Summer Days

Since it was so nice this week, Brody took several walks with Grandma Julie and Grandpa Dave. He did take a little spill on one of the excursions, but all the scrapes have healed.

Grandma Linda came Thursday afternoon to watch Brody on Friday. They went to Lapsit at the Altoona Library on Friday where Brody "flirted with all the girls," Grandma reports. Grandma was also able to find Brody a shirt and shorts at a local garage sale.

Saturday was a busy day. Val's Aunt Judy had a "Spa" at our house with a few friends. It was fun to be pampered. Brandon and Brody attended cousin Ben's 4th Birthday Party in Mason City.

Brandon is busy with yard work and washing the cars this afternoon. Brody just went down for his nap. It has turned out to be a beautiful sunny day!

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!

Brody is famous!

So, we were at the ISU/Nebraska game yesterday. We had a good time, even though the outcome was not-so-good... Anyway, a couple weeks ago at the Kansas game, I noticed a call for fan pictures for the Fan Scrapbook. Who better to make an appearance!?!?! So I sent this one:

And during the second half of the game, guess who's picture made it on to the scoreboard/big-screen? It was pretty neat! Wish I had been able to get the camera out quick enough to snap a picture, but I'm not that fast... Plus, I was bragging to everyone around me! When ISU adds it to the online scrapbook, I'll add the link here :)

-b

right now ----->

I just added a slideshow ----->

(I know this arrow thing will only work as long as this is the top post, but I saw this new feature and just had to try it... With the upload plugin for our photo software, adding to the gallery is much easier!)

-b

I know, I know...

It's been awhile since we posted anything. No excuses, just been busy.  I'm home with Brody today, and thought I should post some new pictures (while he's napping.)

-b

as promised...

More pictures! I think we're finally settling into life at home: regular feeding, diaper changes, and lots of sleep! And I guess we're all involved in all three in more than one way (I've been feeding and sleeping way more than usual myself...)  We just finished up a bath, so while Val is getting Brody diapered, dressed, and fed, I figured I'd load some pictures.

first Harley ride???

the dogs do not like competition!

after a 31-28 win over Colorado!

well, uploading is slow, and I'm now occupied again :)