Will's baptismal debut

Our nephew, Will Arthur, was baptized on May 30th. He was a perfect angel who didn't say a peep or cry once during the entire service and that's pretty good for a 3 1/2 week old.

Here's Christy and Josh, proud parents. Note: Will is smiling in this photo.

We are honored to be Will's Godparents. Gus was fascinated with the candle in this photo.


This is Christy's family, (Ron and Kathy) who traveled from Heron, SD, and her brother, Brian, came from Boston.

We love our nephew and are loving the fact that we live in the same city now.

Here's dad, mom, and Great-Grandma Ethel with Christy, Will, and Josh.

Grandma Ethel is very proud of her great-grandson.

At the after-party, Will was exhausted. But still so cute!

The Ferris Wheel

There is a retail store in Fargo called Scheels which specializes in sporting goods, but has a bajillion other items, too. One being an indoor ferris wheel. Last week, Gus asked if we could ride the ferris wheel. We bought our tickets and got in line, only to be turned away because pregnant women are not allowed on the ride. I felt just awful as I looked down at Gus and told tell him we couldn't go. He looked at me, puzzled, trying to recall if he was naughty or what could have happened in the short time between us buying our tickets and getting denied. I had guilt. And decided he was already mad at his little sister. So instead we got some gourmet fudge and rode the escalator 20 times.

Meanwhile, I kept the tickets tucked away safely in my bag for a future ferris wheel ride. This weekend the time had come.

Please take my ticket, this time, man!


There's Ross and Gus, at the tipity-top.

Gus told me that 'he wasn't scared, but his dad was'.

He loves the escalator just as much as he loves the wheel. He convinced his gma and gpa to take him up and down and up and down for about 10 mins straight.


On the way out, he spent some time with Thomas Jefferson.

Marathon weekend

The Fargo marathon weekend came and went, and it was larger than ever. There were nearly 20,000 participants this year which is a record and pretty amazing for a city the size of Fargo. I did the 5K on Friday night with my Aunt Val and her friend, Vickie. We were swept up quickly in the crowd of nearly 6,000 5K participants so I didn't get a picture with her.

Gus and Ross played in the Fargodome while we were out and about.
After the official race, Gus held his own .25K race in the parking lot.

I think Ross' job, chasing a 2-yr old around for an hour, was way tougher than mine.

Saturday morning brought rain, but our family members who did the half marathon, and the relay said the rain felt good! Congratulations, Uncle Randy, for completing the half within your goal time. Meanwhile, our former relay team did an amazing job. Christy and I had to drop out this year due to babies, but the new members -- Bjorn's wife Meg and her cousin Travis -- did an awesome job.

Here they are just moments after crossing the finish line.

Congratulations Meg, Bjorn, Travis, and Brett.

A perfect project for a 2 1/2 year old

Washing the cars is our new go-to evening project. Gus loves it. And we get clean cars for $0 at least once a week.

This week Ross added the sprayer hose to the mix. He is brave, very brave. Infact, moments after I took this shot, I got a light shower and so did my camera.

We recommend this task to anyone with a dirty car and a high-energy 2-year old!

Closing Ceremonies

Gus enjoyed his last day of Parent-Tot gymnastics class.

Back-flip (OK, with a little help):

Cartwheel (only a light spot):

And he felt the burn of everyone's favorite stretch, the butterfly.

The best part of the last day is the Awards Ceremony. They call each child's name and ask them to head up to the front, climb the mat, and show everyone a Ta-Da. Gus was so focused on listening for his name that he didn't even try to escape and go play on the trampoline like he usually does during mat time.

Grad party

We attended a party for Ross' cousin, Laura, to celebrate her college graduation from Valley City State University. Congratulations, Laura! Although this was a current-day grad party, most of my photos are of the Class of 2025. Gus and Sofie (Laura's sister) were BFF's all day long.

The fire hydrant was definitely the highlight of their day.

Sofie was wondering when it would be her turn....

Holly, another cousin, stepped in just in time to break up a fire hydrant fight. My hand on top, no my hand on top, no mine!

Ross got them going on hide and seek after the hydrant fight incident.

Laura, the graduate, with Sofie. And their matching shades.

Gus was super impressed with Sofie's dad's pickup truck.


Way to go, Laura! Quite the accomplishment indeed.

Whipped into shape

Gus is quickly approaching his last few weeks of gymnastics. And he's accomplished something this session, besides just having fun. He has been in full-on training mode this session. We are proud.

Must...share....

Gus' grandma and grandpa came to town this weekend to meet their newest grandchild, Will. Gus has become accustomed to receiving all of their attention while they are in Fargo. Now, he must share. It's a good thing.

A proud Gpa Steve with baby Will at 4 days old.

Gus thought Will was funny.

Will was wide awake and checking everything out for about an hour. No crying or fussing, just observing. He's already so smart - we can tell.



This is my favorite shot. Will appears to be saying to Gus, "oh no you don't have a Superman shirt on..."
The guys with their Gpa Steve.

Now begins the documentation of the many faces of Will (4 days old).
oooohhhhh
WAAAHHHH (actually a yawn)

Just pondering.
Will nearly put Ross to sleep. There's something about holding a peaceful, snoozing baby that makes you want to sleep, too.

Gus borrowed one of Will's books, and convinced his Gma to read it to him.

Gus drove home from Will's house.

He borrowed his Gpa Steve's shades. Then checked his blind spot, as every good driver should do.

It has been wonderful spending time this weekend with Josh, Christy, Mom, Dad, and especially baby Will. Living in Fargo is really starting to get exciting now.

Our nephew

He's here!

Josh and Christy welcomed Will Arthur into the world on May 5th, at 2:50pm.

Josh reported the following stats:
6 lbs, 13 oz
19.5 inches (I think)

Everyone is doing great. Good job, Christy! It's not easy, but you did it. Congratulations!

We got to visit them at the hospital only 4 hours after he was born.

Gus likes him.

Josh, seen here carrying on a family tradition of bundling up babies because they're "too cold". HA! Gotta love the genetics going on in this shot. I see some thick, warm, and fuzzy blankets in Will's future.

Seriously, could you get a cuter kid in a cuter hat? No.

Josh is already skilled at swaddling.

Gus was interested....for 2 seconds.

Father-son.

Family pic.

Congratulations!