Friday Nights

This past Friday night we took the girls to get some ice cream at our small town's little Dairy Queen. We didn't realize that it was the last day of the Friday night concert series in the town center. The girls were very excited to see the band setting up and dragged us across the street so they could enjoy their ice cream and dance. There was also a juggler there, and Annie was fascinated by him.

Annie trying out her skills as a juggler. Matt and I are still suggesting college based on the night's performance. You can't really see anything because she didn't do anything. She just moved the ball from one hand to another without throwing it. She had fun, though.

And the little boy in the red shirt is actually Kate. And apparently it was tie dye night.

Annie and Kate.

She LOVES taking pictures of herself.

And finally, an awesome video of Annie's dancing skillz.

Annie Dances from Kerri Ralls on Vimeo.

Visitors Continued

Laura, Mallory and Adam came for their annual August visit last week. One of these year's we'll include Matt and Ed. Maybe. Until then, it's just moms and Ralls kids :) We kept really busy running around Ann Arbor. The kids played so well together except for the last morning when Kate totally freaked out and screamed her way through the outlet mall. So, thanks Laura for visiting us and tolerating our sweet, tempermental Kate :) And for understanding that when I offer you water, that's literally all I'm offering. You have to bring your own cup around here. ;)

We hit the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum. Annie and Mallory were firewomen.

Adam and Kate in the giant bubble.

Kate loved the water table.

And perhaps it's a future in construction for Annie.

Mal and Annie cuddled up to watch t.v.

And to sleep! They were so cute sleeping in their sleeping bags on Annie's bed. They actually slept together with very little fuss for two nights in a row!

Thanks for a great visit Laura, Mal and Adam!

Lots O' Visitors

We've had a nice stream of visitors lately! First, my lovely friend Heather and her adorable 10-month-old daughter Jane came to stay a night. Sadly, I took no pictures. The girls loved Jane, so hopefully that bodes well for their coming sibling. Jane seemed to like the girls and was an angel her entire stay. Next time, I will actually take a photo!

Then, Papa and Aunt Ruthie came to visit. We had a lot of fun walking around Ann Arbor and doing fun stuff with them!

They brought the girls tons of gifts, as usual! The girls immediately dressed up like princesses and put on a nice dance performance in thanks.

Aunt Ruth showed them all the latest moves going around The Villages

Kate and Papa

Kate and Papa waiting for a table. The girls were not so great at dinner, but Papa was a great distraction.

Aunt Ruth, Annie and Kate waiting for our table.

Thanks for the great visit! And the birthday dolls. The girls have been sleeping with them every night!

Before It's Too Late

Before summer officially runs out on us, we're trying to get in all the outdoor fun we can. Here are some pool pics to enjoy.

Splashing like crazy

Dumping water on yourself is tons of fun

He Always Gets the Shaft

I can't believe I forgot to post these pictures! Uncle Matt stopped by a week or two ago on his way to a fishing trip. Poor Matt has always gotten the short end of the stick in our family (being the only boy in a family can be rough). And now I forgot his photos. So they're late, but here they are. And we do love you Matt :)

The girls were a little unsure of his beard at first, but once they saw all the fun ways he could throw them around and up and down, they warmed right up.

Funny Girls

I don't know why Annie doesn't want another sister. She and the one she has are pretty hilarious together.

Matt looks sort of ridiculous here, but the girls look so cute!

They are obsessed with these towels! They fight over who gets the monkey. The other night when Kate had it, she cried and screamed "Monkey!!" after we got her dressed.

At least I have a good excuse...

I know I've been a bad blogger for, well, probably the past ten weeks or so. I've slacked off before, but this time I have a good excuse. We're having another baby! I'm just about 14 weeks along, and due February 7. I've been feeling pretty good, actually. It's been way easier than with the first two. I'm just tired (hence the napping instead of blogging). We're all obviously excited, and no one is more so than Annie. She says the baby is a boy, and we'll be naming him Buttercup. She would not like to discuss the possibility of another sister because "we already have one of those." So there you have it. :)

And a new baby couldn't come at a better time because:

Kate is a wild woman. She needs a younger sibling to knock her down a peg or two. She is absolutely the sweetest, most loving and nurturing little girl. She is also totally dramatic and demanding.

And this one:

She's gotten so big, she outgrew her carseat and had to go into a big girl booster seat.

And, she's leaivng me for preschool in September. I'm pretty sure college is mere moments away.

(Feel free to note that Kate is screaming in the background because Annie stole her cup to put in her new cupholder.) (Also feel free to note that Annie selected the most obnoxious pink and purple butterfly/flower pattern for her new seat, despite my and Matt's attempts to choose the more neutral seat. I knew I should have just bought it when I was alone.)

Independence Lake

Back in Michigan, the girls, Emma and I hit Independence Lake for the first time. It's a great park, with a beach, a lake and fun splash pad. We went to the splash pad first, where thankfully Emma took the girls running through the cold, cold water!

Kate and Emma

Emma helping Annie get up the courage to run through!

I think this picture is funny because it looks as if Emma is torturing Kate. She's not, I assure you. It's just a bad camera angle. Kate was loving it.

Sadly, my camera battery died right after this. I missed out on some aweosme pictures in the lake. The girls had so much fun bouncing around. I'm so mad at myself for not charging the camera! And, it would have been nice to have evidence we had been there if we had contracted a bacterial disease. They kicked out of the lake after a little while because the bacteria levels were too high. Oops.

Cleveland Rocks

After the Kiddie Park, we continued to have lots more fun in Cleveland. We went over Matt's parents for some swimming and fun with family.

It was actually a lot easier than expected to get these pictures. And, if I were a Ralls/Kavcar grandparent, I think I'd be pleased with this impressive bunch. :)

From L-R, it's Brady, Annie, Matt, Kate, Mallory, Ed, Adam, Madelyn, Carol and Ella. That's everybody!

Annie and Ella

Annie, Ella and Mallory making silly faces.

The little girls wanted Emma in a picture with them. :)