Hello there! This is Mom, just to let you know that Aunt Dade (Hazel Reuter) passed away yesterday evening. She was my father's sister, and she outlived him by 64 years. She was 94 1/2 and her mind has been failing for a few years. What's really sad is that her daughter, my cousin Linda, just lost her husband to cancer on the 5th of this month after a very lengthy illness. I have no other details. I found out on Facebook!

The Wood families meet the bunny at the Devonshire Easter party. Lots of fun was had by everyone. Thanks go to grandma Signer for inviting us.

EVELYN

Nana & Papa spend quality time with Evelyn while Mommy & Daddy take a well deserved vacation.

MA & PA WOOD

Nana & Papa Wood go to the big city for the Chicago Flower & Garden show and to see the sights around Navy Pier. They had lunch at the new Harry Caray's restaurant followed by a ride on the big BNSF train back to Naperville.

18 months...

Hello! Today I turn a year and a half. It's quite exciting, although I don't feel any different.

I've been busy for the past 6 months! I still go to a mommy & me class with Mommy once a week and to daycare twice a week. I've been learning a lot too. I continue to communicate through sign language and I've been learning to say more words. The 2 words I've learned to say most recently are "hello" and "grandpa".

I'm turning into a real monkey. I love to climb on everything, even though I know I'm not supposed to. I really enjoy climbing and jumping on the couch. I've fallen off a few times, but am not afraid to to it again.

I love playing with my big legos, my pal violet and all my little people, and to read. I also enjoy coloring. Forget about staying in the lines...I have a hard enough time staying on the paper! :)

Update from the Chard Yard

If one word could sum up the past couple of weeks, it's "sick". First our computer got sick and ultimately we ended up having to buy a new one (which made us kind of sick). Then on Friday around nap time Gavin started throwing up. He powered through whatever it was and seemed all better within 5 or 6 hours. Then on Saturday evening I came down with something similar, but it lasted a full 24 hours. I watched the Super Bowl from underneath the covers at home while Brandon and Gavin enjoyed the festivities at Hart & Buffy's house next door. I'm finally feeling human again but now Brandon has it. So far three other families from Gavin's day care have been affected by it. On the bright side, once Brandon's done with it we will all be immune! Right? Gosh, I sure hope so. Sounds like Melissa has been a little sick as well - but at least it's for a happy reason :)

Oh, and in case you didn't know it, I'm a Plant Scientist: http://vimeo.com/9254339
And while we're at it, click here for an oldy but a goody from NASA.

Love to you all!

A Special Message...

That's right folks...The stork is scheduled to deliver my baby sis or bro on August 15.

As you can see, I'm pretty excited about the news, and Mommy and Daddy are just as thrilled.

Mommy is exhausted and nauseated, but is feeling better by the week. :)