Burkemper Life

Carsten 16 months - 20 months

2010-06-24T12:19:00.001+08:00

A few pics from recent months. We have been busy and not busy at the same time. Nothing much to report on the home front. We are watching our garden grow, attempting to keep in shape, and letting Carsten keep us as busy as possible.

A few trips here and there and a few visitors which has been delightful. We have a busy summer ahead of us and are looking forward to all of our trips. We are excited to see family and friends along the way the next few months!

A few

Triathlon Experience

2010-06-03T11:08:00.001+08:00

One our training buddy, Aimee, wrote a small summary of her triathlon experience, so thought I would do the same. First of all a big Thank You to Andrea King our tri trainer and to all those in our group who pushed and encouraged us throughout the 8 weeks of training. We had a blast meeting new people and thoroughly enjoyed it all.

The Capital of Texas Triathlon is a qualifying event, so the number of athletes participating was pretty awesome, 361 women, 933 total. Sunday afternoon we checked in our bikes and picked up our race packets. Our awesome neighbors let Carsten spend the night so we didn 't have to drag him out of bed at 6am, then watched him on race day.

On race day we arrived downtown around 7am, got all our body markings, then set up our transition area. We had some time to kill, so we mingled with friends, watched the Olympic distance athletes start their swim and just tried to relax. Race time for me was 9:25 and for Scott 10am. My personal goal was to finish in under 2 hours and not walk during the 5K, Scott wanted to finish and not drown during the swim :-) We both met and exceeded our goals! Scott swam the entire race, did not backstroke or breaststroke, he swam freestyle the entire time and did not take a break...this was a huge accomplishment, considering during our first week of training he was proclaiming, "I am going to backstroke the whole damn thing!" I finished in 1:55:45 and did not walk and Scott finished in 2:05.

AND, the kicker....we just recently found out that the course was set incorrectly on the swim AND the run! We swam an extra 300m and ran an extra .2 of a mile. In total we swam 1050m, biked 12.1 miles, ran 3.3 miles. So, needless to say we are both thrilled with our first time triathlon experience. I can say that I would be happy to do another triathlon and next time I will be getting some skinnier tires (we both did the bike course with our mountain bikes)! Scott is looking for a more adventure style triathlon.

Also, a BIG THANK YOU to everyone to donated to the YMCA's Strong Kids program!

It was an awesome experience and something that we were able to enjoy together. We are looking forward to many more Saturday morning bike rides (with Carsten in tow) around Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park!

March update

2010-04-05T12:05:00.001+08:00

March has been full of excitement and adventure for the whole family. We kicked off the month with beautiful spring weather, Carsten and I got out and enjoyed the park. He learned how to go UP the steps and DOWN the slide...concepts, love to watch his little brain tick! Now we just need to work on feet first.

He started to blow kisses, we have been working on this with Elmo! Which, we are happy to report that he is also finally warming up to inanimate objects that all of a sudden become animated and make noise. i.e. Elmo, laughing lion, puppy dog, rocking horse

Carsten is getting better at eating what is put on the table, when he has a good night he gets some kind of treat, usually it is applesauce or a graham cracker, but we had ice cream in the freezer. What a treat! He LOVED it!

YUM!

And then pointing for MORE, PLEASE!

Carsten got to spend St. Patty's Day weekend at home with Grandma and Grandpa Burkemper while daddy went to Rolla to celebrate. Mommy stayed in Austin, went out with a friend, her car was hit while parked in a parking lot, and she got sick. Wish my 5 days solo could have been written a bit differently, but everyone enjoyed their individual time.

It was blistery cold the third weekend in March, but the following weekend we had gorgeous weather so we headed out to the rodeo. Not much rodeo action going on, we just walked around, went to the petting zoo (which Carsten was not too fond of), saw some animals and then out to dinner. Carsten is SUCH a daddy's boy, it really is adorable.

Aside from a few outings we have been filling our time with spring cleaning and backyard landscaping/gardening. We had to pull a few plants because they were highly poisonous, we planted some herbs, tilled an area for a vegetable garden and pulled a bagillion weeds. We still have to pull some timbers and replace them with stone, get some rock, plant a few flowers, and plant the entire garden. A couple more busy weekends ahead of us, but when we are all finished it will be wonderful!

