Happy Easter!

Jake helped his cousins dye Easter Eggs and decorate sugar cookies on Palm Sunday. He showed everyone that he can now take a few steps on his own, and talked to them a little bit too!

We went to Columbia, Boonville and Billingsville Easter weekend. We had a great time blowing bubbles and playing outside on Saturday. It was such a nice spring day! Jake looked very dapper in his suit and tie Sunday morning. We all enjoyed a wonderful breakfast after sunrise service in Billingsville!

Jake's First Mizzou Basketball Game . . . vs. kU

Jake fell asleep midway through the first half, which is about the time the Jayhawks took the lead and began to pull away from the Tigers. I guess the earplugs we bought him worked well. He slept through the entire second half as well!

February Madness

We geared up for March Madness a little earlier this year, catching our niece's and nephews' basketball games in February. We started out with Katie's games just down the street in Lenexa. The month ended in St. Louis, where we caught Matt's and Michael's games! Jake likes watching his cousins play "ba", but thinks playing "ba" is even more fun!

Jake's First Sledding Adventure

Santa brought Jake a sled for Christmas. Although Kansas City received a lot of snow this winter, it's been too cold to go sledding - until today! Daddy pulled Jake around the front yard over and over again. Spice was so excited he uprooted a bush! It was a fun afternoon for all of us.

Happy's 30th Birthday in Breckenridge

Over six months ago, Happy decided he wanted to spend his 30th birthday skiing. He spent many spring break weeks in Colorado with friends skiing, but had not been skiing since college. I have never been, but was excited to learn! Grandpa and grandma Auer kept Jake while we were away, so we could devote our attention to the slopes and the night life in Breck. Kris actually drank a margarita while we were there!

Both of us did better on the mountain than expected. Kris spent most of his time on the blue and black slopes. I never made it off the green ones, but made a lot of progress!

The International Snow Sculpture competition was being held while we were there, which was interesting. Most of our evenings were spent walking from our lodge to get dinner and drinks, but we were we never stayed out too late!

As we drove home, Kris vowed to make it an annual trip. I don't think he will have any problem finding someone to go with him!

Jake's boots

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Katie sent Jake some rockin' cowboy boots for his birthday. We hate to call out one gift over all the other wonderful ones he received, but we have to share these pictures with you! (Clearly Jake is quickly recovering from RSV!)

Jake's First Birthday

How quickly this year has past! Jake's birthday weekend was eventful, to say the least.

Jake spent Friday, his birthday, with Aunt Amy and cousin Maggie at their house. They brought him down to Lockton to say "hi" and go out for lunch. Jake loved having his cheese pizza served in a little red wagon at Tomfooleries! Later night, we took our last in the series of twelve pictures in the living room chair. Those pictures have been harder and harder to take the past few months, as Jake has become more

active!

Saturday (party day!) started off typical, but quickly became unusual. Jake ran errands with me in the morning, but insisted on being carried everywhere. (It's very hard to push or pull a cart in Sam's when carrying a toddler!) When we arrived home, I discovered Jake had a low-grade fever. Calls were promptly made to all party attendees to let them know they were still welcome, but that more germs were present than usual. Everyone showed up as planned, and although Jake bawled as he opened gifts, they all seemed to have a fun time. Jake did show some inter

est in his cake, but quickly became clingy and sad. Poor baby!

After everyone left, we took Jake to Children's Mercy South's Urgent Care Center. After a few tests, we learned he had RSV - a common but long-lasting respiratory virus. We ended the weekend unpacking all Jake's wonderful birthday gifts, and thanks to some rest and relaxation he was able to enjoy them. Thanks to all who were able to celebrate with us!