Jared's 3 1/2 birthday

With Jared's birthday so close to Christmastime, we decided to celebrate his Half Birthday with his friends this weekend. We met at the Pittsford Park down the street, set up an umbrella and the cool mini-frisbee game Chuck gave us, and played and played. The biggest hit were the dinosaur "pup-cakes" (as Jared calls them) our friend Wendy made as a present to Jared. They were devoured with enthusiasm. Kara's family was there, but I didn't catch them all on the camera (sorry! these pics were taken at the very beginning so a lot of people were left out). I did buy paper dinosaur "hats" for the little boys even though this was supposed to be a simple no-frills party, but those hats were a great choice. My "little boys" continue to play with the hats at home (see picture). I especially love the two-finger t-rex mode they do. Roar!

4th of July

Kathryn, Jared, Kayden, Kara and Corbin at the Aliso Creek 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. Great idea to put syrup in mustard bottles -- less mess (but many people couldn't "find" the syrup at the beginning!). After breakfast, all the kids rode their bikes around for a Parade. Jared and Kayden had a good time! Note: Jared instisted on holding his yellow Tyranosaurus Rex the whole time. That made steering kind of interesting...

"Grandmother Bread"

Family - I found a great blog written by a grandma who lives on a farm in West Virginia. There are many great recipes there. This one looks very promising, Jared and I are going to try making it this afternoon before Tom comes home from work. Just check to make sure your yeast isn't old before starting. Bon appetit!

Link for Grandmother Bread recipe and variations

Daryn Michelle Thiel

Name: Daryn Michelle

Date: Saturday June 21, 2008

Time: 9:20 AM

Weight: 6 lbs 11 oz

Length: 20 in

Blue eyed blonde.

Two pictures shared by Nathan and Krystle this week. What a beautiful family!

While we're on the phone...

This is what happened to Tom while he was on the phone yesterday. (Jared is holding his favorite "silky green" blanket.)

Before and After Swim Lessons

The first is Jared "before" our week of swim lessons and the second is Jared "after" swim lessons. Before he wouldn't completely join the Carroll's kids in their tiny pool. Now we face the problem of overconfidence in big pools.

Visit with Grandma

On Friday, Kara, Chuck, Corbin, Kayden, Kathryn & Jared made the trip up to Lancaster to visit Grandma. We had a great time talking and lunching together. The kids had a great time playing together. Several times this week, when asked, "What would you like to do today?" Jared has replied "I want to go to Grandma Joyce's house! Can we do that?"

So cute

So here are some pictures Krystle sent me of herself and Claire. I really like this first one because it seems like Krystle finally took my advice and is training Claire to work for her supper. She might not enjoy it now, but she'll thank you in the future. Plus, with the new baby on the way Krystle will need all the help she can get. The least Claire could do is to sweep the floors. Don't worry, she'll get use to it, her tears will lessen over time. I hope you enjoy the rest of the pictures. I know I did. Since we are so spread out it's difficult to keep up to date with Krystle's pregnancy and everything but it looks like she is doing great! Our little fatty, sigh, so cute.

Happy news!

Kathryn and Tom are expecting! We are overjoyed that the IVF cycle worked!

Like Father, Like Son

Jared doesn't do sippy cups anymore, but he was more than willing to show Uncle Steve his original "hands-free" technique. Tom didn't want to be left out.

And, joy upon joys, Jared's cowlick has appeared - a perfect copy of Tom's.