mountain horizons

swimming lessons and other ways to keep us busy

2012-01-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

Ski School!!! How many people out there wish they could have grown up knowing how to ski??? It would have made it so much easier...
Well, Little Miss Olsen is living the dream. She is in the "Explorers" at Keystone and learning how to rip it up! She is in the same class as her life-long pal, Asher, and they "try" to pay attention to their instructor. (I have also seen the 2 of them running down the taller kids in their class, skiing much faster than the bigger, older kids.)

Swimming has always been a favorite pass-time for Elodie. She has progressed so far and has actually taught herself to propel her body thru the water, holding her breath, kicking, and flailing her arms. (yes, it is true... she has my stroke technique... hahaha!)
This past month, we signed her up for swim class at the Breckenridge Rec Center so she could take the class with her friend Bodie. They go with Bodie's mom after school over to the pool and I meet them there. Watching them is so much fun and they really encourage each other, as well!
I think I will sign her up for next month, too...

Iceskating!

2012-01-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

Elodie and I went to a birthday party on Sunday in Breckenridge. It was her first time ever and I figured that I have not skated for 20 years... How is that possible that ANYTHING in my life could be 20 years ago???? (holy cow.)
We both made it out alive and fairly unscathed. There were "walkers" for beginners, so Elodie figured out how to use it and had a blast. She even watched her friends that weren't using the walkers and tried to skate without hers for a few steps. She did great! I controlled myself and did not use a walker. I stayed on my feet. Now, that was a feat! (hahaha...)
Todd bought a hip-e van to drive while in Hawaii. He will also be living in it. He can strap a surfboard on top (already has...), as well as stretch out in the back. Good living! Started "working" and training with my boss, Darin, today. I'll bet his head is just crammed full already if I know Darin!

2 days in...

2012-01-07T10:20:00.001-08:00

Well, we are 2 days in to Todd's 3 months away. It hasn't been very difficult, yet... I think the most difficult part for me is Elodie missing Daddy. She knows that he is gone to "big person" school for a long time and we are going to visit him in a couple weeks, but when she asked where she is when she wakes up in the morning, I am reminded of how hard this is going to be.
I know 3 months will go by very fast and that things for us will be soooo much better, but it is always difficult to be apart from someone you love so much! At least he is not going to war... thank the Lord for that much! The families that are separated for that reason and that amount of time are amazing people of tremendous strength.
It is Elodie's first day of ski school, so the house feels soooo empty! I wish there was either more snow so I could ride more (I did take a few runs this morning, but it is busy and icy. Not ideal!) or warmer so I could ride my bike. I guess I can catch up on some reading!

skiing with friends

2011-12-23T09:44:00.001-08:00

We enjoy many things out here in Colorado, but spending time doing what we love with our friends that love the same is the best!
Elodie is growing up doing and participating in things that most people only dream of... including us! What a lucky girl!
We have been going across the street to ski with Elodie and her friends every weekend! She loves it and is getting very good at it... even skiing from the top of Keystone! That's my girl!!

Return to the Blog!!

2011-12-21T12:01:00.001-08:00

I have been absent from my blog since I started my facebook account. But, with some gentle prodding from my wonderful Grandma, I am going to get motivated to start blogging again!

It will be fun to post more photos, give details and stories about the photos and our life here in "heaven." Just kidding... we live in the same "place", if not in the same place.

Love you all and can't wait to catch up!

Julie

2010-01-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you have to relax after a hard day at school!

Todd and I bring our "chalet" up to the Basin to ski every weekend. We take turns staying with Elodie while the other rides the chairlift or hike in the high alpine to spots that have just enough snow to ski. Afterwards, if we have enough time and the weather is fair, we take Elodie for a run on the "bunny hill" and also do some sledding runs!

What a poser!

Auntie Lori comes for Christmas!

2010-01-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Auntie Lori is going to make sure that Elodie grows up backing the Pack!! (Notice that Elodie is also "chewing" on Caleb's Christmas present... Caleb wanted to play with Elodie's presents, and Elodie wanted Caleb's presents!)

