Reed's Birth

• Reed shortly after birth (1 of 2)
• Reed shortly after birth (2 of 2).
• The family just after Reed was born.
• The official weighing, about which Reed is not too happy.
• All clean after his first bath. He's not all that happy about the bath, either.
• All bundled up, Reed checks out the hospital room.
• At home at last! Wrapped in more casual attaire, Reed snoozes in his crib.
• Reed seems to like his parents' comforter. He's relaxed all the way down to his little fingers.
• Jennifer and Reed and some lovely tulips hanging out in the living room on a sunny day.
• Reed, life size (adjust your monitor if necessary).

20-Apr-00

• Reed, Emporer of the changing table.
• Reed gets ready for his first stroller ride, which was pretty much down to the mailbox and back. But he was a hit with the neighborhood kids!
• Concerned that thumb-sucking may be too much, too soon, Reed works up to it gradually.
• Daddy gets some quality time with the boy. Let the record show that neither computers nor power tools were discussed.
• Reed, or rather his father, decides that nothing could be better than an Easter picture at home.
• .. and if one Easter picture is good, then two must be twice as good.
• Reed's first trip to the back yard.

1-May-00

• Some fussiness is expected after a shampoo. Reed doesn't mind washing, as long as you use warm water!
• Dad says: Happiness is a warm baby. Reed says: Happiness is being clean and dry (and fed, of course).
• Reed's first portrait with the his mother's family, all of whom flew in to say hello.
• Reed and his favorite puppy celebrate two weeks of age. Reed's age, that is. The puppy is somewhat older.
• Let's see.. who has an accurate scale that we can use? Why, the Post Office, of course. And on a Sunday nobody notices. (Express Mail would run you $44.45, by the way.)
• Reed and his Mom in Edmonds watching the ferries come and go.

5-May-00

• Daddy works on eliciting a burp after a feeding.
• A little hug before bedtime leaves Reed with a tranquil, loved feeling. (Okay, it was a burp attempt.)
• As you'd expect, we are introducing Reed to the computer as soon as possible (he prefers the Mac, of course). However, at this stage he can merely advise as to the content of outgoing e-mails. And maybe hit the space bar with his heel.
• The futon is a good place to hang out and work on growing into a little sweatshirt and sweatpants.
• One of the piggies (either the piggy who went to market, or the piggy who cried wee-wee-wee all the way home) is pretty independent of the others. A crayon would fit nicely in the gap.
• A quick blow dry adds volume. And it's nice and warm too!

12-May-00

• Reed wonders if the paparazzi will ever leave him alone.
• Reed and Mom enjoying a little play time together.
• Dad finally gets Reed to sleep, and vice-versa.
• Reed seems to enjoy looking at the world over Mom's shoulder.
• Reed has perfected the art of removing the plug. He has not perfected putting it back in.
• Pooh looks in on Reed.

19-May-00

• Reed is an occasional fan of the swing. Maybe it reminds him of Seattle stop-and-go traffic.
• Reed shows off a new "three to six month" outfit. Seems to fit nicely already!
• Time for Reed's bath again. You can never have too many pictures of babies in bathtubs.
• Maybe Reed would show more verve if we gave him the largest of the three pieces. After all, it's his one-month birthday!
• Apparently Reed is half Canadian, half Hoffmann. Look out, world! Eh!

26-May-00

• Reed gets a chuckle out of a little tickling by Grandpa. Note Grandpa's deck-building pencils in the pockets.
• It's Reed's first trip to a restaurant! Mom and Dad and Grandpa and Grandma all went out to a Mexican place near Adobe.
• Mom and Dad and Reed and Grandpa waiting for the Interurban (that's the name of the sculpture outside of Adobe). Apparently Cinco de Mayo is still going on.
• Everyone enjoys the first meal out on the new deck.
• Reed enjoys some loving attention from Grandma.

2-Jun-00

• But I want to go back to Illinois with Grandma and Grandpa! You can't make me stay!
• You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out.. (Daddy, what's the point of this again?)
• Everyone knows that Pooh's best friend is Piglet.
• Just hold your hand there for a couple of hours while I take a nap, okay?
• Reed enjoys a sunny day on the couch with Mom.
• Broccoli? Yick!
• The look speaks for itself. Can anybody translate?

9-Jun-00

• Reed hopes Mommy doesn't use this as a cookbook.
• Reed C. Phillips, will you please sleep-through-the-night now?
• Reed and Mommy help the firefly find his friends.
• There's something fishy going on around here..
• Reed enjoys his play mat, but he wishes it were more colorful.
• Reed just won't take a nap without his pacifier.

16-Jun-00

• Do you think giraffes make me look fat?
• Being two months old is hilarious!
• Who's the little boy here?

23-Jun-00

• Kilroy was here.
• Like my hat?
• Summer's here and the living is easy.
• Mommy, here's the face Daddy taught me.
• Aaahh....
• Reed enjoys a sunny day on the deck.
• We're twins for Father's Day.

30-Jun-00

• This is as close to my birthday suit as you'll see online.
• Do you like my fashion accessory? How about my hair?
• Another trip to see the boats in Edmonds.
• Bliss.
• Hot enough for you?

7-Jul-00

• Reed tries out places to sit besides your lap.
• Sweet dreams for a little boy.
• Cute squirrel, but shouldn't you be dressed for July?
• Reed, Mom, and Dad hike down to the base of Snoqualmie Falls.
• Hi, Mom!
• A patriotic boy on his first 4th of July.

14-Jul-00

• Summer is the time to see the salmon swimmng upstream at the Ballard Locks Fish Ladder.
• I just don't trust Thing One and Thing Two, do you?
• Reed grabs toys for the first time. (Mom sticks out her tongue when concentrating, too.)
• Reed is getting very good at standing.
• A lunch visit to see Daddy is a great time to check out Gasworks Park and a view of the city.
• Mom's new sewing machine can put little boys' names and elephants on anything!

21-Jul-00

• Reed smiles at a friendly face.
• Three months old and already pilfering candy.
• Reed enjoys the flowers planted by Grandma Hoffmann (foreground) and Grandma Phillips (background).
• Dad, you're embarrassing me!
• Reed takes his first ferry trip.
• Deputy Phillips, you'll never make sheriff at this rate.
• Reed rolls over for the first time and is quite proud of his work.

28-Jul-00

• The look is me, don't you think?
• Two words: Sumo wrestler.
• Not too hard, not too soft, this changing table is just right.
• Attack of the killer butterfly!
• Do we know each other?

4-Aug-00

• 40 winks for a growing boy.
• An easy way to lug the boy around.
• Ride 'em, cowboy!
• Ha, ha! You want me to help you pick blueberries?
• Daddy, take me to California with you!

11-Aug-00

• Swimming, swimming, in the swimming pool. When days are hot, when days are cool, in the swimming pool....
• Backstroke, sidestroke, fancy diving too....
• Oh, don't you wish there never was anything else to do!
• Reed doesn't bounce yet, but he loves to look around in his duck chair.
• Can you believe what a machine like this can do?
• A midsummer dinner on the deck.

18-Aug-00

• I'm four months old!
• Reed is a bundle of energy....caffeine in the Seattle water?
• Then again, sometimes even the Fremont Bridge on the rise isn't enough to cause a stir.
• The Woodland Park Zoo has giraffes; they puzzle Reed.
• Why won't the gorilla be friendly?
• After a visit to the zoo, we read Goodnight Gorilla. All the animals are escaping and coming home with the zoo keeper!

25-Aug-00

• I dream about my favorite cartoon characters, the Power Puff Girls.
• Reed rolls until he can roll no more.
• We have the place surrounded! Come out with your hands up!
• Summer sleepwear in Seattle.
• Reed waits for the Illinois season to begin.

1-Sep-00

• Wouldn't I make a good nudist colony baby?
• Reed practices his yoga.
• A meeting of the minds.
• Another day in the salt mines.
• This is not a constrictor, right?

8-Sep-00

• He's got Bette Davis eyes.
• Cuter than me? I don't think so.
• Reed, Kathy, and Mom visit Deception Pass.
• An outdoor baby relaxes after a long hike.
• Mom, you won't let Aunt Kathy throw me in, will you?
• Aunt Kathy brought presents!
• He shoots! He scores! The crowd goes wild!
• Reed and Aunt Kathy tour Lake Washington.
• Mom and Reed go through the Montlake Cut. University Bridge in background.

15-Sep-00

• Reed is suffering greatly now that Kathy's not here to play with him.
• But he recovers, and is eager to get his 5-month birthday started.
• First, he tells his friend the fish about his party tonight.
• He spends the afternoon riding the rides.
• When Daddy gets home, it's time for cake and ice cream!
• And as a special treat, Reed gets to eat his very first "solid" food. He likes it! He likes it!

22-Sep-00

• It's Saturday, which means college football is on the tube. The first game of the day is a real nail-biter!
• Why, I slept right through the next big game! Does anyone know who won?
• Sitting up takes a lot of practice, but it sure has its rewards.
• Okay, so he's not quite ready to feed himself. But cereal is mmm-mmm-good!
• With just two days until his big trip to Illinois, Reed says, "Don't forget to pack the oatmeal!"

29-Sep-00

• I'm on my way to Illinois! It's a half-price seat, so I have to sit backwards..
• Miguel, one of Reed's website groupies, finally meets Reed in person. (Gets drool as souvenir.)
• Reed meets with his Uncle Mike and Aunt Angela at their house in Elmhurst.
• Another Hoffmann family picture, this time in Champaign instead of Seattle!
• A west coast baby meets his east coast great-grandparents.
• Reed flirts with his Aunt Ginny.
• Like father, like son, like son, like son.
• Reed and Grandpa Hoffmann cross the Delaware. Okay, so it's the Phinney Branch.
• Reed learns from Uncle Thomas that the bus goes "bump bump bump."
• Isaac, I must tell you: I have reservations about the squash.

6-Oct-00

• Reed visits Carolyn's new Chicago apartment. Nice!
• What can you say about airline food?
• Reed models a sweater Mom knit. It only took a year!
• Look! I can sit up!
• But only for brief periods.

13-Oct-00

• Reed models a sweatshirt with some bird fabric from Denmark added.
• Isn't the new highchair swanky?
• I want peas! I want peas!
• I'll take this pumpkin right here!
• Learning to crawl is one inch forward and two inches back...under furniture!
• Reed can assume the crawling position. Next comes the moving.
• Reed is a blur of activity when playing.
• No, I can't get into any trouble in my crib!

20-Oct-00

• I'm six months old!
• Wait, the ingredients on these birthday cookies say snakes and snails and puppy dog tails!
• I'll never be too old for the duck, will I?
• Should I?
• Yes, I can't resist.
• Boxes make the best toys.

26-Oct-00

• A boy and his shadow make good playmates.
• I'm enjoying this from my head to my toes!
• Look at me!
• Reed earns his teething biscuits holding up the shelf.
• Reed prepares for Halloween.
• I'm too young for this to be rude.

3-Nov-00

• Reed checks out a butterfly at the Pacific Science Center.
• I get my head from my father.
• Reed reads up on the finer points of being a lion in preparation for Halloween.
• No one said anything about a tail!
• Hear me roar!
• Back from the hunt, the lion enjoys his spoils.
• I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

10-Nov-00

• Action shot.
• I really could stand if I wanted to...
• Reed's motto is early and often.
• We vote for long naps and strained applesauce.
• I just couldn't stay up for the results. Good thing I didn't try!

17-Nov-00

• Reed is exhausted after assembling his new high chair.
• Woo hoo! I can pull myself up to a standing position!
• At over 26 inches in height, a standing Reed towers over.. uh.. Ernie.
• Am I really seven months old already?
• Finally, my first taste of the crib railing!
• A seven-month-old reading is no stranger than having bugs on your feet.

24-Nov-00

• The Cheerios inspector takes his job seriously. After all, it's his first taste of "solid" food!
• Reed, coming.
• Reed, going.
• Reed is caught off guard by the photographer in the bathroom.
• Reed shows off his new teeth -- almost. (This is the closest we could get.)
• At last, Reed has grown enough to fit into the outfit Mommy made and Grandma Phillips embroidered.
• Everyone sits down to a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner at the Mellott's, who very kindly invited us over.

1-Dec-00

• My domain grows ever larger.
• Should OSHA be looking into this?
• Direct eye contact is a sign of self-confidence.
• As a matter of fact, I am attracted to bright, shiny things.
• I'd rather chew on it, but if I have to put it somewhere, here's the place.

8-Dec-00

• Check out the teeth!
• Maybe I'll work in a library like Grandpa Hoffmann when I grow up.
• I love a good cliffhanger!
• Hug, hug, hug!
• The house is decked out for Christmas inside and out.

14-Dec-00

• A boy and his dad watch a gingerbread boy mobile.
• This place has great service. I love the finger bowls between courses!
• A little artiste hard at work makes some holiday cheer.
• Looks pretty good so far, huh?
• My masterpiece is complete!
• Thinking himself safe, the little Cheerio on the tray does not know of Reed's new ability to consume him without aid.
• Jeeves, fetch my bags! I must proceed with haste to the Land of Lincoln!

21-Dec-00

• Have a rockin' little Christmas!
• Dad has to tackle the boy before he gets his mitts on the presents.
• Reed examines his letter from Mrs. Claus.
• What would you like for Christmas, Grandma?
• Reed's first haircut gets off to a shaky start...
• ... by halftime he's not a happy camper ...
• ... But when it's done he's dapper and happy!
• Cousin Isaac says, "I'll be 16 before you, so I get to ride." Reed is flummoxed by the logic.
• Ever the helper around the house, Reed helps unload the dishwasher.
• What would I like for Christmas? How about that puffy thing at the end of your hat?

28-Dec-00

• Do you think Uncle Stephen will miss a teeny tiny bit of this wine?
• Having picked over all the presents under the tree, Reed examines one that just came in for Aunt Carolyn.
• The sleigh ride was full, so he settles for the Laundry Basket Ride instead.
• Reed and Mommy show off their new, matching PJ's.
• A comfy lap is always a Good Thing, especially when it's your uncle's.
• Christmas Day! Reed goes for a rock on his new rocking horse, finished just in time for the occasion.
• There's time for a quick read after the stockings are opened.
• Oy! What a Christmas! Reed narrowly avoids getting packed for mailing back to Seattle.
• The day after Christmas is beautiful and snowy. Reed enjoys it with Grandpa..
• .. but apparently snow is not his favorite food!

5-Jan-01

• Toy overboard!
• New Year's Eve, 2000.
• New Year's Day, 2001 with Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Stephen.
• Can you tell we're related?
• I think this is where we ask, "Do you want fries with that?"
• It's a mighty fine view from atop a box of my presents.
• Take it away, boys!

12-Jan-01

• I know moms have birthdays too, but aren't any of these things for me?
• Reed's fans (Aunt Carolyn and Miguel) meet him at the airport on the way back to Washington.
• Sometimes I feel I'm in a fish bowl.
• Then the feeling passes.
• See y'all next week!

19-Jan-01

• Reed checks out a wall hanging from Aunt Carolyn.
• Nine months old and life is sweet!
• Can you see me as a covered wagon baby?
• Reed helps out with chores around the house.
• Rubber Ducky, you're the one...
• You make bathtime lots of fun!
• Rubber Ducky, I'm awfully fond of you...
• Bo, bo, bee, dou!

26-Jan-01

• Look, I now brush my teeth!
• I can even brush my teeth while standing.
• What a coincidence; the boy in the mirror is brushing his teeth, too.
• I love to match socks when folding laundry.
• Wait, how did this green bib get in the white load?
• A bath in the big tub is so fun!
• I am a very cool baby in the bath, don't you agree?

2-Feb-01

• I've been thinking of showing Daddy what my new trick is this week.
• I just don't know if he'll like it.
• O.K., you wanted to see it!
• How silly! A boy in a duck with a cup on his head.
• This sounds like a job for Super Reed!
• Doin' the twist with a boa constrictor!
• Groovy books, man!

9-Feb-01

• Am I really (as the hip kids say) all that?
• Dymitr comes to visit; he brings a gift!
• It's Mini Me, who will teach me to take over the world.
• While the realtors look around, I play in the back of the truck.
• This selling a house really takes it out of you!

16-Feb-01

• Carolyn and Miguel come to visit and we all take a ferry tour.
• Mt. Hood is in the background.
• Little did we know, while cruising Lake Washington, someone was deciding to buy our house.
• The sun sets over the Olympic Mountains while we walk the docks at Edmonds.
• 10 months old and ready for some yummy Rice Krispie treats.
• These are more sticky than I anticipated.
• Happy Valentine's Day!

23-Feb-01

• Reed enjoys Sam's first birthday party, but some of the activities are over his head.
• Daddy has a birthday party, too!
• Reed will be walking soon!
• An unexpected snow storm brings sledding in the street.
• And one large snowman!
• See, I can help with unpacking...I mean packing.

2-Mar-01

• I'll hide this picture from friends when I'm a teenager, for sure.
• Yeah! It's time to help pack things up for the big move east.
• I'm a very good helper.
• Grandma and Grandpa and Grandma and Grandpa, here I come!
• And just in time! I need a home that doesn't shake around! Editor's note: due to the move, there will be no web site next week.

16-Mar-01

• Last day in the old house! Reed opens a little package...
• .. why, it's fresh fish!
• One final vacuuming before we go!
• As dusk descends the movers are done loading the very large truck.
• A quick trip to see Riley and Trevor for the last time.
• And we'll drop in on Claire, too. But I sure don't get this girl stuff.
• On our last night in Seattle we stay in a swanky place on the water. See the ferries?
• The seagulls are as interested in Reed as he is in them!
• Several days later, we've arrived in Champaign. Reed heads into his room to check on the movers and surf the web for a new house.
• Pardon me while I give the movers a buzz.
• Hey, everybody! They're on their way!

23-Mar-01

• Reed seems ever so slightly pleased that it's his 11-month birthday.
• And don't you forget it!
• Flea market? Furniture import shop? No, it's our stuff in Grandma and Grandpa's dining room! Hope that builder gets our house done soon!
• That cat is cool as a cucumber.
• Look who won at hide-and-seek!
• Reed is ever conscious of the health benefits of a high-fiber diet.

30-Mar-01

• What a nice sunny day. My nose is itching.. something must be up.
• Ah, just as I thought. Mommy and Daddy are going to make me wear shoes!
• There sure are plenty of choices.
• For example, this snazzy number here!
• Hey, boring old white shoes? I wanted the zippy ones!
• OK, we compromised and got the ones with the colored eyelets and the animals on the back. Not too shabby.
• I wear my new shoes over to play with Cousin Isaac and Uncle Thomas. Isaac is wondering when I'm going to offer him a mint.
• Whee! I'm flying! Uncle Thomas is soooo cool!
• But let me tell you, you have to ditch the shoes if you want to dance.

6-Apr-01

• The turtle was walking along merrily....
• When BAM! he found his way into a book.
• Paige showed me how her new sandbox works.
• Though eating sand is more fun than digging in it.
• Reed gets his very first look at his new room. Don't worry, a little paint will warm the place right up.
• Here's one small step down the slide!
• I'm not worried about billy goats gruff under this bridge!
• Helping to unload the dishwasher is a Reed speciality.

13-Apr-01

• Spring is here, but I can't wait for the warm days of summer.
• Hanging out in a diaper in front of a cool fridge...
• But I could do without fresh grass underfoot.
• Really, I could.
• Strangely, fresh cement on my piggies from the driveway at the new house made me giggle.

20-Apr-01

• Reed turned one Saturday!
• Dad made a cake and Grandma and Grandpa Phillips gave a neat wagon.
• The exact moment Reed turned one...adjusted for time zone.
• At one, is he too old to be a prodigy?

27-Apr-01

• Reed greets Daddy back from his first trip to Seattle.
• That's right; I'm king around here!
• The front porch on the new house looks great from my angle.
• This outfit really shows off my wrists, don't you agree?

4-May-01

• The Cubs have signed a new fan.
• Reed can point to another kind of fan in his new room.
• What interesting flowers grow in Grandma's garden.
• A peeking Reed sees Grandpa watching t.v.

11-May-01

• I am Reed, from the planet Catronia!
• I come in peace to explore your world!
• Take me to your leader!
• No, really, I'm just a boy who knows the word 'bunny.'
• My parents, on the other hand, are not normal. They're collecting my impressions in cement!

18-May-01

• What an exciting week! Reed turned 13 months old.
• And he got a new home.
• The bow accidentally sticking to his behind wasn't a prize, but it was funny.
• Reed even learned to stand by himself, which he always does with hands up in the air. Hooray!

25-May-01

• Reed is now installed in his new home in Champaign.
• The toys are out and it's time to get down to work.
• Well, you don't think "work" means helping to unpack, do you?

1-Jun-01

• Maestro Paige explains how the piece is played.
• Professor Grandpa tests Reed.
• He passes!
• Another good week for RCP.

8-Jun-01

• Summer time and the Cubs are winning. The pitching coach calls out to the bull pen.
• The Great Slugger prepares to enter the game.
• The fans are on the edges of their seats.
• I guess the pitching coach made the right call.

15-Jun-01

• It's so easy to wile away the summer snacking and surfing with the remote.
• But you mustn't skip a joy of summer--swimming!
• First test the water.
• Splash around.
• Do some laps.
• Meet you here on the next hot day.

22-Jun-01

• What an exciting week to turn 14 months old!
• There's a new Mr. and Mrs. Phillips--Uncle Mike and Aunt Angela got married in Elmhurst, Illinois.
• Uncle Mike was calm and collected the whole time.
• Isaac, I thought Aunt Angela and Uncle Mike looked wonderful.
• Great Granddad and Mary Jane relax with me after the big event.
• Daddy even got dressed up for the wedding.
• Great Aunt Ann, it was a fun family weekend.

29-Jun-01

• The big news of the week is Reed walked for the first time!
• Reed also enjoyed a dip in the pool with Dad, Isaac, and Uncle Thomas.
• He's a natural in the water!
• Reed wonders, "Does the water exaggerate the size of my feet?"
• A picnic supper at Allerton Park was more fun.
• Yippee for picnics!
• Don't feed the fish, though!

6-Jul-01

• Look, new shoes!
• And a nifty bike helmet for summer touring.
• Reed rides in style on the back of Mom's bike.
• More summer fun includes a visit from Paige, Colleen and Sana (plus parents).

13-Jul-01

• I'm not in charge in this house? You're kidding me!
• I had better call a grandma about this.
• Stroller rides allow frequent dog, rabbit, and plane sightings.
• Reed supervises the completion of a backyard patio.
• The shorts pockets say it, "Later gator!"

20-Jul-01

• Look who's 15 months old!
• At this age one must worry about swimming suit style. Does this flatter me?
• A little consideration of a future career is also timely.
• But I'm still young enough to have fun; kick faster, Daddy!

27-Jul-01

• Uncle Stephen measures up his nephew.
• Uncle Mike and Aunt Angela pay Reed a visit on a hot summer afternoon.
• Don't think I can get the spaghettti in?
• I did it! More spaghetti, I say!
• Apparently, dinner conversation with Grandma Phillips and Mom didn't hold Reed's attention.

3-Aug-01

• Is this summer heaven?
• Yes, it is!
• Reed has been on his first trip to the public library. They have toys and kids to play with and even books with babies in them. Fun!

10-Aug-01

• Like son, like father, or something.
• An heir and a spare for Reed.
• "Look, Dad! Five little monkeys were jumping on the bed and this one fell off and bumped his head."
• Grandpa Hoffmann did not have to twist Reed's arm to watch opera. Aunt Carolyn is poised to change the channel if he becomes too interested, though.

17-Aug-01

• At 16 months old, Reed now says Mama when requested.
• A "sweet sixteen" party brought out admirers.
• Nevertheless, the conversation failed to keep Reed awake.
• Free to be you! Free to be me!

