American Gothic and something that I love to see on long car trips.

You all know the iconic painting, "American Gothic" by Grant Wood?

We pass by Eldon, Iowa on our way to Moravia, and this time we decided to make a quick detour through that particular crumbling, southern Iowa town to see the actual house that was depicted in that famous painting. This particular style is "Carpenter Gothic" and the models never actually stood in front of the house as the painting was done in stages.



Sleeping children make our trips just a little easier...that and a little help from Dora.

The weekend

was full of family visits and we were able to enjoy some Iowa sunshine.

A few more photos of Sunday...

Daddy and Allie

Hayley and Isabelle trying their skill at the "spider-web" (I call the contraption an injury waiting to happen).

Emily climbing

A Sunday jaunt to the park and picnic.

Although I was very sad that our family had to leave us on Sunday (and Isabelle had a few tears as well), we really had an enjoyable morning at the playground with sunshine and mild temperatures. The girls loved to scream while going down the slides together, climb up the numerous bars and chase each other around. It was so fun to see!

Fun times at the Children's Museum...

Grandma Koss, Aunt Jamie, cousins Hayley and Emily came on Friday to spend the weekend with us here in Indy. It was great to have family out to see us and everyone had a super time!

"Happy birthday to you..."

Yeah! They are here...and look...they brought more presents!!!

Taking time to open a few more presents that came in the mail and model my new dress...

But still are completely enamored with Allie's new toy...


We are waiting patiently for our honored guests to arrive.

Allie's 2nd birthday!

Isabelle and Allie playing with her brand new dollhouse! They both love it.

Fun balloons!!!!

Another present...thank you for the gifts and cards everyone!

Opening a card...


My baby is 2! I can't believe it! It seems like yesterday that we were celebrating her arrival. Allie doesn't waste any time opening gifts as she spotted her present in the living room when she woke up.

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Alexandria Dianne Miller made an entrance into this world at 10:05 pm (3 1/2 weeks early)...

weighing 5 lbs and 15 oz...

meeting her big sister, Isabelle...

showing off her going home outfit and temper...



but can peacefully sleep as well in her first days of life...

and being welcomed home by her loving sister and family.

Puddle jumping and Allie attempting to do just that.

Spring-like mild weather on Thursday to rain showers on Sunday

Puddle jumping is a great afternoon activity on a rainy Sunday. The clouds finally parted revealing bright blue skies so we were able to capitalize on one more day of 60 degree weather.

On Friday, we took a trip to one of our favorite spots in the city, The Indianapolis Zoo. Isabelle is looking at two new additions to the zoo, a pair of brown bear siblings from Alaska.

On Thursday, we took a very windy trip to a playground. Allie enjoys looking in any mirror when she gets a chance.

Nicknames

Allie Allie, Al, Allikins, Big Al, Als, Muffin, Allie Baby, Midgie Widgie, Midge

Izzy, Izzers, Izzerbells, Izzy-B, Izzy-baby, Sweets

Babycat (Allie calls him this), Erzins, Erwie

Storytime

Isabelle and Allie love to read books all day long...and this is one of their favorites.

Phone pics galore

Izzy and Allie trying out some equipment at the Chilrens Museum in February.

Allie swinging at Holliday park in August.

My Iowa Cheerleaders in January.

Isabelle having fun at Holliday park in August.

Allie asleep in the carseat in December.