This is a great photo-Elodie was happy for the first 10 seconds of being cuddled by Lori but I took too long to take the picture!

2-fisting it! Elodie loves her milk and her water equally!

Sledding down the driveway...Elodie takes her action sports VERY seriously. (When you stop, she screams!)

Elodie and Lori

family Christmas picture- Thank you Lord for bringing your Son for us!

Preparations for Christmas at the Olsen household

2009-12-16T09:13:00.001-08:00

Following our family tradition of cutting our own tree-Lodgepole Pine, to be exact-we went out after work (consequently in the dark), tromped thru the snow (not much this year), and found the perfect tree. Yes, some may call it a "Charlie Brown" tree, but we have become extremely fond of these "anorexic" trees!

Elodie took on the task of hanging the ornaments at the top of the tree. She climbed right up that 10' ladder like it was a walk in the park! (Todd was close behind just in case she encountered a loose rung or something... Yes, she did climb up on her own. We did nothing to initiate.)

What are we going to do???

life is good, but many times painful

2009-12-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

We all may like our jobs (may being the operative word!) But, sometimes we really don't want to leave our families for the day, or even for a couple minutes.

The things we tend to want in life always seem to be a bit out of reach. But, with a little ingenuity and drive (not to mention help!), we can reach them.

You can also just go run to Mom and Dad when all else fails...

Through it all, we must always remember that God gave us a sense of humor and wants us to make PLENTY of time for laughter and play.

Lastly, enjoy your rest and sleep in. It is much easier on your "Constitution."

Happy 1st birthday Elodie!

2009-11-12T11:55:00.001-08:00

The first year of her little tiny life has gone by WAY too fast. As a new parent, when listening to other parents talking about how fast it all goes by, it is difficult to grasp the concept of "fast."

Suffering thru months of very little sleep, listening to painful cries as tiny teeth push there way out, being frustrated along with your child as they get stronger and want to be mobile, changing stinky diapers, and catching food before it makes it's way into the waiting "brother's" mouth: all of these and more tempt you to want the current stage to move on to the next.

All of a sudden, as I watched her take her very first step, I realized that this is one of the last biggest "firsts" that she will have. (yes, I know there will be plenty more, but not like this one) Todd and I did not want it to happen, believe it or not...we wanted to tell her to wait a bit and stay our tiny (as of now, she has no problem with that at 17.7 pounds and 28" tall!) little girl.

Elodie is all that we can handle and more...full throttle at all times-unless she is sleeping or strapped into her car seat or highchair. Being outside is a necessary part of EVERY day, no matter the weather (or you will pay!).

We have learned to continue our lives in the same way as we were pre-Elodie...we will just have to be patient and cherish the few times we are able to ski or ride bikes together. But in the end, it is all worthwhile.

Thank you God, for our perfect little "Sprite!"

Elodie's 1st gift. Is anyone surprised???

Elodie had so much fun playing with her friends and running circles around the house all night.

What a very happy night...

the neighborhood kids all came (and ate all the cake!)

Rachel-Thanks for the idea of making Elodie her own cake...She really "dug" it! (hahaha) The sugar kept her up and happy until 10pm! (Even then, I had to grab her and whisk her off to bed.)

family time!

2009-10-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

Is it scary to have a resourceful child?

"pot-heads" (hahaha)

Perfect examples of Daddy's and their daughters!

visiting Aimee and Shane

2009-10-05T10:06:00.001-07:00

Isnt Aimee sooo cute? We are very excited for Aim and Shane. We just wish they would find out what they are having. (But, you guys are still ok if you dont...hahaha. We will just keep everything in case you have a little girl!)

Aimee and Shane volunteered to watch Elodie while Todd and I got a bike ride in...what a blessing! Elodie had a ton of fun and even slept a little, too! (dont worry, Aimee-she doesnt sleep that much when we are away from home because she is worried she might miss something!)

Monkeying around

2009-09-29T10:11:00.001-07:00

We are always finding Elodie climbing in, on, around, and under everything in the house.

I sat on the couch and laughed hysterically when she did this...