24-Aug-01

• Reed has designs on Aunt Carolyn's animals.
• But then, Grandpa reminds him that big boys should learn to shave instead.
• Are you sure the shaving cream goes there, Grandpa?
• Two weeks back Reed went to the U of I campus to tell the football coach that he could be part of a winning team this season.
• "Coach, I can take it in from the 50 yard line."
• "Or make a stand in the end zone."
• "Boys, just tell me where to sit."
• "I'm a Heisman Trophy candidate, for sure!"

31-Aug-01

• Reed hurries to enjoy the spoils of summer: playing outside...
• picnics...
• purple sunscreen...
• and, of course,
• sprinklers!
• sprinklers!!
• sprinklers!!!

7-Sep-01

• A few of Reed's current favorites...
• a little red truck...
• mowing the driveway and surrounding sidewalks...
• and playing outside!

14-Sep-01

• Reed can now go down the slide alone. This is much easier on Mom's hips.
• Time for an outdoor concert.
• An unassuming tunnel is the favorite playground stop, after the swings.
• "I think I can, I think I can...After all, I'm 17 months old Friday."

21-Sep-01

• Reed is 17 months old and talking more and more.
• He's also developing his artistic side.
• Aunt Carolyn shows Reed how to pick the tastiest apples at Curtis Orchard.
• Don't think he'll eat it?
• Crunch!
• Happy Fall!

28-Sep-01

• Proof that everyone has bad picture days.
• Reed looks (and acts) like a boy through and through on this day.
• Master of his domain.
• Sock overboard!

5-Oct-01

• A good bike ride really wears you out.
• The same can be said...
• ...for peanut butter sandwiches.
• Reed knows that a duck says, "Quack, quack."
• A picture is worth a thousand sounds, and be glad you don't have to listen to them.

12-Oct-01

• Reed and Isaac play chicken on their dads.
• This is just like the closet Isaac will have in his new house.
• This is just how Isaac will run in his new house.
• Look for Isaac's new digs in 2002!
• And that's all the news that's fit to print.

19-Oct-01

• Reed is a year and a half old and full of vim and vigor.
• He is also cultivating a softer side. Here, Reed and Grandpa Hoffmann discuss Jacques Lipchitz's marble piece "Man with Mandolin".
• Painting is highly expressive, too.
• Look! A Han Dynasty HORSE! Neigh!
• Reed feels bad for passing a small cold to his rabbit.
• Both boy and hare made a full recovery.

26-Oct-01

• Reed and his assistants attend to a computer problem this week.
• Reed also checks out Meadowbrook Park with visiting Uncle Stephen and Grandpa Hoffmann.
• The sculptures there are varied.
• A personal favorite?
• Not an art critic or a goat, Reed visits the nearby playground last.
• All in all, exhausting!

2-Nov-01

• Smooch!
• Reed thinks Grandpa's birthday song is for him.
• Happy Halloween!
• Time to ring the doorbell and say, "Boo!"
• Hold still Grandpa, while I choose some candy.
• A little work on the treadmill now, a little more candy later.
• Is this how I went out in public?
• "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Grandpa, a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy..." This just isn't the same in orange Polartec.
• Three tired trick-or-treaters rest after an evening of candy gathering.

9-Nov-01

• The maestro rehearses.
• Reed is eager to be just like Dad.
• These are big shoes to fill, for sure.
• Spoons are marvelous inventions.

16-Nov-01

• Reed travels to Madison to visit Uncle Stephen and learn about putting tapes in tape players.
• Hold still, Uncle Stephen. I'm using you as a road.
• Danielle and brother Jordan come to visit this week, too.
• A romp in the leaves for a 19-month-old.

23-Nov-01

• So you're back to look through the glass into Reed's World?
• Of course, the week of Thanksgiving there's preparatory shopping to be done for hardware, I mean hors d'oeuvres.
• The house should also be made spotless.
• The preparations for the big day can be exhausting.
• Actually, we played on Thanksgiving Day because we were hosted by Grandma and Grandpa Hoffmann.
• I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving!

30-Nov-01

• Reed watched his first episode of Sesame Street this week.
• He also helped select the family Christmas tree.
• "Dad, you have to run past your Christmas tree to see if it's really for you."
• "Grandpa, I think this is the one!"
• He's an outdoorsman with a cultural side, for sure.

7-Dec-01

• Reed really wants a candy cane out of the Advent village calendar.
• How should he proceed?
• He could scale the wall, but that's so much work.
• A well-timed pathetic glance really works best.
• Reed and Chief Candy Cane Supplier.
• He'll be a gingerbread boy by New Years.

14-Dec-01

• The suspense of Christmas builds each day; Reed loves the candy canes in the Advent calendar.
• This smooch was not repeated for Santa at the mall.
• Look out for reindeer!

21-Dec-01

• Same boy, same box, but....
• Santa gets cookies and milk; I only get Cherrios and milk.
• A little soft shoe in anticipation of Christmas.

28-Dec-01

• Christmas preparations came down to the wire this year. Reed needed to paint an ornament.
• And decorate cookies with friends Paige and Colleen.
• There was also lots of present-snooping to be done.
• Come Christmas morning the goodies were plentiful, starting with stocking jellybeans in a conveniently-loose container.
• Daddy made a train station for Reed.
• Mommy made a sweater.
• Some toys required assembly.
• Grandma knew just what everyone would like....and Reed, for one, would be glad to help Jordan play with these Legos.
• Reed confides in Aunt Laura that he wants to grow up to play with Jordan's toys.
• Reed and Isaac agreed that their carefully orchestrated "be cute" plan yielded many nice gifts.

4-Jan-02

• Danielle and Reed enjoy a page-turner with Grandpa Phillips.
• Grandpa Hoffmann's lap is also comfortable for book sharing.
• Kathy comes to visit and brings a cool place to zoom cars.
• Look at the block tower Kathy and Reed construct!
• Aunt Carolyn rings in 2002 with Reed.

11-Jan-02

• Caught with his hand in the cookie jar!
• More hat wearing outside means more bad hair moments inside.
• Balloons for Mommy's birthday. Yippee!
• Another satisfying week down on the ranch.

18-Jan-02

• 21 months old and a chip off the old block.
• "See, Grandma, the flap opens and something is inside."
• Oskee-wow-wow.

25-Jan-02

• It has been a week to keep busy.
• I went to a Park District play time at the gym.
• I got right in the middle of my toys.
• I checked out my favorite video.
• I even helped to put Mom's new quilting frame together.
• And Friday we're off to the airport to ride the escalators, I mean pick up Daddy from his latest trip to Seattle.

1-Feb-02

• Dad is back from Seattle and he brought me this Washington Huskie ball.
• Of course, the real business of the week was eating.
• This includes snacking. (Note child-proof latch on the cabinet door.)
• Yummy marshmallows!

8-Feb-02

• Reed and cousin Isaac hang out in Bloomington.
• The young artiste at work.
• He didn't build this whole tower, but he added modifications.
• Be my Valentine.

15-Feb-02

• Reed has a cold this week, so he's taking things slowly.
• He did participate in Valentine's Day, opening cards and giving smooches.
• Oooh, look who's 22 months old!

22-Feb-02

• Reed was certainly on the go this week.
• Both Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Stephen stopped by for a visit. Miguel did, too.
• Then there was that singing in the rain to do.
• And Daddy had a bithday to celebrate, too.

1-Mar-02

• Here, Pooh, have some snack.
• The two smiling people had a birthday this week. Happy Birthday Isaac and Grandma! And Happy New Home, Isaac!
• It finally snowed this week!
• Time to check out the neighborhood.
• The snowflakes were quite large. They cast shadows on Reed's face.
• See you next week.

8-Mar-02

• Happy Birthday to Isaac! Happy Birthday to Issac!
• And Happy Birthday to Grandma! Happy Birthday to you!
• Would you believe there is more cake to come for Grandpa Phillips?

15-Mar-02

• Reed tries to slither out of sitting between two girls when Paige and Colleen come to play.
• Why wait for a bath when you can shower here in the laundry room?
• Grandpa Phillips attempts to clarify for whom we sing "Happy Birthday." Reed doesn't buy it.
• Vroom! Vroom!
• Only one month away from the big 2.

22-Mar-02

• Spring is officially here.
• Time for new conquests on the playground.
• And first-of-the-season trips to Custard Cup. Yummy spring!

29-Mar-02

• Whoo! Whoo! All aboard for spring.
• It's time to wish Uncle Thomas a Happy Birthday.
• And do a little spring cleaning with Grandpa Hoffmann down at the U of I Library.
• Of course, eggs must be hunted for.
• There must be some around here somewhere.
• Mom, there's candy in here!

5-Apr-02

• The Easter Bunny stopped by on the appointed day.
• Dad, how do I open these things?
• The direct method gets results.
• Yummy!

11-Apr-02

• Reed and Isaac resume playing where they left off last time.
• This time in the company of a new cousin/sister. She is Alyssa Grace.
• "After we build this tower tall, Grandpa, let's take it to your crushing machine."

19-Apr-02

• Reed turned two this week! He opened cards.
• And opened presents.
• The new tricycle was a hit.
• Being two brings increased health responsibilities, of course.
• But mostly it's just fun, fun, fun.
• And more fun!

26-Apr-02

• Tigger and Reed relax.
• Reed expresses a creative side.
• A gift from Kathy helps Reed express an international side.
• The Master at work.

3-May-02

• What do you think, Charlie Brown?
• The dogwood tree in the front yard requires inspection.
• What wonderful bubble technology!
• Two busy bees in the tulips.

10-May-02

• Reed charged into a busy week.
• He monitored Dad making pizza.
• You can taste the flair in the final product, you know.
• Aunt Carolyn was too tired to drive after running a half marathon, so Reed volunteered.
• Then there was the quiet time with friends Paige and Colleen at Lake of the Woods...
• ...picking flowers
• ...and playing Ring Around the Rosy
• ...and just thinking.
• Until next Friday!

17-May-02

• Time for a haircut and blow dryer styling to prepare for Uncle Stephen's Commencement.
• Viking, you are the best puppy to live next door.
• We both like to watch cars go by, for starters.
• And you're so cute and fluffy.
• Check for more Reed-larger than life-next week.

24-May-02

• Congratulations, Uncle Stephen, on earning your Ph.D.!
• Will Reed follow in your footsteps?
• Maybe someday, but for now a trip to the Madison Zoo is fun.
• Grandpa and Aunt Carolyn, look at the lions and tigers and bears. Oh my!

31-May-02

• Among Reed's favorites continue to be the park.
• And looking at books.
• Heh, Pooh is under here!

7-Jun-02

• Reed enjoyed a messy week.
• It was also a hot week in Central Illinois.
• Swimsuit at the ready, Reed cools in a sprinkler mist.
• "I could get used to this summer stuff!"

14-Jun-02

• Reed tries the ring toss at Wiggles and Giggles class.
• He also thoroughly enjoyed a cold popsicle...
• ...which he shared with a relative...
• ...or two.
• Good to the last drop!

21-Jun-02

• Reed is the live element for a sculpture called "Fathers and Sons".
• Reed checks out the U. of I. Band down on the Quad.
• He's a Big Man on Campus already.
• Reed and parents will be on vacation next week. Check back in two weeks for pictures.

5-Jul-02

• We're back from a fun-packed vacation to see Connecticut, home of Aunt Carolyn.
• There was always something fun for Reed to do, in the opinion of his parents.
• Reed enjoyed the chance to return sea-tossed rocks and shells to the ocean.
• There was also a stop in Newport, Rhode Island.
• And a visit to Aunt Rita's.
• Dont' forget the ducks fed in Boston with Kathy.
• And the few who were ridden.
• Last stop--Harvard. Will there be other pictures from here around 2017?

12-Jul-02

• Ah, the joys of the "dog days" of summer...
• swimming pools...
• bubbles...
• ...and corn on the cob.

19-Jul-02

• This week Grandpa Phillips finished rebuilding some sidewalk outside his house.
• Reed supervised the cement work.
• Colleen also turned two this week.
• Plenty of activity was around for all.

26-Jul-02

• (Farmer) Reed started Pee Wee Farmers this week.
• But, he didn't neglect his standing chores, like shopping.
• You must pinch pennies early.
• Time to check out. More next week.

2-Aug-02

• Reed works the phones to see about getting some pants.
• Now dressed, he adds a crown to the ensemble--something made at a birthday party.
• Reed now sings parts of the Alphabet Song, and then claps afterwards.
• How silly!

9-Aug-02

• It was an outdoor kind of week, first petting animals at the Pee Wee Farmer farm.
• Then frolicking in the sprinkler.
• 1,2,3,8 splash!

16-Aug-02

• Uncle Stephen's new home in Bloomington still has lots of toys.
• Quit it, Dad!
• Reed rides the bus down to campus to visit Grandpa Hoffmann and the Natural History Museum.
• Look, a bison!
• Who's the turkey here?
• Mix it, mix it, mix it!
• Is this how Reed is learning to count?
• Grandma, I'm calling to say I'm on my way over so cue up the Blues Clues.

23-Aug-02

• It has been a week of skill building.
• This requires hard work,
• repetition,
• and sometimes some stress. It will come!

30-Aug-02

• Reed tries to calculate how many days of summer remain.
• The answer is most disturbing!
• Might as well get out and enjoy them on the new porch swing.

6-Sep-02

• Reed decides to work on letters before whole books while at the library.
• Aunt Carolyn plays a jig for Reed.
• Now Reed wants to play.
• Blow kisses to Uncle Stephen!

13-Sep-02

• "Uncle Stephen, since you're 30 now, I better help you with this."
• The lollipop has met its match.
• New shoes stretch even farther down the slide.

20-Sep-02

• Another week of eating good food included a lollipop...
• and gummy savers...
• and a picnic dinner, covered by the local news. Local residents could tune in at 10 to hear Matt talk about fall weather and see Reed eat string cheese.

27-Sep-02

• Fall is here and it's time to pick apples. Reed declares that the apples on the trees are "tight".
• Daddy and Grandpa are digging holes for a backyard fence. Reed will keep the work on the level.
• Reed looks to the equipment installing erosion control around the lake for artistic inspiration.

4-Oct-02

• Still two peas in a pod.
• Ahh, the after nap drink.
• Then back to playing, playing,
• and more playing.

11-Oct-02

• The Fence Builders
• Reed is a laid-back foreman when Dad, Professor Miller, and Professor Grandpa are on the job.
• "What you want, Dad and Grandpa, is for this fence to be perpendicular to the ground."
• The billy goat gruff is up on the Curtis Orchard bridge.
• Reed and Whitney (also in the Tuesday playgroup) feed the goats.
• Curtis Orchard also has a train for Reed and Zanden to conduct.
• Meow!
• Happy trails until next week.

18-Oct-02

• Pumpkins for sale! Get your pumpkins here!
• Reed is expert at picking produce from bins.
• Look who's two-and-a-half!

25-Oct-02

• Zoom! Zoom!
• A sneak peek at Reed's Halloween costume.
• Reed arranges the "little" letters of the alphabet. Never mind that they run from right to left.
• What a clever boy!

1-Nov-02

• A non-Halloween event this week was Grandpa's birthday.
• Reed prepares for Halloween by helping another grandpa carve pumpkins.
• Halloween can be a spooky time!
• Reed checks out costumes at the weekly playgroup. He is dressed as Blue from Blue's Clues.
• Happy Halloween!

8-Nov-02

• Time to help Grandma with the fall chores.
• My sticker says, "I voted," but I really didn't. Don't blame me for who's in office!

15-Nov-02

• Reed loves piles of things.
• Indoors or out. Get ready....
• Jump!
• Until next week...

22-Nov-02

• Reed exercises his creativity in paint this week.
• Reed also painted his 2002 Christmas ornament at the pottery store.
• Reed loves his little ducky and wearing his fire hat backwards.

29-Nov-02

• The traditions of Thanksgiving were again upheld this year. There was time to play.
• And time to play some more.
• And, of course, time to eat!
• Aunt Carolyn, play a Thanksgiving jig!
• Can we three be trusted to find the perfect Christmas tree?
• Everyone gather around to vote on the Christmas tree.

6-Dec-02

• Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays!
• May the merry bells keep ringing,
• Happy Holidays to you!

13-Dec-02

• Honestly, Reed wasn't too keen on meeting Santa this year.
• But he dove right into decorating gingerbread.
• He showed a vertical candy decorating style.
• And of course, frequent taste testing was crucial.

Nicholas's Birth

• Of course the big news this week was the birth of our second child, Nicholas. Here he is about an hour after birth with mom.
• Nicholas (center) waits for his first physical with the other babies. Waiting in line already!
• All bundled up and snoozing.
• Reed comes to visit and reluctantly sits for a family portrait. He declares Nicholas to be "tiny tiny baby."
• The proud Mommy. Can't wait to go home!

26-Dec-02

• What a big week! No wonder we're sleepy.
• Reed is taking to being a top notch big brother.
• Nicholas is learning there are routines he could do without.
• Mostly, this week we prepared for Christmas.
• The opening of the first stocking did not excite Nicholas.
• Reed, however, was a master present-opener.
• "Open it!" he says to Aunt Angela.
• It was a very Merry Christmas.

3-Jan-03

• Reed and Danielle thoroughly test this year's Christmas presents.
• They also go with their dads to play at Ants In Their Pants.
• Wise advice for the New Year, Nicholas?
• The New Year's Eve partying started early.
• May everyone enjoy a comfortable 2003!

10-Jan-03

• Subjects 3 weeks and 34 years old pose. Says Nicholas, "I don't know about Mom, but the bloom of youth hasn't left me yet."
• Big brother Reed engages in his favorite activity.
• Little brother Nicholas does, too.
• Another week, another nap.

17-Jan-03

• No, Mommy, we're too cute to nap at the same time.
• Isaac and Reed shoot. And they score!
• Reed's fort has a front and a back door.
• !&*#@!!!
• Reed prepares for Valentine's Day.
• Can Nicholas smile already? (Think Mona Lisa.)

24-Jan-03

• Nicholas is wise beyond his weeks.
• He is one month old!
• That's nothing to sneeze at...
• ...or maybe it sometimes is.
• Meanwhile, Reed still loves Oswald the Octopus.
• And he continues the winter battle with static electricity.

31-Jan-03

• This week Kathy came to visit. Nicholas took his first trip to the airport to pick her up.
• Reed and Nicholas were good little hosts.
• When he wasn't playing Ring Around the Rosie with Kathy, Reed was looking over this week's People Magazine.
• Nicholas enjoyed the warm guest lap.

7-Feb-03

• Reed takes care of his pearly whites.
• And just look at the results!
• "You know, there's a good chance you will end up looking just like me," says Dad.
• N and R play Flop on the Bed.
• It was another good week!

14-Feb-03

• Reed explores yellow at his Saturday morning art class with Dad.
• Then he bakes some Valentine cookies, with supervision.
• Smile for the cookies!...I mean camera!
• A watched cookie never bakes.
• Nicholas models festive and warm boots.
• The well-dressed baby is smug, indeed.

21-Feb-03

• See what the boys were up to this week:
• We celebrated Matt's 35th birthday.
• And Nicholas's 2-month birthday.
• The hip 2-month-old hangs out in the swing sometimes.
• Then there was Valentine's Day.
• Nichoals displays a typical male reaction to the holiday at an early age.

28-Feb-03

• Reed tackles the dentist this week.
• She said, "Look up," so this should be helpful, too.
• The little suction tube is the most fun.
• Meanwhile, Nicholas uses his time to schmooze,
• schmooze,
• schmooze.
• Is winter over yet?
• One asks the other, "How do I become a star like you?"
• Three peas in a pod? Let's hope not!

7-Mar-03

• Happy Birthday, Grandma Phillips!
• Did I sign on for this?
• Marginally better.
• This little piggy went to market and this little piggy stayed home.
• Nicholas continues to meet and greet. This time he converses with Carol and Gus Ruch.
• Reed and Paige discuss the finer points of a book.

14-Mar-03

• Happy 60th Birthday,Grandpa Phillips!
• The World is a toy store.
• Reed is mesmerized seeing the Bookmobile inside.
• You're getting sleepy, very sleepy.
• This is Atlas from the back.
• What a specimen of well-fed Midwestern baby!
• "I yam what I yam," says Nicholas.
• You write a caption for each boy.

21-Mar-03

• Reed savors the Girl Scout cookies.
• Reed inspects the Great Big Crushing Machine at Engineering Open House.
• He also learns from the many exhibits.
• "Oh, no. I really shouldn't have any cake. At three months old, what you eat goes straight to your hips."
• "Then again, pass the fork!"
• Nicholas and Alice shoot the breeze on a warm spring day.
• Meanwhile, Reed and Stephen explore the "forest".
• Alice shows Reed how to play Pooh Sticks.
• Drop a leaf into the stream and wait for it to appear on the other side of the bridge.

28-Mar-03

• Reed loves the parachute at Wiggles and Giggles class.
• Nicholas loves to eat, as you can plainly see.
• It's tricycle season again!
• Reed shows Nicholas that fun on the computer knows no single season.
• And--in the name of being well-rounded--books also are year-round fun.

4-Apr-03

• Spring fashions are so funny to a baby.
• Well, most things are funny to a baby.
• Nicholas checks on the likelihood his hand will be returned.
• Oh, happy day! It is.

11-Apr-03

• Are you ready for this?
• Whee!!
• Mom and Nicholas read a library book given in Nicholas's name.
• Spring has sprung!

18-Apr-03

• Somebunny turned four months old this week.
• And Reed turned three years old.
• Everyone, put your party hats on!
• There are no exceptions.
• Who wrapped this present, anyway?
• That was some party, Reed!
• The birthday boy has a new tent and a new fort to play with.
• Reed is now old enough to become a sidewalk chalk expert. Aunt Carolyn will tutor him.
• Next stop, Easter!

25-Apr-03

• This week Reed colored eggs for Easter.
• He also checked on some bunnies, distant relations of the Easter Bunny.
• Meanwhile, Nicholas went straight to the source.
• The Easter egg hunt was squeezed in between showers.
• And Reed enjoyed the jelly beans in each and every egg (though not in one sitting).
• In other news of the week, both boys had check ups.
• And Nichoals rolled over for the first time!

2-May-03

• Reed shows Nicholas the ropes of playing. He is quite interested.
• Uncle Stephen shows Nicholas his new house. The interest is less obvious.
• Higher! Higher!
• Reed spies Elmo in the View Master.
• Come home from Seattle soon, Daddy!

9-May-03

• Reed and Daddy check out a new tree in the backyard.
• Reed and Grandpa Hoffmann explore the sculpture at Meadowbrook Park.
• Reed is a new sculpture himself--entitled "I Am Three".
• Nice legs!
• Rub a dub, dub!
• What will next week bring?

16-May-03

• This week Nicholas tried rice cereal.
• He and Will discuss its flavor over toys.
• Mirror, mirror on the toy...
• The boys admire Mom's newly-installed sewing table, made by Dad.
• And Reed spells "jump" on the fridge.
• What word couldn't be improved by added a random prefix?

23-May-03

• Duck...
• Duck...
• Goose!
• Actually, the game of the week was hide and seek, but (amazingly) I don't have any pictures of that.

30-May-03

• Reed shows off that he can write the letter J, among others.
• Bliss.
• Double bliss.
• I'm a big, tough baby.
• I have a cute side, too.
• This is a photo of a three-year-old's favorite food and favorite word.
• The boys pose with Uncle Stephen, proud new home owner.

6-Jun-03

• This week Reed designed dinosaurs at the science museum.
• And he wrote his name.
• Everyone checked out Uncle Stephen's new house in Normal.
• And Nicholas sat up. With plenty of ballast down below, he is pretty stable.

13-Jun-03

• My brother says F is for Fire Engine.
• Reed can't wait to get back to Prairie Farms and see his old pals.
• Hello, birdies!
• Hello, turtle! Hello, Reed!
• I categorically refuse to do nude pictures.

20-Jun-03

• Nicholas is now 6 months old! (The cow is a tad older.)
• Let's celebrate!
• Smooches to Daddy on this first Fathers' Day with Nicholas.
• Reed reads in his Saturday morning pacakes that we are going in the car, past trees to Uncle sTephen's house.
• Uncle Stephen is now all moved in, thanks to help from friends, Alice, and Alice's dog Psyche.

