A Trip To "The Haute"...

Sorry these pictures are dark, but something was VERY wrong with my camera today... ERH!!!

Addie and I made the trek to Marshall, IL this afternoon to meet Sophie. She is soooo precious and tiny. You forget how small they start out when you're used to carrying around a 10 month old butterball! Lisa and Steve just beam when they look at her or talk about their experience. It's really touching and so special to see them as a new little family. Sophie was so good, didn't even make a peep the whole time we visited. She just laid there looking all cute and cuddly in her pink pj's.

On our way back from Marshall, we stopped in Terre Haute to visit with Grampy. (Nana is currently in Asia, traveling through the Chinese countryside.) We checked in on him to make sure that he was eating well and staying out of trouble, while she's away. He took Addie to Gander Mountain and bought her a life jacket for the boat. We went out to dinner and to the mall. Little girl was so excited by everything, she talked about all of the day's events for over an hour on the trip home. It was mostly soft gurgles, la-la's, mama's and dada's mixed with shrieks, but she was cracking me up! I can't imagine that these will all be words someday. Oi, we're gonna have a talker on our hands.

The Sand Lot...

Daddy's Sand Lot Rules:

1. No Eating Sand

2. No Throwing Sand

(Both rules were broken in the first 5 minutes!)

We got this sand box for Addie last weekend. It has rained so much we haven't had a chance to play in it. She LOVED it!!! This is her birthday gift from mommy and daddy. We figured we would be hard pressed to find one in August, so we went ahead and bought it a little early so she could enjoy it and get good use out of it this summer... mission accomplished! We have decided to have a beach bash for her 1st birthday. The sand box will hopefully be a big hit with all of her buddies at the party!

Monkeys, Monkeys, Monkeys...

DO NOT READ THIS BLOG ENTRY IF YOU AREN'T PREPARED FOR SOME DAILY MONKEY BUSINESS THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!

My favorite radio station is WFMS, the Indianapolis country station. You will rarely get in my van, when Kenny, Tim, Faith or Reba aren't ringing through the speakers. I especially love listening to the morning show on my way to work, because the team is so down to earth, witty and entertaining.

Well several weeks ago, Deborah Honeycutt, one of the radio personalities, told a story that has become a daily laugh for Doug and me. She told her listening audience that someone had told her monkeys are everywhere. We have all been unaware that monkeys creep into our daily thoughts and conversations without us knowing it. She was told that from that day forward she would encounter a monkey each day of her life.

Since listening to that radio segment, my life has literally been saturated with monkeys! Daily, Doug & I see them on TV, in magazines, in parades, at the store, in books... EVERYWHERE! It has become like the new Finding Waldo in our lives. It makes us chuckle and crack a smile each time another one pops up.

If you have read this blog entry, it's too late for you to turn back now. Your life has officially been invaded by monkeys. When or where will the next monkey swing into your life... who knows?!?!

Fishers Freedom Festival...

All American Girl in her red, white & blue! Addie sitting forward in her stroller waiting for the next float to come by.
A little young for candy, but she received a baby beach ball and rubber ducky. She even got a BIG bouncy ball that Target employees were handing out!

This past weekend was the Fishers Freedom Festival. It is a cute town festival with a craft fair, food vendors, daily activities, a parade and fireworks show. We took Addie to the parade yesterday. We had a rough start to the parade... she bawled when the lead firetruck ran its siren right in front of us. Zorah Shriners saved the day though. They followed behind the firetruck and zooming by in circles, brought a big smile to her face. No other sirens or loud noises bothered her after that. She clapped, cheered and waved to dancers, bands, cheerleaders and anyone in a truck or car. It was fun to see former students representing cheer squads, dance teams, school bands and 4-H clubs.

Sophie Mae...

This was sent this morning.

Isn't she a precious little tiddly-wink?

Michigan...

This is the old cottage, previously owned by Aunt Becky.
A demolition crew came in and took the cottage down to the sub floor.
It was a good old barn raising with the crew from Indiana

(Waylan, Doug, Jim, Dan & Dave)

End of work day 3... WOW!
Siding, windows, screened-in front porch by the end of work day 4.

The guys busted a move on the "Stepping Stone" cottage in Michigan. I can't wait to get up there in July and see all of the progress first hand! We are so excited for this opportunity to continue a Stone family tradition and spend our summers in Sault Ste Marie, MI on Sugar Island.

Welcome Baby Girl!!!

The proud papa and mama cuddle their new bundle of joy!