Our friend that watches Elodie had given us this piano for her. I guess we are getting good use out of it (in the most creative way possible).

visit to Wisconsin

2009-09-29T09:59:00.001-07:00

Gramma Mamma and Elodie spent some time together-when we managed to get Elodie to sit still for a few moments!

Elodie and Gabby (cousin 6 weeks younger) are sure going to be a handful when they start scheming with each other...

Who is the older one? hahaha!

Auntie Lori holding Elodie down (actually, Elodie really enjoyed the swinging, Lori).

Elodie loved watching the monkeys. ( That is probably where she got her moves for the next blog posting.)

We went to the zoo during our visit-I cant wait for Elodie to remember these kinds of things. I tried to get all kinds of "firsts" in during this visit. A camel ride was more for me! hahaha

Grampa, Gramma Mama, and Gramma Mimi with the girls. I think we had finally gotten Elodie to nap at this point. Whew...

Back in business!

2009-09-29T09:48:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for being so patient! I hope no one has written off my blog as finished...I have no idea what happened-I couldnt even log in. I have a bit of catching up to do, so here goes.

About 5 weeks ago Todd's sister Katie moved into her dorm room for the start of her college career. We went down to see Sue, Barry, and Katie for an enjoyable weekend.

Elodie climbed all the way up the stairs in the condo! Of course, Todd was standing behind her egging her on and I was at the top waiting. Talk about some strength and determination.

Good luck Katie!

Help me! Something is wrong with my blog and I can't do anything to it!!!

2009-09-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Elodie's friends 1st birthday and playing by the pump track

2009-08-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Elodie's friend Asher had his 1st birthday on Monday...what fun they had playing and eating cake!

OK-yes, we have pants for Elodie, but she likes to play without them! Elodie just loves to play with Freddie-he doesnt mind if she gets rough and pulls on him...he just thinks that she is petting him!

This is one of the banked turns on our pump track (for bikes). Elodie climbed up to the top all by herself!

Playing with dirt and trying to sneak rocks for a snack!

She sure loves her Daddy!

Elodie learning to walk!

2009-08-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

our trip to Idaho

2009-08-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Elodie tasting our newly won medals! Can you see how dirty she is? Common thing on weekends...

Our family recovering from the trip...Elodie decided to clean house upon arriving home!

Saying good bye to our great campsite at the race.

Hanging out at the second home-dirty, but with impeccable posture!

First of many podiums that Elodie will be joining us on.

This is Pommerelle Ski Area where the race was held. Great "mom and pop" ski area that is probably the smallest ski area I have ever been in my entire life! (yes, that includes Wisconsin) But, they get about 300-600" of snow a year! I wish our ski areas got that much!

Eating meals in the truck are tricky...those peas roll all over the place which makes it very difficult to reach sometimes.

First slide ride...(boy was the slide HOT...I am really forcing the smile as I was extremely uncomfortable...hahaha)

ok ok ok...I admit that I am always late...

2009-07-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

Elodie is a most amazing little girl! In the last month, (actually, this all happened within about a week's time) she started crawling, pulling up on everything, cruising a bit, "talking" and even got 2 teeth while gramma mama, grampa phil, and gramma mimi were here. They got to see an Elodie that even we did not know exsisted!!! ugh!

We have been camping at Keystone and SolVista (2 ski areas that we ride bikes at in the summer) every weekend, bike riding a lot, playing in the sandbox and swimming in our little pool (which we take with us every weekend, too!)

Here are some photos of Olsen Adventures!

We are now getting into everything. This time, she got distracted on the "crawl" to the tub and tried a bit of soot!

Playtime after our bath.

Playing peek a boo with grampa's cowboy hat was a lot of fun!

Just doing our thing in the camper...very convenient for carrying on life as we NOW know it! hahaha

Todd and Elodie love to play in the sandbox that he built for her.

7 month-a versary

2009-06-05T19:33:00.001-07:00

Late as usual!!!

2009-05-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Elodie fell asleep on Lori Jo's lap while she was working at the computer. We just had to take a photo!
Elodie and Gabby-notice the seet potato puke above Gabby's head?