27-Jun-03

• This was a week of summertime fun.
• We ate popsicles.
• Reed tried out the Jump House at the Taste of Champaign.
• Whee!
• Fun!
• The boys took in a summertime concert on the U of I Quad.

4-Jul-03

• Aunt Carolyn returns from Tahiti with a t-shirt and tattoos for Reed.
• Reed returns to the swimming pool this summer.
• Nicholas starts in the baby pool. Will this do?
• Ah! Much better!

11-Jul-03

• Reed and Nicholas say, "Play ball!"
• The Phillips cousins gather for the 4th of July.
• Granddad and Mary Jane are visiting from Maryland.
• Uncle Andy and Danielle have work to do to cheer up a tired boy.
• Time to get on the weed eating, Nicholas! ("Don't tempt me," he thinks.)

18-Jul-03

• Nicholas is 7 months old and toying with crawling.
• Reed demonstrates the double-backhanded cheese sandwich grip.
• Peas in the park.

25-Jul-03

• Nicholas is up on all fours and ready to move.
• Meanwhile, Reed takes in the festivities at the Day In the Park.
• Both boys attend friend Marco's third birthday party. One eats cake.
• The halo suits me, no?

1-Aug-03

• Thanks for the flowers, Reed!
• Reed helps to hunt for Japanese beetles daily.
• Cousin Isaac compares the doll to Nichoals. Who's more sqeezable, I wonder?
• Isaac, Reed and Alyssa cool down in a cool pool.
• Hold on tight, Reed! The Pony Express at Prairie Farms is about to depart.

8-Aug-03

• Somewhere, over the rainbow-
• Way up high.
• There's a land that I heard of-
• Once in a lullaby...

15-Aug-03

• Observe Nicholas's first two teeth.
• Nicholas and his brother go to Memorial Stadium to meet the 2003-2004 Illini football team.
• By happenstance, Reed finds his age on the field.
• Give me an "N"!
• If Reed is Ernie, his parents must be Big Bird and the Grouch.
• It's high summer on Hallbeck Drive.

22-Aug-03

• Our youngest sassy boy is 8 months old.
• And he now crawls!
• Reed finds his new favorite number on the porch at Uncle Stephen's house.
• Professor Uncle Stephen tells Nicholas what to study now so he can be ahead of the class later.
• "Good job, Teacher Reed!" exclaims Reed. He is a guest lecturer at Uncle Stephen's school, Wesleyan College.
• Reed tells navigator firefighter Miguel to climb aboard.

29-Aug-03

• Reed decides he needs a backpack (purple) for the start of preschool.
• Nicholas discovers that a good mystery is a great read.
• He also learns to pull himself up to standing.
• We're swinging down to St. Louis next.
• All aboard! We're off to the zoo.

5-Sep-03

• We closed the summer of '03 with a visit to St. Louis.
• Attractions included the St. Louis Arch.
• Reed also enjoyed the Science Museum.
• Nicholas found things to do there, too.
• The St. Louis Zoo featured sea lions and tropical birds.
• Reed took in the animals, but was really excited to ride the Zoo Train.
• Rain just kept the less hardy away.
• By the end of the weekend, we had two tired boys.
• This state is great for driving.
• Reed also started preschool this week, proclaiming in the parking lot on the first day, "I'm so excited!"

12-Sep-03

• Reed takes on the dentist this week and is given a clean bill.
• "Mowing the lawn is just fascinating, Daddy."
• Uncle Stephen turned how old this week?
• This 31st birthday portrait of Uncle Stephen is courtesy of Reed.

19-Sep-03

• At nine months old, Nicholas really looks up to his big brother, Reed.
• See how helpful he is putting away Reed's markers.
• And later he drew a bath so his mommy could relax.

26-Sep-03

• Reed climbs aboard a caboose at Railway Days at the Monticello Railway Musuem.
• All aboard!
• Passing trains captivate busy boys.
• Back at the ranch, transportation is smaller-scale.

3-Oct-03

• Is there anything in here yet?
• Reed shows off the treehouse at preschool.
• Must brothers share toys?
• Better!

10-Oct-03

• Reed jumps to the music--Wiggles music.
• "I love this playground!"
• And while the cat is away, the mouse plays.
• Will turns one, and Nicholas wants to help open the presents.

17-Oct-03

• Reed can't get enough of Thomas the Tank Engine.
• Nicholas's excitement this week was his first pair of shoes.
• Bright sun!
• Over we go.
• Nicholas prefers the gravel around the pumpkins to the pumpkins themselves.
• Reed, however, is ready to select the perfect pumpkin.

24-Oct-03

• Nicholas supervises Grandma, Miguel and Carolyn as they plant next spring's bulbs.
• Reed continues to enjoy fall during his first fieldtrip--an excursion to look at pumpkins and pick apples at Curtis Orchard.
• Reed and Se-oon sample donuts and cider at the orchard.
• Now 10 months old, Nicholas has mastered the plaintive request.
• He also knows a disturbing amount about stairs, small objects and sources of electrical danger.

31-Oct-03

• The boys enjoyed the usual excitement this week.
• But thoughts of the big candy grab to come loomed.
• And cupcakes for Grandpa Hoffmann's birthday whet the appetite.
• Reed was so excited when Daddy carved his pumpkin into a Thomas the Train.
• This is his first Halloween, but I think Nicholas gets the idea.

7-Nov-03

• A costume parade at Reed's preschool ends with a line up of characters.
• Am I too young for refined sugar and artificial sweeteners?
• Reed, the leopard in the jungle, takes stock of a successful candy hunt.
• Did you know pandas can be found in Florida?
• Who is giving computer adivce to whom?

14-Nov-03

• Two of Reed's favorite pasttimes--pointing and clicking.
• Brother Nicholas thinks pushing and walking are a kick.
• Is it fun to have a balloon stuck to your head?

21-Nov-03

• Nicholas is unsure he will enjoy his first haircut.
• Cheerios and unlimited access to the comb save the day.
• Meanwhile, Reed takes a fieldtrip to the library for a puppet show.
• And he celebrates the teddy bear's 101st birthday by taking a guest to preschool.

28-Nov-03

• This week the boys visit a park with Daddy and Grandpa Phillips.
• Reed also has an open house at preschool and shows off a sculpture he made.
• Meanwhile, a campus museum features three sculptures meant to be reproductions from a find in China. Only two of the works are really convincing.
• A turkey without feathers.
• Tired turkey.
• Reed caught acting like a turkey.
• Happy Thanksgiving!
• Happy Thanksgiving again!

5-Dec-03

• This week we found the perfect tree.
• Nicholas found strings of beads and lights right up his alley.
• "I'll take it from here!"

12-Dec-03

• Reed searches for the perfect pointsettia.
• Reed is particular about ornament placement on the tree; most ornaments look their best in the lower right branches.
• Nicholas, by contrast, is not so particular about whether ornaments even stay on the tree.
• Reed enjoys lunch on his holiday dishes and notes that Daddy was serious when he said, "This banana has your name on it."
• Hmmm, what do we have here?
• A gingerbread boy tattoo is certain to get you in good with Santa.
• Merry Christmas!

20-Dec-03

• We continued to celebrate the season this week. Here, Reed cuts gingerbread cookies.
• He is now an expert decorator.
• The sweets workshop churned out two cookie sleighs filled with candied cookies.
• Reed also decorated a gumdrop tree with Mommy.
• Nicholas turned the Big One this week. He enjoyed opening birthday cards.
• Then there was the introduction to chocolate cake.
• Nicholas thinks, "I'm old enough to drive now, right?"
• "And look at me! I'm standing on my own."

26-Dec-03

• Reed counts down the days until Christmas with glee.
• He even arranges Christmas flowers with Aunt Carolyn, Grandma Hoffmann and Mommy.
• Christmas Morning, Santa comes through with Annie and Clarabel train cars in his stocking.
• Nicholas gets toys, too.
• Nicholas notes that Santa left behind a few crumbs from his snack.
• "I'll help you unwrap that, Aunt Carolyn."
• Daddy makes a rocking car for a young driver.
• Nicholas is festive in a sweater from Mommy.

2-Jan-04

• Both boys are wallowing in fresh toys.
• Nicholas and Uncle Stephen shoot the breeze.
• The first step is captured on film.
• Reed rings in 2004 exploring his new Leap Frog game.
• Nicholas starts the new year exploring a spud.

9-Jan-04

• Nicholas and Alice examine one of Mommy's birthday presents.
• Where does a guy go for a haircut around here?
• Reed is tickled with the new train table Daddy made.
• The table is sure to be plenty of fun for both boys.

16-Jan-04

• Has it been one of those weeks for you, too?
• "Over here, Daddy."
• Nicholas loves to drag toys into his rocking car.
• The tongue comes out when concentrating over Play Doh.

23-Jan-04

• I know exactly how the bear feels.
• Footloose and 13 months old.
• This is the picture of concentration.
• Reed brings home from preschool a renewed interest in letters which leads to writing which leads to spelling....
• These are two busy boys.
• Reed and I both take pictures--
• --of Nicholas and his hair--
• --while Nicholas--
• eats chalk.

30-Jan-04

• I'd rather not say what happened to my pants.
• We are preparing for Valentine's Day,
• each in his own way.
• Does Reed see something that displeases him?

6-Feb-04

• Reed and Mommy pore over the latest book order from school.
• Nicholas decides the perfect spot is right up here.
• Nicholas and Great Aunt Ann play.
• Great Granddad, Mary Jane, Great Aunt Ann and Great Uncle Steve are all in town for a visit.
• It was another week of fun and play!

13-Feb-04

• It is easy to take sweet pictures of Nicholas.
• This holds true most of the time.
• Here is our Valentine number one.
• Here is our Valentine number two.
• Reed enjoys his Valentine's party at preschool.

20-Feb-04

• Happy Birthday, Matt!
• The days should be turning warmer soon.
• There's just time to make one more snow angel.
• Break out the chalk and prepare for spring!
• It may be time to turn the web site over to Reed.
• He has his own perspective on things.

27-Feb-04

• Monkey see...
• ...and monkey do.
• Reed stays home from preschool due to illness and convalesces in front of cartoons.
• "Whas 'sup?"
• Wagon rides say spring is near.

5-Mar-04

• Happy Birthday, Grandma Phillips!
• Reed uses a calculator to check a little sticker math.
• Meanwhile, Nicholas.....

12-Mar-04

• Do you like stickers here, or in my mouth better?
• The dinner conversation around here is less than riveting.
• Nicholas makes a goal line stand at the Illini Fan Funfair.
• Meanwhile, Reed checks out the stands.
• There are letters and numbers all over this place!
• Happy Birthday, Grandpa!
• An artiste is born.
• At playgroup, Nicholas and Cooper talk kitchen design.
• Reed takes a photo of a photo of Reed.
• That's all he wrote!

19-Mar-04

• Reed loves to make lists and "write stories".
• Nicholas has caught the writing bug, too.
• This photo is ready for the Sunday circulars.
• Reed's preschool takes a trip to the science museum.
• Later the boys work on crafts for St. Patrick's Day.
• "I'm done!"

26-Mar-04

• Reed is working on his birthday invitations this week.
• Drivers, start your engines!
• Nicholas notes the bright lights during a tour of a fire station.
• The ladder truck was Reed's favorite part.
• Nicholas says, "Uncle Stephen, I need to talk to you about fire hazards."

2-Apr-04

• Nicholas loves to go "whee!" down the slide.
• Reed is deep in computer work.
• A park district play class activity offers a chance to practice egg-seeking.
• Reed anticipates turning four this month.

9-Apr-04

• We're definitely thinking Spring this week.
• Reed jumps on the number birthday he is fast approaching.
• Reed makes peanut butter and chow mein noodle nests for jelly bean eggs.
• Nicholas paints an Easter egg.
• Both boys wash plenty of eggs in anticipation of a good egg hunt on Easter.

16-Apr-04

• What a big week it was! First we did some prep work for Easter -- loading the eggs with candy.
• A precise measuring system ensures consistent eggs every time.
• On Easter morning it's time to see what the bunny brought.
• Then it's back to the Easter activities, this time applying dye to eggs. Again, a keen eye for quality control is paramount.
• Only when the egg has reached its perfect shade is it removed.
• Then it's off to the sticker-applying craftsman.
• When all the preparations are complete, it's time for the hunt! Nicholas explains to Grandpa that you must use your keen sense of smell to find the eggs..
• .. and once you've found the eggs, where to put the candy.
• Right off the bat Nicholas proves the merits of his technique.
• Reed's strategy, whatever it is, pays off handsomely as well.
• But a clever egg can fool the best of 'em.
• After the hunt Nicholas spends time unwinding and painting his impression of spring.
• Right on the heels of Easter comes Reed's birthday. Time to open those cards!
• He explains to Nicholas that you must be four years old before you can stand on slides.
• He ponders what to wish for before blowing out candles.
• A new puppet stage! Reed can now properly present his adaptation of As You Like It. Here, Polar Bear plays the part of Orlando.

23-Apr-04

• Happy 4th Birthday, Reed!
• Reed loses himself in a real maze. He also enjoys solving mazes on paper.
• Nicholas reflects on being 16 months old.
• Aunt Carolyn is the designated pusher for Nicholas, Reed and Miguel.

30-Apr-04

• Reed checks out a cockpit at the Rantoul Air Museum
• Grandpa Phillips and the boys choose the plane they would fly.
• Nicholas wonders what he can do.
• And Reed is just hanging around.
• Maybe a spin in the bike trailer would be fun. Reed calls it a tender (as in a Thomas the Train coal tender.)
• And away we go!

7-May-04

• Several times this week Nicholas was one sleepy cat.
• Zzz-zzzz.
• Reed and Gina slide simultaneously.

14-May-04

• This week Alice showed Reed how to relax through yoga.
• Reed has other hobbies that also focus the mind.
• And there's little that's more relaxing than a cool drink outside.
• Then it is time to get back to work.
• Nicholas experiences the thrill of victory...
• and the agony of defeat.

21-May-04

• Isn't it great that Mom bought this bird bath?
• It's so easy to picture how it works, for birds that is.
• This boy bath, I mean bird bath is great!
• That's it for this week.

28-May-04

• Nicholas talks to out-of-town Mommy on the phone.
• Meanwhile, Reed gives written instructions to his brother.

4-Jun-04

• It's time to play stomp rockets.
• Up, up and away!
• Reed's preschool takes a somewhat-rainy trip to Touch A Truck. Reed climbs aboard a cement mixer, a bus, a fire truck and a postal truck.
• Meanwhile, Nicholas plays touch-a-car at Grandma Phillips' house.
• Reed gets new glasses this week. Snazzy! As an added bonus, they are finally a way Reed can look like his mommy.

11-Jun-04

• Thanks for the hand, Uncle Stephen.
• Reed has learned to ride a bike. Way to go, Reed!
• Indoors, the riding is on the rails.

18-Jun-04

• Reed, Daddy and Professor Miller go to Decatur to visit miniature trains.
• They were great fun to ride.
• Later, Reed and Nicholas talked shop with some pigs.
• Action shot!
• "I think I'd like another popsicle, too," thinks Nicholas.
• Nicholas is every inch one-and-a-half.

25-Jun-04

• "Why, Mommy, must you try making clothes for me from patterns?"
• Reed offers this photo to fill out this week's web site.

2-Jul-04

• The Hallbeck Group hits Indianapolis for a one-night stay, horse-drawn carriage ride included.
• The next morning at the zoo, Nicholas is intrigued by a walrus and vice versa.
• "Giddyup!" says Reed.
• The mechanical version is also lots of fun.
• You better eat these sweet potatoes. I think I'm allergic to them.

9-Jul-04

• Reed and Nicholas head out to the neighborhood 4th of July parade.
• After a little patriotic musing...
• they're off around the block.

16-Jul-04

• Higher, Aunt Carolyn!
• Look what Daddy lets me do.
• Must you choose everything I get to eat?
• Reed uses his noodle in the pool.
• Nicholas practices using the correct spoon for Uncle Stephen and Alice's wedding reception.

23-Jul-04

• Mr. Sassy gathers his ducks before a summer swim.
• Reed seeks out the head duck in the pool.
• Grandpa Hoffmann gives a hand to the LMOC (Little Man on Campus).
• There's no rule about eating neatly on a picnic, is there?

30-Jul-04

• Someone in the family is in peak summer shape.
• The boys help Alice move her things to Normal this week.
• Everyone loves cheese!
• Learn from the master.
• Then, practice when you can.

6-Aug-04

• Nicholas and Reed spend a hot summer morning at the local science museum.
• A nearby dinosaur dig deserves exploration.
• "It's a leg bone from a Tyrannosaurus!" exclaims Reed.

13-Aug-04

• Reed discovers the dictionary this week. He looks up "yawn" right before bed.
• "Choo! Choo!"

20-Aug-04

• Nicholas meets his match at Curtis Orchard.
• Reed meets his match there, too. Whee!
• Reed loves mazes. A brick maze at the park tickles his fancy and his feet.
• Nicholas and Grandpa Phillips ride the rails in Monticello.

27-Aug-04

• Tigger enjoys a stroll outside.
• Chalk plus cars plus boys equals fun.

3-Sep-04

• A weekend trip to Chicago brings lots to look at. We could see the Sears Tower from our hotel windows.
• Atop the Hancock Building, Reed spies someone swimming in a rooftop pool.
• We closed the day with a carriage ride under a full moon along Lake Shore Drive.
• The next day, Nicholas constructs at the Children's Museum.
• Though we thought we'd visit the Shedd Aquarium, Reed spots the Adler Planetarium and insists we check it out.
• Both boys loved watching the mini Mars Rover you could program yourself.
• Be on the lookout for more trips to Chicago in the future!

10-Sep-04

• It's a good thing the easel has two sides.
• Reed sticks by his pledge not to take a nap in his bed during quiet time.
• Happy Birthday, Uncle Stephen! Now you are old enough to get married, eh?

17-Sep-04

• Our youngest cowboy surveys the range.
• The boys wait around for the chuck wagon.
• Hats (and shirts) off to being outside.
• Reed and Mom are both hooked on the same PDA game.

24-Sep-04

• Nicholas pauses to reflect on an exciting week past.
• Nicholas isn't ready, but Uncle Stephen and Alice take the plunge on September 18.
• Alice and Stephen get married in Madison, Wisconsin.
• The whole family treks in to share the festivities.
• Reed discovers that it is just fine to work on a dot-to-dot book during a wedding ceremony.
• Yippee for Aunt Alice and Uncle Stephen!

1-Oct-04

• Despite what you might think, Reed picked only one apple from this tree.
• Nicholas enjoys the view out the window of a vintage train.

8-Oct-04

• Reed's class visits a fire safety demonstration and practices sliding down a fire pole. They are now prepared for any eventuality.
• We visit the pumpkin patch this week. We saw some very large pumpkins.
• Fortunately, the boys choose pumpkins on the small side.
• Nicholas rides off into the sunset until next week.

15-Oct-04

• Reed launches a toy helicopter by tugging on a string and twisting his tongue.
• All aboard the Alphabet Express! Reed builds a train where each car is a letter of the alphabet and contains something that begins with that letter.
• After eating the contents of Car C (carrot), Nicholas finds a place in Car N, between the Mega Bloks and the olives.
• Reed's class takes a field trip to Curtis Orchard. Reed and Jack seem to have found a pumpkin together.
• Reed makes a solar system salad to demonstrate the relative size differences of the planets. He then explains to Daddy that Mercury is a pea, Venus is a radish, Earth is an egg, Mars is a cherry tomato and so on out to little Pluto--a peppercorn.

22-Oct-04

• Nicholas and Reed help Grandma Hoffmann clear some leaves from the yard.
• Reed mimics the jack-o-lantern leaf bags.
• When the work is done, Nicholas cleans up.
• Aunt Alice juggles for Nicholas, who is very impressed.
• Reed makes a play dough snowman; he is inspired by a craft book.
• The boys have joined Daddy in a new hobby--model rocket launching.
• Reed insists on ear protection for launches.

29-Oct-04

• Reed and Nicholas are ready for Halloween fun this week.
• They aim to "score" plenty of candy and fun.
• These costumes should do the trick.

5-Nov-04

• Nicholas and Reed have been working their way through carefully-chosen Halloween candy this week.
• Despite the happy family facade, the boys have elected not to share their candy wealth.
• You would think there would be some payment for the chaperoning services!
• We all enjoyed sweets to celebrate Grandpa Hoffmann's birthday.

12-Nov-04

• Insert your own noise to this action shot.
• Reed is introduced to the bar in Rompers gymnastics class.
• Nicholas pauses to reflect while playing in the sandbox.

19-Nov-04

• 23 months old is not too soon to begin working on your hula.
• Nicholas has tea with the Three Little Bears at the Indianapolis Children's Museum.
• Reed enjoyed the museums's hall of mirrors for obvious reasons.
• He also mastered the hand crank cart.
• Watch for more fun to surface next week.

26-Nov-04

• Grandpa Phillips demonstrates the TAM wave table to Reed and Nicholas.
• Nicholas demonstrates a less scientific way to generate wave patterns.
• Reed is less confident than Grandpa about the advisability of standing underneath the Big Crushing Machine.

3-Dec-04

• Aunt Alice reads a story to Reed while Nicholas plays with a holiday roadway.
• Our trip to choose a Christmas tree was fruitful and now the boys rearrange the ornaments daily.
• Nicholas enjoys a fun Christmas activity--
• --putting Cheerios in the "Cheerio garage" of the vaccuum.
• Reed decides he wants to use the sewing machine to make an ornament for the tree.
• And here it is!

10-Dec-04

• Holiday preparations are in full swing as the boys roll out dough for gingerbread decorating.
• Nicholas is a kid in the candy shop as cookie supplies are laid out.
• Nicholas and Grandpa Phillips share advice on candy placement. Nicholas argues that the best place for candy is in his mouth.
• Meanwhile, Reed helps Daddy with a gingerbread house.

17-Dec-04

• "I'm two!" yells Nicholas.
• I will sit back and enjoy this accomplishment.
• Also this week, Nicholas is thrilled to stay and play at Reed's preschool holiday party.
• And Reed flips over his Rompers gymnastics class.

24-Dec-04

• 'Twas the night before Christmas and Nicholas and Reed...
• Looked forward to Santa with wonder and glee....
• Merry Christmas to all!

31-Dec-04

• Happpy New Year!
• The owl and the pussy cat went to sea in a beautiful pea green boat.
• Reed is the slightly-skittish mad scientist with a Christmas chemistry kit from Aunt Carolyn.
• Nicholas is his assistant.
• Meanwhile, marble works construction continues.
• And remember in the New Year to always wear your safety goggles when working on a project.

8-Jan-05

• It was a chilly night when we cooperated to blow out Mom's birthday candles and open the presents.
• Cold also brings snow, and that means some outside fun.
• Reed works to clear the driveway for a little while.
• Then the boys go for a ride.
• Back inside, Reed makes a snowman out of something warmer.

13-Jan-05

• You know you live in Illinois when....
• this is Wednesday and...
• this is Thursday.

21-Jan-05

• A cold week means lots of playing indoors.
• There's playing upstairs.
• There's playing behind the puppet stage.
• There's playing on the floor.
• There's even playing with a visiting Aunt Alice. Fun!

28-Jan-05

• Daddy and Nicholas test the slides at Ants in Their Pants.
• Reed loves swimming in the ball pit.
• Mmmm! Dessert is sweet.
• A modern toddler needs entertainment during diaper changes.

4-Feb-05

• The snow was perfect for building a snowman this week.
• We also took our first trip down a real hill on a sled.
• Fresh snow is out of this world.

11-Feb-05

• This week Reed works on a 600 piece puzzle of the world where each country piece is the country's political shape.
• Victory!
• Meanwhile Nicholas tackles the balance beam at Wiggles and Giggles.
• He finds fishing serious business.