Name: Sophie Mae Duzan

Born: June 24th at 3:03 am

Proud Parents: Steve & Lisa Duzan

Weight: 8 lbs 1 oz

Length: 19 1/2 inches

Miss Sophie, it has been a long time coming kiddo! We have anticipated and hoped for this day for years. We couldn't be happier for Steve and Lisa... WELCOME TO THE CLUB!!! * Grandma Howard will be sending more pictures later.

Colorado Visitors...

Squeezes From Uncle Dean
Grampy and His Punkin
Fun With Nana

Dean & Fran visited us on Thursday evening. Uncle Dean is GiGi Tovey's younger brother. They flew in from CO and stopped by to visit before heading to Chicago. Mom & Dad came in town for dinner and we had a great time. Dean & Fran are always such a joy to be with and we are so lucky to be close to our extended family.

Like Daughter, Like Mother...

Following in her mother's footsteps... Watch Out World!!!
Audrey? Take a closer look...

If you look closely you will see that this is actually a picture of me, superimposed into the famous scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's. I am a HUGE fan of Audrey Hepburn, especially her lead role as Holly Golightly. I enjoy this movie so much my "darling" of a husband has made several purchases from Tiffany's and even painted my closet an exact Tiffany's blue.

It's fun to play at the Y-M-C-A...

Addie & Bella

Alli and Bella invited us to join them for some fun in the sun at the YMCA. They have a great kids pool that allows for tator tots of all sizes to enjoy the water. The girls had so much fun entertaining each other with toys and splashes. Addie enjoyed the waterfall and some swim time in the big kid pool.

Happy Father's Day...

See this wonderful dinner I prepared for my husband and my father? Doesn't it look yummy... roasted pork loin, grilled veggies, red potatoes, salad and homemade blueberry muffins! Well the fruits of my labor were wasted, because Doug & Dad didn't get home until 9:00 pm! So much for a family celebration, but it's OK. They were both traveling back from Michigan where they have been working on the cottage for the past 5 days. At the end of the day, it was good to see both of them and spend a few hours together. It made me appreciate the fact that my husband doesn't have a job that requires him to travel often or work late hours on a regular basis. Us Reussers, we like to keep it simple!

Doug - You are a wonderful husband and an adorable daddy! Addie absolutely adores you and so do I! Thank you for your commitment to our family. On a daily basis, you bring a smile to our faces and a comfort to our hearts. We are blessed that you are the #1 man in our lives! XOXO - Angie & Addie

A Shower for Libby...

Daddy Diaper Caddy...

Now that's a gift every new dad needs!
Sarah & Jason

Little Libby won't be here until August, but we celebrated her upcoming arrival in a big way on Saturday evening. Friends and family gathered at Tim & Alli's home for a couple's shower in honor of Jason and Sarah Gray. Everything was wonderful and everyone had a good time!

A Quiet Sanctuary...

After our exciting and wild morning at the zoo, we visited the White River Gardens. The butterfly house was full of tropical plants and beautiful butterflies. We sat and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. I couldn't resist taking some pictures of my cutie pie with these great landscapes as my backdrop. We enjoyed our day downtown with Nana Newton and Great Grandma Tovey.

Where The Wild Things Are...

Is your mama a llama?
No... this is my mama!
Front row seating for the elephant bath.
Addie pets Tombee, the elephant, with Nana.
Up Close And Personal...

Addie receives a kiss, while feeding a giraffe.

Boy, did little girl have a good time at the zoo! She squealed, clapped and laughed all day long. She wasn't scared of anything! We started off the day at the petting zoo with the barn yard animals. She loved watching the bunnies hop around and the rosters crow. She watched the dolphins in amazement during the dolphin show. Addie sat front and center for an elephant bath. She clapped and cheered her 7,000 lb friend, Tombee, on to a clean start for the day. We even fed a giraffe a piece of celery! I tell you, it was quite the exciting and entertaining day for everyone! I think little girl may grow up to be a zoologist or big animal vet.

Addie Hosts Her First Official Play Date...

Fallyn Rae on the go!
Auntie Julie, Bria & Zach joined the fun.
Bella & Addie
Emily chillin' like a villain
Emily poses for the paparazzi

Thursday, Addie and I hosted a play group for all of her little friends. (Sorry, we didn't get everyone's picture posted... the living room was what I like to call organized chaois!) This is the first one we have been able to attend, because I have been working. We had so much fun watching all of the kids roll around and play. The moms, snacked and chatted 2 hours of our day away while laughing at our kiddos interacting with each other. We can't wait for future play dates this summer!

$%#@!!!!!!!! I hate technology...

I have been without Internet access for 5 1/2 days straight. I felt so lost... no emails, no blogs, no late breaking news coverage of Paris's jail sentencing!!! We have been busy little bees this past week, so look for new blog postings to be up in the very near future.

