My little first graders are cute and goofy. This was supposed to be the "normal" picture, not the goofy one that would come later. 

Jane and Tate: See his little puppy belly! 

Tate has got his cute head nod down. 

Tate loves playing in the backyard.  

We really like it's updated interior with clear visibility and sharp instrumentation. We hope it gets good gas mileage as well. 

Here's our new honda! 

Tate hates getting cleaned up, but loves playing with his blanket. 

Tate and his new dad. 

I am the cutest puppy ever!  

Yes, I already know how to chew on stuff. 

Tate "Tater" Pedretti.  

Wicked Musical Soundtrack Lyrics

Jane and I are going to see the new Chicago cast for Wicked, the prelog to The Wizard of Oz on August 22. I haven't heard such a good musical since Les Miserables. Here is a link to the clever lyrics: Wicked Musical Soundtrack Lyrics.

Curt, seen here wearing his brightest shirt for the family picture, didn't cool off from the day's heat, until somewhere near the Dells. It was a festive, but hot family picnic.  

After the canoe trip, we met back at the farm and enjoyed the evening air. Grandma and grandpa loved hearing the stories from the day. Meanwhile, Ethan, Evan, and Alex were busy riding bikes, playing basketball, and generally, getting dirty! 

We all stood around until Mom jumped in and started ordering people into vehicles. From left to right stands Brandon, Jess, Kimberly, Curt, Lynette, Mona, and Julie (seated). There was nearly 22 of us on the river. 

Before canoeing, we all ate a big lunch around the kitchen table and tried to help Curt understand how we all get to the river. This seems to confuse him every year. 

On saturday, we toured Brandon and Jess' new home on the Coulee. During the landing process, they broke a pipe under the house, so they'll move in later this week. Congrats, guys! 

I carpooled with my parents back to La Crosse this weekend for my grandparent's 49th wedding anniversary. First, we stopped and saw Maryellen's new home (still under construction). 

Look at that fine Scandinavian-Italian craftsmanship. 

Hanging out out on the deck. We picked up a new outdoor table and chair set (no chairs pictured here).