18-Feb-05

• Reed and Nicholas inspect Grandma Phillips's latest quilt project. Each house has a different critter at the window.
• Happy Birthday, Daddy! Let us help you with these presents.
• Be my valentine, Piggy!

25-Feb-05

• Daddy shows off his toy trains in the basement.
• Upstairs, box cars run races.
• Marble tracks are also a popular choice.
• Nicholas understands that a Phillips boy must be handy with tools.
• Reed examines a clue on a treasure hunt around the house.

4-Mar-05

• Reed and Nicholas attend a school carnival and score at the marshmallow catapolt game.
• These fashion glasses were a prize at one of the carnival games.
• Happy Birthday to Grandma Phillips! She knows to watch Nicholas's hands around cakes.
• Cousin Isaac turns 5 and his party is held at a fun children's museum.

11-Mar-05

• Happy Birthday, Grandpa Phillips!
• This week's web site shortened and delayed by illness.

18-Mar-05

• Reed and Nicholas feel better this week and are busy again playing.
• They try an art project at the Spurlock Museum on campus.
• They also work on Easter decorations at home.

25-Mar-05

• For a Spring Break vacation we head to Aunt Carolyn and Miguel's new apartment in Chicago.
• Egg hunts around the apartment hone skills for the week ahead.
• Later we visit the DuPage County Children's Museum, which both boys enjoy.
• The next morning it's off to the Shedd Aquarium.
• We also stop in at the Adler Planetarium. Reed verfies that the maps are accurate at both locales.
• Nicholas feels his way through the Solar System.
• Reed and I ride into Chicago's original planetarium. Reed can identify Orion and the Big Dipper.
• Back at home, we enjoy seasonal dipping.
• Reed and Nicholas stuff eggs with candy for the upcoming egg hunt. We'll be picking jelly beans out of the lawn for weeks.

1-Apr-05

• The boys and I meet Aunt Alice for fun at the Bloomington Children's Museum this week.
• Reed is entranced by a large sculpture/climbing maze suspended above the museum's foyer.
• The Easter egg hunt brings in plenty of candy.
• Welcome, Spring!

8-Apr-05

• We hope that Reed's habit to read while in the car ends when he turns 16 and gets behind the wheel.
• Did I bribe the boys with fruit snacks to get a spring picture in front of daffodils? Yes, I did.
• All three boys fly Daddy's plane on a calm evening.
• Nicholas is hard at work during a Park District Shake and Make class.
• Reed is out almost daily using chalk to make mazes and draw flags on the driveway.

15-Apr-05

• Nicholas and (especially) Reed enjoy the bounce house games at the Sping Carnival on campus.
• Happy 5th Birthday, Reed!
• Daddy shows Reed the moon through his new telescope.

22-Apr-05

• Reed hosts a solar system birthday party for friends this week.
• Nicholas is one cool cat.
• The men of the house look after the car.
• "No one said I would get soap bubbles on my hands doing this!"

6-May-05

• The boys observe some nature of spring in the backyard.
• Then they begin spring training.
• It's outta here!
• Next up to the plate--Nicholas!

13-May-05

• Congratulations to Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Miguel! They got married on a beautiful day this past Saturday.
• The trees and flowers were blooming all around at the reception. Both boys enjoyed playing outside there.
• Later, Nicholas chowed down on wedding cake.
• Back at home, Grandma and Grandpa Phillips take out new toys.
• And we launch the USS Hallbeck for summer paddling fun.

20-May-05

• Row, row, row your boat!
• Whee!
• Like my new haircut?

27-May-05

• Reed, Daddy and Grandpa Phillips observe the bottle rocket competition on campus. The fun was part of the National Science Olympiad.
• Nicholas checks the steering in a Champaign police patrol car.
• Meanwhile, Reed hops aboard a fire truck at the Touch-a-truck Day.
• All aboard! The boys visit the Monticello Train Museum.

3-Jun-05

• This week we pile the miles on our new vehicle.
• The boys rest and relax at home.

10-Jun-05

• A hot week in June is the time to try out a Slip and Slide.
• Nicholas models his summer beach towel.
• The water is fine. Come on in!

17-Jun-05

• Over the weekend the boys go with Daddy, Grandpa Phillips and Professor Miller to ride the model trains at a steam meet.
• All aboard!
• Reed shares a story with his little brother.
• Nicholas closes the week turning the big 2 and a half.

24-Jun-05

• This week the entire Phillips Family gathers to visit with Granddad and Mary Jane.
• Reed is anxious to try anything his cousin Jordan does.
• The weather is fine and we all play outside.
• In other news of the week, Nicholas turns the big 2 and a half.

1-Jul-05

• Over the weekend we visit Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Miguel, see Lake Michigan and tour the Museum of Science and Industry.
• Inside the museum, a very large model train layout includes the skylines of Chicago and Seattle.
• Put your hands where I can see them!

7-Jul-05

• The boys mark the 4th of July riding a bike and wagon in the neighborhood parade.
• After, it's back to the chores of summer, including a little light weeding.

15-Jul-05

• This week Reed and Daddy join many members of the Phillips Family for a laid back cruise of the Bahamas.
• Reed relaxes with aunts and Daddy in the ship pool.
• There is beach time with Aunt Laura, Uncle Andy, Jordan and Danielle.
• There is also sand castle time.
• Bon voyage!

22-Jul-05

• This week we visit Aunt Alice and Uncle Stephen in NOrmal.
• And we go to Prairie Farms with Grandpa Hoffmann.
• It's hot, but outside is still Nicholas's favorite place to be.
• Reed is off to kindergarten!
• We are all excited to take a good look at Reed's new classroom.

29-Jul-05

• Reed warms up before school this week playing London Cabbie.
• Nicholas attends Pee Wee Farmers.
• It is Pig Week.

5-Aug-05

• Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to school we go!
• Those not old enough for school toil in the fields.

12-Aug-05

• This week Reed takes a whack at a frog pinata, an activity at a birthday party.
• Both boys drive on the alphabet road.
• Reed works to complete an Elmo pillow for Nicholas.

19-Aug-05

• Reed examines a piece of sunflower leaf under his microscope.
• Nicholas cuddles his new friend and constant companion, Monkey.

26-Aug-05

• This week the boys are busy in the basement fine tuning "Daddy's Legos".
• Ace Pilot Reed visits the Rantoul Air Museum with his brother.
• Submit riddle answers to jihoffmann@aol.com, in care of Reed.

2-Sep-05

• Reed illustrates the constellation Orion on the driveway.
• Then he tries to outline his brother.
• Man and beast.

9-Sep-05

• Happy 40th Anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa Phillips!
• It's picnic time.
• Look at me pump on the swing!

16-Sep-05

• Say, "Cheese!"
• Rest assured, these block towers did not stand long.
• Reed presents his "Me Project" to his kindergarten class. He choose to make a poster about the solar system.
• The boys explore a Blackhawk helicopter that is mysteriously part of Monticello Train Days.

23-Sep-05

• We select only the juiciest apples at Curtis Orchard.
• Then we enjoy the tastiest donuts.

Sepember 30, 2005

• Reed shows off proof that he obtained his very own library card this week.
• Nicholas ponders his next move.
• Reed transforms the backyard into a land of exercise stations: baseball, basketball, running, sliding and hoola hoops.

7-Oct-05

• This week we head to Chicago to visit with Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Miguel.
• Seeing Sue at the Field Museum is also on the docket. Here I get three of four to look at the camera and smile.
• Nicholas sees several monkeys who remind him of his Monkey.
• Reed plays tour guide, pointing out similarities between ape and human skeletons.
• Nicholas just looks.
• Back at home, the boys harvest sunflower seeds to save for hungry birds this winter.

14-Oct-05

• Reed and Nicholas dutifully pose for a picture when we stop by to visit Aunt Alice and Uncle Stephen.
• We attend a picnic and hayrack ride at a nearby park this week.
• A rare photo of all four of us is taken between hayrack loops.
• Two boys, sweetened by candy corn, sit by the mums in the yard.

21-Oct-05

• Reed meets Illinois basketball coach Bruce Weber at this year's Buddy Walk.
• Reed and Nicholas are delighted to try the compact book shelf button system at the campus library with Grandpa Hoffmann.
• Reed finds the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.
• It takes teamwork to drag the pumpkins out of the field and home.
• Nicholas and Daddy share a warm moment over the tool catalog.

28-Oct-05

• Nicholas is oh-so-pleased to find a source for Halloween candy ahead of the big day.
• He is quite entertained by carving pumpkins.
• Meanwhile, Reed works on a book for Grandpa Hoffmann's birthday. It is complete with a word search.
• Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

4-Nov-05

• Reed, Nicholas and Grandpa Hoffmann watch Uncle Stephen finish a 5 mile race at Allerton Park. That's Uncle Stephen in the red.
• Last minute preparation for Halloween includes decorating pumpkin cookies.
• Nicholas plays pin-the-mouth-on-the-pumpkin at a park district class.
• Astronaut Reed and puppy dog Nicholas head out on a wet Halloween night to gather treats.

11-Nov-05

• Nicholas revels in being master of his domain.
• Nicholas and Reed make the most of a cardboard tube. The contraption required tongs, fluff balls and a stool.

18-Nov-05

• Reed shows off a clay owl he made at school. We tour the art projects during Family Reading Night.
• We hope all are enjoying Fall.

25-Nov-05

• This week Reed performs two owl plays at school.
• He also finishes up Mini Dribblers basketball class.
• Go team!
• Meanwhile, Nicholas snoozes.
• We enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving, though strangely the boys choose cupcakes over apple pie for dessert.
• The day after Thanksgiving we track down a Christmas tree and begin to decorate.
• We are ready for the holiday season.

Kathryn's Birth

• This week, our new baby girl, Kathryn Ann, was born. To be precise, at 12:18 pm on November 29.
• Her statistics: 7 pounds, 3 ounces, 20 inches long, healthy and happy.
• Daddy says hello to his little girl.
• Kathryn and Mommy hit it off right away. We can't wait to bring her home!
• First visitors include Grandma and Grandpa Hoffmann.

2-Dec-05

• One day old, and all goes well.
• Reed and Nicholas anticipate holding their new sister.
• Smooches are loving and gentle for the camera.
• Nicholas contemplates his change of status in the family.
• It looks like it's "safety first" when preparing to go home.
• Comfy at home, it's time for a snooze.

9-Dec-05

• There is no doubt who is in charge around here lately.
• Nicholas helps to clear snow on the driveway.
• The boys enjoy some winter fun.
• Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Miguel log some baby practice.
• Nicholas contributes his own portrait of Kathryn.
• Power to the babies!

16-Dec-05

• This week we visit Reed's school for a nutcracker workshop.
• Aunt Alice and Uncle Stephen come by for a visit.
• The boys work hard to decorate gingerbread cookies.
• The whole family is working hard to get in the Christmas spirit.

23-Dec-05

• This week we celebrate Nicholas turning 3 years old.
• Nicholas helps Daddy make bread.
• Meanwhile, Reed works on a new puzzle of the world.
• And Kathryn doubts the expertise of the parents in the house.
• Santa tells Reed and Nicholas they should be sure to be good in the days running up to Christmas.
• We think Kathryn got the message.

30-Dec-05

• The whole family enjoyed a happy Christmas again this year.
• There were mountains of presents for boys to open.
• We played with cousins Jordan and Danielle.
• Cousins Maya and Kathryn exchanged views on the meaning of the season.
• And, at the end of the week, Kathryn turned one month old.

6-Jan-06

• Reed enjoys a candy necklace for dessert.
• Nicholas does the same.
• Have a smooch for 2006.
• Reed works on math problems to help his school meet a goal of solving a million math problems.

13-Jan-06

• Nicholas builds a domino display with a new Christmas toy.
• Kathryn shows off her new skill--smiling.

20-Jan-06

• Nicholas helps Daddy prepare dinner by peeling clementines.
• Exhausted, Nicholas finds a place to curl up during quiet time.
• Kathryn snoozes under a quilt made by the girl who lives across the street.
• Nicholas eats a monkey pancake for Saturday breakfast.
• Here are three reasons to sleep like a rock during the night.

27-Jan-06

• Nicholas takes advantage of a warmer winter day to hippity hop.
• Reed plays "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in concert for Kathryn.
• Nicholas makes a snowman at a new park district class.

3-Feb-06

• Kathryn marks turning two months old with pals.
• Daddy's little girl turns on the charm.

10-Feb-06

• Reed shows off the Eagle Nebula, deep in space.
• Nicholas puts the final touches on another masterpiece.
• Kathryn plumps up.

17-Feb-06

• Daddy is 38 now; he needs assistance to open his presents.
• The boys go with Grandpa Phillips to check out a radio-controlled plane display on campus.
• We are extra-sniffly this Valentine's Day.
• Kathryn is festive anyway.

24-Feb-06

• Kathryn loves to be held. Really, she does.
• Reed marks the big day of the week.
• Nicholas creates at his park district art class.

3-Mar-06

• Don't be under any illusions about the housework around here.
• Kathryn is three months old and taking time to relax.
• Meanwhile, Reed and Nicholas enjoy smoothie preparation.
• Nicholas loves to fiddle with Daddy's Lego town in the basement.

10-Mar-06

• Reed races Caitlin through the obstacle course at the Barkstall School Carnival.
• Nicholas walks the plank at the pirate-themed event.
• Look who's 100 days old.
• Kathryn is dolled up for Grandpa's birthday party.
• Happy Birthday, Grandpa Phillips!
• To mark the big day, Kathryn rolls over for the first time.

17-Mar-06

• Reed and Nicholas check out the Engineering Open House on campus.
• Meanwhile, Kathryn travels north to greet her new cousin--Emma Cynthia Castillo.
• Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Miguel and Baby Emma are inspiring many art projects around the house.
• Three busy bodies keep the house hopping.

24-Mar-06

• This week Reed and Nicholas go into the movie making business.
• Reed also begins to create orange and blue decorations for his orange and blue birthday party.
• Learning to lift your head is not always glamorous.

31-Mar-06

• Our little girl is already 4 months old.
• Does she look it?
• Nicholas pauses from playing to flash a sweet smile.
• The girls in the house are sticking together.
• This week we travel north so Reed and Nicholas can meet Emma. Reed is very gentle with his newest cousin, Emma.
• Emma has never seen such activity in her home.
• The boys then take the train to a children's museum.
• Reed explores the water table.
• It's time for bedtime stories at the hotel.
• We also stop by Uncle Mike and Aunt Angela's house. Reed and Nicholas enjoy Colt.
• Kathryn shoots the breeze with Daddy and Uncle Mike.

7-Apr-06

• Reed and Nicholas paint bean bag toss boards for Reed's 6th birthday party.
• The doctor said to surround Kathryn with lots of toys.
• Kathryn parks her coupe stroller next to Emma's stretch limo.
• Aunt Alice and Uncle Stephen come to town and bond with Emma.
• Smoochie, smoochie.

14-Apr-06

• Spring means plunking the paddle boat back in the water.
• It also means coloring eggs for Easter.
• Reed throws caution to the wind with a new bubble blower.
• Kathryn also tries something new--the exersaucer.
• Grandpa HOffmann chats with his two granddaughters.
• Daddy poses with Nicholas, Kathryn and Emma.
• Reed celebrates turning 6 with a friend orange and blue-themed party.

21-Apr-06

• Kathryn enjoys a super-sized Easter basket.
• She is mesmerized by the shiny eggs.
• Nicholas catches a rabbit hanging around in the backyard right after Easter baskets are discovered. How suspicious!
• Grandpa Hoffmann hides eggs; Nicholas finds the last one (?) four days later.
• In other news of the week, we mark Reed turning 6 with a family bithday party.
• Reed gives his new globe a spin.
• Kathryn is intrigued by her first taste of rice cereal.
• But, wait, this is not chocolate-flavored!
• Nicholas and Kathryn enjoy some spring air in the backyard.

28-Apr-06

• Take a look at the backyard through Nicholas's glasses.
• Reed performs in a school play about dinosaurs.
• This is a height measurement via a marbleworks tower.

5-May-06

• Got barley cereal?
• Nicholas pumps air into a water bottle rocket in the backyard.
• Blast off!
• What droool?

12-May-06

• I am a blur of activity.
• Well, will you look at this foot!
• Reed races through a maze Daddy cut in the backyard grass.
• Reed and Nicholas try out their new bikes.
• They are very proud of their fair-weather transportation.

19-May-06

• Kathryn shows off her "bear" bottom.
• Nicholas and Grandpa Hoffmann peruse the program for Reed's kindergarten school musical.
• Reed is the bus driver during the "Wheels on the Bus" number.

26-May-06

• Nicholas lays brick at the Orpheum Children's Museum Building Day.
• Reed wins a school district award for academic achievement.
• Kathryn and Emma sit back and enjoy.
• One is Kathryn and one is Reed. Can you tell who is who?

2-Jun-06

• This week everyone does something important: Nicholas masters the letters of the alphabet.
• Reed finishes kindergarten.
• And Kathryn turns six months old. We celebrate half a year with half a cake.

9-Jun-06

• The boys get lost in a maze at the Morton Arboretum in Naperville.
• Cousin Emma eyes the juice boxes.
• Nicholas makes beautiful music in the children's garden.
• The princess and the peas.
• Raggedy Ann, I really like that outfit.
• And don't you think girl friends should share?

16-Jun-06

• A girl and dog: Uncle Mike's doggie Colt and Kathryn hang out.
• Nicholas takes a photo of the block tower he made with Reed and Daddy.
• Nicholas finishes the mangoes at a picnic dinner.

23-Jun-06

• This toy is just ducky.
• I'm three-and-a-half today.
• Kathryn takes a dip in the pool.
• Giddyup, fishie!
• Are you sure you've done this before?
• Happy 40th Anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa Hoffmann!
• Time for some juicy summer reading.

29-Jun-06

• Tag, Uncle Stephen. You're it!
• A boy from the midwest must learn this skill.
• Reed completes a dinosaur camp at a local museum.
• Both boys have started swim lessons.

7-Jul-06

• Peek-a-boo! I see you.
• Crawlers, take your mark.
• We're off this week for a vacation in Washington, D.C. Nicholas calls it Washington, C.D.
• Travel is exhausting.
• We meet up with Great Uncle Steve & Aunt Ann and Grandma & Grandpa Phillips at the Maryland Science Center.
• Four generations of the Phillips family visit.
• Great Granddad shows off the workshop at the Riderwood Community.
• After lunch under the state trees, the boys explore the National Arboretum.
• The next day we take a trolley ride at the Capital Trolley Musuem.

14-Jul-06

• The boys recognize many of the sites they see from the top of the Washington Monument.
• Kathryn thinks you've seen one monument and you've seen them all.
• Grandma and Grandpa Phillips help to keep track of everyone at the Air and Space Museum.
• During our vacation, Kathryn learns to stand while holding onto something.
• We return to the Maryland Science Center at the end of our vacation. Mommy relaxes on a bed of nails.
• Kathryn thinks Great Granddad's badge is very tasty.
• There was plenty to sink your gums into during our vacation to Washington, D.C. and Maryland.

21-Jul-06

• Nicholas digs for dinosaurs in a pile of beans.
• Reed and his friend Riley work on a project.
• I have a good explanation for how my water ended up here.

28-Jul-06

• Reed heads out for his first day of first grade.
• Kathryn and Maya exchange secrets.
• Aunt Alice, is this how to do downward facing dog?
• Nicholas knows safety comes first when working on a project.

4-Aug-06

• A lady knows where to keep important things safe.
• Have sandals, will travel.
• Ah, here's the book I'm looking for!
• Reed and Nicholas climb on a perch to inspect a volunteer sunflower growing between patio pavers.

11-Aug-06

• Kathryn thinks the pool is great fun.
• Reed knows the right equipment makes all the difference.
• Nicholas walks the balance beam to meet himself during tumbling class.
• A candy dispenser made from Legos combines two loves in one.

18-Aug-06

• Nicholas practices his letters in shaving cream.
• Reed shares some of the first work of first grade at Back to School Night.
• It's time to make a project.

25-Aug-06

• A summer's evening in the backyard.
• Can you use Emily Post as a bedtime story?

1-Sep-06

• If you are in this family, you must craft.
• Nicholas helps bake cookies and then samples them.
• Write your own caption.
• Nicholas shows his medal on the slide.

8-Sep-06

• Nicholas delivers his patented smooch to Baby Emma.
• Emma muscles out the granddaughter competition.
• On his first day of preschool, Nicholas has a very good time.
• Reed works on completing a plant sketch journal for school.
• Daddy and Nicholas discuss whether our Tooth Fairy pillow should be used for the first time.

15-Sep-06

• The Dilly Bar didn't stand a chance.
• Reed makes a letter formation chart for Nicholas on the driveway.
• Happy Birthday, Uncle Stephen!

22-Sep-06

• We visit Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Miguel and Emma over the weekend. One stop is the Morton Arboretum.
• Nicholas is proud to earn his keep by pushing Emma's stroller for a time.
• "Emma, do you think a stroller parking area means they leave us in the stroller?"
• Look, Ma, no hands!
• I'm so clever.
• What are you up to, Buddy?
• I'm just hanging around.

29-Sep-06

• Everyone is busy on a visit to the Bloomington-Normal Children's Museum (and lunch with Aunt Alice and Uncle Stephen).
• Reed strikes an American Gothic pose before picking apples.
• We gather 10 pounds of apples in a matter of minutes.
• That baby in the mirror is so friendly!
• Nicholas and Reed play a game of Reed's creation called President Leap.

6-Oct-06

• Reed and Nicholas get balloon swords during an afternoon Down Syndrome Network Buddy Walk.
• Later, Reed is the clown magician's trusty assistant.
• Oh, Woe! This is my last Cheerio!

13-Oct-06

• The time is coming to play more indoors.
• Flurries flew outside the Field Museum in Chicago while we looked over the King Tut exhibit.
• We also looked over real meteorites.
• How exhausting!

20-Oct-06

• We zip over to Springfield to tour Abraham Lincoln's home. Nicholas notices that it is located across the street from a Visitors' Center. What are the odds?
• Reed is in hog heaven learning about the presidents.
• Grandpa, I really doubt I need to rub Lincoln's nose for good luck.

27-Oct-06

• Reed anxiously awaits Uncle Stephen to cross the finish line at an Allerton Park crosscountry race.
• After the race, Uncle Stephen shows Kathryn how to get moving.
• Then, we enjoy a birthday picnic for Grandpa Hoffmann.
• We are ready for Halloween. Nicholas is a witch; Kathryn is a China doll, and Reed is Honest Abe.
• Abracadabra, trick or treat. Make my candy nice and sweet!
• Should we give Kathryn any candy this year?
• Fourscore and seven years ago....

3-Nov-06

• And it's time for the candy hunt to begin.
• To the victor go the spoils.
• Bad hair day?

10-Nov-06

• Stay away from my chicken nuggets!
• Please pick me up soon. This hurts my neck.
• Kathryn loves to point here, there and everywhere.

17-Nov-06

• Daddy and Kathryn work on a trick.
• Our son is a planet for his school Solar System sing.
• Thank you for sharing.

24-Nov-06

• Two turkeys prepare for Thanksgiving.
• Kathryn is all decked out for the big meal.
• Everyone brings a dish to share to Thanksgiving.
• Reed and Nicholas race around on a kinetic scooter.
• Reed provides musical entertainment before and after dinner.
• Emma and Kathryn say, "We're stuffed."
• Kathryn gets her first pair of shoes, and is sad to let go of the barefoot part of childhood.

1-Dec-06

• The presents at Kathryn's first birthday party were a hit, for sure.
• Nicholas inspects the garland on the back fence.
• Reed shows off the blinking sun spots on a model star he made for school.
• I think we have found our Christmas tree.
• It's fun to get the holiday season underway.
• The boys divide the ornaments they plan to hang on the tree.

