ode to the rutabaga

We just returned from a weekend at the Rutabaga Festival in Cumberland, Wisconsin and a visit to the Carlson cabin. While often overlooked and seldom discussed, the rutabaga turns out to be fairly tasty so long as it's fried and served with a ranch dip. In an attempt to offset some of the calories, Whitney and Mommy walked in the 2 mile fun walk with Uncle Brian and Cousin Drew. Daddy and Grandpa ran the 5k, while Aunt Pam and Grandma cheered us all on. There's some question as to whether Daddy followed the course precisely, but the official record states that he placed third overall and first in his class!

Whitney was a little tuckered out after being dragged around from food stand to food stand, so Mommy and Daddy could try everything.

Cousin Drew showing off his reading skills.

Mommy, I have to agree with Cousin Drew... these jammies are a BIT much.

where's whitney?

visit with grandma

Whitney enjoyed a fun-filled 10 days when Grandma Carlson came to visit and help watch her during the day. Whitney's going to miss her a lot, but luckily Nana is here to step in and enjoy some special time with Whitney too. She's a lucky little girl.

4 months old!

Whitney turned 4 months old on August 18th. She continues to give us endless wide open smiles and belly laughs.

let the good times roll...

testing out the bumbo chair for the first time & loving it!

blowing bubbles face

swinging

But the biggest news of all... Whitney rolled over for the first time today! We were doing a little tummy time when she decided she'd prefer to be on her back! These pictures aren't from the first roll, but they do show her in action.

all good things must come to an end...

After 16+ incredible weeks with Whitney, my maternity leave came to an end. I just finished my first week back at work, with mixed emotions. I knew this day would eventually come but I wasn't entirely prepared for how I'd feel. Now comes the challenge of finding the best balance for me, James, and Whitney. A special thanks to Nana, Aunt Katie, and Grandma Carlson for helping take care of Whitney during this transitional time.

family vacation

We just returned from another enjoyable family vacation in Eagle River, WI. Throughout the 10 days, there was never a shortage of cousins, aunts, uncles, or grandparents around to help Whitney embrace the "up north" lifestyle.

Swim time

Sand in the toes

Hanging with the girls

Chillin' with Bridget

Playing with Elizabeth

Dinner with the cousins

Napping with Mommy

Boating with Uncle Kevin and Aunt Katie

Dancing with Daddy

Playing with Cousins Ryan and Bridget

Waiting patiently with Nana

One happy family!

day trip to copper falls

Whitney proved to be quite the little hiker when we headed to Copper Falls, WI for the afternoon. She loves looking at the trees and enjoyed the sounds and sights of the falls. Mommy played amateur photographer while Daddy toted Whitney around.