'Tis the Season...

...For thunderstorms!  We have been enjoying a week and a half of daily thunderstorms.  The cooler weather that comes with the rain is a welcome relief from the hot weather we had in June, and Alex and I have been enjoying a nightly ritual of standing out on our balcony watching the lightning.  Michael has been enjoying the storms as well.  He is fascinated watching the rain fall, and he doesn't mind the thunder whatsoever.  Mama and Daddy are very proud of their boy!  He doesn't even startle at thunderclaps loud enough to set off car alarms.  This laid-back attitude toward flashes and loud noises came in very handy on the 4th of July as well.

Here are some pictures of the little storm-lover sitting and watching the rain fall:

Dakota Adventure #1

In June we spent a week with Grandma and Grandpa at Black Hills CFO outside of Keystone, SD.  It was a rough week sleep-wise - sharing a one-room cabin with four other people wasn't the optimal sleep environment for Michael - but other than that it was an amazing week.  Here are some snapshots:

Michael was a champion traveler, and Sir Prance-a-lot was a great travelling-buddy.

Happy campers!

Hanging out with Grandma.

 Snuggling with Daddy during Rhythms.

Nap time with Grandpa!

We enjoyed some amazing thunderstorms during the week.

Singing a sad song in the stroller.

More happy campers!

Taking a break from chewing on Mama's name tag to chew on her her hand.

Some pre-bedtime fun.

With Grandma and Grandpa (and many friends) to hold Michael, Alex and I got to spend some extra time together sans-baby.

We had such a wonderful week, and can't wait for our next Dakota Adventure!

New cousin!

Michael is no longer the youngest cousin! Levi Clinton made his appearance on June 29th - the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. Michael wasn't all that interested in the newest member of the family when we visited the hospital yesterday, but I'm sure he will soon appreciate the blessing of having a cousin only 5 1/2 months younger than he is. And cousin Abby (3 months older than Michael, and unfortunately not available for the cousin picture above) is in for trouble with two little boy cousins so close behind her... but I think she'll be able to handle it :) Big sister Caraline and big brother Devin were very excited to welcome their new sibling. Mom and Baby (and Dad!) are all doing well. Welcome Levi!!!