8-Dec-06

• Reed, Kathryn and Nicholas begin a meet-and-greet time with Santa. Kathryn appears to be less than prepared for the meeting.
• But Reed and Nicholas are ready to get down to business.
• Nicholas writes his name for the first time on (where else?) a crown.
• Prince Nicholas.
• Prince Reed.
• Kathryn yearns to reach a pocket of the advent calendar.
• Kathyrn walks!

15-Dec-06

• Nicholas believes in the craftsmanship of gingerbread cookie decorating.
• The results: a gingerbread cookie tree/Egyptian pyramid with courses of yellow "rocks".
• Kathryn paints her own ornament for the tree.
• Later she explains the "zones" of treee decoration. The lower part of the tree must be bare, the "boy eye level" zone of the tree must be wall-to-wall ornaments, and anything above that is inconsequential.
• Reed rests assured that he is on Santa's Good List.

22-Dec-06

• Daddy makes a cake and four candles out of pancake for Nicholas's birthday breakfast.
• Nicholas plays with "magic reindeer food" at his preschool holiday party.
• Later that day, Reed has a special snack with his classmates.
• Reed performs "Deck the Halls" at a Christmas piano recital.
• Kathryn enjoys riding a horsie Daddy made several years ago.

29-Dec-06

• Christmas Eve brings one last chance to show quality behavior.
• Kathryn contemplates which present to open first.
• We have a fun Christmas morning playing with new toys.
• Santa's crumbs are very tasty.
• Nicholas embraces the holiday spirit.
• Reed loses his first tooth on Christmas Day.
• All the Phillips grandkids kick back after a fun Christmas.
• There's no need to behave for Santa anymore, right?

5-Jan-07

• Kathryn rings in 2007.
• Matt and the kids make my birthday a very nice day.
• By the next day, Reed is attempting to sell me my own birthday balloons.

12-Jan-07

• Rub-a-dub-dub!
• Nicholas shows off his creation. He says it flies and it is stable.
• Reed's creation sports white flowers (lower left) and an outdoor table with two chairs (lower right).
• Even Mom has creations: animal heads for a circus show at Reed's school.

19-Jan-07

• Well, well, well...what do we have here? Kathryn finds Emma's pacifier.
• The three kids "rock out" at the same time.

26-Jan-07

• Maybe Kathryn is not yet ready to hit the slopes of Aspen.
• Yes, she's definitely not ready.
• All together now...push!
• Reed and Nicholas pose with their creations.

2-Feb-07

• Who, me?
• Nicholas is busy playing indoors on a cold day.
• The first grade circus marches to their own kazoo tune.
• Reed is a juggler, deftly throwing scarves up and up again.

9-Feb-07

• Reed completes another Music Club piano performance on campus.
• Nicholas enjoys hot chocolate after helping to shovel the driveway.
• Kathryn notes that we should also be removing snow from places other than the driveway.
• They say that a girl enjoys her jewels.
• Nicholas loves to play games. His favorites include: Memory, Candy Land, Uno and checkers.

16-Feb-07

• Yes, I am comfortable. Thank you for asking.
• Reed is proud to finish the last of the Magic Tree House books. He has read all 36.
• Reed and Nicholas have a snow day from school and complete chores around the house.
• Then it's time to play!

23-Feb-07

• Happy Birthday, Daddy!
• On a cold day, Nicholas and Kathryn curl up with a good book.
• "Peek-a-boo! I see you!"
• Kathy comes to visit and the kids vie for her attention.
• "I can't see, and it's great!"

1-Mar-07

• Happy Birthday, Grandma Phillips!
• Kathryn settles in for her first haircut.
• You know what you're doing, right Mommy?

10-Mar-07

• Kathryn plays all the pieces of Candy Land.
• Nicholas completes a spider web. The inspiration is unknown.
• Happy Birthday, Grandpa Phillips!
• Only a little child labor was used in the painting of this office.
• Reed is set to leave for his first sleepover. Too bad Mom had him prepare one night early.
• Kathryn just wants a seat at the table.
• The birthday girl is set to celebrate in her party dress.
• Nicholas enjoys himself at Emma's first birthday party.

17-Mar-07

• Reed and Nicholas share a laugh with Grandpa Phillips.
• Reed experiments at the Engineering Open House water table.
• Kathryn knights her brother.

23-Mar-07

• Kathryn wishes Isaac and Alyssa happy birthdays.
• We visit Emma and her parents for a spring break trip.
• First we see rehabilitating birds at a nearby nature preserve.
• Then Reed beats the crowds to see his favorite author, Mary Pope Osborne.
• During her talk she lets the kids vote on the title of a future Magic Treehouse book.
• Reed tells Mary Pope Osborne and her illustrator husband he has read her Greek mythology books, too.

30-Mar-07

• Kathryn "nose" it's spring.
• I have no explanation for the hair or the tidbit or cardboard on my mouth.
• Reed and Nicholas match wits in a game of making the sum of 7 in a row.

6-Apr-07

• The egg-dyeing artists pose with their supplies.
• It's time to fill the eggs with candy!
• Should Nicholas supervise Kathryn with the jelly beans?
• Nicholas prepares to catch samples from a spring hail storm.
• Reed shows off his self-designed Lego magic treehouse, inspired by the book series he has read.

13-Apr-07

• Kathryn discovers and dispatches chocolate in her Easter basket.
• We sit down to Easter dinner.
• Nicholas checks out the dessert.
• Nicholas and Uncle Stephen discuss stickers after we eat.
• The egg hunt goes smoothly, even in cold temperatures.
• Aha! Another egg! Now will Emma get to it before I can?
• Kathryn finds 6 eggs of her own.
• Kathryn enjoys special attention from Aunt Angela.
• Reed shoots some Lego hoops with Isaac and Alyssa.

20-Apr-07

• We were at a Music Club recital at the exact moment Reed turned 7. Strings were playing, literally.
• Note to self: Invite fewer friends to Reed's next birthday party.
• Nicholas examines the progress in Grandma and Grandpa Hoffmann's new kitchen.
• Reed shows off a trophy he earned for a piano practice challenge.
• Nicholas sports a new bike helmet and handy basket for this season's biking.
• Kathryn takes her first spin in the bike trailer.

27-Apr-07

• Group portrait.
• Kathryn's mood is sunny first thing in the morning.
• Nicholas tackles the bell tower steps with Grandpa Hoffmann at Lake of the Woods.
• Reed shoots the breeze with Aunt Alice.
• Nicholas and Uncle Stephen discuss the new kitchen at 2602.

4-May-07

• Reed presents information about the sandtiger shark at school.
• Smoochie, smoochie!
• Nicholas takes a closer look at space night at the Parkland College Planetarium.
• What do you mean Pluto has been demoted?

11-May-07

• Even if the shoe doesn't fit, wear it.
• Kathryn loves to color with crayons.
• She doesn't like to swing, but Kathryn loves the slide.

18-May-07

• Aunt Carolyn is generous with her ice cream at Custard Cup.
• Kathryn calls Emma "Elmo", but it looks like borrowing her seat at the table is the most distressing to Emma.
• The five of us set sail on Mother's Day.

25-May-07

• Nicholas has told his preschool teachers he wants to be a builder when he grows up.
• Reed shows a landscape drawing he made at school.
• Nicholas is ready for summer!
• And so is Kathryn.
• Give a baby a spoon and pretty soon she'll be asking to use the power tools.

1-Jun-07

• Baby needs a new diaper.
• And Baby needs a drink, too.
• Nicholas poses with his teachers on his last day of preschool for the year.
• Reed makes a pyramid. Can you guess why it was short-lived?
• Spunky Kathryn turns one-and-a-half.

9-Jun-07

• Reed poses with his piano teacher after a recital in Tuscola.
• Nicholas enjoys life in a bubble.
• Kathryn prepares to set sail on the paddle boat.
• Note to Self: I'm so cute.
• We return this year to view a scale-model train get-together in Decatur.
• Kathryn watches Reed and Nicholas roll by on a speedy one-eighth model train.

15-Jun-07

• The birds and Kathryn really enjoy the birdbath.
• That Grover is so funny!

22-Jun-07

• Nicholas cruises the pool.
• Reed works on learning to ride a bike without training wheels...
• ...while Kathryn learns to undress in public.

29-Jun-07

• This week we meet Grandpa Hoffmann on campus for a picnic lunch.
• We also scoot over to the Indianapolis Children's Museum to dig for dinosaur bones.
• Then we visit the Indianapolis Zoo.
• We feed the lorikeets nectar.
• And we take a ride on our first roller coaster.

6-Jul-07

• Nicholas celebrates the Fourth of July.
• We check out New Salem, brief home of the young Abraham Lincoln.
• Reed exits the cooper's workshop.
• Nicholas tries out one of the village wells.

13-Jul-07

• Kathryn has spunk to spare.
• Don't let your guard down around popsicles.
• Drip! Drip! Drip!
• Nicholas and Reed conquer Centennial Hill.

20-Jul-07

• Reed rides the trolley up Lakeshore Drive during our vacation to Chicago.
• The fountains at Millenium Park are great for cooling hot feet.
• I spy with my little eye the family looking into The Bean.
• Nicholas thinks about the view from inside The Bean.
• I spy with my little eye a girl on the run.
• Kathryn is largely nonplused by the city skyline.
• Back in Champaign, Nicholas climbs at the park with flair.

27-Jul-07

• Reed looks prepared to tackle the first day of second grade.
• Nicholas stands behind his train layout work.

3-Aug-07

• We spend the weekend visiting Emma and her parents in Glen Ellyn.
• Who doesn't love drawing with chalk on the driveway?
• Nicholas is a good helper on projects around the house.

10-Aug-07

• We celebrate Aunt Alice becoming Aunt Alice, PhD.
• Reed counts to 422,320,008.
• I capture the moment of peace enjoyed while three play with the same blocks.
• Nicholas is proud of his 101 inch-tall sunflower. We hauled out a ladder and measured it.

17-Aug-07

• Grandpa Phillips illustrates Reed's pool technique, step-by-step.
• Reed makes Encyclopedia brownies, as detailed in an Encyclopedia Brown mystery book.
• Nicholas waters the plants with his new invention, a distance watering tool.

24-Aug-07

• This week's theme: close-ups.

31-Aug-07

• Brotherly love?
• Four cousins prepare to go to the park.

7-Sep-07

• The girls in the family head out for a bike ride.
• Nicholas gets right down to business on his first day of preschool.
• Reed shows off his monarch butterfly model he made for school.

14-Sep-07

• The new basement is almost complete.
• Let's try out the carpet!
• Nicholas creates a monkey design on a shirt.
• Nicholas shows off the completed garment.
• Nicholas has begun taking piano lessons.
• Reed evaluates the merits of a solar-powered car.
• Kathryn reaches for candy corn.

21-Sep-07

• Nicholas takes the plunge on an inflatable slide at the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk.
• The walkers prepare to walk.
• Reed sizes up a monster truck wheel while at the Buddy Walk.
• Can you believe it? The kids won a raffle basket at the Buddy Walk.

28-Sep-07

• This week we tackle a corn maze.
• Which path to choose? That's the question.
• Of all things, Kathryn comes across corn in the corn maze.
• What do you mean, it's not candy corn!?
• What a welcome sight the maze exit was!
• Reed zips off to Springfield to do a "meet and greet" at the Lincoln Museum.
• We also try miniature golf this week.
• A good time is had by all.

5-Oct-07

• We're off to pick apples.
• Kathryn finds some.
• Nicholas uses a picking tool to collect his share.
• We have a fun visit to the orchard.
• Reed stands next to his city creation, called Reedville.
• Nicholas's city has a recycling center, complete with collection chute.
• We spend the weekend visiting Emma and her family and having a baby shower for Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Miguel.

12-Oct-07

• Kathryn thinks about the Teletubbies during her bath.
• The new window well for the basement is installed.
• It's a dramatic change, both inside and out.

19-Oct-07

• Reed turns 7-and-a-half this week.
• We enjoy half a birthday cake to mark the day.
• Kathryn plays "tickle finger" with Reed.
• A windy afternoon is a good chance to fly kites.
• Running helps the kites stay aloft.
• Cooperation also pays off with a kite in the air.
• Switching to kites made from bags is also fun.
• Kathryn gets the idea, and she runs her bag kite around the yard.

26-Oct-07

• This week Nicholas helps repair the grass around the new basement window well.
• Kathryn attends a quilt show with Grandma Phillips. Look, cats!
• Reed designs a pumpkin face for Grandpa Phillips to carve.
• Nicholas carves his own spooky pumpkin.
• Kathryn loves to sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" while she rocks at a park district play class.
• Kathryn is delighted that the treat bags are ready to fill with candy.
• Kathryn wears her pumpkin costume to a Mothers and More party.

2-Nov-07

• Reed and Kathryn lend the candles from their last birthday cakes to help Grandpa Hoffmann mark his birthday. The celebration comes a few days before Grandpa adds to his collection of grandchildren when Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Miguel welcome Baby Miguel.
• In other news of the week, Reed takes the left-most microphone in a second grade musical about bugs.
• And the three kids head out for Halloween.
• First, ring the doorbell.
• Then, gather the candy.
• Some candy is truly amazing!
• What, Halloween is over?!

9-Nov-07

• Kathryn visits her new cousin, Miguel Antonio. She is very gentle with the baby.
• Kathryn and Emma find time to play in the leaves.
• Kathryn and Emma race for the maze exit at the Morton Arboretum.
• The water sculpture begs to be touched, even on a cool day.

16-Nov-07

• All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.
• Kathryn is mystified.
• This isn't how I pictured enjoying new family room furniture.

23-Nov-07

• Reed and Daddy use LED lights to make the moon glow over the Eiffel Tower for a school project.
• Three turkeys sit around on Thanksgiving.
• It's time to find the Christmas tree.
• Emma and Uncle Miguel help in the search.
• Ho, ho, ho! We found a tree.
• Let's take it home and decorate it.
• Do the lights work?
• The Christmas tree groans under the weight of its ornaments.

30-Nov-07

• Can you believe it?
• This deserves a smooch.
• Kathryn is a great kid.
• Now let's all relax for a bit.

7-Dec-07

• Reed visits the old Champaign Library one last time before they close and relocate to a new building.
• Nicholas helps to check the tree lights, for if the Grinch finds one that won't light, you know what can happen.
• It's cold out here!
• Reed is excited to make snowballs.
• Kathryn doesn't let a mitten oversight prevent her participation.
• Nicholas sports glove/mitten combination hand coverings that are sure to be useful.

14-Dec-07

• It's time to decorate gingerbread houses and cookies. Father and son consult on the gingerbread house in progress.
• One feature on Nicholas's house is a chocolate chip doorbell.
• Nicholas takes a break from adding marshmallow snow to the house roof and decorates a cookie for eating.
• Kathryn sometimes didn't let the candy linger long on the cookies.
• Reed wowed the lunch table at school with his cookie creations.
• Reed calculates the total cookies decorated.
• When completed, the gingerbread houses take their place in the front hall.

21-Dec-07

• Nicholas has a "mad science" party with friends to mark turning 5.
• It is a "boys only" event.
• Nicholas embraced his birthday, complete with a special snack for school and lots of presents.
• The day before turning 5, Nicholas performs in a holiday piano recital.
• Reed also plays for an audience. Both boys do a great job.
• In other news of the week, a holiday party at preschool is the time for Kathryn to play in the classroom.
• And we all play in the snow.
• It's cold, but fun.
• The next stop: Christmas.

28-Dec-07

• You can see the visions of sugarplums dancing in Nicholas's head.
• Reed is delighted that his letter to Santa elicits a reply from the North Pole, Alaska.
• Reed plays the piano to set the mood on Christmas Eve.
• O.K., Santa, we're ready!
• On Christmas Day, the stockings are overflowing!
• Mommy gives Kathryn a hand-knit doll.
• Kathryn tries on Daddy's new workshop glasses.
• Nicholas is scoring points on a fun game table.
• Kathryn and Emma put on their paper crowns after popping open Christmas crackers.
• Reed masters a new Pokemon game.
• Kathryn breaks it to Miguel Antonio that Christmas is over, and he slept through it.

5-Jan-08

• Kathryn is ready to ring in the New Year with some good eats.
• Nicholas plans to be king in 2008.
• Reed teaches Kathryn how to sit on the heat vents.
• Kathryn passes the new knowledge on to Maisy Mouse.
• Mom celebrates a birthday with three big treats: hugs
• and kisses
• and cake!

11-Jan-08

• Brotherly love?
• Mmm. pancakes.
• The kids love it when Daddy makes pancakes.
• They gobble them down.

18-Jan-08

• Nicholas works to complete his piano theory homework for the week.
• pre-haircut
• post-haircut
• These boots were made for walking.
• The artiste at work.

25-Jan-08

• Nicholas spars with Daddy on Grandma Phillips's new punching bag.
• Nicholas paints a monkey hanging from the trees. It's new art for his room.
• Reed makes a Pikachu painting.
• This week we return to the Bloomington Children's Museum for some fun.
• Everyone loves the climbing structure there.
• Kathryn also hangs out in the grocery store. She insisted on a dollie to make her cart complete.
• At the water table, Kathryn pour into buckets, Reed acts out a Pokemon battle and Nicholas makes a water-squirting contraption.

1-Feb-08

• Nicholas revels in a new marble elevator he bought with his own Christmas money.
• This is my ensemble and I stand by it.
• Valentine's Day is sweet.
• Jordan, Kathryn and Nicholas make sand bottle creations.
• That's right. It's a snow day!
• This was the apex of positive Kathryn achieved outside.
• Nicholas and Reed construct snow walls.
• Hungry or curious?
• Reed relishes a day off from school.
• Kathryn bakes snow cupcakes.

8-Feb-08

• Reed is excited to share his progress on a new Pokemon game.
• Well, I guess I could use more monitoring, Mommy.
• The boys make a snow tunnel. It has two entrances and two exits.
• Nicholas likes to be in the front of the sled.
• Whee! Sledding is fun!

15-Feb-08

• Look, Mommy! I emptied the dishes and put them away when I could reach. Only, I don't think they were clean.
• Matt poses with Kathryn for a 40th birthday portrait.
• What 40-year-old doesn't love gifts of Legos?
• Reed tries his hand at party photographer.
• This is what the underside of the couch looked like during Matt's party.

22-Feb-08

• The scene of the crime.
• The culprit
• Reed and Nicholas toil in the winter weather.
• Then they enjoy their reward...
• ...hot chocolate!
• The scene of the other crime.
• The serial culprit

29-Feb-08

• Reed takes over the second shift of bedtime story reading.
• Kathryn searches for the letter K in her book about monsters.
• Click to watch Nicholas and Reed play piano on campus.

8-Mar-08

• Reed performs in his school's front hallway for students arriving to class.
• Kathryn shoots and scores at Wiggles and Giggles class.
• Nicholas tests the waters at the U of I Engineering Open House.
• Grandpa Phillips hosts the boys at the open house, and on his birthday.
• Emma hosts her own birthday party; she is two!
• And Reed reads in comfort.

14-Mar-08

• Reed and Nicholas take a spin around the U of I Engineering Open House.
• Reed promises to be a watchful driver someday.
• Kathryn whips up a marinade.
• The kids get a kick out of the classic ?It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown?.
• Dollie is pushed to school to pick up Reed.

21-Mar-08

• This week we enjoy some Easter crafts with bunny-shaped noodles.
• Nicholas carefully colors an Easter puzzle.
• We take a family survey of the tastiest Easter candy.
• Kathryn washes eggs to prepare for the egg hunt.
• Then, it's off to the bowling alley! Like my shoes?
• Reed uses body English to direct his ball.
• Kathryn uses a ball slide to direct hers.
• Nicholas and his friend Will know that the purple ball is the lucky one. Nicholas bowls a 119.

28-Mar-08

• Reed makes an apple pie (filling from scratch!) for Easter.
• I spy with my little eye an Easter egg.
• The Easter egg hunt yeilds results.
• Mommy said not to eat any more candy right now. I am just holding it.
• All dolled up in Mommy's jewels.

4-Apr-08

• Kathryn, Reed and Nicholas hit You Tube.
• Who is that masked toddler?
• Nicholas is too cool in his shades from the eye doctor.
• This photo is self-captioned.
• Kathryn loves to play chase through the house.
• ?Swiper, no swiping!?

11-Apr-08

• Kathryn's pit crew helps her take a spin on the scooter.
• Reed controls a hover craft with intense energy.
• The artiste at work.
• Nicholas completes practical painting on a birdhouse he constructed.
• Kathryn is the only of the three children who gets the hang of blowing bubbles right off.
• Cheecks, bubbles and drip all present and accounted for.
• Reed models his friend party birthday cake--a Pokemon pokeball.
• Even though it's Pokemon, it works like any other birthday cade.
• Reed's party guests play a musical passing game (to Pokemon music).

18-Apr-08

• Kathryn tells strangers around town this week, ?Today is my birthday party!?
• Kathryn inspects tulips that the rabbits missed.
• Nicholas bounces away.

25-Apr-08

• Kathryn shows off new shoes and this season's must-have tote.
• Someone should attend to the level of sand in this sandbox!
• A new shirt is made complete with buttons from Ebay.

2-May-08

• Reed refines a pyramid created from modeling sand.
• We think Kathryn is too young to pull off a punk look.
• Nicholas shows off his ink print at his Saturday art class art show.
• Another creation is a rock-throwing monkey.
• Outside the art show, kids perch.
• Also this week, Reed and Nicholas collect practice-a-thon trophies for campus Music Club work.
• The pianists are proud.
• Nicholas and Reed play their latest tunes at the latest recital.

9-May-08

• Kathryn kicks back on her new (used) Dora couch.
• Nicholas ponders cartoons.
• The crab apple tree smells delightful right now.

16-May-08

• Mom and daughter share fashion advice.
• Kathryn paints a masterpiece.
• Nicholas relaxes.
• Nicholas helps Aunt Alice and Uncle Stephen unload stuff at their Indiana house.
• Reed does the same.
• Kathryn and Grandpa Hoffmann model their ?bush hats?.

23-May-08

• The boys continue to practice their piano and perform at a recital in Tuscola.
• Batter up!
• Nicholas shoulders his stomp rocket.
• Kathryn dons princess attire: crown, tutu, flowers, purse, fancy shoes.
• Hula-hoop girl.

1-Jun-08

• This week Aunt Carolyn celebrates a birthday.
• And Kathryn marks a half-birthday.
• For one there is cake; for the other, ice cream.
• Nicholas had pretty good ?cone technique?.
• Reed prefers a dilly bar.
• Smooch!
• The basement gnome watches over playtime.
• Kathryn and cousin Emma break out the bubbles.
• Then they're off for a tandem stroller ride.

6-Jun-08

• Kathryn and Emma get together to play this week.
• Kathryn practices the piano.
• The cousins pile onto the bed.

13-Jun-08

• Princess Kahthryn loves bubbles.
• Swinging is hilarous.
• One cool dude.
• Chase the bubbles!
• Nicholas works on ball handling skills at tennis lessons.
• It's an action shot!
• After tennis, we have a picnic in the boys' favorite tree house.
• Kathryn and Grandpa Phillips ride the scale-model trains.

20-Jun-08

• We hike the Rocky Mountains, including a walk around Sprague Lake.
• Wildlife inspection.
• Our cabins host a marshmallow roast.
• Kathryn gathers pine cones near our cabin.
• Kathryn loves the ?snowy mountains? in Colorado.
• Everyone earns another hiking patch at Bear Lake.
• The boys love the bumper cars in Estes Park.
• We gobble the pancakes cooked over an open fire at the cowpoke breakfast.
• Nicholas turns 5 1/2 while we're on vacation.
• Reed bundles up for a trip to higher altitude.
• Grandpa Hoffmann points out the mountains you can spy from Trail Ridge Road.
• Nicholas documents.
• Kathryn spies bighorn sheep.
• Reed surveys the landscape.
• Is that Longs Peak in the background?
• We throw snowballs in June.
• Reed reaches the summit.
• Daddy, Nicholas and Reed rest at the top of Trail Ridge Road.
• Should we spill water on the Continental Divide?
• Kathryn is ?back in the saddle? on her pony, Peanut.
• Kathryn and Nicholas serve as Reed's wrangler.
• The kids perch in a tree's ?snow knee?.
• There are times when you just need to be carried down a trail.
• Kathryn enjoys rock scampering as much as her brothers.
• Scan the background for wildlife.
• We reach Alberta Falls.
• Kathryn has earned another trail patch.
• On our last evening in the Rockies, we visit the Alluvial Fan.
• Then, it's back to the airport, and home.

