Does anyone read this anymore?

I'm always surprised when someone says to me, "I checked your blog, and you haven't updated it for awhile." I didn't realize anyone was still reading it. So, I will TRY to get in the habit of updating it with the goings-on in the Boelman household.

Last Saturday Brody and his parents and grandparents had our photos taken at Reiman Gardens in Ames. It was a rainy day, but it was beautiful inside. We should have all the photos in a few weeks, but you can see a preview on the photographer's blog.

Brody also visited the dentist for the first time last week. Dr. Steve was nice (even when Brody tried to bite him). Unfortunately, we think he has been cursed with his parents' teeth. He may have gotten my eyelashes, but he also got my overbite.

Happy Birthday, Brody!!!

What a day! What a party! What a good night's sleep the three of us should have tonight!

We've been planning and preparing to celebrate Brody's first birthday for the last six weeks or so, and today was the big day. The theme was the Hungriest Caterpillar (a children's book), where the caterpillar eats many different things. Val came up with the idea and it worked well - the caterpillar eats fruits, meat, cheese, a pickle, ice cream, cake, and so on. A lot of things that you might have at a birthday party. We invited our families and are really greatful that everyone could make it. I think that today could have been the largest crowd at our house, definitely since we moved in. The pink flamingos (thanks, Susan!) greeted our guests (a Gunderson family tradition) and the party started around 1pm. The food was good, the gathering was great, and Brody received so many nice things! I don't often get all sappy, but it really did mean a lot to me - thanks everyone! Brody really had a great day! In fact, I have interpreted for him:

"Thank you all for coming to my party! I was so happy to see you all! And we had a wonderful meal (me throwing food on the floor is normal, not a dislike for the food.) I got so many great presents! I played and played after everyone went home - so much fun! Thank you!"

(ok, I made that up, but he really did have a great time playing with all of his new toys!)

I loaded over 100 new pictures in to his gallery, or watch in his slide show on the right. 

Thanks again everyone, for making Brody's birthday so special!