It's not the heat, it's the humidity

Summer in Wisconsin and summer in St. Louis. You wouldn't think it, but they are worlds apart. Milwaukee is slated to hit triple digits today, and I say "Bring it on!" St. Louis has already had quite a few triple digit days, and I know that there are many more to come in August.

As I step outside, I see no one else around. Windows are closed and blinds are drawn. I am apparently the only person in my whole neighborhood who relishes this weather. After six and a half years of getting used to 85 F weather at 5:00 a.m., now I find that I need to get used to putting on a sweatshirt in the morning. At least today I can go back to the familiar. Wicking shirts and wicking shorts, and wicking underwear are things I have aplenty. Sweatpants and sweatshirts are harder to come by.

But, you know what they say: "It's not the heat, it's the humidity."

Happy Birthday to us

It seems like a lifetime ago that we were in a hospital in St. Louis, somewhat in shock with the timing of it all, about to have a baby. Erich has come a very long way from that tiny little newborn that we brought home. As we celebrated his second birthday, we reflected on how much our lives have changed in the past two years. Just the past seven months have brought about enough change to last for a while...

To paraphrase a quote from Parenthood: "Life is like a rollercoaster. You can either sit back and enjoy the ride, or you can just hang on and wait for it to finish. " Good thing we happen to like roller coasters.



"I can't wait to ride in my new wagon! Hurry up, Daddy, and put it together."













"Ah, now this is what I'm talking about!"



















"Hmmm, I'm going to be a pro at chopsticks!"

















Happy Birthday, Erich. Looking forward to more.

By popular demand

We've listened to you requests and are finally ready to oblige! Photos are here!

Erich and I are relaxing along the Bark River Trail that is directly across the street from our house. This trail runs right through the city, north to south, along the Bark River. Parks, schools and downtown businesses are all connected through the trailway.
Directly below is Erich (pre-haircut) in his new kitchen. We tried not to get a close-up of the hideous floor, so hopefully his smiling face will distract you all.

Back to the trail...Erich and I discovered a mallard family along the trail. This was actually right in the downtown area of the Bark River Parkway. Momma Duck was quite irritated with us snapping pictures. I'm sure having Dax along had nothing to do with it.

The pirate ship is out of dry dock and has set sail on the patio. Erich was so tired from the boat launch that he needed a milk break.

We'll leave you with a lovely picture of the trail as we see it every morning on our way to get coffee at Senor Tomas Restaurant, Coffee Bar and Art Gallery.

The inside home pictures will have to wait for another post. We've almost unpacked to the point that we're not embarrassed to take picutres.

Today we stood in line at the Wisconsin DMV for an hour and a half to get our driver's licenses. Erich was a trooper and even obliged us with a 30 minute nap in his stroller while we waited in line. The rest of the time he colored or looked at the ceiling and described in detail that the fans were not circulating air and that they needed to be turned on.

We surrendered our Missouri licenses and were rewarded with Wisconsin ones. To our surprise, the licenses are now valid for eight years. I am thrilled to report that my picture on my license is fabulous!!! I hope I get carded! Vern's is pretty good as well, but, wow! My photo is fabulous!!

We're starting to settle in. If only we could get the water softener going...

Happy Anniversary Jim and Venitha!