Carsten's First Hair Cut

2010-03-15T04:23:00.001+08:00

Carsten went for his first hair cut last weekend. Two pics are from the day before showing how long his hair was on top and his curls in the back. I do miss his little curls! He did great, no tears, no fuss...helped that he was driving a car and a movie was playing. He looks like a little man now!

February of FUN

2010-03-02T11:09:00.004+08:00

The month of February was filled with FUN at home (and one weekend trip to the ranch)! It was nice to just be home and hang out as a family. We spent the majority of our evenings with the TV on, which is rare, but we were soaking up the Olympic Games. We hosted a BBQ one weekend, it was nice to meet all the husbands of my friends from the mom's group. It was interesting playing goalie with 8 toddlers as they tried to gain access to the BBQ pit. Carsten had some trouble "sharing" his toys and had a HUGE problem when momma held another baby, COMPLETE MELTDOWN. He is a tough little booger and knows what he wants when he wants it...and, nothing will stop him. He thinks he is a 10 year and on top of that he is one of the smallest kiddos. I love his head strong attitude, but oh goodness I am not looking forward to picking him up from the principals office because he beat up someone on the playground.

At the end of the month we visited the Stone's at their ranch just southwest of Forth Worth. Scott had training in Dallas all week, so Carsten and I drove up on Friday morning. We picked up daddy from his hotel room then went to visit Jen Matson who was in town for a trade show. It was AWESOME to see her and catch up. Hope it happens more often! After our visit we headed to Stonecrest and had another amazing weekend! The pics and video below can tell the story of our weekend.

Fun times with Jen

Carsten loves all the puppies, but Annie always comes in for a quick kiss and then dashes away. And, he loved this little rocking chair.

It was a bit cold in the morning, so we had to bundle up in our fleece, hat and gloves. He will actually help you put on the gloves because he knows he gets to go outside.

Bisquits (or toast) and gravy at Mary's

Carsten wasn't scared to hop on up with dad.

Harley is the oldest of the puppies (13) and is never far from Carsten's side. Before we left Carsten was trying to give him a kiss, Harley kept turning his head, so Carsten bent down and gave him a hug.

We went for a long walk to feed the horses. On the way back, Carsten wanted to hold daddy's hand...then I his little legs were tired and he wanted a ride.

Got up here all by myself!

Mom, look.....it's Harley

Up and down...up and down...up and down. These steps kept him VERY busy.

Snow Day

2010-02-24T10:43:00.002+08:00

It snowed in Austin today and you would have thought we got a foot of snow...I went to the YMCA to work out at 4pm and the Childwatch center was closed due to bad weather. Really!?!?!?! And, some schools don't start until 10am tomorrow. I mean really, it was a wet dusting, and the roads have been worse when we have heavy rain. Also, it was nearly 70 degrees on Saturday and today snowing...I feel like I am back in Missouri. Nonetheless, Carsten and I had fun playing outside for a little bit.

Our cul de sac

Carsten goes outside to get wet and "play" in the snow

January filled with fun and family

2010-02-18T01:00:00.004+08:00

January brought a ski trip to Colorado with the Steinhoff clan...GOOD TIMES! I have not hit the slopes since before we moved to China and Scott has never. He learned to snowboard and he rocked the board and did some serious shredding...no kidding, was busting down some blues on his second day. He took a full day lesson on Thursday, all day on Friday he rocked it! They are hurting for some snow, but we couldn't complain about the weather, sunny and 35 the entire time we were there. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! I love the mountains.

Carsten didn't do much skiing, maybe next year. He got hang with Grandma while everyone else was on the mountain. Grandma walked to meet up with us for lunch on Friday and on Sunday he rode up in the Gondola for lunch on top of the mountain.

We also drove to Nederland (just outside of Boulder) and had a wonderful visit with Lisa Faenger, some delicious food and a couple of tasty beverages.

We had some amazing dinners, played some cards, enjoyed the hot tub, and made some fantastic memories. Here are a few captured memories...

Group minus the photog...my sister

Grandpa, Carsten and Grandma going UP in the Gondola.

Brother in law, Jim, looking like a real mountain man.

Phew! This riding is tiring...

Mom, Carsten and Dad atop the mountain.

In the parking lot at the condo, last day of skiing... :-(

All bundled up...let's go play!

