't get to here or feel the rewards of all of your work until about 18 months. I wouldn't trade my days with Dane for anything and am so grateful to know that he loves me.

7.25.2008

Here He Is

Here he is! The newest member of our family. Cooper Olen Danielson.
We went to see little Cooper and he's getting so big already.



I'm so not the best at taking pictures. I tried to catch him with his mouth closed, but missed my shot.


Here is Dane and his new little cousin.
We are so thrilled to add another to our growing list of nephews and nieces and we are looking forward to watching Cooper, along with everyone else, grow up.



Nephew Hunter (the new big brother). He just had his 4th birthday! Happy Birthday Buddy!


Sweet little Ava.


Going for a ride in the wagon...


Dane was doing everything that Hunter was doing. He had just seen Hunter put on his bike helmet and ride his bike. So, Dane went and found another "helmet" and rode this bike. Very cute stuff.


This shot is kind of blurry and not really relevant to this post, but I had to share. I went shopping for clothes for next summer (for Dane, not me). I spent $40 and got him 6 pairs of shorts and 10 shirts. I couldn't believe the deals I found. And at my favorite store.

7.20.2008

This and That!

Every week, we do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. This week, we tried our hand at finger painting again. Now that Dane is a bit older, I figured he wouldn't try to eat it. I was right!


I think he looks so grown up in this picture.


Our friend Celia has been finger painting recently, as well. Her mom had her use q-tips. Brilliant!



Friday night, we went into Elk River to the parade. Dane really enjoyed watching all of the floats and the people. Here he is posing with his new ball.


A new nightly ritual began mid-week. Daddy started giving Dane tubbies. Dane asked Daddy to come in. Way too cute!!!

7.16.2008

Fun Stuff!

We've been keeping pretty busy this summer playing at the park, going to the beach, spending time with grandparents and friends, etc. However, Dane still finds time to relax each morning watching his "ta-rain" video from Great Grandma Jo. It's his current obsession. Anyone who has or had a toddler at one time, knows that obsessions change weekly. Funny stuff...

This is Dane watching the video with such focus.

More of the "ta-rains." But this time, nakey ta-rains.



"I board it." That's what Dane tells Daddy when he wants a train ride.


Last night, we went over to the Skubic's for some bbq, conversation and pool time. It was very nice (great food and company) ! The kids were a blast to watch. They actually started to play together a little bit. The love each other's company and we wish they could play everyday.


Dane and Celia eating dinner at CC's table.


It was really hard to get them both to look at me... busy, busy.


Dane loves to hug his bud Celia


Lounging.


"Ta-Da!"


Great fun, Skooges! Let's do it again, soon. You're the coolest. No wait...that's me. Sorry.

7.11.2008

Welcome Baby Cooper!

I'm an auntie again!!! My brother and sister-in-law welcomed their 3rd baby yesterday. Cooper Olen Danielson was born a healthy 9 pounds 8 ounces. Mom and baby are doing great! Big brother Hunter and big sister Ava are so excited for their little Cooper.
Dane and I went to see all of them today and wouldn't you know it...I forgot the camera. Idiot. Halfway there I realized and yelled it out loud. The rest of the ride Dane kept saying, "camera. forgot it." Super funny.
Stay tuned for pictures. I will post some soon.
CONGRATULATIONS BIG BROTHER!!

7.06.2008

Fun, Family and Fireworks!!

The weekend was jam packed full of fun! We were busy, but had a great time visiting with our families.

Daddy got Dane a new four wheeler which he calls his "spiderman bike."


Here's Dane hamming it up!


Happy 4th! We spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa Greenwald's.
Pictured above-Left to right, top to bottom (Great Uncle Greg, Dad, Great Aunt Dawn, Great Uncle Scott, Cousin Dan, Cousin Brad, Uncle Bryan, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma Iva,
Grandpa, Great Grandpa Marvin, and Great Grandma Jo). WHEW...
What a wonderful day!


Here are all of the Greenwald men!


Saturday was my cousin Hannah's 5th birthday party. It was so nice to see everyone!

Dane was stuck to his cousin Megan. She was so helpful!


Two preggers and an Aunt.
My sister Dana is 2 months pregnant and here I am big as a house-9 weeks left!!!


Playing on the swingset with cousin Jillian.


Run through the sprinkler or not? That is the question?



Tastes good...


Happy Birthday Hannah! Thanks for being such a great host, Hannah! Dane loved his balloon.


Hanging with Megan.


This face is the sweetest!



This is pretty much all Dane saw of the "fireworks." He fell asleep at 7:30 on the 4th, so we had to show him a little bit of what he missed.
It was a great weekend! We can't wait to see everyone again soon.