Extemporaneous

I like to sing, I like to yell. Here I'm giving an impromptu yell perched on a stump at the Billings Zoo (before it got cold and snowy in Montana). We saw a tiger and a red panda there!

Wheee

This is me at Beattie Park in Helena.

Pumpkin guts

I wish Mama and Dada would let me use the knife. But I'm pretty good at scooping out the guts of a pumpkin. I also ate a pumpkin seed and decided that Mama should roast those first.

I am going to be a "nice" witch, not a scary one. So is Mama and maybe Dada.

Beetles

If I see something big and crawly -- a beetle -- I pick it up. And those are "beetles," not "bugs." I have identified many as "stink bugs." Mom and Dad think I'm a pretty good entomologist.

Milkshakers!

I love milkshakes. Especially chocolate ones.

We have a drive-in near our house that makes yummy ones. Usually after we get one, we go to "Slide Park" to play. (Editor's note: There are 3 slides and no swings. Strange.) I really don't want our hot summer weather to end!

Lake swimming

I've been swimming many places this summer. Some were warm, like Spirit Lake in Iowa. Others were chilly, like Georgetown Lake in Montana. That's me heading into Lake Agnes in the Pioneer Mountains. It was perfect!

Late birthday shot

This picture is actually from Ole's birthday. He got a hamburger from the drive-in down the street and we went to "Slide Park" to eat it.

My birthday was fun, with kids, moms and dads, hot dogs, ice cream cake, "grandpa and grandpa" and lots of presents: a trike, a picnic table, a sandbox.

I've come up with a new way to sing "Happy Birthday":

Happy Birthday Sol-veig

Happy Birthday to you...

My van

We have a new van. Well, it's not "actually" new. ("Actually" is one of my favorite words). But it's a van. And i like it. I just rode to iowa to see COUSINS and it was great to have cool air conditioning. Mama and Ole like that, too.

I told Dada today on the phone that I miss my van. I'm still in iowa with COUSINS and Dada is back at work.

I will see the van (and Dada) in colorado soon.

Mama

I love my mama. I love her so much Mom sometimes has a hard time getting away for a walk, a run, a beer or even a shower. But Mama is very patient with me. And when she says "no," I usually laugh.

Morning headline: Significant potty chair event and a teeth-related update

Before I put on big-girl underwear this morning, I sat on my potty chair like I always do. (Mom has to remind me to do this.) But then I told Mom to "go away." When she came back, I had pooped for the first time in the potty! Mom called Dad on the phone to tell him. They were excited. I guess I am, too. Later, I went back to the dentist to see if my teeth look OK after my big visit. I wasn't very happy to be there, but Dr. Rencher said they looked great. I won't have to go back there for six months. Whew!

Spring

It's been a long winter wearing sweaters, hats, coats, socks, boots, another sweater and mittens (when I'm in the mood for those. I am glad the sun is shining and flowers are out in Montana. This is me in a field of balsam arrowroot near Missoula on Mother's Day.

Toofs

I had my first dentist's appointment last week. Unfortunately I have my Mama's teeth, which meant a long visit. (If karma works, I should get Mom's good eyes, right?) But I did great, 'cause I'm tough. If only I were braver when it came time to brush my teeth every night.

Leo

One of my best buddies is Leo. 

Mom takes care of him on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And I help out by playing with him, swiping his toys, pushing him down and masking his quietness with my chatter. Leo has two Boston Terriers, Dinah and Rocky, who like to give us kisses.

"Lee-Wo" is a good friend.

Cousins!

I just got back from a quick trip to Iowa to see my Mama's mom. AND I got to see "cousins." They are lots of fun. Even Max likes me now that I'm older. I was having so much fun that I told Mama to "go away." That's me with Lauren, Matthew and Rachel.

P.S.: I did bring back one not-fun souvenir: pink eye! Dada has it, too.

Ties

Sometimes, mostly because Dada has one on, I wear a tie. It was my great-grandpa Eddie's. As soon as the Montana Legislature goes home, Dada can stop wearing one. He's looking forward to that.

Another chef in the kitchen

I'm getting a little bit of experience in the kitchen. Usually I use my dull knife to cut whatever Dada or Mom are chopping, tasting as I go -- parsley, potatoes, even onions! Sometimes I'll add other ingredients. Yeah, I get some of it on the floor or on my clothes or on Ole, but it's fun.

Pee potty

I am doing a pretty good job of peeing on the both my little potty and the "big potty." I have yet to drop the bomb in either, though. I usually get a high-five from Mom or Dad after I go. I especially like to flush toilet paper down.

I like beer

I don't get very big tastes, but I do appreciate a fine brew. And Dada has taught me to say "Ahhhhh!" after each sip.

Skiing

Since I'm already 21 months old, I decided to try downhill skiing. It was snowing pretty hard at Big Sky, but Dad, Mom and Mom's friend Staci helped me make a couple of runs. Did I like it? The first thing I said when I woke up the next day was: "I went skiing!"

LIfe in Little Sky Country

I'm getting into a sorta routine living at "George's House." Mom and I take care of my buddy Leo a coupla days per week, we hit story hour at the library and we play, play, play at Little Sky Country (Xploration Works). If I whine enough, I get to ride the carousel.

What else is new...I'm going to the dentist next week. I love to spin in circles until I am dizzy. I can say my "abc's." I love the movie "Charlotte's Web" and I love soaking in hot springs. We're going to one this weekend!

In Helena

Well, we made it. Mom says she'll never ride another train again. At least until the next time.

I have been busy this week, meeting new kids -- like Aidia and Leo -- and doing new things. I spent a fun morning at Helena's childrens museum and their Little Sky Country kids exhibit. But I miss my buddy Esme and my cousins.

Almost on the train

Just a quick update: I'm in Decorah with my mom, staying and playing with my COUSINS! I barfed twice Monday, but feel OK now. Mom says she's ready for some help from Dad. It'll be weird to see Dad going to work with a tie on every day. I get on the train in LaCrosse Friday night and we'll see Dad in Sydney, Mont., 23 hours later!

Goodbyes

I am moving for the first time since I came home from St. Luke's Hospital nearly 19 months ago. My Dad ("Dada") is already in Helena, ready to put on a tie and go to work. Mom and I are riding the train out at the end of the month from Iowa. But first we had to say goodbye to our little blue house and our friends in Duluth, like my buddy Esme. We were born the same night at St. Luke's. We hope to see each other for our second birthday.

Christmas sledding

We found a nice hill near Spencer, Iowa and did some Christmas Day sledding. I did get a little disenchanted when I got snow in my face after one run. But we went back to my Aunt "Son-as" house for prime rib and all was better. Happy holidays!