Virtual Pat on the Back
I'm giving myself a virtual pat on the back for my amazing shopping skills. A friend here in Columbus taught me a little about Couponing and my life has changed. A couple of weeks ago I made my biggest get yet. Here is all the stuff I brought home for a measly $3.72. (For those of you that don't know - one bottle of juice by itself is normally close to $5)

I was able to do this with coupons on top of sale items and "bucks back" from previous shopping trips. Then, at the register I got $3 in bucks back and $5 off $25. I used both of those register coupons this week with manufacture's coupons and sales to get 3 jumbo packs of Huggies for $5 each. CRAZY! Now what to do with all this money I'm saving...

Toman Blogging
I finally blurbed our blog for 2007 and 2008 into a book. It has been fun to look through the past entries and remember what we did, especially in the months leading up to Cadie's birth and just after. That seems so long ago! It reminded me of why I keep up this blog. It is a great way to share our activities with family and friends but it is also the best way for me to journal our family memories and activities. One day I'll be a witty blogger that has hundreds of followers but for now I'm happy with the boring day to days of the Toman Blah Blah Blog.
That said, here is what we have been up to. Cadie and the playgroup visited a firestation and had an awesome time with the firefighters and their gear. Fireman Smith put on all his clothing and gear including oxygen mask and worked with the kids to not be afraid of him in case they are ever in an emergency and need his help.

When we walked through our home for the first time I stood by the front door and said "that would be the perfect place for my baby grand." Ha ha. I didn't have a baby grand and Eric thought I was nuts. But... a vigilant eye on Craig's list brought about my dream. Eric's mom visited us for a week just after we got it and Cadie would lead us all into the front room and have us clap for her piano performances.

Eric was away for a week at the end of August for a conference and then had a major deadline so we didn't see much of him. We have been busy this last week making up for it! We watched wild turtles and frogs at a local metro park, ate gyros at a greek festival, played at the science museum, and caught the last Clippers baseball game of the season. Here is a picture of Cadie and Eric in front of the large lilly pads at Goodale park.

And here is Cadie eating a hot dot at the ball game (it was dime a dog night!)

Nauvoo

Independence
I'm a little late for an Independence Day blog but we had a good one here in middle america. We have actually had an independence month. Cadie's favorite word, "no," has morphed into a favorite phrase, "no, Deedee!" With "Deedee" the term that she uses to refer to herself, this new phrase roughly translates into, "no thank you, I will do it myself" without all of the polite parts. This new independence has caused some difficulty (especially trying to get out the door in a hurry) but it is pretty cute. Here is Miss Independence with piggies and borrowed "eyes."

On the Move
We can sum up the last month with three words, "go, go, go!" Feels a little like a Dr. Suess book.

Cadie and I spent a few days in Utah with family while Eric worked in central Oregon. Cadie and Aunt Paige on the piano:Then we joined Eric in Oregon and were able to visit friends, family and the coast. On the day we went to the coast, it was a beautiful day inland but a bit blustery on the beach. The weather didn't stop Cadie from testing the water and tasting the sand.

It was fun to see how much all the kids had grown. Eric, Cadie, June, and Duncan.

We stayed with the Hale family in Corvallis. They are so great! Cadie wrestling with the Hale boys.

My cousin Heidi and her family were in the middle of a move but still kind enough to let us crash at their place in Portland. Cadie and second-cousins Sam, Rachel, and Anna in Portland.

We all got home (luckily on the same flight - had a bit of bad luck and missed the first flight) just in time. The next day was the start of the Tour de Grandview, a professional bike race that rode circuits around our neighborhood. We witnessed a crash - Cadie yelled "uh oh!" but the riders were alright.

 
There are days when I really miss Oregon but there are great things about Ohio. Our garden just about doubled its size while we were away. Anyone like any kale? 

I can just about taste Summer
If we make it through this final week of classes with our sanity it will truly be something to celebrate. Helping us cope... The pool opened and weather today was nice enough to enjoy it!

Bike ride into downtown to feed the Canada geese (and crash a wedding party that was hanging out along the bike path).

First fruits of our labor. Our garden plot at the community gardens is in full lettuce and turnip greens production. Yummmm

A little lady
Miss. Cadie is growing up so fast! I see it best with pictures - she looks so old! She will be 18 months next week. Most of our pictures of late have an open-mouth little girl. This is her reaction when we ask her to smile. Breakfast on the front porch.

Making cookies with Mom.

Cadie made a chili pepper pinata filled with Kix while I was at work on Cinco de Mayo. This picture was taken seconds before she destroyed it. (Thanks Laura! what I cute idea!)

Finally, one real smile. Her first bike! We are all so excited about this one.

A little decorating
Finally did something to Cadie's room. Thanks to Paige for the tree.
More house/yard projects to come!


Our neighbor has an amazing tulip garden - I had to take pictures.