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The pictures I couldn't retrieve before are now safely downloaded onto my computer! Yay! Now that it is officially Fall, here are a few pictures leftover from summer :)

 Papa had arrived around 4 or 5 AM and Ian wasn't expecting to see him emerge from the tent in the front yard. A happy reunion...

Ian's naptime location.

 James, once again, defeated all of us multiple times in croquet. BUT, I did win two times. Woot!

 Here's one of my favorite recent pictures of Grandma. She always loves to laugh and smile.

 Aunt Charlotte & Dad observing the earth oven.

 Aunt Beth and Ian :)

 Dad in one of his elements...

 My main squeeeeze.

 Mom & Ian, exploring and playing in the shallows.

 Thanks for all of the baths, Äma!!

 The whole gang...

James, Willem, Phoebe, Dad, Mom, Jim, Aunt Beth, Me, Ian, Grandma, Aunt Charlotte

Aunt Beth

Happy birthday, Aunt Beth!!!

It's the birthday of my dear Aunt Beth! Jim and I were so fortunate to be able to spend time in her company earlier this fall. We're forever grateful to Aunt Beth for opening her doors to us, our dog, and our four week old child for four weeks. She is truly one of the most hospitable and generous people I have ever known and we felt so fortunate to be able to spend this time with her.

I timidly wrote her an email last spring asking if our stay would be possible and she responded with a "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Of course you can come!"

Growing up I spent every summer of my life at our cabin in Cook Forest, Pennsylvania. Aunt Beth and her family lived forty-five minutes away. Throughout the years she's been a second mother to me. Sharing in the joys and in the woes. This past year and forever more we will continue to mourn, remember, and celebrate the life of my Uncle John, her husband. He was very much a part of our conversations during our time in Tippery Pines. His handiwork surrounded us at every turn in their house and I could picture him sitting in his favorite chairs, stoking the fire, making himself a whiskey, or laughing in his chair at the head of the table. We'd think of some quip he would have said or laugh about what he did say, or shed tears about the hole we knew was missing.

Aunt Beth generously allowed Jim to work in Uncle John's workshop during his time there. She not only allowed him but she strongly encouraged him to use the tools and some of the wood. She said that she enjoyed having a woodworker working in his amazing shop. Jim was honored and decided to build something that we can always cherish. He built Ian a cradle that can serve as a sleeping/lying place now, but in the future can be used as a boat, or whatever he makes it up to be! Thank you SO much for this opportunity, Aunt Beth. We'll always talk about Uncle John whenever he's, or future children are, in the cradle.

Between the conversations, laughter, cuddling and soothing Ian, and family meals every night, we had a great time with our family in Pennsylvania. We hope that you are having a good day today, Aunt Beth! I'm sure that a couple of cute little girls up there are singing you a sweet birthday song today.

We love you!
Käthe, Jim, Ian & Leif

Happy birthday, Grumps!

Happy birthday to my dad who turns 60 today!!! 

Not only is it the big 6-0, but it is his first birthday as a grandpa. 

And boy, does he love being a grandpa so far...

Growing up we jokingly told Dad that his grandchildren would have to call him "Grumps." No explanation needed. When we got pregnant I asked him what he'd like to be called and he thought about it and said, "Grumps." So, there it is. I still can't believe it, but I think it's funny and strangely sweet.

We look forward to many visits filled with music for Ian Forrester.

We also look forward to a weekend of celebrating his birthday with him in Pennsylvania, surrounded by his mother, sister, niece and her family, and of course, us! A swiss fondue is in the works for Saturday night. I'm sure that there's no better way to celebrate his fall birthday than 

with a fondue and his first grandchild.

See you soon, Daddio!

How do you pack for...

How do you pack for three people and a dog for a month?

Better question, how do you pack for a growing infant for a month?

How do you pack for a seasonal change in the weather?

How do you pack for a place you know so well, but have never visited, lived in, or experienced in the fall?

How do you pack and contain your excitement for spending a whole month with your relatives? Yup. I get to spend a whole month with my grandma, aunt, cousin, her husband, and two children! Each day I'll be able to spend time with family AND my newborn son.

Jim will be rotating in Clarion, which is about 30 minutes away from my extended family. So, we're all packing our bags and heading up north. We'll be there for four weeks.

I sit surrounded by bags and baskets. Hope we don't forget anything too important, but I'm pretty sure they have stores in NW Pennsylvania ;)

So now...

How do you drive 8 hours with a newborn? (Prayers appreciated!)

What items are most important to have handy and what bags should contain them? Where should they be placed?

I'm sure it won't end up being 8 hours, or even 10 hours. We may be in for a longgg haul. Wish us luck!

Tomorrow it's farewell, Virginia...

Hello Pennsylvania!

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Happy ONE Month, Ian Forrester!!

Today marks one month since Ian first was caught by Jim and placed in my arms!!! A one month post is to come, but we've been a bit preoccupied with above's topic and I want to be able to focus and write a good post. Plus, our internet can't support loading pictures and what post would be worth it about Ian without some pictures!!! I've been taking notes so I remember what's changed and my thoughts. Stay tuned for the one month post!