Our beloved friends-the Knoff's-came over with their family and we had the most wonderful get-together ever! Thanks for coming guys!

Lor, Em, and Mario chilling with all the grand kids (minus 2! Caleb and Owen where are you???)

Gma Mimi and Elodie take the cutest pictures.

ok-can you say (again...) Daddy's girl???

See what I mean??? I love you Gma! You make my kid smile for pictures.

We miss you gramma Mamma and "crappa" Phil!!! (sorry Dad-its too cute)

Mary Beth-are you letting my kid eat the plant???

starting her explorations

2009-04-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

I just want everyone to know that I did not stage this. She started reaching and so I just let her worm her way to wherever she was headed...!

Can I do it? I really want that thing over there...

wiggle wiggle... I know that I can do it... (whatever it is she is trying to get to...I will never know!)

ugh, now what do I do???I made it, but now what???

My arms are stuck!!! Help, Mom!!!!!

working out with Elodie!

2009-04-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

1...

Elodie and Daddy working out-bench presses are WAY more difficult with wiggling, giggling weights!

Quick-where is the drool rag???!!!!

2...!!! (is that all you can do????)

After our workout, we watch bike and ski/snowboard videos on the computer.

Now, it is time for a nap!

5 months this week!

2009-03-30T09:04:00.001-07:00

I found my feet, learned a few expressions, can grab things and put them all in my mouth, have been sleeping all night (sort of) regularly, and rolled over all in the past 2 weeks! whew-am I tired!
I think being naked is fun. Here, I am in between sets of leg lifts (when I slam my legs into the floor really loud). At my last doctors appointment, I found that I weigh 12.5 pounds and am 24.5 inches long.) I heard this runs in the family (Larsen side, of course...).

This is my favorite toy.

first solid food!

2009-03-30T08:28:00.001-07:00

this was fun!!!

Daddy and Elodie time

2009-03-30T08:25:00.001-07:00

Elodie and Daddy yucking it up for "mustache march!"
See what I mean about "Daddy's girl?"

found photos from "the past!!!"

2009-03-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

For all of you to see-this is the beautiful bassinett that Grampa Phil made little Elodie. It is absolutely gorgeous and we just love it. I will be keeping it out for a long time because it is so wonderful. Thank you "grampa."

Having more than one camera creates confusion(this is also part of the reason that I dont put up more posts-our ther camera is the business camera which is often on the job with

Todd)...so I wanted to put in some photos from the DesRochers visit that I really wanted to show you!

Unclr Mark called Elodie a "little Julie." I think she has made that move towards being her "Daddy's girl..." complete with his adorable expressions - both verbally and facially (is that a word, gma mimi?) hehehe

We celebrated Mark's b-day while they were there-happy birthday!

just goofing around!

2009-03-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

We were in Denver last weekend and the weather was very much spring! So nice to feel the warm sun and relax in the grass. We rode bikes and went "charioting."
The Olsen family (minus the "boy")

Hanging out in the car with all the gear. Mom and Dad are taking turns skiing today!

My new Bumbo-it helps me feel like a "real" person.

watch out for the tough girl!

fun times

2009-02-24T09:37:00.000-08:00

Elodie is trying out wigs for her bald head. (actually, it is getting thicker in the front - just a clump, though!
This weekend, Todd and I were able to do some "alone" time while Elodie stayed with various babysitters. We went skiing on Saturday, went out ot dinner and to the hot springs on saturday night, and on Sunday, we went to Denver to see Aimee and Shane and go biking! Aimee offered to watch Elodie while we rode...isnt she just the "awesomest" ???? She and Shane took her to the park while Jasper ran for the ball, then took a nap and then mom and dad came home and we all went out to dinner. Aimee-we will be available to you someday! hahaha! Thank you again for your time. Here we are at their home with Elodie and Todd hamming it up for the camera. Love the jeans, heh? We are having fun dressing Elodie up in all the cute clothes all of you have provided her with...

Elodie is practicing making faces!

Alright, so she isnt walking yet, but this kid loves to stand and tap her feet. She isnt happy lying on her back anymore and would prefer to stand or be in her jumper.

