Nice name

So, we were cruising home today from a trek north to Nashville. We'd visited the science museum and lunched at Satco. It was nice.

On this occasion, we chose to come through the new development down the road. The main drag is called "Jones Parkway". Jenn had previously established she thought it wasn't the best name for a street.

Aspen: What's this street called?
Tim: Jones Parkway.
Aspen: That's a bad name for a street.
Jenn: What would be a better name for it?
Aspen: Satco

Who could argue with that?

Is one week enough?

A bit of last day swimming led Oakley across the pool to Nana. We can't express how much we enjoy our summer trip to Milwaukee. Nana and Papa are such gracious hosts, and it really is such a great place to visit. Each year, we come away talking about how we wish we'd stayed longer. 

Lost Tooth!

Big news happened in Milwaukee! The first tooth has fallen, and before kindergarden, nonetheless. See it for yourself. For the record, the lucky remover was none other than Aunt Karen! Jenn and I were both a bit queesy about the whole thing and Karen reached in just to wiggle it, and out it came! 

Coordinated flight

 

Positive Peer Pressure

Much credit for Aspen's success goes to her only older cousin, Jocelyn. Jocelyn's positive (and unspoken) peer pressure led towards Aspen's successes. Thank you, Jocelyn!

Editor's Note: Deepest apologies to David Keller, photographer extraordinare. His daring and acumen were both tested in accomplishing these remarkable shots. Furthermore, David's gallery will be opening in Willow Glen later this year.

Aspen takes flight

Well, our child who jumped into the four feet portion of the pool for the first time a week ago has blossomed. Check out this flight into the deep end of Nana and Papa's pool. 

Four out of five.

Four out of five. This seems to be a theme (that we can't keep them all together for a perfect picture). Kiana is still well out of frame in California. 

Fireworks

The fourth included fireworks for all as well. In this case, Binky the Clown provided them on Aspen's arm. Oakley got hers from another clown... Windy Lindy. Does anyone sense a new nickname for the most recent daughter?!

We finished the night with a visit to the Whitefish Bay fireworks as well. 

En route

And here we they are in the final turn of the parade. Look at the professionalism. Waves all around... 

Anyone and EVERYONE

I told you anyone and everyone who wanted to be in the parade could be. See? 

One of the highlights of this year's trip to Milwaukee was a parade. And mind you, we didn't just watch this parade, we were in it. All of the available granddaughters joined Papa in the 1947 Willy's Jeep, which was equipped long ago to fight fires.

The parade itself took place in Fox Point, the village in which I grew up. We weren't the only participants. Anyone and everyone can choose to watch the parade or participate, and it winds up at a park where everyone participates by eating a bit of ice cream. It is a tradition I remember from growing up, and a great one for the girls to experience. Jocelyn was out of the frame as this picture was taken. Kiana was even farther out of the frame in California... 

Bruce Lee would be proud!

Check out Oakley flying into the pool in Milwaukee! I think even Bruce Lee would be proud of the high flier. Keep in mind, of course, that Oakley wasn't real pleased to go under water just three weeks ago! 

Swimmers!?

That's right. Oakley and Aspen are both really progressing in the water. I've concluded that just being in the water a lot is such a huge key to learning to swim. Between a lesson on Saturday, a quick swim yesterday before our trip up to Milwaukee, and an awesome session today at Nana and Papa's house, the girls are doing great.

Peer pressure has been a big help too. After watching her cousin Jocelyn jump into the deep end, Aspen decided to try it herself. More than a dozen jumps later, Aspen was doing it all by herself and managed to swim across the deep end all by herself, taking three breaths in the process.

Oakley, never one to be outdone, found herself jumping off the side of the pool and swimming from the steps all the way across the shallow end to Papa. It's great to see them both progressing!