Scott and Stephanne

December activity

2010-01-07T12:11:00.007+08:00

December did not bring rest, but more fun times with friends and family. The beginning of the month brought some special visitors. Julie (and Chris), Kris (and Rob), EG (and Tiffany) all came for a long weekend visit. They arrived on Thursday night and departed on Sunday! It was all too short, but oh so much fun. We had a sitter on Friday night, we headed out early to catch happy hour prices...which meant more drinking (and eating). We rallied until about 2am, and I think we could have went longer, but I am sure the sitter wanted to go home. Saturday we just hung out then grilled up some delicious steaks for Chris's bday, played some euchre, and continued to put our drink on. It was so much fun to all be together, it just doesn't happen often enough. Until next year....
The next weekend Scott and I visited New Orleans to see John Prine with Iris DeMent at the House of Blues. It rained all weekend, but it was so nice to be together just the two of us in an amazing city. We ate, drank, walked, shopped, listened to live music, stayed up too late...but, since we were sans Carsten we slept in and took naps! It was glorious!!!
Starting the weekend off right, the Roddiger's (who sat Carsten for us) advised us to start off with two....um, I would have been on my ass! We had one then opted for dinner, then more drinks up and down and off Bourbon. What a night!

The following weekend was filled with last minute shopping, venturing around Austin, and preparing ourselves for the long drive home. We drove through the night on the 21st, Carsten slept the entire way...12 hours and 1 minute door to door. Christmas celebrations started on the 23rd and concluded on the 27th, all of them wonderful and more memories created. Carsten was still a bit more interested in the paper than the actual toy. Next year I am sure will be a different story. It was fantastic to see family while we were home, going to have to catch up with all our friends on the next visit...sorry. With Christmas falling on the weekend it was tough to fit everything in our schedule. We hope the holidays blessed everyone with fond memories of past and kindled new memories made. Here is our Christmas tree and pic of the best present ever!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

November activity

2010-01-07T11:23:00.007+08:00

So sorry to those of you who do check our blog...it has been two months since I posted a pic or news or anything. Blame it on the holidays, blame it on being lazy, blame it on being too busy...or just deal with it! Check out a few pics from of our November activity.

Bethany turned 30 the beginning of November, the Burkemper clan surprised her in KC and last minute Carsten and I decided to join the fun. We surprised everyone, it was a fantastic night. It was too short, but wonderful to see everyone.
Scott traveled to Uruguay for a business trip, he was away for one week. Carsten and I drove to Houston to visit Ginger and James, our dear friends from Shanghai. We have not seem them since the move and so lucky they are so close to us here in the US. Ginger and I visited during the day, checked out the home they are building, and then dined with James in the evening. I also got to meet her "second" (i like to call Carsten her first) grand baby. We had an awesome trip with the exception of dealing with this for three days.....he was cutting his molars!
We met up with the Schnellers in Dallas for the Cowboys game. Thank goodness they won or both Scott and I would have puked! Just kidding. It was a great day, sunshine, cold drinks, good food, great friends.
For Thanksgiving, we went to Stonecrest Ranch. Food was delicious and the hosts were the best part of it all. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful network of friends who are near and dear to our hearts. We followed up our Thanksgiving with a quick trip home for the weekend. Adam put together a surprise anniversary party for Hoot and Kay, they were both surprised! It was a fantastic party, saw a few people that I have not seen in years. Carsten ran around until he was tuckered out!
A small photo shoot before we left. The ranch is SO picturesque and of course we think Carsten is adorable. So we snapped a bunch of pics with a rocking chair, stool and the house.

Gravity Stinks!

2009-11-05T10:53:00.000+08:00

Carsten had a fight with gravity yesterday while on the driveway...guess who won? Then, today he had his one year shots. Scuffed up nose, four pokes in my legs...being a baby is a rough life.

Carsten turns ONE!

2009-11-01T12:34:00.002+08:00

The preparations were complete....

The guests had arrived...

It was time to dig in...Dad giving me a little taste

And, I think he liked it!
Carsten is one lucky little boy. All of his Grandmas and Grandpas came to town for his first birthday. We had such a wonderful weekend visiting with all of them and he thoroughly enjoyed being spoiled. On Monday evening he was looking in the guest bedrooms for other people...it was so cute and so sad. He kept peeping his head into the spare bedroom as if he was looking for one of them. Tks so much for coming to town and playing with me, now it is just back to boring ol' mom and dad.

Fall Festival-Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-29T00:34:00.004+08:00

Two weekends ago we visited the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm, they were hosting their annual Fall Festival. It was a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in Austin, mid 70s, clear blue sky, and sunshine! Wouldn't want it any other way...