27-Jun-08

• Reed adds a giant Pikachu to his driveway art portfolio.
• Kathryn accurately dead-heads day lillies.
• The flowers are in bloom around the yard.
• Nicholas sports Rocky Mountain patches from trails he mastered.

4-Jul-08

• Search the masses for Nicholas at his swim camp's rainy 4th of July parade.
• Nothing says the Fourth like a popsicle.
• Nicholas and Kathryn ride in the wagon during the neighborhood parade.
• Reed transports himself on scooter.
• Then we play on the playground.
• Reed and a lion made from plants are fast friends.
• Nicholas emerges from a plant tunnel.

11-Jul-08

• Kathryn is all ready for a dip in the Phillips pool.
• Nicholas works on a boat-loading challenge at the Bloomington Children's Museum.
• Reed takes Kathryn for a spin in the same place.
• Kathryn focuses on painting a window.
• Back at home, Reed opens his Triscuit restaurant.
• Nicholas is the waiter, and receives 25% of the profits.
• We pick fresh blue berries for the Fruit Special plate at the restaurant.
• Kathryn works on quality control in the field.

18-Jul-08

• Kathryn auditions for a cooking show.
• Nicholas harvests a bean from the vines he trained up a home-made trelace.
• When asked what she might be missing to go on a bike ride, Kathryn responds, ?Oh yes, my helmet!? We solved that problem anyway.
• A pink ?piggie pancake? is the snack at Pee Wee Farmers.
• A cow says, ?Moo!?

25-Jul-08

• Reed heads off to third grade.
• Nicholas is ready for his first day of kindergarten.
• Both boys are excited about a new school year.
• Nicholas finds his cubby and awaits the Friday lunch--pizza!
• Kathryn is fond of boat rides right now.

1-Aug-08

• It's time to practice the piano.
• This is the way your playing improves.
• Everyone is serious about playing their assigned songs.
• We enjoy a picnic dinner at Prairie Farms.
• Reed teaches Kathryn ?duck? in sign language.
• Here is Kathryn working the system; she gets a lollipop for performance on the potty.
• The orange people are ?mommies? and the yellow person is a ?daddy?.
• Nicholas checks on a wayward mouse in our window well. His name is Monkey Pica Mouse.

8-Aug-08

• Summer!
• An expanded explanation of summer.
• Kathryn is still developing her ideas of the season.
• We take a trip on the Monticello trains.
• The boys ride one direction on the open car.
• We snag seats in the upper portion of the caboose on the way back.
• The views and breezes are pleasant from up here.

15-Aug-08

• This is how Kathryn accessorizes to walk her brothers to school.
• The three little pigs build a house of PVC pipe.
• Reed finds his patriotism while watching the Olympics.
• It's time for track and field events in the backyard.
• Kathryn runs for a world record time on the obstacle course.
• The medal podium.
• Product endorsements are to follow.
• Kathryn chases down a hot air balloon.
• The summer days have been lovely lately.
• You can indeed go barefoot in the sand in Illinois.
• I catch Kathryn folding the laundry. Should she get allowance for this?

22-Aug-08

• The bumper car arena is in use.
• See the boys at play.
• Reed takes control of the sprinkler.
• Nicholas vaults over the spray.
• Buried treasure?
• Reed loves to swoop on his scooter.

29-Aug-08

• Kathryn draws her signature picture--people.
• Nicholas writes about sunflowers.
• Reed heads off to his first scout meeting.
• Kathryn lounges by her mini-pool.
• Emma and Kathryn swing.

5-Sep-08

• Reed poses with his furry friends.
• Nicholas has buddies, too.
• We check out Curtis Orchard with cousins Emma, Tonio and Zachary (not pictured).
• Nicholas finds an apple.
• Kathryn wrestles with hers.
• It's time to make the applesauce.
• Emma comes over for a boat ride, just like Dora the Explorer.
• Back on shore.

12-Sep-08

• Reed has joined a scout group.
• He earned his Bobcat badge straight away.
• Back at the ranch, the pool table is put to use.
• Nicholas studies carbonation in a test tube.
• Kathryn paints with water on the driveway.

19-Sep-08

• Nicholas and Daddy draft a plan for a project in the garage.
• Even when you lose a tooth and then lose it again, there's a way to satisfy the Tooth Fairy.
• Kathryn catches a butterfly in her net.
• Kathryn poses with her Fall Collection.

26-Sep

• Kathryn tries her luck at the basement carnival beanbag toss, hosted by Reed and Nicholas.
• Nicholas plays the carnival shuffleboard game.
• The boys discover a new fad game called Bacugon.
• Nicholas and Reed play their latest piano pieces at their school's 10th anniversary.

3-Oct-08

• We pack our travel bags and head to Arizona to visit Aunt Carolyn and family and see the sights.
• We learn at the Botanical Gardens that there is a cactus safe to touch.
• Cousins Emma and Tonio join us with their mama.
• A butterfly exhibit brings Kathryn up close with a monarch.
• October is still swimsuit and shuffleboard weather in Arizona.
• At the Phoenix Zoo we ride the carosel.
• Then the kids ride a real animal. Camels are not smooth walkers!
• Superstition Mountain lurks in the background of a ghost town near Phoenix.
• Uncle Miguel joins in on the DS video game fun--a great time-filler between tourist stops.

10-Oct-08

• After some time in Phoenix, we head north and first stop at Montezuma's Castle.
• Upon seeing the Grand Canyon, Kathryn asks, ?But where is the Grand Canyon??
• The sun is bright, but the views are great.
• The boys search the canyon floor for signs of trails.
• Our hotel is on the rim, and we can see the Grand Canyon from our beds.
• Nicholas frames the perfect shot.
• What's better than the Grand Canyon at sunset? The Grand Canyon with ice cream, of course!
• After the drips are washed off, we pose again with our Arizona backdrop.
• As the sun sets, Nicholas and Reed discuss adventures that begin with someone jumping off the rim of the Grand Canyon.
• The following morning, we're ready to head a little ways down the Bright Angel trail into the canyon.
• It's a very exciting hike.
• Mule trains pass, loaded with people riding to the bottom in style.
• The kids are anxious to keep walking, but we turn back several hundred feet below the rim.
• Then we plod back to the top of the Colorado Plateau.
• The Watch Tower is an interesting stop on the way out of the park.
• Nicholas and Reed relax inside the Watch Tower.
• On the way back to Phoenix, we stop at the Wapatuki Ruins. There is a blow hole near the ruins which blasts cold air from inisde the earth.
• We also see the Sunset Crater volcano at sunset.
• Meteor Crater lives up to its promise as a large hole in the ground.
• And back in Phoenix, the Arizona Science Museum entertains with an interactive computer display room.
• Playing with cousins Tonio and Emma is constant entertaiment on our Arizona vacation.

17-Oct-08

• Princess Kathryn and her royal court.
• It's time to reload the Halloween candy wall hanging.
• Chef Nicholas fixes dinner.

24-Oct-08

• Nicholas makes fish cakes this week.
• A lemon wedge tail, greenbean seaweed and banana bubbles finish the plating of dinner.
• Kathryn helps out making bread.
• Reed's photo stand-in for the week is a pumpkin he carved at Boy Scouts.

31-Oct-08

• Reed relaxes at the public library.
• Nicholas and Reed visit Camp Drake, and Reed shoots an arrow.
• The kids choose pumpkins from the pumpkin pile.
• Carving pumpkins at Grandma's house, Kathryn discovers a slight aversion to ?ick?. The glove helps.
• The resulting Princess Kathryn pumpkin is certainly worth it.
• Reed and Grandpa Phillips collaborate on a pumpkin.
• Super Mario is ready to go in search of candy.
• Indiana Jones is also ready for the mission.
• Princess Kathryn alights in her coach.
• The kids visit the grandparents' houses to practice their doorbell skills.
• Then they join friends to patrol the neighborhood for treats.
• Nicholas will have to rememember to keep his hat on so as to hide his blonde roots.
• Again this year, the haul of candy is a good one.

7-Nov-08

• Reed strings beads and makes a dramatic necklace.
• We vote on the menu for an election night dinner. The winnners are: pizza, pineapple, skim milk and cake.
• Kathryn enjoys a long string of lovely fall days.
• Reed selects exactly 30 grams of Halloween dessert; he weighs combinations until he achieves the limit.

15-Nov-08

• Even Kathryn knows the importance of portion control as she weighs her dessert.
• Reed finishes a disguise-a-turkey project for school. No one wil think to eat Mario.
• Nicholas hits his first ball over the net from the baseline during tennis class. He brings home the game ball.
• And that is the week documented in pictures.

26-Nov-08

• Kathryn tries out ear protection.
• Then she thinks about turing 3 in a couple of days.
• At school, Nicholas is a baby owl in his class owl play.
• ?I want my mommy!? is his line.
• Reed plays the part of Bill in his class puppet show about how a bill (named Bill) becomes a law.
• Selected excerpts from their respective performances.

28-Nov-08

• We gather at Grandma and Grandpa Hoffmann's for Thanksgiving.
• The next morning it's time to pick a tree. Aunt Carolyn and Emma will advise.
• Kathryn tries on a Ho-ho-ho hat.
• Nicholas makes the first ornament to go on our tree for 2008.

5-Dec-08

• We decorate crown and pony cookies at her party.
• Nicholas doesn' t mind playing prince.
• Presents include a singing doll.
• Kathryn thinks it's good to be the birthday girl.
• Cousin Emma comes to the party, and is in town to play for the week afterwards.
• Yes, it's good to be three, for sure.
• In other news of the week, Nicholas walks with Grandpa, Uncle Stephen and Aunt Alice at the park.
• Nicholas and Reed make Lego versions of their favorite animals.
• We decorate our Christmas tree.
• The holiday season is in full swing.
• It's all very exciting.

12-Dec-08

• This week it was time again to decorate gingerbread cookies. First, we make the cookies.
• Then, we gather the decorations.
• Add frosting, and make a mess!
• Reed loads up a castle turret made of cookies and candy.
• Nicholas embelishes a prince for his castle.

19-Dec-08

• It's that time of year--time to greet Santa.
• Nicholas goes to see Santa with his siblings.
• Then Nicholas marks his 6th birthday. The birthday boy gets monkeys, still his favorite animal.
• During his friend party, there is Lego racing.
• A birthday cake shaped like Legos is a hit.
• The kids toss rings at Lego towers.

26-Dec-08

• Kathryn is prim and proper on Christmas Eve.
• We are sure to leave cookies and chocolate milk for Santa.
• Reed adds a note to the bucket of water for the reindeer.
• Christmas Morning Santa comes through.
• Candy is a popular stocking-stuffer.
• Kathryn does not hesitate to bite Santa's feet.
• Reed gets a new lion, which of course he needed.
• This is the scene before the unwrapping frenzy.
• Nicholas unwraps a new Lego kit.
• Reed scores a new chess set.
• Kathryn takes a new scooter for a spin.
• Reed gives out surprise hugs when he sees his new DS game.
• Cousin Zachary spends part of his first Christmas season with Nicholas and siblings.

2-Jan-09

• After a Santa puzzle, the family worked on a Grand Canyon puzzle.
• Kathryn jokes that this makes her look like a clown (big red nose).
• This is a picture of Kathryn's work flow.

9-Jan-09

• Nicholas is perfecting his scooter skills inside while the cold winter winds blow.
• The boys help decorate a gingerbread cookie cake for Mom's birthday.
• Thankfully, the 40 cookie candles don't need to be lit.
• Grandma Phillips creates a kaleidoscope photo of Reed, Nicholas and Kathryn.

January 16. 2009

• Kathryn has started dance lessons.
• She is enjoyed the idea that she can do ballet.
• It's all about the posing and the outfit right now.

23-Jan-09

• Reed completes a model lion that rears up and roars when you turn the crank.
• Kathryn concentrates on a book.
• Reed and Nicholas play each other in virtually-linked DS game.
• The boys also cooperate on a more traditional activity, a puzzle.

29-Jan-09

• Grandpa Hoffmann makes a presentation about Lincoln to Reed's class. Reed studies the Lincoln family tree in the foreground.
• When school is out, it's time to play in the snow.
• Kathryn makes a snow angel.

6-Feb-09

• Crunch!
• It's time for a little work in the shop.
• Power tools are fun!

13-Feb-09

• Her highness prepares to perform her royal duties.
• Nicholas sings at school.
• Reed sands his pinewood derby car.

20-Feb-09

• Reed works on his pinewood derby car, shaped like a Pikachu.
• Nicholas checks up on the summer herbs.
• Kathryn tells me she is making soup.

27-Feb-09

• A belated Happy Birthday to Matt!
• Reed carries the colors at a cub scout banquet.
• Kathryn prepares to make a sand bottle creation.
• Nicholas tops off his flower power sand bottle.

6-Mar-09

• Kathryn paints stamps. It's great when her paint choices blend in with her clothing.
• Nicholas is finished with his Pinewood Derby car.
• Our chef-in-residence dices fruit.

13-Mar-09

• Mike, Angela and Zachary come to town for a visit.
• Reed, Nicholas and Kathryn work hard to entertain their cousin.
• Happy Birthday, Grandpa Phillips!
• Reed meets author Rick Riordan, creater of _The 39 Clue_ series and the Percy Jackson books.
• Estimate how long it took Reed to finish this book and then divide by his age.
• Kathryn's work is self-titled.
• Reed demonstrates a phonograph model on his Edison biography project. Push the button to hear what Edison recorded first.
• Edison has another bright idea--a successful light bulb.
• Reed performs at the school's Flat Stanley show.
• Stanley visits Champaign and sings the Fighting Illini fight song.

20-Mar-09

• Reed checks out the competition at the Pinewood Derby.
• Nicholas, who also made a vehicle, watches his blue car race to victory.
• Reed's car, shaped like a Pickachu, wins this race and come in second overall.
• Nicholas takes second place in the siblings division.
• Both kids are pleased with their showing in the race.
• The kids make waves at Engineering Open House.
• They sit behind a partition to watch the 3 million pound crushing machine crush a cement pillar.
• Nicholas, Reed and Kathryn collect scraps from the pillar with cousins Alyssa, Isaac and Maya.
• Then it's off to drive John Deer heavy equipment simulators.
• And spider robots, too.

27-Mar-09

• This first week of spring break we entertain ourselves dogsitting.
• Nicholas enjoys doling out the treats to Rowdy and Mallow.
• Kathryn creates a book display on the window of her room.
• Next door, Reed has moved into his own room now.

3-Apr-09

• The explorers climb in the hedge in the backyard of Grandma and Grandpa Phillips.
• We use some spring break time to construct a Lego Eiffel Tower.
• Reed contributed the flag, among other pieces.
• A fruit bouquet is a hit at dinner. Do they make veggie bouquets?
• Double rainbows are spotted outside the back door.
• Wait, this April Fool's snack isn't really a Nutrigrain bar.
• It's raisins!?!
• I'm cute!

10-Apr-09

• Kathryn draws lots of people holding hands.
• It's Spring Break snow!
• The kids are happy to break out the snow gear one more time.
• For a short vacation, we head to Alton, IL and St. Louis. Here Lincoln and Douglas debate.
• A life-size statue of the tallest person ever is also in Alton.
• Kathryn agrees that Wadlow was very tall.
• We think the Alton Piasa bird may have been repainted in a new location, closer to a parking lot.
• How big is the Arch? This big!
• Our hotel is right across the street, so we can easily visit the tallest U.S. monument.
• We play race around the legs of the Arch.
• And we say ?cheese? under the Arch.
• Nicholas is a strongman.
• Now it's time to climb into the St. Louis Arch tram and go to the top.
• The views are exciting.
• Our next stop is the St. Louis City Museum, made entirely from reclaimed things around the city. See the people climbing up to the plane?
• Now see Matt and the boys climbing up to the plane--center picture.
• Kathryn and I favor the flatter parts, but you can see Phillips boys over her right shoulder.
• Slides hidden throughout the climbing structure were fun rewards.
• A huge pit of balls kept Kathryn and Nicholas swimming for a time.
• We climb to the bird's nest, but the bus suspended over the edge of the building's roof is not open for climbers...yet.
• Nicholas showed little hesitation to scamper through the 4-story-tall playground.

April 17th, 2009

• Kathryn prepares for Easter. Her mother notes that a white shirt is a poor choice on egg-dying day.
• The Easter Bunny comes through with treasures in the Easter basket.
• Nicholas is an expert egg finder.
• He is also getting better at running without slopping eggs out of his basket.
• Reed shows off his spoils.
• Reed turns 9, and asks for a Mario and Luigi birthday cake.
• Nine candles are a challenge to blow out at once.
• Reed fields a birthday call while opening his presents.
• Kathryn takes out her magic wand and wishes for...
• #NAME?
• Are we having fun yet?
• Reed does a Super Mario jump on his friend birthday party Super Mario obstacle course.
• At the end of the course you must (of course) leap to capture a star.
• Reed and his friends make Mario mustaches at his birthday party.
• They play pass the object box. When the Mario music stops they unwrap the box. Inside is another object box.
• Then it's ouside to run the obstacle course.
• The boys take the game seriously, and ask to be timed as they run the challenges.
• Pop that Goomba!

24-Apr-09

• The kids rest on the swing before walking to school.
• Then it's off to the park to put miles on the new bike.
• We're having a good time at the park.
• Catch up, Mom!
• We think these pots will be made into a pot person sculpture for the park garden soon.

1-May-09

• Reed makes a few measurements on the new deck.
• Let's get to work!
• Windy!
• Ignoring the spring tree in bloom, the kids play indoors on a rainy day.
• Belle has tea with Kathryn.

8-May-09

• My gardening assistant fills pots with dirt.
• Reed collects his Weblos badge for scouts.
• Nicholas plays for the school's First Friday concert.

15-May-09

• Kathryn runs around the block during a rare break in the rain this week.
• They shoot. They score!
• Nicholas is a bubble master.
• I see you.
• Reed receives an Honorable Mention award for his biography project on Thomas Edison at the public library.
• Look past the cupcake crumbs and milk shadow to see the cute girl.
• Daddy built this bird barrier around the lamp, but a bird squeezed in and made a nest anyway. Result--one egg.

22-May-09

• Kathryn is wild for dresses. Thank goodness for Kohl's.
• My three little flowers pose in the backyard.

29-May-09

• This week Kathryn turns 3 and a half.
• She loves all things princess and treats trips to the mailbox as a chance wear formal attire.
• A new mirror in the basement playroom encourages this vanity.

5-Jun-09

• We mark Kathryn's half-birthday with half a cake...still fully delicious.
• Victory is finally ours as we catch Nemesis, the rabbit eating my backyard plants, and prepare him for transport across state lines.
• Nicholas performs at the spring piano recital.
• Reed plays the tune from his favorite video game at the recital.

12-Jun-09

• Reed and Nicholas camp overnight with Daddy at Camp Drake.
• Activities include archery, b.b. guns, hiking and rope-making.
• Reed decides to spend some of his summer free time reviving his Triscuit Restaurant--open for lunch and snacks.
• Nicholas's Wheat Thins Restaurant is not a competitor as much as an additional draw for hungry customers in the area.
• Prices are very reasonable, and there's a discount for diners under 4.
• Here's another satisfied customer.
• Our rabbit box is put to use a second time.
• Nicholas opens the door of the cage in a nearby neighborhood under construction. It is actually the corner of Freedom Blvd. and Supreme Court Way--really.
• Kathryn heads to the local pool for swim lessons.
• Ring Around the Rosie ends in leaning down in the water to blow bubbles.

May 31 Recital

• Reed and Nicholas play their latest recital pieces in Tuscola.

19-Jun-09

• Nicholas turns 6 1/2 this week.
• We have half a birthday cake.
• The next day Nicholas earns stitches. He reports he meant to fall, but not to hit the table.

26-Jun-09

• Reed canoodles with Sara.
• Kathryn works in the park's sandbox.
• The 6 Hoffmann Grandchildren.
• ?I want to be just like you when I grow up.?

3-Jul-09

• Nicholas and Reed find new customers for their Triscuit Restaurants.
• Kathryn and Emma enjoy dressing up together.
• We visit Allerton Park on July 1st.
• The kids make Foo Dog faces.
• Kathryn is a little flower girl.
• This is the path we walked down to get married 14 years ago.
• Nicholas, Kathryn and Reed pose in the Sunken Garden.
• Nicholas reads to Kathryn.

10-Jul-09

• When it's a rainy day there's nothing to do but jump in puddles.
• When it's not a rainy day, a boy must utilize technology.
• The sprinkler girl is sullen when her brother decides he is wet enough.
• Now recovered, Kathryn helps to pick flowers in the yard.

17-Jul-09

• This week we pick blueberries. Some are for now and some are for pancakes over the long, cold winter.
• See, some of the blueberries are for now.
• The three pickers collect 4 pounds of berries--just what Nicholas estimates.
• On the way back to the car we stop at the blueberry playground.
• The tire horse is a hit.
• Guess what's new with Reed this week?
• All three kids on bikes. Yes, I am running behind.
• Kathryn makes a caterpillar at Pee Wee Farmers.

24-Jul-09

• School begins this week. Reed heads off to fourth grade.
• Nicholas tackles first grade. (He was frustrated with the bright sun, not the academic agenda.)
• Meanwhile, Kathryn makes a wolf puppet plate on pig day at Pee Wee Farmers.

31-Jul-09

• The kids stop by my booth at the farmers' market.
• The finest local popcorn is available there.
• Back at home, we are swimming in grape tomatoes.
• Kathryn loves to help pick tomatoes.

7-Aug-09

• Kathryn was needed as a field hand in the back yard this week.
• Matt puts on another production of the Playmobil Theater for a bedtime story.

14-Aug-09

• Reed is starting viola lessons at school.
• Is this a string trio?
• Kathryn is a shutterbug lately.
• Reed observes the morning moon for his science class at school.

21-Aug-09

• Kathryn photographs a tower she made.
• Nicholas joins scouts this week.
• Another block project is documented by a young photographer.

28-Aug-09

• It's time for scooter races up the driveway.
• Kathryn beats Reed and moves on to her next competition.

4-Sep-09

• Our little angel is a fierce kicker.
• I commissioned new art for the retaining wall in the front yard.

11-Sep-09

• Cousin Danielle goes for a cruise with Nicholas and Kathryn.
• Nicholas loses his first tooth....finally!
• Let's go pick apples!
• It only looks like a competitive sport.
• Kathryn heads off to her first day of preschool.
• Nicholas earns his Bobcat badge and is awarded it by his ?parent sponsor?.

Sepember 18, 2009

• We Midwesterners greet fall with a trip through a corn maze.
• It's important not to be separated from the group.
• We prepare to dig in to an apple pie made by Reed with apples we picked locally.
• Runners, take your marks at the 4th and 5th grade cross country meet.
• It's a grueling 3/4 of a mile.
• Reed crosses the finish line!

25-Sep-09

• Nicholas goes with his scout den to visit the police and fire stations.
• The boys were intrigued by what a police officer keeps in the trunk of the cruiser.
• The bullet-proof vest is serious business, but very interesting to the scouts.

1-Oct-09

• We have landed at Zion National Park to start our vacation.
• Kathryn is a hearty hiker.
• The Court of the Patriarchs hosts Nicholas, Kathryn and Reed.
• Weeping Rock leaks water that started seeping through from the top 1400 years ago.
• We ride most of the shuttle bus circuit the first evening in the park.
• There is much to see.
• Bright and early, we start hiking to the Lower Emerald Pool.
• Kathryn insists on scrambling much of the trail herself.
• We make it to the Middle Emerald Pool.
• Will Nicholas lose that tooth yet?
• The Upper Emerald Pool is achieved!
• Kathryn maintains her hiking energy until the last stretch.
• Tomorrow we move on to Bryce National Park.