2009-02-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

Trying out the new jumper- Elodie loves to stretch out and wiggle around even though she cant reach the ground yet!

We are "training" for when the Reger's arrive...

Who's kid is she? I think she is starting to look more and more like her Dad...good thing she has my nose! hahaha! (sorry huny)
Owen is such a great cousin and brother. He helped entertain Elodie and Gabby during his stay. Owen especially liked to play with Elodie on her "gym mat". He would hold her hand, sing songs to her, and stash his toy trucks on her tummy!

I hope that we have given a new sport to love. He really will be a great athlete. He loves to ski and especially ride the chairlift-I had to convince him that the only way to get on the chair was to go down the hill again. Then, he would yell "weeeeee" all the way down the hill...

I am positive that our little girls will be great friends-just like us and our cousins! They certainly will be opposites...Gabby is so calm and easy-going, Elodie is "assertive" (hahaha) and is not afraid to shout at the world "hey-look at me!"

Having a little snack together!

We really DO love our snowsuits Gramma Mamma...

When Rachel called me to tell me that she would be having a girl just 2 months behind me, I can't tell you how excited I was...we had actually tried to plan it, but you know how that goes, hey? Well, we have the 2 most beautiful girls on the planet and they are going to be the best of friends if Rach and I can help it! I cant wait to see them grow and learn and become "Larsen" women!!! Look out World!

visit to New Jersey and 1st plane ride!

2009-02-04T09:17:00.001-08:00

We journeyed to New Jersey to visit Gramma Sue, Grampa Barry and the great grand parents! We also saw the Olsen family (Todd's Dad's side of the family), and a number of good friends of Sue and Barry. We had a fantastic time and Elodie was such a good girl. She probably "met" 30 people over the week and just entertained and enjoyed all the attention. The plane ride was very good-we all slept the whole way-both ways! (we needed it, and she needed it on the way home. ) I think Elodie has finally caught up on her sleep today.

Elodie's second cousins Gavin and Lily came to visit on Thursday. She had a good time meeting other kids! Karen and Roberta-Todd's aunts-"stole" Elodie for most of the evening Saturday...they were just wonderful!

Thank you Gramma Sue and everyone else for loving Elodie so much and giving mom and dad rest over the week!

2009-01-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Elodie received a very special bib from "aunt linda" (gramma sue's best friend) and Caleb had to try it out first!

Here is a photo for you all of our "very tall" little girl. She's got Todd's legs!

2009-01-20T07:42:00.001-08:00

before and after bath time!!! we usually take showers, but this was after a serious blow out and had to get a quickie in!

adventures and new routines...

2009-01-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

We have been doing a lot of outdoors stuff lately! Elodie will grow up outside if we can do anything about it...She really loves to go cross country skiing-she falls asleep as soon as she gets into the "chariot" and sleeps the whole time. She stays very warm and there is a 5 point harness to keep her safe. The chariot is an enclosed carrier that can be transformed from a jogger to a bike trailer to a cross country ski "trailer." It is a really great addition to our family toy collection!

more Christmas...

2008-12-31T19:00:00.000-08:00

why dont they let you pose more photos? thank you grandma ruth for the very cute Christmas outfit!

Christmas '08

2008-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

Elodie's first Christmas proved to be enlightening to her future...she will definately be well-read!!! Thank you to everyone...we are already delving into the classics that have been sent to our baby girl, and LOVE the ones that are touchy-feely! (at least I do!) I have included a bunch of other photos of her for your viewing pleasure, as well. Elodie has started to smile ALOT, and as soon as I can get one on camera, I will get that on here, as well.

Love you all!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T18:53:00.000-08:00

Here is the "tummy time" boot camp! hahaha...she is actually getting better and not so frustrated. elodie also has her first friend-Asher.

I had to include one of daddy time!

OK-can you tell I just want to show her off??

2008-12-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

We just love this little miracle that is now a huge part of our lives. She has quite the life so far...biking (actually shuttling mom and dad for biking), skiing with Dad (cross country tour), and hiking with mom and dad. So, here are a few more photos...just because! Among these is our first "self-inflicted" picture...can you guess which one??? Elodie is already waving at her fans out there...

more thanksgiving photos...

