In the laundry basket

Nina's got lots of toys but it's always better to play with the real stuff.

Exploring the garden on Radio Flyer

While the weather was still nice, Nina ventured outside on her little Radio Flyer 'trike' to enjoy some fresh air and garden herbs.

Happy Sunday morning on a sheep skin

Nina's first birthday!

Yesterday was Nina's first birthday. We had invited a few neighbours to celebrate and share the birthday cake. She got lots of presents, also in the mail just in time on her big day from the family in Europe, and we all sang Happy Birthday to her after which she 'blew' her one pink candle. Ready for her next exciting year in this world!

Bath time

Every evening before going to bed, Nina has her bath to wash down all the troubles and food left-overs of the day. And to play of course with her beloved Dikkie Dik bath book and hand puppet. But the shampoo bottle is also quite tasty. At the end of the session all toys go back into the little container to dry and be ready and there for her again the next day. Drying off is not always so much fun, probably because of the realisation that bed time is nearing...

Friday's funny faces

Just look and enjoy!

Nina and her Radio Flyer

After standing comes walking so we got Nina a little help: a Radio Flyer push walker. She loves to go for a walk in the garden with her Teddy and Miss Stork, or even better, be in the walker with them and have daddy push her around the yard.

New fence

We were going to just refresh our old fence by painting it, but it would not have been enough to even slightly improve the looks of the wobbly construction in front of our house. More drastic measures were necessary: a new fence complete with an appropriate height arbor. After the City of Waukegan had approved the holes for the poles, the new fence could be put into place. Now we still have to stain it, but it will look really good instead of just maybe OK.

Some long weekend boat pics

Last weekend was a long because the Monday was a holiday. Wind and weather were great so we were out on the lake every day. Nina chilling in her private space: the v-berth. When she wants to get out, she will just give us a sign. Very enjoyable days and we got good mileage and speed.

Nina standing!

Last Sunday, for the first time, all by herself, Nina was standing up in the playpen when I came into the living room. She was so proud of herself and we were of course too. Now she wants to practice all the time and everywhere to perfect her new milestone. When we go to her room in the morning or after her nap to pick her up, she's already waiting for us with her little hands on the railing: take me out of here!

Outside the box

Nina is trying to pull herself up. Still not managing completely without help, but also that will soon be a milestone reached. Mobility is her motto nowadays!

With Daddy the Duke

Staszek just got a new company car, but he would for sure be willing to trade it in for this orange super model, at least for the summer...

Adnan in Waukegan

While on his way to the West coast, Adnan arranged a stop-over in Chicago and came to visit us in Waukegan. Weather was great, our attempt to sail to Chicago for the Air and Water Show failed, but we had lots of fun and in the end the wind even picked up so the Windspirit could show her true colours. And the guys kept their t-shirt tradition.

Pergola

Finally a few pictures of the new pergola we've been enjoying for over a month now! It's like having a dining room outside, very nice.