The fall festival had a few animals, a wagon ride, pumpkins, food, swings, etc. etc. In general a great place to let the kiddos roam free and have a great time. Carsten really enjoyed the wagon ride and he did his best to pick up a pumpkin.

We were thinking the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm would be a great spot to start a Christmas Tree Hunt in Texas....womp! womp!! When we walked up the sign said "No Alcohol" Boo Hiss! They will not be getting our Christmas Tree Hunting Money

Driving.

Miniature Brahman

He never looks at the camera, but what one year old does?

Look at that sky!!!!
So happy to be back in America for the blue skies, rare to see a sky like that in Shanghai.

Bukhara at the Burkemper's house

2009-09-29T10:01:00.000+08:00

Scott cooked up some deliciousness tonight. Tilapia and Saag Paneer...holy goodness it was so tasty! Made me remember so many wonderful dinners in Shanghai at Bukhara and Masala Art. We are excited to make again, so please invite yourself to dinner. :)

Pics from the festivities

2009-09-23T10:57:00.003+08:00

We went to Luckenbach, but not with Waylon, Willie and the boys. Great little place!

We went to Coyote Ugly, but didn't get crazy on top the bar...oh, but believe me the thought did enter our minds!

Sistas!

Friends!

Love!

All dolled up and ready for tasty tapas dinner and party on 6th street! What a fun night and fantastic memories.

Drinks...we had PLENTY of those!

The Surprise!

2009-09-23T10:45:00.003+08:00

Here is my reaction when Lynn and Dawn showed up at 10pm on a Thursday night to celebrate my 30th birthday. Scott told me a coworker was stopping by for one drink...he did a great job keeping it a surprise and his "cover" story was 100% believable. I never suspected a thing!

The initial "shock"...Holy Shit, that is my sister...and, Lynn!

WOW!

Trying to hold back tears of excitement

Baby Yoda

2009-09-09T08:54:00.000+08:00

The early makings of Carsten's "Baby Yoda" Halloween Costume.
I still have to sew his cape, but holding off a bit in case he hits a growth spurt.

Get your motor running...

2009-08-19T21:57:00.002+08:00

Carsten and his motor boat!

My morning sunshine

2009-08-13T01:10:00.002+08:00

Carsten is always very happy when he wakes in the morning. He chats up a storm and then always give a big smile when you enter the room! Probably the most favorite part of my day.

Laundry basket fun

2009-08-12T00:05:00.002+08:00

Lake Travis with the Roddiger's

2009-08-11T22:38:00.002+08:00

Chris and Eric traveled to Austin with friends for their annual lake trip. They invited us out to the condo where they were staying, we enjoyed some tasty beverages and yummy snacks. It was great to see them and wonderful to meet their friends. Tks Chris and Eric, looking forward to seeing you in Houston!

Chris and Carsten

He had so much fun exploring the entire deck

Cards were playing the Astros, Chris and Eric came to Lake Travis with friends from Houston. Therefore, we had to show our Cardinals spirit!

Eric and Scott, Lake Travis

2009-08-11T22:30:00.001+08:00

The laundry basket is his new favorite toy and walker. He pushes it all around the house at a fast pace, just waiting for the day when he lets go...I wonder if I will be able to keep up with him.

He no longer likes to sit inside, but more enjoys cruising around the outside playing with everything.

Phew! This playing thing is tiring!

2009-08-11T22:27:00.001+08:00

Good Morning

Helping Mom with the laundry...BIG help

2009-07-27T11:05:00.004+08:00

Busy Week

2009-07-12T04:30:00.000+08:00

Carsten has had a very busy week. He has now learned that there is more to Grandma and Grandpa's house than just the living room. And, he thinks he can pull himself up on EVERYTHING! Here are a few successful pull ups this week. Next week we move to Austin! First item on the agenda...BABYPROOFING!

2009-07-02T09:39:00.003+08:00

Mom, can we please go outside?

Tks Mom, being outside ROCKS!!!

I want to go over there....

Please....over there....

Mom, let go...it's OKAY!

Seriously...let go!

I'm almost there....Ahhhh, made it. Tks, Mom!!!

Mom saying..."hey, big guy, what are you trying to do? where do you want to go? i'm not going to let go, this is concrete...not carpet!" well, we can see who won :)

Down on the farm

2009-06-29T23:58:00.000+08:00

Daddy bought me a new hat, I left it on for a couple of pics....

