11 months

I can hardly believe Kate is 11 months old. I remember last year at this time being very pregnant and hot in the NC heat. We get the first 2 weeks of August off each year, and last year I spent my 2 weeks getting ready for Kate and finishing up our wedding scrapbook which I figured would never get done otherwise. This year we took a trip to CO for the first week. We stayed with both Kent and Debbie and my parents. Kate got to meet Great Gagy, which was wonderful for both of them. We went to the county fair and had popsicles naked outside.

Kate loved playing airplane with Papa Kent:

...and cuddling with Papa Craig.

She enjoyed being pulled in the wagon by Uncle Alex...
and having her toenails painted by Aunt Beedoh.

She spent lots of time outside playing on the slide...

and going for a dip in the hot tub.

Everywhere she went, she left her mark...

Kate is walking all over the place now and is very stable. Only the occasional crash now. She is very independent and enjoys her new freedom. She has also started saying her official first word: "Hi" and will say "Hi Dad" on the phone. We are having so much fun with her, especially now that she is interacting with us more and more.

While we were gone, Loren surprised me with new wood floors throughout the main level of our house. I was shocked! They are beautiful! In addition, he cleaned the bathrooms and refrigerator. I've got to leave more often!!

I admit I'm a little nervous to go back to school for the fall. My schedule is not as good as it has been in the past and I don't get as much time at home. I am trying to have a positive attitude and keep reminding myself it is only about 3 months...