School's Out For Summer...

Bathing Beauty in the baby pool.
No more tears, she has decided she likes the water!!!

Addie played and splashed in the water for nearly an hour today.
Drying off in the shade, watching the big kids swimming.
Daddy, Addie & Grampy Newton

Today was my first official day of summer vacation... FINALLY!!! Addie and I spent the morning playing around the house and went swimming at the neighborhood pool. Mom and Dad came in town this afternoon. Doug & Dad left for Michigan. Mom, Addie & I went out on the town... Target, Kohl's & Chick-Fil-A. High rollers, I know, but it wiped us out. It is now 11:00pm, stick a fork in me, I'm done. Nighty-Night, I need to rest up for another day of non-stop sales & shopping!!!

Birthday BBQ...

Addie's peeps... Nate Dawg, Fly Girl Fallyn & Home Girl Bella

Not Pictured: Biddy Babies Claire & Emily

It's Doug's birthday roast, round the fire pit Count'em... 1, 2, 3, 4 Hot Tamales

We had a 30 Something Birthday BBQ in honor of Doug's 30th birthday this past Saturday. The boys golfed in the afternoon and the girls took the kids swimming. Five couples + kids came bearing gifts of 30 of something... Doug received 30 lottery tickets, 30 beers, 30 Bit-O-Honeys, 30 Smores and 30 minutes of nostalgic 1977 bathroom reading material. Everyone was very clever with their personal gifts and cards to Doug. He enjoyed every bit of the celebration. We all had fun sitting around the fire pit reminiscing about our favorite memories with Doug.

10 Months Old...

Look at me in my new BIG GIRL car seat!

Mommy is very sorry that she is 1 week late with this announcement, but she has been very busy with wrapping up her school year!

My Favorites at 10 Months Old:

1. Snacks: Nilla Waffers... I wish they were 1 of the 4 food groups.

2. Foods: Frozen Fruit and Grilled Chicken

3. Games: Peek-a-Boo and Patty-Cake

4. Videos: 101 Dalmatians and Baby Neptune... I love animals!

5. Toys: Puppy Dog, Red Car and Leap Frog Musical Table

Things I'm Learning to Like, But I'm Not Quite Sure About:

1. Sippy Cups... is my bottle broken???

2. Swimming Pool... sometimes it's cold!!!

3. Crawling... hey people, it's a lot of work!!!

A Tuesday Night Predicament...

Last night we were enjoying a great evening of grilling out and having dinner on the deck. It was an absolutely beautiful evening. Doug finished eating and decided to hold Addie on his lap. Midway to licking food off of his finger, a horrific look came over his face. He didn't have food on his hand, he had poop on his hand. No, he didn't actually lick his finger, but came inches away from making a horrible mistake! I laughed so hard, because he was gagging and was covered in poop. It was all over his hand, his shirt and down his leg. Addie was laughing, because mommy was laughing. I had to very carefully escort both of them to the bath tub. We did some strategic stripping and wiping with minimal additional mess. Needless to say, Addie got her bath a little ahead of schedule last night!

Some New Developments...

Dinner Date

It is a known fact of any dinner guest at the Reusser household, that Tucker can spot the weakest link at the table, a mile away. He won't whine for food, but he is a veloci-raptor and will sneak attack his prey and any offerings they have left on their plate. Tonight it was Nilla Waffers! Addie thought this was all very entertaining!

And she's off!!!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we have a crawler. (Disclaimer: Addie travels several feet by hands and knees, but then decides rolling over is still quicker. She is a determined little stinker though. And yes, Nana & Grampy, we are buying gates for the stairs ASAP!)

Daddy Returns...

Something is fishy here... who is this scruffy guy?
Cutie Patootie!!!
Me & My Daddy

Doug returned home early Sunday morning. We were so excited to see him! He has been gone from home on a 10 day fishing trip in Canada. We had a BIG day planned for him. We started off the day with reading the Sunday newspaper over pancakes and coffee. Doug had some much needed 1-on-1 time with Addie, Tucker and the yard. (I couldn't find it in me to mow while he was away... I know how much he enjoys mowing. Hee, hee.) We went and bought Addie a big girl car seat. That afternoon we went to the neighborhood pool. That outing lasted maybe 10 minutes, because it got cloudy and chilly real quick. We came home, filled up our garden tub and swam in it. (We have lived in the house, 1 year this month, and this is the first time we have used this monster bathtub!) Addie practiced floating and going under water in her new "pool". She played and splashed right up until her nap time.