This and That

I really do want to blog more, but nothing too exciting has been happening lately. Except for this:
I know what you're thinking, "Neat, another picture of Delaney and a cat." Wrong. This is so much more than that! This picture documents the healing process that Imogene has been going through in regards to the acceptance of Delaney. Up until this point, Delaney and Imogene's relationship has been purely one of cohabitation. But now, I think they're becoming friends. At least that's what I want to think. And don't mind the mound of clothes/blankets on the bed--it was laundry day.

Remember back in May when Steve graduated with his Masters? Here's a picture to refresh your memory:
Well, he wasn't technically done. He still had an online course and his comprehensive exams to pass. Of course Steve aced his exams and finished his coursework this August. We are proud to announce that Steve is finally a legitimate master of education. The Dunlaps are done with school, whoo hoo!

Finally, I leave you with a few pictures that Delaney's Auntie Laura Kobbs took of her. We had a chick flick day awhile back, and Laura snapped a few shots of Delaney. We love our Kobbs and are wondering why she doesn't have a blog for us to stalk?

Our beautiful daughter, in major need of a tan.

Why crawl when you could fly?

Have you heard the good news?

My BFFs, Beka & Jake, received a very important phone call yesterday--their referral for their baby boy from Ethiopia! Click here to hear the good news from the expectant parents. I can't wait to meet that little bitty boy!

Videos

Here are a two videos we put together tonight. They show that Karen and Delaney are truly mother and daughter. Apparently, Karen use to suck her toes as well. She has kicked that habit as of late, but still hates her green beans. Enjoy!

The End is Near

The end of summer, that is. Our little family has been working our darnedest to avoid Back to School sales and commercials, but it is a losing battle. Steve's students return on Monday, so he's been in his classroom this week gearing up for that. As for me (Karen), my students don't return until Sept. 10th, but I have a lot of work to do before that happens. As many of you know, I am fortunate enough to return to work only part-time. How does that work as an elementary teacher? Well, I am team-teaching with my friend and we are switching off weeks. So when I'm off, I'll really get to stay home and (hopefully) not think about work.

I have been pouting a bit (or a lot) about returning to work, but lately I have been trying to see the good in this. Here's the good:

1. I have a job.

2. I only have to work part-time.

3. I have a job that I really, truly love.

4. Delaney will be in VERY competent hands (her Nana and our good friend Kari).

So what's bad about that? I've had 6 months off. Lucky me, lucky Delaney. But here's the bad:

1. I have to leave Delaney. Boo.

2. Is there such a thing as a "part-time" teacher? I am normally like a full-time plus part-time teacher. Can I do it?

On other matters, Riverside has been blessed with below average temperatures (90's instead of 100's), and we're trying to take advantage of that. Tonight our family (sans kitties) had a wee little picnic in the park.

Tired of seeing pictures like this yet? I'm not.

It isn't a party unless Brundibar's invited.

Why do we encourage this type of behavior? Beats me!

7 is our lucky number

Today we celebrate 7 years of wedded bliss. We were just babies when we met (see the above picture for proof), and boy am I glad that we did. 11 years ago I (Karen) sat down to eat my lunch with a bunch of strange, rowdy boys at the Simpson College cafeteria and the course of my life was forever changed.

We've had a good run, babe, and I wouldn't want to spend my days with anyone but you.

July Pictures

Here's a smattering of pictures taken during the month of July. Enjoy.

I took this picture primarily for my folks to show them that their Granddaughter is also a toe-sucker. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

I blogged awhile back about my wariness concerning giving Delaney rice cereal in a bottle like our Dr. suggested. We decided instead to try cereal in a bowl. Laney Loo digs it!

Beaver believer at heart!

Delaney passed out in Daddy's backpack at Mt. Whitney.

So many stereotypes wrapped up in this picture...Donna Reed, eat your heart out.

We started using cloth diapers, and it's a surprise every day!

Delaney is becoming more and more aware of the other critters that reside with us. Today she tried to eat Charlie's ear. She wasn't successful, but did manage a mouthful of cat hair. Build up those antibodies, baby!

Oh Charlie Boy, I am so sorry. This is just the beginning! If you're wondering why I haven't snapped any pictures of Laney and Imogene, it's because Imogene wants nothing to do with Delaney. I guess I can't blame the girl.