Sunday Fun

Last Sunday we headed to Columbia to visit with family at Grandma Dot's house. It was a monumental day for Henry as he took his first steps with Uncle John. We got to visit with some of our Texas family members too. And we got to see how much baby Trooper had grown in just two weeks (sadly no pics). At the end of the evening Maggie tried out for the family band using her mad harmonica skills.
We are such a close family that we don't even have to call each other to coordinate wearing matching orange shirts.

Baby Steps

Walk to me...

cute enough to eat

Caleigh.
Sam.



Sunday picnics in the park never tasted so good. Thanks Lindsay for the cupcakes and thanks for sharing the cute pics Daniel.

Baby Boy for Big Brother

Congratulations Peter and Megan!
My big brother Peter and my sister in law Megan welcomed their first baby into the world last tuesday, Glenn Peter Zaepfel III "Trooper". They couldn't have planned his arrival better (for me anywas). I was planning on making a trip to Columbia on wednesday because Tyler was headed to Atlanta for an RUF conference. When we heard Trooper was on his way we decided to leave tuesday night instead so we could meet this little man ASAP! Well, so I could meet this little guy a.s.a.p, cousin introductions took place the following day. With Trooper joining the "Zaepfel" clan the grandbaby tally for my folks is now four under two with one on the way. My parents are in grandparent heaven. The Lord is so so good!
Me, My brother Peter and sister Christine and sweet little Trooper.
I think he really looks like my brother in this picture. I wish I had a baby picture to post of Peter they look a lot alike in this particular picture. Don't you think mom?
The chaotic cousin introductions. Megan and Peter were good sports as we piled all the kids into their tiny hospital room to meet Trooper.


Trooper is in the nursery behind the proud grandparents. He was being given the royal treatment as he was the only one in the nursery. From left to right, Megan's dad Brent, Poppa, Grandma and Grandma Dot.

Congratulations Pyles!

http://apieceofthepyles.wordpress.com/
Check out my cousin Lauren's sweet new baby boys...Lane and Cullen.
We can't wait to meet them in person!

Oh Kansas...

So, this is where we've been for the past few days...good ole' Kansas. And when I say Kansas I mean Kansas (we visited quite thoroughly). During our trip to Grams and Dog (Grandpa and Grandma Dirks) territory we toured through Wichita, Manhattan, Kansas City, Dodge City and Garden City and that was just where we stayed overnight. We drove through countless other cities throughout the sunflower state as we headed to our overnight destinations. We caught up with Aunts, Uncles, Great Grandpa Nietfeld, and Great Grandma Nietfeld, Great Grandma Dirks and Kansan friend folk. (When we go to Kansas we mean business). We spent most of our time with Grams, Dog and Aunt Roomie (Melodee) and when we left we kidnapped Aunt Roomie and brought her back to NC. She is now our Nanny slave until next tuesday when we shall release her (perhaps). So, the following pics are of our time in the midwest. The order is a little jumbled, but I think you'll get the picture.

This is us in Garden City, dressed in our Kansas State best. Purple is the color of choice in the Dirk's family, even Titus (the dog) wears a little scarf around his neck to show his wildcat pride.
We spent some time at the Garden City zoo and afterwards enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade.
Posing inside the zoo.
Petting the baby giraffe's nose.
I think in this picture Maggie spotted "Dumbo" (the name Maggie dubbed the zoo's elephant). He is one of our favorite disney characters and to see him in person at the zoo is pretty amazing.
Dog converted his hot tub into a giant baby swimming pool.
It was a little chilly so Henry kept trying to climb out.
We spent a good deal of time in the Dirks' van so Maggie found countless ways to keep herself entertained.
We met up with Aunt Susan and Uncle Arlan in Kansas City.
Henry also got to meet his Great Grandparents for the first time. This is his Great Grandma Dirks.
Maggie and Henry loved spending time with their Dog. He made sure they were always decked out in Kansas State apparel. So much in fact that when we got home Maggie, unprompted, asked if Dog gave her the Kansas State socks I put on her one morning. She was right he had.
Maggie and Henry formed a band in Kansas City.
Maggie with Great Grandpa Nietfeld in Manhattan.
Henry enjoying some milk with Frank, an old family friend, in Manhattan.
And finally we said goodbye in Wichita. We had a great time in Kansas and can't wait to go back again real soon. Thanks for having us!