But, then I had more fun playing with it!

Daddy leaves for Texas

2009-05-29T22:43:00.002+08:00

Scott leaves for Texas tomorrow, our long vacation at home is coming to an end...BOO HOO!!! I am headed to Austin June 4-7 to do some house searching, keeping our fingers crossed that we find something in 2 days, lofty goal...but attainable (I hope!). Scott will come back to the St. Louis area a couple times during the month of June and then home for his high school reunion in July. After the reunion (weekend of the 11th) Carsten and I will join Daddy in Austin. Hope to see some of you before we head out and hope that the end of the school year and start of summer is treating you all well.

Need to babyproof the house!

2009-05-28T21:51:00.003+08:00

Carsten is on the move...and he is fast!!!

2009-05-28T21:49:00.000+08:00

I am a very happy baby! Need a smile, I can light up your day!
Getting big, check out my hamhocks...rice cereal and veggies, yummy!!!

Home

2009-05-14T11:07:00.002+08:00

We have been home for about 5 weeks now and have been enjoying every second! We are enjoying spending time with family and friends and just relaxing while trying to coordinate our move to Austin, Texas. That is right, we are on the move again...Texas, here we come. Scott, Carsten and I will be headed to Austin the beginning of June.

Scott will be working in an outside sales position with Watlow...Carsten and I will work on finding a house, getting settled and returning to American life.

We hope all is well with everyone, looking forward to hearing from you all and hope to see many of you before we move!

Carsten is now sleeping through the night, not just 6 hours...but 10 or 12, ahhhh...it is bliss! He is sitting up, scooting all over the place, eating solids, giving kisses, and babbling "da da da da"! He is getting so big...so fast!

2009-05-14T11:04:00.000+08:00

Cousins! Ah, it is so nice to be home.

2009-03-17T22:24:00.001+08:00

It is with tears streaming down my face as I write to say that the world has lost a dear friend, amazing father, and loving husband. I only met Brian O'Neill one time, but from stories and reading of Angie's blog I feel like I knew him better than some people I have known my whole life. It is today, St. Patrick's Day, that the Lord called him home. Please keep the O'Neill family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Carsten is mobile

2009-03-01T21:58:00.003+08:00

Our Trip Down Unda

2009-02-28T17:07:00.011+08:00

Scott, Carsten and I went 'down unda' to visit friends and relax. We started the trip in Singapore, Scott did some work, Carsten and I spent the day hanging out on Orchard Rd, lunching with a friend from Shanghai and making a few purchases we couldn't find in Shanghai. It was Carsten's first experience with hot, humid weather...he managed...although, man does he sweat!

After Singapore we flew to Brisbane to meet our friends Beck, Tony, and their son Elliot, who is four weeks older than Carsten. We drove to Beck's parent's place in Toowoomba and had a glorious weekend catching up over a few "cuppa's". Carsten and Elliot had so much fun playing together, we are anxiously awaiting the next time they see one another!

On Sunday afternoon we set out from Toowoomba en route to the Whitsunday Islands. We drove 1000+km and arrived in Airlie Beach on Tuesday afternoon. From Airlie Beach we took a boat to Daydream Island where we stayed at Daydream Resort...ahhh, it was nice. The resort was a step back to 1986 and the food was nothing to write home about, but it was relaxing and Carsten had a wonderful time swimming. Scott and I took a helicopter ride out over the Great Barrier Reef and also landed on Whitehaven Beach for one hour. The sand is so soft and fine and remains very cool, so your feetsies don't burn when you walk, it was glorious! The helicopter ride was definitely a highlight of the trip.Our resort on Daydream Island

Whitehaven Beach

After relaxing in the sunshine we flew back to Brisbane for two nights and one day. We visited the Koala Sanctuary, and then dined at the Belgian Brewhouse. Tasty beverages to cap off a wonderful Aussie vacation!

While on vacation our little man starting rolling over...

Saying goodbye

2009-02-02T14:25:00.011+08:00

We had to say goodbye to more friends who are headed back home. Over the past year and half we have become friends with Drew, Heather and newcomer to the family Dominic. We toasted our friendship and good times at Issimo. Carsten had to say goodbye to his new friend Dominic, but we are looking forward to making new memories in a different city in the future.

