Where did we leave off?

Well, here we are...more than a month since I've last blogged!  So much has happened since then: visits from college friends, house projects, a long Labor Day weekend, and the addition of new Holt family members (yes, plural!). 

First up, we now have two Holt sisters!  Luke and Alexa were married August 17 on a gorgeous summer day.  We were all honored to be a part of their day and wish them many happy years together. 



This little boy didn't smile for a single picture.



Until he could eat some fruit snacks

Sisters

A few weeks ago we enjoyed a hot summer afternoon and partook in the Streets Alive event downtown.  Colin loved riding his bike in the middle of the street without any cars.

Next up - deck staining!

Box Car Days was a hit again this year.  The rides were Colin's favorite part!

Lastly, the second new Holt addition...arriving the end of February.



8 weeks




10 weeks



16 weeks

There you have it, a generalized wrap-up from the past month or so.  Now that I'm in my 2nd trimester my energy levels are ever-so-slightly increasing, so hopefully we'll be back to regular posting. :)

Chore.

Lately I've been feeling like my blogging days are behind me.  This little blog is starting to feel like a chore and it definitely doesn't get updated like it once did.  I find myself struggling to write and post photos on a regular basis.  But I need to continue documenting.  The little boy changes so much each day and I know this will be fun to look back on in the future. 

That being said, here are a few lame iPhone pictures until I can get in a real update. 

We gave Colin this bike last year for his 2nd birthday.  He's just now finally showing interest in riding it (more than 2 seconds).  We usually bike down to the waterfountain a few nights a week.  And thanks to his daredevil buddy (Will), he now thinks he's good enough to ride down the hills.   

We arrived home from daycare yesterday to a package from Auntie Kelly.  I don't know that I've ever seen Colin so excited to open something!  When asked what he thought was inside he said, "M&M's!"  Turns out it was a puzzle and he absolutely LOVED it.



Check out this kid's shoes. More often than not he comes
home from daycare like this. I think we need to keep
working on putting shoes on the correct feet.



 Thanks again, Kelly!

Summer Fun

What a difference a year makes!  Last year during our trip to Grand View, the kids were still practically babies.  This year the cabin was busy with full-fledged toddlers and two additional babies.   

As usual, we all spent time in the pool since the weather was a little chilly.  Colin was so excited to have a water gun fight with Uncle Ross.  He totally dominated.  

 



Blue-eyed cousins



Colin and I had fun playing in the backyard last weekend while John was at his brother's bachelor party.  This kid can't get enough pool and water time this summer.





1, 2, 3, JUMP!



More water fun was had yesterday at the Zimney's for the 4th of July.  How awesome is this inflatable?! 





I think Karina was making fun of his plumber's bum.





Tag team



We're on the road again this weekend and then the Holt family traveling show will come to a close for a few weeks.  Hard to believe this summer is already half over!



Life.

Here's a Holt update - just a few photos from the last month.



Cheering on Uncle Andy, Auntie Susan, and
cousins Mac & Jack at their first 5k.




Then our adults-only Sioux-per marathon party the next day.





John & I had a date weekend in the Cities to celebrate
our freedom from grad school.




Sweet WeFest cowboy hat.




Next up was taking apart the crib (along with moving every other piece
of furniture on the main level to refinish our hardwood floors).




Our living quarters for a week.





June brought a bridal shower for Alexa.
Yay for another [soon-to-be] sister-in-law!





Cousins. Can they be any cuter?




Grandma & Grandpa





Before




After
(don't mind the dirty camera lens)





Big boy bed!




We finally got to swim at Grandma & Grandpa's
pool in Tracy last weekend.




A little fish



There you have it.  Our life in a nutshell the past month.  We'll see if I can get another post up before the middle of July. : ) 

Sad attempt at an update. Again.

Here I am again, so behind on blogging.  My computer has decided not to read my SD card so I haven't been able to upload photos.  All I have are fairly lousy iPhone pics but I guess something is better than nothing. 

Colin has been busy at school - writing his name, fine tuning his months and days of the week, observing the class caterpillar, and taking morning trips to the park.  He has also gotten to see both sets of grandparents the last couple weeks and has been loving playing outside in the summer weather.

Cheering on Coach Grandma's softball team.
They took 3rd place at state! 



Another trip to IKEA = more train tracks



Biker dudes

 John recently enjoyed a week vacation while transitioning from his internship to his new counseling position.  I suppose I need to use the word "vacation" loosely, should you think he was sitting around the house twiddling his thumbs.  He and his dad slaved away, working on fixing the wall and ceiling cracks in our living room.  They did a great job!  Of course that meant I, too, had to pitch in with my paint brush and roller. 

This week's project includes refinishing our hardwood floors.  In case you can't remember from the house photo tour back in October, our entire main level is hardwood (minus the kitchen and addition).  Those of you who know my need for organization can imagine how well I'm handling living out of a 500 sq. ft. room, with some everyday essential items in the basement, some in the dresser that's now hidden on the built-in of our closet, and some stashed on one of the two couches in said 500 sq. ft. room.  Not to mention a 2.5 year old sleeping in the basement while the parents are on an air mattress in, you guessed it, the 500 sq. ft. room.  Everyone keeps saying it will all be worth it.  I just hope they're right!

After Day 1

  

This coming weekend starts the summer travel schedule - a trip to Grafton for Alexa's wedding shower.  Pending the functionality of my mind and computer, photos will be updated next week.