Happy Halloween, with Extra Happy

Apple Tree, Represent!

Iowa v. UNI, September 5, 2009

Wait, this isn't football. There's fun buried under that sand, and Papa's going to help those cousins find it.

At the Apple Orchard, September 11

Daddy thought that this was a very nice evening indeed.

Cousins, at Cousin Hannah's Baptism

Jack and Benjy can do no wrong, if you ask Olivia.

But she'll probably tell you if you spend any time with her.

Generations

A little generational picture, taken at Cousin Hannah's Baptism on September 19, 2009.

The fact that Great Grandma has her eyes open is something of a cabal in our family.

Behold!

The newest professional wrestling sensation:

Bucky Nijinsky - Cowgirl Ballerina!

Last night, Olivia was asking me about the last names of all her friends, family and cousins while she was getting ready to go to sleep.

She asks: "What is Santa Claus' last name?"

That one I could field.

"What is Dasher's last name?"

I told her it was Jones, and that Blitzen is a Gorodnik, from the old and well-respected Urkutsk Gorodnik reindeer family. You all are going to have to back me up on this.

If you can keep from laughing.

Which I couldn't.

Sibling Milestone August 15, 2009

On this date Olivia, for the first time, blames something on one of her siblings unjustly.

In the car, on the ride to Des Moines to see Uncle Rob, Aunt Pam and Baby Hannah:

"Mom, Henry took my blanket!"

Henry, at 5 weeks old, did nothing of the sort, and was mortified.

Audrey wisely remained out of the argument.