3-Oct-09

• We recap our hike this morning.
• Some of the scenery at the end of the hike.

4-Oct-09

• Our cabin at Zion Park is nestled with other cabins, but very comfortable and quiet.
• We leave the park through a long tunnel and then stop to walk the Canyon Overlook trail.
• There is much opportunity to scamper around on rocks.
• Chipmunks appoach, hoping for crumbs.
• We exit Zion and head to Bryce Canyon.
• Right after arriving at Bryce, we take an evening stroll to see a cave and waterfall.
• The next morning we walk on the Queen's Garden hoodoo trail.
• A very loose tooth comes along.
• Is this cave big enough for 3?
• Heading up a stretch called Wall Street, we walk along the base of hoodoos.
• The area gets close, and then switchbacks lead the way to the canyon rim.
• Reed photographs the party.
• It's downtime at the cabin in Tropic.
• Nicholas has lost a tooth!
• It's cold and windy when we look over the edge at the Silent City.
• The Natural Bridge is close to the road. This is good, because it is sleeting.

6-Oct-09

• Reed and Jennifer report from their Peekaboo loop hike.

7-Oct-09

• Our cabin outside Bryce is comfortable and near a trail into the park.
• Nicholas and Reed pose in front of Thor's Hammer.
• A double arch is along the Navajo Loop trail.
• Reed and I walk the Peek-a-Boo Loop, plus the two miles to get to the trail.
• The morning hike gets us close to the Wall of Windows.
• A 10 mile dirt road leads to Grosvenor's Arch
• Our first stop at Arches National Park is North Window Arch.
• The trail to Delicate Arch is exciting at the end.
• The party makes it!
• See two boys under Delicate Arch.
• Mom and boys scramble out next.
• Kathryn sees petroglyphs of antelope on the walk back down.

8-Oct-09

• Nicholas frames a pictures at Landscape Arch.
• Kathryn takes a quality photo.
• We head out of Moab on the back seat of a Hummer, headed for adventure.
• Along the way we stop to stand in dinosaur tracks.
• Perched over a canyon that echoes, we stop for a break.
• We also pause to look over the Colorado River and then head back to the La Sal Mountains.
• A bumpy and thrilling time is had by all. The munchies at sunset were also a hit.

16-Oct-09

• There's plenty of room for Nicholas to stand in the fossilized footprint of a brontosaurus.
• Some of the Sego Canyon cliff paintings are 4,000 years old.
• Price, Utah hosts a dinosaur museum with dig-your-own bones.

25-Oct-09

• Kathryn decides dimples on the ends of her pumpkin's smile make all the difference.
• Nicholas carves the letter N into the side of his pumpkin.
• Reed poses with his finished pumpkin.
• Happy Halloween!

30-Oct-09

• Kathryn models her new Hello Kitty house slippers.
• Star Wars is very popular in our house right now.

6-Nov-09

• Nicholas dresses as C3PO for Halloween.
• Kathryn is a red fairy.
• Reed is Luke Skywalker.
• The warrior returns from the battlefield and assesses his victory.
• Nicholas collects just as much.
• It was a good year for candy.
• Happy Halloween, 2009!

October 2009 Recital

• Reed and Nicholas perform at a Halloween recital where they dress up as a character related to the piece they're playing. Here Nicholas as Indiana Jones performs the theme, plus a bonus Amazing Grace.
• Here's Reed's piece (as Luke Skywalker), the Star Wars theme.

13-Nov-09

• Fall is time to jump in leaves.
• Kathryn and her doll wear matching ponchos to go pick up the boys after school.

20-Nov-09

• Reed collects award belt loops, as well.
• I agree; this many zippers shouldn't be allowed.
• Nicholas makes a dash to collect Cub Scout belt loops he has earned.

27-Nov-09

• Thanksgiving was yummy; the pie was the biggest hit.
• We rushed out to obtain our Christmas tree after Thanksgiving.
• Nicholas helped to load the tree with ornaments.
• Reed relaxes by the decorated tree.
• Kathryn was very careful hanging fragile ornaments.
• The Christmas season has begun.
• Kathryn circles a few items she is asking for this Christmas.

4-Dec-09

• Nicholas and Kathryn prep the unicorn pinata for Kathryn's 4th birthday party.
• The theme is Hello Kitty/unicorn/pony fun.
• Kathryn has been planning her big day for months.
• The party guests showed the unicorn pinata no mercy.
• A second party with family rounded out the big day.
• Hold back the hair so the candle-blowing stays festive.
• A dressable doll is the big gift.
• Sassy dresses for Kathryn are also popular presents.
• Also this week, Nicholas and Reed perform at the school's First Friday Concert.

11-Dec-09

• Nicholas marks the eve of turning 7 with a friend party. The theme is Star Wars.
• The Darth Vader pinata is a game of chance. One of the strings opens the candy trap door.

18-Dec-09

• Kathryn sings a jingle bell song at her preschool's holiday party.
• The big event of the week is that Nicholas turns 7.
• On the menu at the family party is pizza and cupcakes.
• Cousins Tonio, Sara and Emma are in town.
• Lego presents and a mechanical bug are the new toys.

27-Dec-09

• Kathryn and Sara dress up for Christmas Eve.
• Cookies are set out for Santa.
• Stockings for stuffed animals are hung with care.
• Santa comes through!
• Methinks this is a Lego present.
• Reed is pleased with his Lego compound.
• Tonio learns how to launch Lego boulders.
• The brothers hold a consultation in the snow.
• At least kids enjoy a snowy Christmas season.
• Everyone enjoys hot chocolate afterwards.

January 4, 20010

• Nicholas rings in a new year with practice on the piano.
• The Phillips side of the family gathers the week after Christmas.
• Danielle plays Uno Spin with Reed and Nicholas.

11-Jan-10

• Kathryn offers to give me a birthday manicure.
• She does very careful work.
• We enjoy birthday cupcakes after dinner.
• No school? No problem! Let's take out the truck and go sledding on Centennial Hill.
• Nicholas is ready.
• Everyone takes turns sliding down the hill.
• A good time is had by all.
• Here is video of the sledding.

15-Jan-10

• Kathryn believes in secure envelope closures.
• Kathryn starts piano lessons this week.

23-Jan-10

• Maggie doesn't think much of Kathryn's eating technique.
• Kathryn wraps up to walk down to the school.
• Kathryn checks the Sunday paper for the latest.
• Nicholas makes domino structures....
• ....for Reed to blast down.

5-Feb-10

• Reed launches a robot he built from a kit.
• Nicholas completes his math homework. Maybe the M&M he measured with a centimeter ruler ended up in his mouth.
• Everyone in the house loves Star Wars.
• Kathryn and Nicholas play a duet; Nicholas takes the ?teacher? portion of the piece.

12-Feb-10

• The boys play a Star Wars game Reed invented.
• A magnet show at the public library invites exploration.
• Nicholas and Reed work on their Boy Scout belt loop for art.
• Reed is tuned up for his strings concert at school.
• Kathryn loves snow; as soon as she comes back from playing she knows she has earned hot chocolate.
• Reed does a fabulous job playing "The Maple Leaf Rag" for the 3rd and 4th grade musical.
• Then, he dances a swing... entertaining!
• Here's the rag, on video.

19-Feb-10

• Nicholas works on his Pinewood Derby car.
• Kathryn decorates Daddy's birthday cake.
• Kathryn paints her Pinewood Derby car.
• February is not too early to begin a wish list for Santa.

26-Feb-10

• Nicholas and his fellow Tigers perform a song at the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet.
• Nicholas earns his Tiger badge and several belt loops.
• Reed also earns belt loops.
• To add to the drama, Poncho Pond water will only glow for Tigers who are worthy enough to earn their badge.
• Kathryn poses with a temporary front yard friend.
• Nicholas attempts to carbonate grape juice with baking soda and vinegar.
• Write your own caption.
• Next week Kathryn, Nicholas and Reed will race their Pinewood Derby cars at the scout meeting.

12-Mar-10

• Kathryn and Nicholas show their Pinewood Derby driver's licenses.
• Nicholas takes a seat in the pits to watch cars race.
• The whole event is very exact.
• Kathryn's car is in lane 3.
• "I accidentally painted my nails by myself."
• It's tea time.
• Kathryn sticks with her plan to have a picnic on the back deck, even after it starts to rain.
• Reed explains his Biography Fair project.

19-Mar-10

• We're off to Engineering Open House.
• Toss a ball into the wave tanks.
• Nicholas explores angular momentum.
• Reed does, too.
• Kathryn scoops peanuts; I knew they were good for something.
• Reed drives a racecar simulator.
• The 3 million pound crushing machine finds the breaking point of a concrete pillar. Nicholas and Kathryn are front row, left; Reed is front row, right.
• The kids check out the aftermath.
• Who is that eating a popsicle?
• Let me show you my black eye.
• Kathryn prepares to visit the bank.

25-Mar-10

• We've arrived in San Diego for a week of fun in the sun. Kathryn wonders if Sand Iego has sand.
• Our hotel is a couple of blocks from the waterfront.
• Kathryn holds a lovely yellow "bibiscus" flower.
• On our first full day we visit the aircraft carrier USS Midway. For such a big ship there are lots of small openings.
• Those in charge of the runways have funny nicknames.
• When you're on the flight deck it seems like a gigantic parking lot. Well, a parking lot you could fall off of into the water.
• After the aircraft carrier we drive over to Coronado and take a bike surrey ride. Not pictured: Reed's trip to convenient care and the purchase of crutches. (He is mending well and hobbling fine.)
• We start the next day at the Fleet science museum. Kathryn blows smoke rings.
• The block building area is more fun than one might think. Everyone builds structures.
• Reed's tower is taller than he is.
• When it's time to go, Nicholas is happy to help clean up.
• We leave the museum in time to hit low tide at Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma. That's when the tide pools are teeming with little creatures.
• We see tiny crabs and seashells that move themselves.
• We also see the Pacific Ocean, three of us for the first time.
• We poke around in the sand for several enjoyable hours.
• Kathryn has to be reminded that the rock walls are not playground structures. We don't need another trip to convenient care.
• We partake of a picnic lunch on the beach.
• It's a fine time.
• Kathryn brings us shells with little critters inside. When we tell her to put them back near the water she carefully considers where their new home should be.
• Such beautiful weather we've had so far this week.

27-Mar-10

• We go to La Jolla to see the harbor seals.
• We learn with glee that you can stand too close to the ocean.
• The boys are like shore birds, running towards waves and then running away from them.
• The real seals lounge on the beach while we collect souvenirs.
• It's tacos for lunch at Old Town San Diego.
• Ice cream is for dessert.
• Kathryn pets a stingray at Sea World.
• We ride the teacups with Aunt Carolyn, Tonio, and Emma (in the background with Reed).
• Reed had to promise not to spin too quickly.
• More ice cream!
• We spy the start of a crewing race from the Sky Tram.
• While the boys ride a roller coaster, Kathryn climbs around.
• Then she jumps around.
• Finally we succomb to the need for stuffed animal souvenirs.

3-Apr-10

• We meet Aunt Carolyn and her family in La Jolla to see the harbor seals again.
• The seals will certainly love Kathryn's mermaid necklace.
• Sara enjoys a snack.
• Nicholas and Reed sit in front of a kelp forest.
• Outside the Scripps Aquarium, the two family pose.
• We take in an organ concert at Balboa Park.
• A Benito the Bunny puppet show finishes with eggs for all the audience.
• The Torrey Pines State Reserve is a lovely place for a morning walk.
• Many of the spring wildflowers are blooming.
• California is fantastic!
• Reed and Daddy press on to walk a trail down to the beach.
• Back on Coronado, the kids play in the waves.
• Navy ships dot the harbor between Coronado and San Diego.
• Reed explores a Russian sub, part of a maritime museum.

9-Apr-10

• Reed, Kathryn and Nicholas prepare for Easter.
• Let the egg hung begin!
• Nicholas finds an egg.
• Kathryn finds an egg.
• The rule was if you dropped eggs, you were entitled to recover them...no poaching.
• Who put this joke egg out here?
• Happy Easter!
• Nicholas may beat Grandpa at Stratego.

16-Apr-10

• Happy Spring!
• The days of playing on the driveway have returned.
• In other news of the week, Reed turns 10!
• Reed at exactly one week old.
• Reed at exactly one year old.
• Reed at exactly one decade old.
• What tracks Reed has made in one decade.
• It's a very fun birthday.
• We have a pizza party outside.
• Legos dominate the presents.
• Double digits is fabulous.

23-Apr-10

• Reed has a birthday party with some friends.
• Featured entertainment includes Legos and pizza....
• ...and Wii. The party planner elected to give the public what they want.

30-Apr-10

• It's time for a picnic in the park. Not pictured, the running in loops through the dandelions during which time the car keys were dropped.

7-May-10

• It's time for the 2010 season of Extreme Pest Removal, Rabbit Edition.
• Congratulations to Reed who won first place in the Champaign Public Library Biography Fair with a project about Scott Joplin.
• Reed sends emails to report his victory.
• Kathryn learns to chew gum without swallowing it this week!
• Girl with iris.
• Reed and Nicholas head to their final scout meeting of the year.
• A special guest participates in the awarding of the Wolf rank to Nicholas and his den.
• Find Matt, Reed and Nicholas in the mass of boy scouts.

14-May-10

• Reed, Nicholas and Kathryn enjoy the top bunk with cousins Isaac, Alyssa and Maya and one of their cousins besides.
• Our little flower wanted her picture taken while she enjoyed a cookie.
• Reed poses with his new pet, a Lego Star Wars ATAT that actually walks. It is what he bought with his winnings from the Biography Fair.

21-May-10

• Kathryn enjoys chewing gum on the porch swing.
• It's purple sandbox sand; can you believe it?
• Reed settles in for a day at home, sick.

27-May-10

• It's Spring recital time in Tuscola. And Kathryn's debut! (This is the corrected version, ie heads are not clipped out.)

28-May-10

• Nicholas and Reed hang out around the fire pit at Camp Drake.
• Kathryn takes a hike.
• It's time to move out.
• Nicholas enjoys the Decatur Children's Museum on a field trip.
• Everyone loves a good gear exhibit.
• Nicholas and Rohan watch the Decatur Zoo's lemurs prepare for a live t.v. news appearance.

11-Jun-10

• Kathryn hangs out by her pool.
• Summer is time for swinging and chewing gum.
• Kathryn and Emma check out the latest rabbit briefly captured in our backyard.
• Six cousins hang out.
• We're seeing double looking at Emma and Kathryn.

18-Jun-10

• This week Kathryn had plenty of oppourtunity to dance in the rain.
• Reed cooks dinner for the family.
• Nicholas celebrates a half-birthday with half a cake.

25-Jun-10

• Nicholas shows off the carrots he planted in the spring.
• They are pretty tasty.
• Nicholas enjoys half a birthday cake for turning 7 1/2.
• A rabbit is liberated from the backyard...and relocated far, far away.
• We have a birthday party for Garfield (who is 32) and serve lasagna (his favorite).
• Shake up that chocolate milk on a picnic dinner.
• We try geocaching, using a GPS unit to find hidden marker boxes in Champaign parks.
• Here's one on the banks of the Boneyard Creek.
• There should be another one right over this hill.
• Look! It's under the bridge.
• What's inside the marker box?
• Park district flash light treasures and a sign-in page are in the box.

2-Jul-10

• Kathryn straps on a life vest for some boating in a dance outfit.
• And off she goes!
• Nicholas works on a yarn octopus.
• It's all too much for Kathryn.
• Nicholas samples the produce at the blueberry field.
• Kathryn is particular about her berries.
• Reed is an old pro in the field.
• Ready...
• Set....
• Go! Nicholas rides a two-wheeler!

11-Jul-10

• Pack the car, we're headed to Colorado!
• We bring only the "bear" essentials.
• The vacationers pose on the many levels of our house. The travelers are: Grandma and Grandpa Hoffmann, Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Miguel with Emma, Tonio and Sara, Uncle Stephen and Aunt Alice and the 5 Phillips folks.
• Saddle up, Reed!
• Out on the trail.
• The Phillips Family rides down the trail--Nicholas in blue, Reed in red, Mom and Kathryn next and Dad last.
• It's time to do some hiking with Aunt Carolyn.
• Sprague Lake is a good circuit.
• Nicholas and Tonio play back at the house.
• The hikers bunk up for the night.
• Today we're hiking around Bear Lake.
• A little rain won't stop us.
• Then it's on to Dream Lake.
• The sun comes out on the way back down the trail.
• The marshmallow hayrack ride promises rain, so we suit up appropriately.
• This will be fun, right?
• Gather around the camp fire.
• Nicholas roasts 2 marshmallows at once.
• Let the roasing begin in earnest!
• Aunt Alice is a pro.
• Delicious!
• Who has the left overs?
• Reed and Matt explore a trail along Trail Ridge Road.
• High altitude sight seeing.
• Time for a nap in the Colorado sun.
• Estes Park--may the forest be with you.

23-Jul-10

• Summer comes to an early close.
• Reed and Nicholas head back to school.
• Reed is in 5th grade.
• Nicholas starts 2nd grade.
• Kathryn goes to swim class; preschool is later.

31-Jul-10

• Kathryn and Nicholas learn how to repair a DVD player when an item is inserted in the wrong slot.
• Kids under the rainbow.

6-Aug-10

• Reed performs "Elfin Dance" for the Frist Friday concert.
• Nicholas plays "Minuet in G".
• Kathryn and Nicholas harvest tomatoes in Grandma Phillips's garden.
• Kathryn is an expert tomato-picker.
• Summer prairie girl.

13-Aug-10

• We go for a walk at Kickapoo State Park.
• We snack on the trail early and often.
• How did Kathryn convince Mom to give her a ride?
• We take to the lake before lunch.
• Kathryn is our summertime girl.

20-Aug-10

• Nicholas takes a dip in the pool.
• Kathryn floats in the pool.
• Reed jumps off the diving board.
• Reed is free of braces!
• The orthodonist gives Reed a chewy, sticky gift.
• Kathryn waters the plants.

27-Aug-10

• We go for a hike at Lake of the Woods.
• There is a playground there.
• Nicholas flies high.
• A quality covered bridge photo is hard to come by.
• We get ready for a scout meeting.
• It's a picnic dinner to mark the middle of the week.
• I now have an assistant in my zippered pouch business.

4-Sep-10

• Nicholas finds a cicada to model for his insect project.
• Look at me jump!
• Kathryn and Danielle start the morning with Zoe the dog.
• Nicholas and Mom split the money saved by cutting hair at home.
• The Phillips family marks Grandma and Grandpa's 45th wedding anniversary.

11-Sep-10

• We're off to pick apples.
• Nicholas finds a tasty looking apple.
• Here is Kathryn's.
• The bag is quickly filled.
• Kathryn joins the wagon train behind cousin Zachary.
• Nicholas is our golden delicious boy.
• Kathryn is pleased to find a kitten at the orchard who doesn't mind a little petting.
• Kathryn heads off to her first day of preschool for the year.
• She is very excited to go back to school.
• Nicholas shows off his model of a cicada made for school.

17-Sep-10

• The (older) Phillips cousins salute Grandma and Grandpa Phillips on their 45th anniversary.
• Nicholas takes a swing at a toilet.
• Nicholas scores a basket.
• It's time to practice viola.
• Nicholas presents his line in the Goin' Buggy musical at school.
• We head out to watch soy beans harvested with Nicholas's scout den.
• These are soybeans.
• Off for a ride in the semi truck.
• Next is a ride in the combine.
• Nicholas hops up on the combine.
• Cub scouts in a combine get to work.
• I wonder if the kids are driving.
• Who is that girl behind the wheel?
• One kid is in the combine, and two are in the collection truck.
• Let's get ready for Halloween.

24-Sep-10

• Reed approaches the starting line of the boys cross-country race.
• Runners, run!
• He finishes!
• Good race.

1-Oct-10

• We head to San Francisco for a fall vacation.
• The Golden Gate Bridge lurks in the fog in the distance.
• We visit Lombard Drive--a very twisty road.
• Reed tells Nicholas that he owes him $440,000--the rent for the Golden Gate Bridge property in their on-going Monopoly game.
• Somehow, the gift shop item this trip is stuffed animals.
• Chinatown is not far from our hotel.
• We stop at a fortune cookie factory.
• We work off the sweets by climbing to Coit Tower.
• There are so many steps in San Francisco!
• Reed enjoys examining all the foreign coins on the window ledges of the tower.
• These chop sticks are a challenge!
• The kids love the hot tea at our dim sum lunch.
• We finish everything we order, even if we don't know what it was.
• It's the first dim sum meal for all of us.
• Who knows what the bill will be?
• Riding the cable cars is a particular favorite.
• Muir Woods is a quiet change from the city.
• The trees are mighty tall here.
• Nicholas is on the lookout for the banana slug.
• Around this point on the trip, the kids start lobbying for the camera's battery to fail.
• Nicholas poses in front of El Capitan with a new wooden sculpture of an eagle.
• The kids love to scamper up rocks.
• This is Bridalveil Falls.
• Kathryn is a terrific hiker.
• There's more scampering on the way to Vernal Falls.
• We make it to the falls.
• Then we make it to the top of the falls.
• Lovely.
• Kathryn builds a granite tower on the way to Columbia Rock.
• Reed earns a good view of Half Dome.
• Nicholas loves to hike.
• A hawk swoops in for a view of Yosemite Valley.
• We check out the giant sequoia trees at Mariposa Grove.
• What do you mean this isn't the pine cone of the giant sequoia?
• We take our turn to stand inside a living tree.
• Making pressed pennies is a must.

15-Oct-10

• Kathryn drives a car she made at preschool.
• Daddy ordered something in the mail and it came with this bubblewrap path for jumping on.
• The big brother is 10 1/2.
• It's good to be 10 1/2.
• Mainly, because of the half a cake.

22-Oct-10

• It's off to Camp Drake to camp overnight.
• It's the first time camping for the females in the group.
• The next morning the kids enjoy cocoa around the campfire.

29-Oct-10

• Face painting is part of preschool the week of Halloween.
• Let's get serious about carving a pumpkin.
• Meanwhile, Nicholas salts pumpkin seeds for roasting.
• This is the finished product.
• Nicholas goes with narrow, swooping features.

5-Nov-10

• Cinderella prepares to gather candy from the kingdom.
• She is joined by Garfield and Jon and Jango Fett.
• Grandma, what a pumpkin you have!
• The Halloween haul is a good one.
• What a great place the country would be if Kathryn really could vote 4 times.
• It's pet day at preschool.

12-Nov-10

• Reed composes a computer program which will tell you if a given number is prime.
• If it isn't, it will tell you its factors.
• Kathryn loves to color, and does so very neatly.

19-Nov-10

• Kathryn leaps into a huge leaf pile.
• She soon has company.
• Fun!
• Nicholas can't resist joining in.
• Now there can be 3-way action.
• Like this.
• And this.
• And this, too.
• In a quieter moment, Kathryn opens a store. She sells her drawings for a nickel each.
• He dances, too.
• Reed plays the piano ("You Ain't Nothing but a Hound Dog") while Andrew plays the drums during a scene of the 5th grade musical.
• He dances, too.

26-Nov-10

• Kathryn poses by our holiday window well display.
• She is also showing off her piano recital dress (performance upcoming) and a gingerbread doll she bought with her own money.

3-Dec-10

• We go in search of this year's Christmas tree.
• Everyone has a different opinion on the best tree.
• But we still find a perfect specimen.
• Ta-da!
• Reed has to return to homework after the decorating.
• Nicholas returns to learning a fancy version of "Jingle Bells" in the piano.
• Happy 5th Birthday, Kathryn!
• She has a Spongebob Squarepants party.
• Kathryn receives a Barbie vacation home...
• ...and is very pleased with it.
• Nicholas and Reed attend the party, and are very quiet guests.

