Gravity Stinks!

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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...

Carsten and his motor boat!

My morning sunshine

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

Lake Travis with the Roddiger's

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

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!

Good Morning


Helping Mom with the laundry...BIG help

Busy Week

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!