Taylor Rae

Our niece, Taylor Rae Dortch is here!  One Kratz baby born this year--two more to go!  She came into the world at 9:50pm on Friday evening (only 20 minutes off my guess for timing) and weighed 8lbs, 2oz (almost two pounds OVER my guess).  She is sweet, sweet, sweet and I have to restrain myself from squeezing her chubby cheeks!

Liam practiced his baby holding skills and did very well--he checked her out, kissed her cheeks, and then was done--actually, he was distracted by food:)

I have no doubt that he will be the best big brother to his sister when it is time.

Hot August Nights 2012

We made the trek "over the mountains and through the woods" to Reno this weekend for Liam's 3rd Hot August Nights.  As usual, he loved the cars, playing at Mimi and G-Daddy's, and having a fun/relaxing weekend.

New Baby K

This blog isn't all about Liam anymore.  We have a new "Baby K" arriving in just a few short weeks.  Hattie is already so blessed.  She will be welcomed into this world to a mommy and daddy who have a lot of extra love to share with her, a brother who already is showing how sweet and affectionate he will be to her, and family and friends who have already shown how generous they are by showering her with love and gifts.

Have I mentioned that I am BLESSED by great family and friends?  I am.  Although I was a little reluctant to accept a shower (this is my second after all) my friends insisted that Hattie deserved a party...and boy, did they throw it for her.

Thanks to this shower, Hattie will no longer be wearing borderline boy hand-me-downs from Liam's old wardrobe.  She now has lots of bows and hats, dresses and skirts, pink blankets and swaddles, and very girly shoes:)

Monterey

With three babies on the way in the next two months, the Kratz family decided to take a semi-local weekend vacation to beautiful Monterey this year.  Our house was right on the water, which allowed for plenty of wave jumping and sand castle building.  We all visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium (one of Liam's favorites) and had a great time relaxing and spending time together.

Things will quickly change when we jump from four grandbabies to seven, but it will be so fun for the three of them--Taylor, Hattie, and Joshua--to get to grow up close in age and proximity to each other.

Fun times:

Waterboy

I dare you to find a kid that likes the water more than this one. 

From swimming to gutters:

Lakes and boats:

And sprinkers to oceans:

My little waterboy can't get enough!

Now, just to teach him a little, healthy, fear of the water.

Absolutely no fear!