2008-12-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the delay! I forgot some pics that I really meant to get on the last post...I guess that I have been taking so many photos that I dont look back far enough to find the really important ones. Thank you to Gramma Mimi for putting little Elodie asleep when she was upset . (By the way...arent we her favorite since I made her a gramma in the first place? hahahaha) Also, thank you to Steve and Nancy Reger for the thanksgiving bib...Elodie wore it well. Maybe Rachie's little girl can wear it on her first turkey day?

Thankgiving with the family from Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada!

2008-12-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic time eating, drinking, biking, and holding Elodie this last weekend! The weather was great, until Mom, Dad and Gramma had to leave-big storm almost kept them here!!! (remind anyone of any other time in Colorado???)

Aimee, Shane, and Jasper came up from Denver for the fun and Jeanne came from Canada because she heard that it was going to be so much fun! (hahaha-loved having you Jeanne! Thank you for being here.)

I am in the process of "weaning" Elodie off of being held all the time. Just kidding-I cannot keep my hands off her, either! I'll have to wean myself for next week when I go back to work. Ugh!

Here are some photos. Love ya all!

more photos!

2008-11-21T15:40:00.000-08:00

OK-by popular demand, we have a few more photos of Elodie for you all. (We like to wait until we have to change her O2 bandaids or put on a clean canula...hopefully this business only lasts a bit more, but the altitude does funny things to babies!

Enjoy!!!

more photos!!!

2008-11-13T13:11:00.001-08:00

Notice that she takes after her brother while sleeping!

The first few days...

2008-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

Becoming a mom has been an amazing experience, and I can see it in Todd how amazing he will be as a Dad-and how amazing he already is!

We have had long awake nights-mostly because she is wide awake and hungry. No real screaming or anything! She is a very good little girl and does not get super upset-she does not like to get dressed and does not like to wait too long for her meals! HAHAHAHA-who does like either of these in our family???

I will try to keep the photos coming for you all!

Just FYI-she is on oxygen for being a high altitude baby...mostly just a pain in the butt!

New Addition!!! Elodie Ruth Olsen

2008-11-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful baby girl has arrived! November 6th, 6:15pm. 7 lbs. 1 oz, she arrived quickly and smoothly with no issues. BUT-I will NEVER call anything that hurts painful, ever again! WOW! What a miracle...I guess that really separates the women from the boys out there! (sorry dad and todd and all the other wonderful men in our lives...) Todd is the most willing, supportive and interactive man that I could ever hope for him to be.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and thoughts. God was there every minute. Didnt he make life incredible?!?!?!?!

We were able to come home this morning-Saturday. I never thought that we would get out of there! We are so excited to be here and have our little "addition" fill some warm space in our beautiful home.

More to come very soon!!!

Baby girl coming soon!

2008-11-05T09:02:00.000-08:00

Well-

Being a week late, and after much consideration and advice from the doc, we have decided to induce. Tomorrow morning is the big day! We are a bit nervous, being that it is unnatural, but her size and my body's discomfort have led us to make the decision. Baby and I are both extremely healthy, but it is not like we are still early! Besides, they will only let us go another 4 days, anyway. Please pray for us, as this is going to be much more painful and intense than we had originally planned-as if that would have been "pleasant" - hahaha!

Sue, Todd's mom, will be here to support us and help us with our needs. It will be a great help! Mom (mine) was here last weekend helping us with much of our preparations, as well, so we are VERY ready! House clean, laundry done, etc. Thank you Mom! (She also tried to help me "naturally" induce by going for walks, going to the springs to relax, etc)

By next week, we should have plenty of photos for everyone! stay tuned...

2008-10-11T17:01:00.001-07:00

"Peejay"

This is my monkey that Gramma Mimi gave me. It was actually a craft kit to make the monkey. I jsut wanted to post this so Gramma can see it all done.

Thank you Gma Mimi!!! It was fun!

37 1/2 weeks!