10-Dec-10

• Winter is in full-swing already.
• The kids catch snowflakes on their tongues.
• Reed gets down to business.
• Kathryn has a grand time at her friend birthday party at the gym.
• Everyone is busy and well-behaved.
• The rope is a star attraction.
• Fun times!
• And, of course, lots and lots of presents.

17-Dec-10

• Nicholas takes care of business on his 8th birthday.
• Nicholas gets a sock monkey as a present.
• A magnet present is a particular hit.
• He also gets a flying monkey.
• Crowd around for birthday fun!
• The friend party is Lego-themed.
• It's great to be 8.
• Kathryn takes Christmas preparations seriously.
• Kathryn, Reed and Nicholas perform at a holiday piano recital.
• Kathryn plays "Spanish Guitar".
• Nicholas plays "Jingle Bells".
• Reed plays "Christmas Fantasy".
• Well done, everyone!
• Reed explains his science fair project.

25-Dec-10

• The kids decorate gingerbread cookies with their cousin, Danielle.
• It's Christmas Eve, and we are ready!
• It's Christmas morning!
• Kathryn opens her Barbie dollhouse, made by Daddy.
• Nicholas will be busy putting his pyramid together.
• It's a personal gumball machine!
• An apron made by Mommy is now the dess code for the kitchen assistant.
• The apron works!

31-Dec-10

• We go to visit the Lincoln stacks at the U of I Library with Grandpa Hoffmann.
• Kathryn finds a graphic novel about Lincoln.
• Time for lunch!

14-Jan-11

• It's time to take down the Christmas tree. Kathryn tries out the tree skirt.
• Happy Birthday, Mom!
• Kathryn enjoys the new year with new pink bedroom walls.
• Nicholas is proud of his collection of stuffed monkeys.

21-Jan-11

• Kathryn worked hard to use as many wooden road pieces as possible in her layout.
• Who doesn't love Winnie the Pooh?

28-Jan-11

• Reed whips up a batch of Wookie Cookies from his Star Wars cookbook.
• Kathryn sets up a toy museum.
• Daddy has a new toy.
• Nicholas shows off the new fridge.
• But wait, there's more!

4-Feb-11

• Reed takes a dip into the "Snow Day Bag of Wonder and Chores". Whatever the task (work or play), it must be completed before the next dip.
• Kathryn gives Mom a manicure with a color called Dragon Tears.
• Kathryn decides she wants a photo shoot with her shoulder bag.
• ...and she's working it!
• Marvelous, darling!

11-Feb-11

• Reed and his friends get tuned up for a band performance.
• The kids hang out in a snow fort they built in the front yard.
• Nicholas receives a Cub Scout ribbon for citizenship.
• Reed prepares to receive the Arrow of Light as he completes Cub Scouts.
• He crosses a bridge to leave the Cub Scouts behind.
• Kathryn is happy with a ring pop.

18-Feb-11

• Kathryn installs the candles in Daddy's birthday cake.
• Such a glow!
• A new college sweatshirt is a welcome gift.

25-Feb-11

• Kathryn models the dress she will wear to pass out bubbles at her piano teacher's wedding.
• Reed and his trumpet are back on good terms.
• Reed's team prepares to demonstrate their Rube Goldberg machine on campus.
• It's time to make a Pinewood Derby car.
• The Pinewood Derby cars are ready for impoundment.
• Grandma Phillips's birthday dinner features a balloon artiste.

4-Mar-11

• The Wii is so exciting it makes Nicholas levitate.
• Kathryn shows off her new bedroom curtains.
• Will Kathryn's Pinewood Derby car make weight? Yes!

12-Mar-11

• Reed prepares for a strings concert.
• Kathryn is excited about a teddy bear picnic at school.
• The Pinewood Derby match-ups are posted.
• Off to the races!
• The water room is popular at Engineering Open House.
• The kids make faux sandbars and watch the change in water current.
• Outside, they are launching rockets down the Boneyard Creek (on wires).

28-Mar-11

• Kathryn helps plant geranium seeds.
• Then she tests out new porch swing cushions.
• We're off to Indiana to visit Uncle Stephen and Aunt Alice and see the National Rube Goldbert competition.
• It's a chilly weekend to walk the Purdue campus.
• The Rube Goldbert contraptions are very complex.
• Some have more than 100 steps on their way to water a plant.
• Kathryn visits the moon (capsule).
• Surf's up!
• I teach the kids about Twinkies.

1-Apr-11

• We're off on a vacation to Arizona.
• Outside Phoenix, we hike up to Whisper Cave.
• The hikers pose along the hot trail.
• We visit the train park with cousins Emma, Tonio and Sara.
• It's ice cream all around!
• We are having good fun so far on our trip.

April 8, 2011

• The kids ride a goose swing at the Rennaisance Fair.
• Then they ride an elephant.
• Then they ride a llama.
• The jousting is thrilling.
• Kathryn shades her fair skin with a parasol.
• She strolls the medieval marketplace.
• What a lady!
• Emma shares her jeep with Kathryn.
• Everyone enjoys the idea of driving.
• Are the parents ready for this?
• The Phoenix Botanial Gardens are lovely.
• Kathryn and Emma tour together.
• Reed poses with cacti in full bloom.
• Nicholas becomes part of the show at the Arizona Science Museum.
• Are you sure air pressure will keep the water in this upside-down container over my head?
• This is a digital picture of our digital kids.
• Time for a dip in the pool!
• Biosphere 2 is a self-contained world of biomes across the world.
• Nicholas walks along the rain forest.
• The prairie dog at the Sonoran Desert Museum is photographed by Nicholas.
• Of course, the gift shop sells prairie dogs.
• The Pima Air Museum houses planes of all sorts.
• They have huge planes here!
• The tour of Kartchner Caverns is dark and cool. The kids like the so-called soda straw formations.
• We have a picnic dinner at the Saguaro National Park.
• A little rock scrambling follows.
• We watch the sunset over the Arizona horizon.
• The San Xavier Mission is a morning stop on the way south out of Tucson.
• Our goal in Tubac is to buy some pots!
• The Saguaro National Park has several pleasant flat hikes.
• "Nimble-fingered Mom" loses the map during a hike down a stream wash in the park. We are temporarily lost.
• Several score holes-in-one at miniature golf.
• A tram ride into Sabino Canyon makes reaching rocks for scrambling easy.
• We dip our toes in the cool stream, fed by snow melt and rain from Mount Lemon.
• Nicholas loves to climb on the rocks.
• Kathryn splashes until she's quite wet.
• A Disney Princess On Ice show caps off a busy and fun vacation.
• The kids show off their light-up wand souvenirs.

April 15, 2011

• Kathryn is jealous of people with lots of dandelions in their yards.
• Reed takes calls from family wishing him a happy birthday.
• His presents are all about the Wii and Lego, reading and games.
• Reed's friend party is a MarioKart Wii contest.
• It's fun to be 11!

April 22, 2011

• Kathryn shows off the Easter Peep wreath we made together.
• We learned that, since Peeps are marshmallows, toothpicks work much better than hot glue.
• Reed helps release a bunny we caught in a backyard drainspout.
• Don't come back to our yard, bunny!
• We make quick work of coloring eggs.
• Nicholas double-dips his eggs to make stripes of color.
• The workers fill the Easter eggs with jellybeans.

April 29, 2011

• Ready, set, hunt for eggs!
• The boys hunt in their own direction.
• Kathryn finds a slightly wet egg in the downspout.
• Nicholas, look over here!
• Kathryn, look up!
• You found it!
• And, another egg is discovered!
• Now it's time to eat some dinner.

May 6, 2011

• Kathryn is invited to be the bubble girl at her piano teacher's wedding.
• She is thrilled with her duties.
• Congratulations to Katrina, and her new husband Jonathan
• Reed and Nicholas contemplate in the church.
• You better not be thinking about your own wedding day, little girl!
• Despite her great field position, Kathryn does not catch the bouquet.
• But, Daddy dances with her!
• Mommy dances, too. Kathryn requets Abba from the d.j., and we have to show off our "S.O.S." moves.

May 15, 2011

• Kathryn does crafts with her cousins Emma and Sara.
• Reed and Nicholas play in the basement with their cousin Tonio.
• Nicholas relaxes in the spring heat.
• It's a great day for bubbles!
• Lots of bubbles!
• The kids enjoy cake at Grandpa Phillips's retirement party.
• Grandpa Phillps poses with grandchildren Nicholas, Reed, Isaac, Alyssa, Lola, Kathryn and Maya.
• The family visits the Fab Lab to cut out plastic beads for Mom's pouch business and etch drawings made by kids onto colored plastic.

May 27, 2011

• Reed and his friend Austin have a Rubik's cube solving contest.
• Yes, they still make silly string.
• Crate and Barrel left this use for a floor pouf out of their catalog description. An oversight, for sure.
• Who wouldn't buy a resting place for a napping toy?
• A cool, wet spring drives Kathryn to swim indoors.
• Kathryn is looking forward to a dancing class coming up soon.
• Reed performs at a district-wide strings concert.
• This is how Kathryn sleeps before a tornado warning reminds her that we keep sleeping bags in the basement. Since, she sleeps in her sleeping bag on her bedroom floor.
• Nicholas is recognized for completing the requirements for a wolf badge in Cub Scouts.
• It's a good thing that the worthiness test was passed when his Poncho Pond water solution turned bright blue.
• Nicholas and a few other wolves perform a Star Wars Jedi skit for the audience.

June 3, 2011

• Kathryn's preschool class takes a trip on the city bus to the end-of-year picnic.
• She was very excited about the transportation.
• The park is also good fun.
• The "balance beam" extends all the way around the play equipment.
• Kathryn is dressed for a piano recital.
• She plays "The Crawling Spider".
• Nicholas plays "The Entertainer". Reed plays, too, but was unwilling to fake a photo at the piano.
• Reed finishes elementary school. The 5th graders sing before getting their certificates. Reed wins an award for the Math Olympiad.
• Kathryn is exactly 5 1/2.

June 10, 2011

• Kathryn works to leave a finger's width between each word.
• All three perform at another piano recital this week.
• Kathryn takes the stage first.
• Reed plays another Scott Joplin piece.
• Nicholas shows off a water bottle he designed and etched in the Fab Lab laser machine.

June 18, 2011

• It's time to dust off the bikes for the season ahead.
• Off we ride!
• It's clear Reed is ready for a larger bike, and Kathryn wants to ditch the training wheels.
• Donuts on a summer morning make everyone smile for a picture.
• Nicholas rests in the Idea Garden on campus.
• The crew prepares to launch a bottle rocket.
• It's time for the count-down.
• Blast off!
• Kathryn opens a drink shop for the lunch crowd. She serves water, milk or koolaid with a straw.
• Nicholas mans a cracker bar.
• Reed bakes chocolate cookies from his Star Wars cookbook for dessert.
• Here's a girl ready for a bike-riding lesson.
• This handy handle will save backs.
• This is fun!
• There are no hurt knees or sore backs here!
• Good progress!
• Reed takes a spin around Grandma's yard with the electric lawn mower.

July 1, 2011

• We visit Pontious Berry Farm to pick the summer's first blueberries.
• After many years, the kids are now quite good at harvesting ripe berries.
• But, the playground at the farm remains the main attraction.
• Since it's a bit on the hot side and the pool is ready, it's time to go for the first swim of the season.
• Kathryn believes the right equipment makes all the difference.

July 8, 2011

• Our hotel in Seattle overlooks the Space Needle.
• We visit the Ballard Farmers' Market and find yummy treats.
• Can you believe the mini donut machine?
• The strawberries are amazing!
• Reed gets a balloon sword from a very tall vendor.
• Kathryn gets a doll she names Sofia.
• We're off to see the Mariners play the Padres.
• Our seats are in right center field, where all the long home runs will land.
• Did you know they sell cotton candy at baseball games?
• It was free hat day at the ballpark.
• The Mariners won!
• We drive by the hospital where Reed was born. Where is the banner celebrating that event? It would surely drum up more business.
• It's the 4th of July and the Space Needle is decked out.
• It's a perfect day to ride the ferries.
• It's always windy out on the water. The boys enjoy it.
• We're on our way over to Bainbridge Island.
• As you can see, our ferry is the Puyallup. It's one on which Reed has traveled before.
• Mr. Rainier is still out and looking dramatic over the water.
• As we pull into Bainbridge Island the city's looking pretty far away.
• Once on the other side of the Puget Sound we drive up the coast. Along the way we stop for treats.
• We drive up to Kingston, where another ferry will take us back across the Sound. While we're waiting for the ferry to leave we spot a couple of seagull chicks nesting on top of the docks.
• Same deal, different ferry. We're farther north so the city is off in the distance, just under Mt. Rainier.
• The boys love hanging out on the most exposed areas of the ferry. Kathryn likes it up to a point and then prefers the inside seats.
• As we approach Edmonds, she comes back out to enjoy the wind in her hair.
• Edmonds is closer to our old stomping grounds. The kids take to the beach quickly, building small structures to be destroyed by the incoming tide.
• Kathryn works on the landscaping around her castle. Off in the distance is Mt. Baker. Or at least we think it is.
• We return to the hotel to find the lake filled with boats waiting for the evening fireworks.
• Our view of the fireworks is "filtered" by some tall trees so we decide to go down to a small playground area next to the lake. And as all kids do when there's a playground nearby, Reed and Nicholas play their DS to pass the time.
• The fireworks are great!
• And at the end of the day, the Space Needle is still there.
• After a morning touring the Boeing plant (no cameras or cell phones allowed) we head to Green Lake to enjoy the sunshine and warm temps.
• Yes, yes, we do have a paddle boat at home. But this is totally different.
• It's a beautiful day to boat on the lake.
• In the evening we hike down to the beach at Carkeek Park.
• Puget Sound could not be more beautiful on an evening like this.
• A train comes along the coast, and Matt stands on the bridge to see it go underneath.
• The kids stay back on the beach to explore the tide pool.
• The tide is coming in!
• Reed and Nicholas wait for the advancing tide to mow over their sand creations.
• Help! I'm being eaten by a giant salmon (slide).
• Kathryn is thrilled to make it to the top of the Space Needle.
• Kathryn takes a picture of Mom, Dad and Nicholas on top of the Space Needle.
• The view from the tippie-top.
• Apparently, anyone weighing less than 500 pounds is completely safe on this bike rail.
• The duck/boat tour of Seattle is good, silly fun.
• The WWII-era craft is sea-worthy, and we take to Lake Union.
• Kathryn blows her quacker whistle only from time-to-time.
• Kathryn pets a sea anemone at the Pacific Science Center.
• Dad, get in the Monorail! We are leaving the station.
• The Space Needle was once mariner orange. Why isn't it now?
• We're at the Pike Place Market and ready to shop!
• To market, to market to buy a fat pig.
• Or, maybe we'll buy vegetables, instead.
• The flowers are something else at the Pike Place Market.
• But, puppets last longer. We also picked up Rainier cherries.
• Kathryn knows all about farmers' markets.
• Every height can be accommodated on this bench, handily located to give rest as we climb downtown hilly streets.
• On our last day in Seattle before leaving for Mt. Rainier we visit Fremont, an 'eclectic artistic hippie' area where Adobe is based.
  Apparently a TV crew was filming today.
• Among the strange and curious, the troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge.
• We wrap up the visit to Fremont with an office tour, ending on the roof seating for the cafe. Free drinks for all!
• And then we head out of town for the three hour (one of them sitting in traffic in Puyallup, sigh) trip to Mt. Rainier. On the way up to the hotel we stop by Narada falls.
• Nice falls, but it throws off a cold, cold mist. It's like taking a cold shower in a refrigerator.
  And yes, we do know that it has been very, very hot in Illinois.
• Finally we get to the hotel, the Paradise Inn. Nicholas enjoys the view out the window. That large white area out the window is a huge pile of snow.
  You might also note in this picture the complete absence of any wireless internet or phone service. Most distressing, but we did survive.
• And if you look a little higher out of the window you see the ever-present 14,410 foot Mt. Rainier.
• Another fun feature of the hotel is the adjacent snow field. You can follow that right on up to the top of the mountain, if you like. We did not. But we did have a lot of fun playing in it.
• The hotel is at 5,400 ft of elevation, so it's another 9,000 to the top.
• On our first full day at the park we start with a visit to the "Grove of the Patriarchs." To get there you have to walk for a while and then cross a bridge to a relatively isolated patch of forest.
• After the Grove, we head south along the trail to Silver Falls. Lots and lots of water moving very quickly.
• Normally this would have been the perfect time of year to be at Paradise Inn to see fields full of wildflowers. However, due to high snowfall this spring those fields are under 10 feet of snow. Still, there are patches here and there on the roads and trails.
• Whereas the previous day we drove east for our hikes, today we head west to the Longmire area. In both cases we had to drive down to lower altitudes to hike, since all of the lovely trails around Paradise are covered with snow. Actually, we did get to do a Paradise hike, but more on that later.
  But first, a photo opportunity along the road.
• There's a little deer family that seems to enjoy grazing among the switchbacks.
• When we get to the Longmire area (about a 30 minute drive) we go on a nature walk followed by a longer trail to Carter Falls. To get to the latter you first have to cross the Nisqually river. And what better way to cross fast moving frigid waters than on a log cut in half with a railing bolted onto one side?
• It's a long uphill walk after that, but the kids are pretty good hikers.
• At the top are a couple of dramatic waterfalls. And all along the way you can hear the rushing water. The temperatures are wonderful for hiking, in the 60's.
• Kathryn decides the most fun thing to do when around water is to find rocks to throw in. Preferably ones that make a nice 'bloop' sound.
• On Sunday we get all adventurous and strap on some snowshoes for a walk that would normally be done through meadows of wildflowers.
• The boys take to them very quickly. (Unfortunately the snowshoe rental place did not have any in sizes that Kathryn could use.)
• Ironically the boys are just as fascinated by their new hobby. Which can only be described as "build something which will be destroyed by the forces of nature." Which can be sand and waves, or snow buildings and the runoff of melting snowfields.
• We have a picnic dinner at the oversized wooden tables and log furniture in the lobby of the hotel. Slightly out of the picture is the piano player providing music for the occasion.
• Every evening the kids clamor for time on the snow fields. And a snow field calls for snowballs ...
• ... and more snowballs ...
• ... and even some snowballs aimed at photographers ...
• ... and even snowballs in the middle of a portrait. A fine time for all at Paradise.
• On our last morning in the park we take one last hike on the western side of the park, along a section that used to be a road that the Park Service got tired of repairing after floods.
• Kathryn keeps working on her rock choosing and throwing skills.
• And, following her brothers' lead, she works on her Stone Age rock pounding skills. What hike?
• It's a good way to end our trip to Mt. Rainier.
• See you again sometime! (Yes, we did take this picture last, not first.)
  All that's left now is to get back to Seattle and get our stuff packed up for our flights back to Illinois tomorrow.

July 15, 2011

• Back in Illinois, we go on a picnic. Kathryn talked me into trying Lunchables.
• Reed constructs a pizza.
• It didn't smell as bad as we expected, but it's no rose.
• A rare corpse flower is in bloom on campus.

July 22, 2011

• Kathryn shows off spoils from Grandma Phillips' garden.
• Kathryn tries coconut water. The verdict: o.k.
• Nicholas heads off to his first day of 3rd grade.
• Go get 'em, Nicholas!

July 29, 2011

• Kathryn is ready for the first day of kindergarten.
• She's very ready.
• She's excited about lunch, recess, and learning to read.
• Have fun, Kathryn!
• Kathryn leads the way on the walk to school.

August 6, 2011

• Summer is hot! We swim with cousins Emma, Tonio and Sara.
• Tonio and Nicholas play trains.
• Reed waits for Dad as the two head off in a trip to Washington, D.C.
• Most of the way there on said trip, Reed stops at the Sideling Hill scenic overlook in Maryland.
• Off to D.C. we go. Reed poses in front of the Capitol. We stopped by before the other museums opened.
• The rest of the day was spent at the Air and Space Museum. Here he's waiting for the Hubble 3D IMAX movie to begin.
• A little lunch and dessert..
• ... and a quick stop by the sculpture garden on the way to ...
• ... the Metro station, back to Greenbelt. Off to dinner with Mary Jane later.
• On Sunday it's off to the other Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in VA. This is where they keep the big stuff.
• Space Shuttles, Concordes, B-29s, stuff like that.

August 12, 2011

• Nicholas sports a shirt from school...class of what year?!
• Cousin Danielle and Kathryn enjoy chips and salsa.

August 19, 2011

• Nicholas enjoys a visit to the park on a day off from school.
• Kathryn has excellent follow-through on her miniature golf swing.
• Reed can make the shot standing on one foot.
• The kids are off on a scavenger hunt around Robeson Park.
• This clue says to go where?!
• It's a clue by the stream.
• It's a good thing these clues lead to prizes!

August 26, 2011

• Nicholas plays with a front hallway contraption.
• If he looks taller lately, it's because he is.
• Kathryn, too, refuses to stop growing.
• It's Reed night at Cocomero.

September 2, 2011

• We climb the tower at Allerton Park.
• Some of us climb more than once.
• It's a boy in a foo-dog garden.
• I thought the pot might be taller than Kathryn, but she reports it is not.
• It's time to install the shingles we made at the Fab Lab on Kathryn's doll house.
• While Kathryn stays home from school sick, we make a sock puppet.
• It's not so bad to stay home!

September 9, 2011

• Kathryn tests the new yoga mat.
• It's for Mom's new pouch project...
• ...a yoga mat bag.
• Nicholas gobbles up the new 39 Clues book.

September 16, 2011

• Kathryn enjoys Special Friends Lunch at school.

September 23, 2011

• Nicholas meets fall static electricity.
• Kathryn works on vacation homework. She must be the first in her class to have it done!
• Nicholas is now taking holiday orders for his Lego vase.
• We embark on a hike at Turkey Run.
• Grandpa Hoffmann is our guide.
• The ladder section of the trail is thrilling; we are glad to be going up.
• It's time for a little rock scramble.
• Nicholas tests the depths in the Punch Bowl.
• It's a mossy world.

September 29, 2011

• Kathryn sits on the train to Chicago.
• A doll and her person look out the window.
• Our hotel room is swanky.
• We are seated for lunch at the American Girl Doll Cafe. Doll Emma has a booster seat.
• Kathryn tells me her dream house is a castle with pink ribbons everywhere and purple-hearted windows.
• It's a bottomless glass of pink lemonade!
• "I got my American doll's ears pierced. They are star earrings."
• City girls.

October 7, 2011

• Enjoying ice cream in front of the Hancock Building.
• Nicholas and Mom take a hiking vacation to Giant City.
• The goal is to hike as many trails as possible.
• The weather is lovely, and we have the trails to ourselves.
• We hike all the trails at Giant City except for the paved one. Who hikes paved trails?
• Nicholas is excited to drive down the road to Ferne Clyffe State Park and try the trails there.
• In this way, we hike 9 trails in a single day.
• Will Mom's feet keep pace?
• Nicholas is pleased to walk trails marked "moderate" or "difficult".
• We see deer, and stop to throw milkweed fluff into the breeze.
• Back at home, a warm and windy fall day is perfect for kite flying.
• Nicholas and Kathryn take turns at the helm.
• Fun!

October 14, 2011

• Kathryn writes a poem for the season.
• Mary Jane comes to visit, and Reed shows off a computer program he wrote.
• We visit a new park on a breezy fall day.
• Kathryn sits in the driver seat of a U of I student project car.
• Step on the gas; they will see you coming, Nicholas!
• Kathryn has her face painted like a butterfly at the Buddy Walk. The homemade antennae are for her butterfly Halloween costume.

October 28, 2011

• We hike in Lodge Park on another lovely fall day.
• Kathryn and Reed work on homework.
• Kathryn poses with her painted pumpkin.
• Let's get ready for Grandpa's birthday!
• Nicholas!?!!
• Which one will it be?
• Something on this end, I think.