Lauren (left) and Sophie, almost 9 months old and cuter than ever. My September visit to the mountains was more fun than ever -- chasing speedy crawlers, practicing "standing up," and singing, reading and re-learning all the old nursery rhymes. I can see it won't be long before we're off running and jumping (hopefully not off the stairs.) The October visit will take place in Chicago as they plan to come and visit both their great-grandmothers, both grandmothers and whoever else lines up to meet them.
Poor kids, they don't have any toys!
 

An early September snow blanketed Vail. So... we went hiking! The girls love being in their Baby Bjorn carriers. What a treat to have an outing with both my kids and both my granddaughters. The golden Aspens against the snow were gorgeous!


 

"Getting around" is the new activity for the pink princesses. Nothing is safe anymore and S&T are putting up gates, safety plugs, clearning bottom shelves, cushioning corners and pretty much childproofing the house (but they're still getting in:~) "High maintenance" has new meaning. The world is their playpen. Fortunately Cooper (their"brother") is taking it all in stride.


 

An IRONMAN in the family!

Swim, bike, and run unreasonable distances in horrible weather and you too can become an Ironman. Julie, after a year of training, achieved her goal at the IM Wisconsin 2006 in Madison on September 10. We all (parents, sister, aunt and uncle and college friends) went to encourage her and volunteer at the event, although we didn't expect the cold, rain and wind that surrounded us ALL day and night. But she persevered and completed swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles (on Madison's hilly!!! countryside) and running (well, walking some) 26 miles. It all began at 7 a.m. and she crossed the finish line at 11:30 p.m., wet and cold, but successful. Congratulations Julie!


 

Double the Fun!

My August trip to Vail was double the fun as Lauren and Sophie grow bigger and stronger (they're 8 months old now). They are learning new tricks every day. It was fun to watch Lauren get up on all fours and learn to crawl while I was there. And Sophie birthed her first tooth. And Steve celebrated his 37th birthday. And Tina and Steve celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary. Ah, what excitement in Vail. And Grandma got to take part in it all. Stay tuned, I'll be back in September (this time with Aunt Julie there too.)  

The girls helped Dad Steve celebrate his 37th birthday on August 28th.
"Push me higher, Mom!"
Uncle Tom came to visit from Seattle and have some snuggle time with the twins.