2008-10-11T16:55:00.000-07:00

yes-I am counting days left! Our house is just about to Todd's standards for the arrival of the baby and all of our welcome guests in the next few months, years, etc! I cant wait until you all come see it (and her)! I will have photos of the house soon...

moose sighting!

2008-09-22T17:01:00.001-07:00

On a walk today, we saw 4 moose (or is that meese?!?!?!?!) by the river...luckily we were way up on the road looking down. These photos show no justice to the grandness of these animals. One of the bulls had a rack you usually only see in the hunting mags!

Caleb was keeping a careful eye and ear out for the moose, as well!

some of you thought that I was going to put up a pic of myself, didnt ya????

8 months!!!

2008-09-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

well...you can all be the judge? who in this photo is 6 mos, 8 mos, and just plain full of beer???

I also included another moose photo for all you wildlife enthusiasts out there!!!

Home for the "Folks'' 40th anniversary!

2008-09-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad welcomed us all home with open arms for their 40th anniversary. Rachel, Mary Beth, Lori and I have been planning that party for a long time...so long, I didnt even know that I was pregnant yet...or was even going to be eventually!! hahaha

There was so much food, events, and fun that it took Todd and I a week to recover. Todd and I were priveleged to a tour of Standard Process-our supplement "sponsor" (as Todd calls it), on Thursday, Lori in on Friday morning with grocery shopping with Dad... That afternoon was filled with more fun and food when Mary Beth and Mom and Dad joined Lori, Todd and I for happy hour (yes, I was the DD). We picked Con up that evening and got home just in time for Rachel, Rog, Gma mimi and Owie to pull in the driveway.

Saturday morning, the guys all went golfing and the girls went to a shower for yours truly! (I am so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life! Thank you all!) After naps and walks in the forest, we all went out for dinner in Milwaukee-see the photos for the group shots and to see the "creepy pope" pics.

Sunday was Milwaukee Brewers day where we tailgated and all got our fill of sun, beer, food, and bad baseball (it was really fun, just a really bad game! hahahaha)!!!

Ready for another 40 mom and dad???????

"Auntie" Emmy here for a visit!

2008-09-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

My sister Mary Beth came for a visit and helped me with a few things-including relaxing and getting sun! We rode bikes, ate yummy food, played with the doggies and Em climbed a mountain...finally someone else in my family knows what it feels like to be on top of the world!

PS-Just so you all know-that is an O'Doul's in my hand...

getting ready for our little girl

2008-09-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have finally put together the special room for our little one...I am at the point that I just cannot wait!!! 8 weeks! It will go so fast, so I am desperatley trying to hold on to the feelings that I am having and spending time watching our little one "playing" inside my tummy! I dont believe that anything else could be so amazing... I will miss it for sure. A friend of mine said that she sometimes wakes up thinking that she feels her baby move inside-but her baby was born 3 weeks ago!!

7 months!

2008-08-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

I hate this photo, but what am I to do at this point?!?! I am always twice the size at night as when I woke up that morning!

We are working at getting Caleb associated with babies...Baby noise CD's, baby dolls, etc...Fun!

I am feeling great and am still very active! She is moving a ton and it is very entertaining to watch her move around.

Newest prego pics... 6 months and counting

2008-07-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

My sister Rachel is 4 months pregnant. We are having fun doing this together and she has lots of great advice for me. I hope that she has a girl, too, so that they can be like twins!

the wise Caleb Izaak Olsen and Sadie doing "down dog"

2008-07-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

For all the friends and family that wish they could get here, but havent found a way, yet, I have decided to introduce you all to the Olsen "Handlebar Ranch" and it's population!

2008-07-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

An incredible family visit! Wow...we had so much fun and did a lot, saw a lot, and ate a lot! Once everyone left, our house seemed so quiet and big! Luckily, we will be filling that space with our little girl in a few months.

2008-07-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Awaiting our little girl is so exciting! We are at 6 months and counting down...slowly, but quickly! With this blog you will all be able to follow her growth (and ours!) and watch us through our adventures of becoming a family of 3 (plus the 4-legged kids!)