Harley just hit 4 months and I can’t get enough of her sweet little legs and happy smile! 

This will be our last birthday here in Madison and it was so wonderful to have all – and I do mean all – of our friends party with us! Thanks guys! You know we’re going to miss you!!

We’re gearing up for Halloween – it’s one of our favorites – but let’s face it, Team Elam LOVEs to celebrate! so every holiday is its’ own special party – The kids are super psyched this year – they fondly remember the candy coma of 2010. Noah already has his Orca costume (thank you Grandma Debbie) and we are on the hunt for a pinky pie pony for Ima.

What can I say, kids keep you young!!

 There is nothing better than an afternoon with friends – especially those who enjoy their kids as much as you laugh (I mean enjoy at your own! Kickball with the kiddos is a MUST for adult bonding

We hit Camp Randall Stadium to meet Bucky Badger (UW’s mascot) We almost fit in as 99% of all fans there were in Wisconsin RED while Team Elam was more a smattering of orange and yellow Definitely missed that memo!

The Madison Children’s Museum is such an incredible new resource, I can only hope it will become a staple in our lives for many rainy days to come.  This was our first birthday experience – a crazy exciting dash around the building for Jaythan and Noah, a slow and studied swagger for Ima and I. Is there anything more precious than experiencing their take on life…

And we’re off!!

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2239

This was such a cool salvage exhibit.  The space was open enough so the kids could explore yet small enough so they didn’t get exhausted doing it.  So much fun!!

Ima’s really coming into her own.  She’s tenacious – lunch was 2.5 hours as I waited for her to take one bite of peaches!  She’s acrobatic – a pic to follow as she reached the top of our pantry shelves to get her fishy game and a girl of unparalleled curiosity i.e. checking out the medicine cup.

is there anything cooler than watching your child discover something new!?! We played dress-up this am and it was hil-ar-ious as the kids took on new roles! I watched as Noah thought out who he wanted to be and then put it into action! Loved it!!

I have never seen anything like the beating Wisconsin just took from this past winter storm.  Not only was it the first big snow of the season, but it was exquisit in its utter devestation to every walk of life!  Upon moving up here, my brother gave me an weather forecater for christmas having decided that if I was going to talk about the weather this much, i needed to know what the temps were inside-and out. But seriously, nature dominates up here.  The seasons are not just by-words but are a true force, halting all matter of activity. and yet, there is something so quiet and peaceful about our world covered in white.  It’s a new world, a fresh start, and until it gets all yucky from exhaust and melt, it’s just beautiful…