World's Greatest Sister

Can't forget the big sister -- here are some new ones of her too. She's doing well -- very smart girl. Today, I took her to the local science museum / aquarium. She saw a bunch of fish swimming in a big tank, and asked me, "Daddy! Daddy! Is that a school?"
Impressed, I answered, "Yes!" -- to which she asked, "Is that big one the teacher?"

Below: 1) World's Greatest Sister, 2) Nora at a birthday party for her friend, Ellie (the theme is "princess"), 3) Grandma Kathy with Nora and Henry, 4) Nora with Michala and Naomi Topp -- good times.

Track Suit

Any of you who knew (Steve's) Grandpa Red knew that he had a sense of style all his own. In his later years, it was common to see him sitting in his recliner wearing a velour track suit. We've often said that Henry bears a striking resemblance to him. And now, in his new outfit, we're even more certain that at least a small part of Grandpa Red made it into him.

For those of you keeping track, Henry's about 4 months old in these pictures. He started day care a couple weeks ago and seems to be doing okay there. He's earned a reputation for his great big smile, his booming voice, and his unwillingness to nap. At home, he's working hard on his tummy-to-back roll and his language skills. Last month, he hooted like an owl. Now, he squeals and howls with great gusto. (Actually, he really sounds a lot like Timmy from South Park.)

Kathy's Trip

Ann's mom, Kathy, recently visited San Antonio, finally getting to meet her second grandson of 2007. The following is a link to an album of photos that she took on her trip.

Kathy's San Antonio Trip 01/08

Calvin sure seems to be a happy little guy. We hope to introduce him to Henry and Nora soon.

Art

This is a picture that Nora drew of her mommy.
Obviously, we decided it was worth framing.

New camera, new movie clip

Hi everyone! I know it's been a little while since I've posted something new. I'm playing with different cameras, trying to find just the right one. We recently tried out a new Canon subcompact -- too small. We ended up returning it. (Crutchfield.com is excellent. Can't say enough about their customer service and their very generous return policy. And if you let me know before you order something, I can save you $20!)

Now I'm trying a new Panasonic. It's fun to use and has a lot of crazy features (baby mode, pet mode, etc). It also shoots movie clips. Here's a new one of Henry at the lovely age of 4 months, 3 days. (Don't worry, folks. Although it looks violent, he didn't give himself a black eye.)

Father and Son

Since Steve's usually behind the camera, he's not usually in the pictures. These two shots are just to prove that he and Henry are indeed bonding. Why look! Henry even enjoys reading quality literature with Daddy!

Henry meets Great-Grandma

Just before Christmas, we finally took a long-intended trip up to Adell to see Steve's Grandma Lillian. (Adell's a tiny village about 40 miles north of Milwaukee). Lillian's 96 years young, curious, and sharp as a tack. I think Henry made a good first impression, and Nora was her usual charming self. Ann and Steve, meanwhile, pigged out on Grandma's famous cookies.