checking out the camp site.

McKenzie riding her Gator at mom and dads.


Dad mows this small area on the bank of the lake and a path to get back to it. As soon as it cools off, we are going to camp there at the waters edge. It is hard to see in this picture but the water is right behind McKenzie.


cattail on the water

So close!

Carter is so determined to be mobile. He has mastered making it to his hands and knees, but has not figured out how to move in a forward motion. He just rocks back and forth, which is the reason the picture is blurry. I am sure it is going to be only days before he take off.

Back in ACC!

Three weeks ago today I made the move back to ACC (Auto Claim Central). I had worked in ACC for a total of 5 years when I was tapped on the shoulder and offered a developmental opportunity to cross train in FCC (Fire Claims Central). I was very excited to be given that opportunity and have taken full advantage of it. About 6 months ago I decided it was time for me to return to ACC, where my heart really is. The first job posting I saw - I applied. They graciously took me back, and didn't even make me interview, yea!

After getting my system changed from fire to auto I was able to start working, nothing like figuring it out as you go:). I was amazed with how much has changed in the 2 1/2 years I was in FCC and how much I had forgotten. Not only did work flows change but they implemented a new auto policy, changing some of the coverages and definitions in the policy. But with a little bit of time I am putting it all together. It truly is like riding a bike.

Subdivision pool party

This afternoon our subdivision had a pizza and pool party at Macher's pool. McKenzie wanted to go, so I took her and Carter. I was so impressed with how much her swimming has improved from even a month ago. She can swim with her face in the water, her eyes open under water and she doesn't ever hold her nose. I am so glad she enjoys being in the water.

We have missed Daddy this weekend but he is having a good time with Uncle Jason. They are in Illinois playing in a golf tournament. I talked to Tim last night and they played 45 holes of golf yesterday and were going to play that many more again today. He will be one tired puppy when he gets home Sunday afternoon.

6 month checkup

Carter had his 6 month checkup yesterday morning. Sherri, one of the girls I used to work with, was there with her three girls. It was fun to see how much they had grown and to catch up with her. The first thing David, Dr. Stuebben's nurse, did was to weigh Carter. He weighed 19lbs 13 oz, putting him in the 90% on weight. He is 27 1/2" long, putting him at 92% and his head circumference is 17 7/9", putting him at 95%. After his measurements were taken we went to the room to wait for Dr. Stuebben. She was very impressed with how his head is improving. The only concern is how sensitive Carter's skin is. He has dry skin on his arms, legs and cheeks. She told us to use Eucerin or Cetaphil on him and felt this would take care of the dry skin. Dr. Stuebben also talked to us about starting Carter on baby food. She told us to give him vegetables first and to do one at a time and then introduce other stuff. I just nodded and said ok. Little does she know, Carter has been eating baby food for a month or two and is already eating some table food. He can eat small chunks of green beans, cooked carrots, mashed potatoes and peas. Once Dr. Stuebben had completely looked Carter over head to toe. David came back in to give Carter his shots. He had to have 3 shots and one oral vaccine this visit. I will be so glad when the shots are over. I hate that part of the visit. Carter will not have to go back until 9 months.

Happy 4th of July

We started the weekend off doing one of our favorite summer activities - hanging out at the pool. Saturday afternoon Shelly, John, McKenzie, Carter and I went to the pool to swim. McKenzie loved going down the slides and Carter loved being in the water. Keke talked Uncle John into racing her down the double slide. If you look close you can see John and McKenzie shooting out of the slide.

Both McKenzie and Carter love the water

Shelly and Carter

Everyone loved going down the big slide.

Saturday evening Mom and Dad had their annual 4th of July party. Grandma Lou, Uncle Jerry, Rob, Janet and kids, along with our family were all there. We missed Grant, Sarah and Uncle Joe this year, unfortunately they weren't able to make it due to other obligations.

Boys will be boys! Tim, John and Hayden shot fireworks a good part of the afternoon. Once it got dark they did put on a pretty good fireworks show.

Janet and Carter hanging out on the deck.

We love our Reiche!!!

Miss Audrey and McKenzie watching the boys shoot fireworks.

Mom and Dad's backyard as the sun went down.

Keke and her glow stick. This is how we keep track of her after it gets dark.

Sunday we went to Grandma Lou's, Keke got out the sidewalk chalk and when she finished she told me, she didn't have any chalk on her (those shorts are suppose to be all pink)

Since mom had her 4th on the 3rd, Keke and I decided to go to Fire in the Sky, at Memorial Stadium. It was an amazing show. We got there about an hour before it started. McKenzie danced in the parking lot until the show started. She tried to persuade me to get up and dance with her. I might have but there were hundreds of people out there waiting for the fireworks. Once the show started McKenzie laid on her sleeping bag and watched the entire show.

McKenzie dancing.

UPDATE ON GRANDMA'S DECK: The boys were able to finish the new deck by the 4th. They did such a great job.