There hasn't been much to update on the site this last month, largely because the beloved digital camera ubruptly stopped working, preventing us from taking and posting lovely pictures. Of course, in our household it's not as simple as going to Target or Best Buy and getting a new one. We have to research return policies, research Consumer Reports and CNET, check out some camera examples, and then order the camera over the phone and find the best online deal for a memory card. We ended up with a camera that is an upgrade of our former camera. It won't suprise many folks who know us that any decision has to be a deliberative process. This morning we'll be in fierce negotiations over the week's meal plan. (Alright, Jen pretty much figures that one out herself.)
Meredith started a toddler gym class this fall. We call it "kid's gym" and she loves it! She gets to run around with a dozen other toddlers and do organized and unorganized games and dances and activities. Meredith brings her dad as her escort and sometimes dance partner. The classes are Saturday morning, and tire her out good for a nice afternoon nap.
Last week Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Dave visited. Meredith was very sad when they left. It didn't help that their car is still here (they flew out of Minneapolis), because Meredith keeps asking about them when she sees their car. As always, the grandparents were very fun and quite helpful. Meredith's dad and grandpa spent some time tearing down a playset, transporting it across town, and partially putting it up. Thankfully, the bulk of the tearing down had been done the previous weekend with the help of superstar friend Julie, who spent four hours with a ratchet set and a screwdriver, taking the darned hulk of a playset down.
Earlier this month, the family went apple-picking at an orchard with friends Steve and Ginger, and their two kids Sidney and Cece. All had a fun time at the petting zoo and hay bale maze. Meredith and Sidney played hide-and-seek in the maze. Many apples were picked. Two weeks later, about half have been cut up and frozen. The other half patently waits for us to do something with it.
Next week features Jen's fall break and a trip to Missouri to see Grandma Gail and Grandpa Kerry. In addition, the visit will feature the great Bjella Great Grandparents, Uncle David and Aunt Olga, and Jake-dog.
-DBR