Reading

Elsie is really enjoying reading books with her big brother. She has started to go down and read a story with Alstan and Mom before bed. Here she checks out a book with Alstan and Dad before the boys go down for a nap.

Great Grandma Akers

On the way back from South Dakota we stopped to visit Great Grandma Akers in Iowa. This was the first time she got to see Elsie. Alstan ran back and forth in the two small rooms. After seeing Grandma we played in an indoor McDonald's playground for like two hours because it was so hot outside.

Uncle Jeff

Jeff Zielicke from Adam Van Overmeer on Vimeo.

Here is the tribute of Alstan and Elsie's Uncle Jeff. I put it up on the web so it could be shared with others more easily.

You can also access the video by going to the following website: http://vimeo.com/26922006

Pool Party Video

Here's our pool party from when we were out at Grandma and Grandpa Van's. It was a great way to beat the heat, but unfortunately we couldn't stay there for the heat wave that lasted the rest of the week.

Train Depot

While we were in Sioux Falls this past week, Alstan was able to visit a real train yard. He may have thought it was a bigger deal if he had been able to go on a train or they were moving, but he had a good time none the less.

More Fun in the Sun

Here are some more photos of Alstan and Elsie playing in the backyard at Grandma and Grandpa Van's. Alstan was having a blast chasing down bubbles to pop them.

Back Yard Fun

It took us until Thursday to get the camera out at Grandma and Grandpa Van's, but here are some photos of playing in the back yard.

Elsie's First Pool Experience

The Monday before heading to South Dakota, Elsie had her first pool experience. As you can see, it went from "oh, this is fun" to "this is a bit cold". She did enjoy hanging out on the beach towel in the shade and watching big brother though.

Jumping off the Diving Board

Alstan finished up his swimming lessons on Friday. The last thing they had the children do was "jump" off the diving board. As you can see, they really just handed them off to the lifeguard in the water, but it was pretty exciting anyway.

Alstan's Holiday Fun

This is how to keep an energetic two-year old happy. It was one activity after another and I'd say he enjoyed the day.

Elsie Hangs Out

While everyone else spent the holiday eating and playing, Elsie spent the day cuddling and getting her picture taken.

I'm a Robot

Alstan kept wanting to put on Aunt Carrie's helmet and walk around telling everyone he was a robot.

Parade

We stopped to watch our first parade of the summer outside Madison. Alstan really enjoyed all the different trucks and all the candy. Elsie just relaxed in the shade.

Alstan's Soup

Alstan has been making soup all the time after watching a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show where Minnie makes minniestrone soup. It's usually pretend soup, but here he has decided to make some grape soup.

Elsie's Hair

Elsie's hair is getting so long that it's getting in her eyes already. Mom decided something had to be done, and went with the Pebbles look from the Flintstones. It holds better than a barrette, but you should see her hair at the end of the night when we take it out!

Rolling Over

Elsie is becoming a pro at rolling over from her back to her belly. She does it nearly every time we put her on her back, but often once she gets to her belly she's not very happy. She hasn't started rolling from her belly to back yet.

Elsie's Mobile

We set up Elsie's mobile over her chair in the kitchen. She sits in there so well while we eat. Sometimes it can take a while with Alstan eating too!

Swimming Lessons in the Big Pool

Here are pictures of Alstan's first lessons in the big pool. He was smiling the whole time, except when his head went under the water for the first time. You can see in the first picture; he was a bit unsure about that.

Sibling Hugs

Alstan sure loves to give his little sister attention. He talks to her, kisses her, and gives all kinds of hugs too. Here Elsie is getting a little belly time on top of Alstan.

Fountain

Alstan's first trip into the fountain. He had no idea it was coming!