Chinese New Year 2009

2009-02-02T13:53:00.003+08:00

We celebrated another Chinese New Year in Shanghai and enjoyed every minute. Aside from nightly fireworks the city is so quiet and peaceful. It is the biggest mass migration of people in the world, everyone going home to visit family and friends, for most Chinese Nationals this is the only time of year they see their children, parents, husbands. Can you imagine?

We celebrated the New Year with dinner at our place with old and new friends, a wonderful time had by all...I hope :) Here is a video of the fireworks, Fourth of July fireworks will never be the same.

Perspective....

2009-01-27T10:59:00.002+08:00

As each of you start your day, from: maybe checking our blog for new pictures of Carsten, to: reading the morning paper, having a cup of coffee, calling your mom, getting your children ready for school, getting yourself ready for work, thinking about all the things you have to do today, please take a moment and pray for our friends Brian, Angie, Grant and Gavin O'Neill. He has been battling cancer for the past 12 years and the Lord has decided it is time for Brian to join him. The family is dealing with a lot more than any of us can ever imagine, so please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult journey. Her blog is an inspiration and she has to be the most amazing mother and wife on the planet...do some reading and you will see what I mean. Click KEEP BELIEVING to access her site.

Here are their prayer requests:

For the most beautiful end of days that anyone could possibly experience
For our peace - for Brian's acceptance
For our financial future
For Gavin and Grant - to not fear, to feel normal, to feel at ease and peace. For me to be able to make that happen for them
Renewed emphasis in our spiritual/prayer life

Back home and recharged

2009-01-21T13:56:00.002+08:00

After a wonderful trip home and then a fantastic visit from Aunt Beth and Uncle Jason we are recharged and over the jet lag. I didn't think jet lag would bother Carsten so much, but should have realized it effected him just as much as it does us. The Chinese New Year is just around the corner, we are hosting a dinner on Sunday evening with about 15 people, should be a wonderful time with friends. After Chinese New Year we plan on going to Australia to visit our friends Tony, Beck and their new baby Elliot. After a weekend visit with them just outside of Brisbane we are headed north to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Should be a very intersting vacation with a 4 month old! I will get back to ya on whether or not it is recommended :) Hope everyone is doing well.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-13T21:45:00.008+08:00

My two men...so handsome!

We had a busy, but wonderful trip home for Christmas. Carsten met all his relatives and a few friends. We are so sorry that we did not get to see everyone, we hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Happy Baby

2008-12-12T14:29:00.005+08:00

Carsten gives a smile...Happy Baby!

Julie's Leaving Party

2008-12-07T10:33:00.011+08:00

The time has come, unfortunately, to say goodbye to our dear friend Julie. Scott and I met Julie when we first moved to China in the spring of 2006 and we are so fortunate to have made wonderful memories over the past 2 1/2 years. She will be moving back to London next weekend. On Saturday we went to her leaving party and Carsten was (of course) the hit of the party! Julie we love ya and you will be missed, can't wait until we see you again in the near future.

Scott,Stephanne,Carsten

Stephanne,Heather,Paulina,Julie,Jen

The ladies love me!

"The Happy Table"

2008-12-03T17:10:00.006+08:00

In the first few weeks Carsten dreaded getting his diaper and clothes changed, my parents can attest to the screaming rage coming out of such a tiny human being. It is quite amazing how time can change little ones and how the time goes so fast. He is now 6 weeks old and we have now what we call "The Happy Table".

Two nights ago Carsten was being Mr. Fussykins, so Scott experimented...he laid Carsten on the changing table and voila! he soon became "The Happy Baby". We really like "The Happy Baby", so of course Mom had to get out the video camera. He performed by making a new coo sound and "talking" to Dad, check video below.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T17:17:00.004+08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Scott, Carsten and I joined a small group of friends at Bubba's Texas BBQ for a Thanksgiving feast. It did not compare to back home, but did not disappoint. We feasted on turkey, stuffing, veggies, mashed taters and pumpkin pie.

Carsten says waz up my peeps!

Ginger and Carsten

James and Carsten

Carsten and Dominic

2008-11-29T16:56:00.000+08:00

Carsten and his new friend Dominic. Dominic is the son of our friends Drew and Heather, he was born on November 11th.

2008-10-27T14:13:00.000+08:00

Baby Peanut's Bassinet

2008-10-08T22:00:00.000+08:00

Scott and I did some rearranging of furniture over the holiday weekend. We moved the bassinet into our bedroom and switched up a few things in the guest room. Just need the changing table to be delivered and then we are all set!

About 4 weeks to go....