The Dimpled Four

Sarah and Sam Get Married: Oliver Takes Over Photography, Rehearsal Dinner

Part way through the incredibly yummy rehearsal dinner on Sunday night, we ran out of methods of entertaining Oliver. Then Mike decided to show Oliver how to use the camera. In the next 24 hours, he took 458 photos. Many were of shoes, a few of the floor, but a lot of them were pretty darned good. Here are some of Oliver's best photos from the rehearsal dinner night.

Gam taking a photo of Oliver taking a photo.

This was Oliver's first attempt of a photo of Sarah and Sam.

And here's his second attmept. Take the two photos together we can see most of the happy couple!

Mike and Kiernan. This shot is amazing---it takes me half an hour to get both Mike and Kiernan smiling--so well done Oliver!

Auntie Em and Sam's sister Annie.

Uncle Petey.

Sarah and Sam Get Married Day 4: Father's Day---Playing Catch

Sunday was Father's Day. Sam had a 1:05 game, but we showed up at the field early so we could play catch on the field---a Father's Day treat! Here are Kiernan and Mike before the catch.

Kiernan looking at the field from inside the box.

Oliver thought going out on the field was about the coolest thing he's ever done--and Kiernan seemed to think that this grass was pretty nice to crawl in.

Oliver pitching to Mike (it was a strike). Notice Kiernan clapping in the background.

Oliver's throws are getting pretty darned good. This is with the ball that Sam had given him the night before.

The best part (besides playing catch with dad of course) was that Sam came out on the field to play catch with his dad. He then came over and hung out with Oliver for a bit---which completely made Oliver's weekend.

Oliver threw to Sam, and was right on target.

Sam helps Oliver put his glove on.

Oliver and Sam are trading tips for a good game.

Sam asked Oliver about the cub on his hat. Oliver then proceeded to tell a 5 minute story about the polar bear he saw at the zoo that was swimming in the water and then got out of the water and then shook himself dry and then looked at Oliver and then said, "Roar!"

Cool dudes with their tongues out.

Mike with Oliver and Kiernan, Sam and his dad, Ken Fuld.

Sarah and Sam Get Married Day 3.3: Our Second Iowa Cubs Game!

On Saturday night we got to see Sam play again! This time we had a box in left field, which was close enough that Oliver could see and wave to his favorite baseball player of all time: Sam Fuld. It's pretty safe to say that by the end of our time in Iowa, Oliver was completely in love with his new uncle.

Here's Sam in center field---part way through the game Sam through Oliver a game ball. Oliver thought it was so incredible to have a real baseball. He has slept with the ball every nap and bedtime since....

Uncle Peter and Aunt Vanessa---looking great. San Francisco seems to be a good match for them!

Oliver and his Gam.

Colin, Sarah and I.

Aunt Vanessa and Kiernan.

The other amazing thing that happened this game (besides getting the ball) was that the people that shoot the t-shirts into the stands with the cannon shot a shirt into the box. Oliver got a little help from Ellee and aunt Vanessa in putting it on.

Sarah and Sam Get Married Day 3.2: Howell Farm

In preparation for the wedding on Monday, we went out to an amazing farm and greenhouse. The Howell family has been operating the farm for over 100 years-and it was truly beautiful. Kiernan and I recovering from a rough car ride to the farm.

Kiernan and dad driving together.

The goats at Howell farm. They're looking for food, or maybe small fingers, to eat.

Mike was trying to show Oliver how nice the goats are, but Oliver remained pretty unconvinced....

And then Oliver met Cheryl. He fell in love (who wouldn't) with this tiny goat. She was incredible!

Cheryl and Oliver spent a few minutes playing in the grass. Mostly this meant that Cheryl ran and goat-jumped away from him, but she did "let him" hold her too.

Sarah and Sam Get Married Day 3.1: The Duke

On Saturday we went out to Howell farm to help pick up the flowers for the wedding. We were meeting Mary Alice there and were a bit early, so we decided we should go on an adventure.

We (the boys, Emily and I) found John Wayne's birth house! There's a small museum (and big gift shop) featuring all things John Wayne.

Oliver was pretty impressed with the Duke, although got a bit bored during the 10 minute tour.

The Duke was born in this house, with the help of a female doctor. His mom needed the assistance because when he was born, John weighed 13 lbs! Yikes!

Sarah and Sam Get Married Day 2: The Long Walk

On our second day in Iowa Mike had to get up at 4 (again) to go visit Quad Cities nuclear power plant. Sadly, when sleeping in a hotel room if one person is awake, we're all awake. So once the boys and I ate, we hit the streets of Des Moines for a walk. It's a really beautiful and clean city---everyone was very friendly too.

We walked over to the state house, where a marching band met us---I'm thinking they were excited about a visitor from another state?

The boys found the state capitol to be a bit less exciting than I did (apparently Sophie and Mia were not enthused either).

By the time we were done with our walk, Michael the Elder, Mary Alice and Auntie Em were all in town! We walked over to the stadium to eat a picnic lunch and play in the fountain. Here's Oliver walking back with Grandpa and Gam. (Note, this is the bathing suit outfit that was worn on the plane).

Sarah and Sam Get Married Day 1: Our First Iowa Cubs Game!

We went to Iowa this past weekend to celebrate Sarah and Sam's wedding. It was an amazing weekend and beautiful wedding.

We had a rough start to our morning when we got to the airport a little late (we were up at 4, but still couldn't quite get there early for our 6:50 flight). We were able to check in, but they wouldn't take our luggage. This meant that we had to run through the airport and security with 2 car seats, 3 bags of luggage, 3 carry-ons, our double stroller and 2 boys. We kept getting really helpful comments from people like, "Wow, you've got a lot of stuff" or "When I had 6 kids I traveled with less." Thanks people.

Our flight was delayed from Philly so we missed our connection in Chicago (it's really hard to get to Des Moines apparently). This was actually a blessing though because we were able to walk around, get some breakfast and pee.

While waiting in Chicago, we were talking with Oliver about the hotel and how it had a swimming pool. Oliver started yelling, "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness! I'm so Ka-Cited! A swimming pool?!?!?" This is the point when he started stripping off his clothes. He changed into his bathing suit and wore it on the plane from Chicago to Des Moines.

When we got there we met up with Ellee Dean and Sarah and went to the baseball game. It was a blast! We sat right behind home plate. Oliver was featured on the jumbotron, and he got to meet Cubbie--the Cubs mascot!