Nasty Dogs

We spent Thanksgiving with Grandpa & Grandma Lesher in Missouri Valley this year. There was lots of food, relaxing, card playing, and fun. However, as is the case whenever we visit, Dozer and Rudy think they need to wrestle the ENTIRE time. So here's what we have to walk around, listen to, and deal with whenever these two get together.

After a quick butt-sniffing "hello" they are literally at each other's throats.


In short order we have a 2-dog Tornado on our hands.


What Rudy lacks in size, he makes up for in raw, untamed ferocity! Here he is in mid-strike. Rudy runs circles around Dozer, them jumps up on the couch, using it as a springboard to launch himself back on top Dozer.


Eventually we can't take it anymore and both dogs end up in jail!!!

Got Your Tickets?

To the gun show!!!!!

Caleb snoring

2 months old

Caleb celebrated his 2 month birthday on November 24th. We were hit by a little ice storm in the morning, which delayed our take off for Grandpa & Grandma Leshers house. But we made it out the door by 2pm and arrived safely at Caleb's grandparents right before dark. Here's Caleb's progression from birth to now.

Shortly after he was born


1 Month


2 Month


At his 2 month Doctor's appointment he was just shy of 13 pounds, which puts him at the 88th percentile. His head circumference was in the 99th percentile! He's a growing little man and his favorite thing to do now is smile at people!

No Hands!

We both have found our own ways to carry the baby, all while keeping our hands free.

Trish ordered a sling through SevenSlings. It's pretty handy and keeps our little critter warm & snug!



Andy likes the baby bjourn. And so does Caleb!

Aunt Tami

Caleb got to meet his Aunt Tami last weekend. She came down from northern Wisconsin for the baptism and he was excited to meet her! Here he is with his Aunt Tami.

Caleb's Baptism

Today Caleb was baptized at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Boone. We had lots of family there to celebrate with us.

The baptismal gown that Caleb wore was first worn by his Great Great Grandpa Charlie almost 115 years ago in January of 1896. Since then that same gown has been worn by Caleb's Great Grandpa Jim (1929), Grandpa Mike (1954), Uncle and also Godfather Seth (1983), and dad Andy (1981).


Our regular priest could not conduct the baptism because he was recovering from surgery on his vocal cords just 4 days earlier. Instead Deacon David Brown did an excellent job and Caleb did a great job, not crying or fussing once.


We came back to our house for lunch after the baptism. It was a great day and we were glad so many family members were able to make it to share Caleb's special day.

By the end of the day, both Dad and Caleb were tuckered out!

The many faces of Caleb Michael

Engaged!!!!

Andy's cousin Sara Rose got engaged shortly before Halloween. Her fiance is Bob, and he's a pretty good guy :)

Trish is going to be a bridesmaid and Andy's been asked to be an usher in the wedding to be held October 1, 2011 in Solon, IA. We are excited and the wedding is going to be AWESOME!!!!

Solon Weekend & Halloween

As promised, here's the rest of the pictures from last weekend.

Great Grandpa & Grandma Bartlett. They loved meeting Caleb. We also visited Great Grandma Wille, but unfortunately didn't get any pictures.


Uncle Seth & Aunt Joanna...Thanks for letting us stay at your house!!!!


Great Aunt Sara


Great Grandma & Grandpa Bartlett with all but 3 of their great grandchildren.


Caleb & his newest cousin John. John is the son of Andy's cousin Mike, so technically Caleb & John are second cousins (I think). Caleb is only 8 days older than John.


Great Aunt Sherri and second cousin Reese. Caleb is in his Halloween costume....it's a horse!


We had a great time seeing lots of friends and family...even if some of them slept on the couch the whole time we were at their house (Mitch). And thanks to Grandma Mary for watching the little man while we watched the Iowa game at the Station!! We had a blast!

Caleb's first trip to Sutliff

Every time we go back to visit family in Solon, we always end the trip by eating Sunday lunch at Sutliff Bar & Grill and then head back home. Andy practically grew up in Sutliff and we've enjoyed going there for years. This was Caleb's first trip to Sutliff. He decided he wasn't hungry and didn't order anything!