Finley and Grandpa

Ally's first day of second grade!

Back to School Bash

School starts this Thursday and it's pretty bitter sweet. Bitter for Casey and Ally, sweet for Brandon and I. We decided in order to get them excited about the new school year we would have a "Back to School" party with some of their friends and classmates. Parents thought we were nuts but we actually had a really good time. From games (including an awesome scavenger hunt) to crafts, cooking out and sno-cones the kids seemed to have a blast. Here's a few pictures from the big event!

Finley meets Minnie

A kiss from dad

After a very long and exhausting week, Brandon had a little snuggle time with Finley.

House projects!

While I was slaving away at Palmer Homecoming, Brandon was working his tail off painting, wiring, trimming etc. at our house. There's still a lot to be done but it's coming along. We have the rest of the trim to put in, a new ceiling fan to instll in the living room and the kitchen needs painted, lights and trim as well. The carpets were cleaned on Friday and that made a world of difference. It's coming along.

Mommy's big week at work!

As you can see it doesn't phase her one bit that I'm not going to be around as much this week as usual. I, on the other hand, put on a real good front!

5 months

Finley is 5 months old and she's getting to be so grown up already. She grabs for everything. We started giving her some solid food and watch out! She loves sweet potatoes! The bottom picture if just after her cereal in the morning. I'm sure she'll hate me for posting that one someday. She's rolling over constantly and I just know she'll be sitting up on her own soon! YIKES!

Daddy runs the Bix for the first time

Brandon ran the bix for the first time last weekend and really enjoyed doing it. He wasn't thrilled with his time(1 hr exactly) but something to aim for next year. Uncle Mark gave Finley front row seats to watch daddy finish the race!

I mean really ...

Here's the infamous 3 month photo we had taken of Finley. She's grown so much even since this has been taken. We had her 4 month appointment at the pediatricians yesterday and she weighed a whopping 15lbs. 4 oz. and was 25 inches long. She's in the 85th percentile for height and weight. Such a growing girl!

Finley's first parade

Finley went to her very first parade this weekend. Brandon, I and the kids met up with our friends Maria, Sage and their two kids, Peyton and Ava for a fun day in the sun! We had such a great day!!!

Finley is such a big girl

We were practicing sitting up like a big girl the other day and this was her big attempt. She has a bumbo but this was just so much cuter. Had to post!

Four Generations of Richards'

oh how fast things change

Finley will be 4 months old next Tuesday and I thought I'd show some pictures so you could see just how much she's changed. The picture of her in her little red outfit was on the day we came home from the hospital and the other one is her just the other day at my parent's office. My little girl is growing up so fast!

Happy Father's Day

My cousins wife, Anita, holding Finley and me with Miles.

My cousin, Tony, and I with our two little ones. They're only two months apart.

Well Father's Day wasn't exactly how we would have planned but things come up ya know. We ended up going to Jefferson, Iowa to spend the weekend and see some of my cousin's that were back from Boston and Virginia. Finley got to meet her cousin Miles for the first time.

Could you please STOP taking my picture?

I think she's sort of over the whole picture thing. I say that's too bad cause I'm the boss! Snapped these the other day and couldn't resist posting.

Not sure how I feel about that Mom!

So, I let Finley try my fudgesicle (I know bad mom). I figure a little lick wouldn't hurt. Her expression wasn't exactly the kind you get when you really love something so I guess no more for her for now. Bummer!

Finley loves playtime with Grandpa

Welcome Home Ryan!!!

We couldn't have had a better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend than with my brother, Ryan coming home after being overseas for the past 10 months. It was so great to see him and Finley was so excited to meet her uncle Ryan for the very first time. We're so proud of our soldier!

Another year gone by

Today was Casey and Ally's last day of school. They are officially entering 4th and 2nd grade respectively. Boy how fast the years go by. If you really want to see how much they've changed click on the August 2006 archive folder and see them on their first day of school.