Straight No Chaser

No, it's not how I take my drink, it's the name of an a capella group Joe and I saw in concert last night.  They got their start as a college group at Indiana University and then continued after they all graduated.  They wound up on Youtube and Atlantic Records discovered them.  They are truely amazing.  You really should check out Straight No Chaser!

This video is a little long, but it is so worth it!

Switching topics, Nathan had to be taken to urgent care over the weekend.  It happened on the one Saturday I had to work, of course.  Nathan was having trouble breathing and just sounded horrible.  Turns out he had croup...again.  He's had it a few times before, usually in the winter.  I guess he's just starting early!  So, he's on antibiotics and steriods.  He doesn't really act sick, he just sounds sick.  Hopefully this isn't a preview of how this fall and winter is going to be.

Ella is doing great at preschool.  She loves it and always asks if it is a preschool day.  Today at the park I was telling Nathan that after lunch we would take Ella to preschool and that he would have to take a nap.  Ella pipes up, "But you're gonna have so much more fun than me Nathan, all I get to do is learn."  She was trying to make him feel better since he always wants to stay when we drop her off. 

I am loving the Fall weather...however, I'm *this close* to turning on the heat.  It's chilly in the morning!

Happy 4th Birthday Ella!

4 years ago today, at 10:57am, Ella Charlotte Dietrich was born.  What a joy she is!  I am so excited to see what this new year brings for her.  I'm having trouble finding the right words at the moment.  I think there are just too many!  Ella is smart and creative, funny and kind, daring and curious, energenic and loving.  She has a big heart and tries to protect her brother...or beat him up, depending on her mood.  Happy Birthday my sweet Ella.  I love you so much!

A bit of a lengthy slideshow of Ella's life up until now.  I posted this last year, but I added some pictures from this past year.  Hope you enjoy it!

Ella's Big Birthday Weekend

Ella turns 4 on September 22nd, so we celebrated this past weekend.  This was the first year that we threw a "friend" party for her.  So on Saturday, at 9:00am (I know, early, but WAY CHEAPER!) twelve children, ranging in ages between 3 and 5 years old, joined us at Pump It Up.  It was very organized and all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves.  They bounced and played for an hour, and then moved into the party room for cake and presents.  Ella did a great job with thanking everyone and using her manners.  I was very proud of her.

 The fun continued on Sunday with Ella's family birthday party.  I tried my hand at making her cake this year, and I think it came out pretty well.  I just used cupcakes and reused the Princess figurines from the store-made cake.

A funny conversation took place between Ella and my mom (Gigi):

Ella: What did YOU get me today?

Gigi: Well, remember, we got you that trampoline as an early birthday present.

Ella:  No, I mean, what did you get me TODAY?

Gigi:  Well, we gave you money to put towards your college fund.  I know you don't know what that means right now.

Ella: But I didn't want THAT!

Someday she will appreciate her college education, partially funded by her Gigi and Papa!

We managed to get a group shot of the cousins, plus Ella and Nathan's sorta-cousin, Jackson, as Ella calls him.

We were so happy that "Uncle" Paul and Jackson made the trip, even though Auntie April just had baby Jaelyn on the 14th!  Nate was happy to play with his buddy!

And finally, Joe and I snuck away this afternoon to go and meet baby Jaelyn.  She is the most precious little peanut.  So tiny and cute.  I got my baby fix for a while, but I'll need to hold her again soon, that's for sure!  I am so happy for Paul, April and Jackson!

"I had a blast!"

That's what Ella told me after our fun-filled day at Blue Harbor Resort this past Sunday.  My parents treated us to a two-day, one-night stay in a 2-bedroom condo that we shared with them.  We played at the water park all day on Sunday before we could check into our room, and then played again for most of the day after check-out on Monday.  It was the perfect amount of time for the kids.  I don't know if they could've done much more...they were exhausted!

Ella went down the big body slides all by herself.  I think she would've done it all day long!  She is definitely my dare-devil.

Ella was also thrilled to be able to sleep on the top bunk of the bunk-beds!  Nathan spent his first night in a "big boy" bed; the bottom bunk...but with the extra railing and high sides, it probably seemed like his crib.  I'm grateful that we have the space to keep them in separate bedrooms at home...I don't think anyone would get any sleep if they had to share a room!

I think one of my favorite moments of the entire trip was seeing my parents go down the tube slide together, and hearing my mom scream the entire way.  They're awesome!

And finally, I'd like to congratulate our wonderful friends, Paul and April, on the birth of their baby girl this morning at 12:00am!  They named her Jaelyn Kathryn, and she has a very proud big brother Jackson.  I've been posting over on April's blog while she's been in the hospital, if you'd like to read any more or see any other pictures.  I can't wait to hold her!

Updates Galore!

I thought I was going to be better about blogging, but turns out, I'm not.  I'm trying my best though.  I wanted to post a few pictures and give a little update on what's been going on with us over the past few weeks. 

As we speak, Nathan is fighting his nap.  He fights going down for a nap and going to bed at night.  He's going to be 2 years old in a month...I really thought his sleeping habits were going to be so much better by now.  Silly me!  He did get his haircut today and looks like a handsome little man.

We went to the Appleton area twice to visit our friends Paul and April, and our Godson Jackson.  Once just to visit, and the second time for an early birthday party for Jackson.  Jackson turns 2 right after Nathan, but...Jackson is going to be a big brother any day now, and his mommy wanted his birthday party to be all about him, not all about his new baby sister.  Good plan!

We then headed over to Green Bay to visit Joe's sister Julia, her husband Greg, and our nephew Harry, who will be 2 this February.  The cousins had a blast playing together!  We took the kids to Bay Beach, an old-time amusement park with tons of kiddie rides.  What fun!

Some college friends (who happen to be responsible for Joe and I meeting) came to visit and brought their 1 year old daughter Natalia, or Talia for short.  Our other college friends joined us as well, and we managed to get some great pictures!

Ella started 3K at Blessed Savior Lutheran Preschool, which is right up the road from our house.  She was so excited to wear her backpack, and even picked out her outfit that day.  We would like her to start Kindergarten next year, but she wont be 5 by September 1st, which is the rule for our school district.  (She'll turn five 20 days later!)  We do have the option of getting her tested, and if she passes all of the tests, she could start early.  Otherwise, she will go to Blessed Savior next year for 4K and start Kindergarten when she is 5, almost 6 years old.  I'm fine with either...I just think she'll be ready.  I guess we'll let the professionals decide!

1st day of 3K...strike a pose!

What did you do on Labor Day this year???  We went BOWLING!!!  Ella and Nathan both seemed to have a good time and even did a good job waiting their turn.

Nathan is beginning to put 2 and 3 words together and repeats almost everything we say.  My favorite word that he says lately is, "Delicious."  He says it at appropriate times and it is just too cute!  He knows is colors and most of his shapes.  I'm pretty sure his sister might have something to do with that!

As for me, I will be teaching Sunday School again this year, which starts up in the next few weeks.  I am also Vice-President of Suburban West Newcomers (see picture in the left-hand column above, with link) and co-chair of Kidsclub, which is a part of Newcomers. 

Needless to say, I have my hands full.  I like it though.