Congratulations Marc and Stephanie!

Two weekends ago we were able to sneak home to Iowa for a few days for Nike's cousin Marc's wedding. It was so fun to show everyone Jack's latest tricks, and he was a perfect traveler yet again. The weather was cold and rainy, perfect fall weather. Jack was even treated to his first real Iowa thunderstorm. We got to have a date night (to the Vine for wings), and catch up with lots of family and friends. Thanks to everyone for a great trip home!

Jack, Liam, and Haley (sitting for the first of many second cousin pictures)

Rice cereal . . . yum.

We fed Jack rice cereal for the first time yesterday. He got really shy. Jeff and I were both huddled around, and Jeff had the camera out, so we think he knew that this was a Big Deal. He seemed to like it okay, and we'll slowly get him used to eating the rice cereal before we move on to exciting things like strained peas and squash.

I tried to post videos, but it's not letting me upload them. I'll try again later this week. Here are a couple of other pictures from this weekend too.

It's football season!

At long last, football season is here! We've been waiting patiently all summer, and it's finally here! Unfortunately, our local Big Ten Network didn't show the Iowa game live, so we had to wait to tape it until Saturday night at 11. Then when we went to watch it yesterday, we realized it hadn't recorded. Luckily, it's on again today at 2, and we'll make sure to get it taped this time. Even though we didn't get to watch the game, Jack got to help Jeff put our Iowa flag out, and he was so happy to wear his Hawkeye t-shirt that he drooled all over it!

The big 3-0!

Nike celebrated her 30th birthday this week with a yummy dinner at our favorite neighborhood restaurant and a very yummy cake. Thanks to Jeff and Jack for making it just perfect!

Summer fun

We're back! We were busy, busy, busy in July and August, with visitors almost every weekend. We started August with a visit from the Eckermanns, and Jack got to spend some great time with his godmother Kacie.

Even Nile had fun playing with Jack.

After the Eckermanns, Grandma Jane and Grandpa Randy came for a visit and to help out while Nike was busy with work. They were a huge help, and we were sad to see them go.

The next weekend, we had a visit from Nike's parents and grandparents. By the time they got here, Jack was doing a great job of sitting up on his own. We still put a pillow behind him in case he falls back, but he can balance on his own most of the time.

It seems Jack is already learning the art of showing off. He started doing this dancing trick last weekend to make us all laugh.

Thanks to everyone for visiting us! We had a great time hosting!

Jack's first hike

Saturday was Jeff's birthday, so we used it as an excuse to get out of town and up to the mountains. We visited Ben, Brandy, and the boys in Winter Park and hiked around Monarch Lake. It was a great day--not too hot and not too cold--and Jack did a great job in his carrier. He started to get a little antsy by the end, but we think he enjoyed being outside for the afternoon.

4th of July

Grandpa Steve and Grandma Janet visited from Iowa for Jack's first Independence Day. We got a lot of work done around the house and finally got furniture for our front porch. Jack saw his first fireworks show and his first Rockies game on Friday night and saw his first parade on the 4th. (That makes two MLB stadiums in his first four months!) All in all, a great weekend!