Dad's Weekend

Hi everyone. It's me Katie -- daughter of a Hockey Hall of Famer. We all had a nice weekend celebrating Dad's honor. I also had a great visit with Grandma and Grandpa Dolak (and we know the rest of you would have loved to have been here, too!)

There was a reception for Dad and the other inductees at 5 pm last night. I ate chicken fingers and did my best to pay attention. Daddy got to speak, although only a few years out from playing, his remarks were briefer (and more accurate) than those that began their careers in the early 70's! He did a great job (and made Mom cry). At 7 pm they made a presentation on-ice. Dad said he felt very young in this company! He is the youngest member of the group of 24. His photo will hang on the wall at the rink.


After the presentation we got to watch the game from a suite, so I was able to run around a bit. We saw lots of people -- some of our neighbors came, 25 people from Dad's work and several of Mom's friends, too-- and of course all the old hockey friends and fans. I managed to make it until 9:15 (2 hours past my bed time), but once the zamboni broke down, I had had enough and came home with Mom, Grandma and Grandpa.

This morning we all went to the annual communion breakfast that the local Notre Dame alumni group does. My ND priest (who baptized me) comes every year, so it was nice to see him. I was very good during mass (and even sang a few times "Da dadadda!") and breakfast, but during the regular part of the program I got a little fidgety and only wanted to bang spoons on the table. Fortunately the other two couples at our table were understanding about that!

Aside from all this about Daddy and our activities, here's what's new with me: I am getting a new tooth- a molar, so that doesn't feel great, but I have hardly complained. I made my first crayon drawing at school this week (three red lines). It hangs prominently on the fridge. Also my teachers told Grandma and Grandpa that I have the most personality of all the kids in my class. They also were impressed because one day when my friend Ashli's mom came to get her, I saw her mom and she didn't so I tapped Ashli on the shoulder and pointed. That's all from here.

Quiet Week

We had a quiet weekend because we were expecting a big snow storm-- luckily we didn't end up getting very much, though. It sounds like most of you weren't so lucky!

I had a good week at school. I am napping better-- about two hours most days, which helps me have a little more patience in the evening. I am eating well, too. One day this week I had thirds on ravioli! I love all the playing and games. We did "ring around the rosie" at school this week and Mom and Dad have noticed me turning in circles by myself when I play at home.

I am looking forward to Dad's big weekend next week and a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Dolak.

Big Kid School

Hi everyone. My first week of Toddler School was a lot of fun. My teachers say that I am doing great. I am a little shy in the morning, so Mom stays with me for a few extra minutes while I get settled in. The first picture is of my first day. Once the teacher gave me a bucket to put stuff in and take it out, I was happy as a clam. The second picture is of me about to walk in the door to my class (this was taken on day two- I wasn't in the mood for photos day one).

I am drinking all of my milk out of a cup, which is very convenient for Mom & Dad and I love it. Picture number 3 is of us on the way to the farmer/craft market downtown. I ate a lot of bread samples while we were there and when we left, this jacket was absolutely covered with crumbs. We had a family dinner date last night and I ate some hamburger and french fries like a big kid.

Today we just played and played. I had every toy I own out at some point! Mom let me play on her exercise step and I decided to stand on it and when I did I put my arms up as if I were an Olympic gymnast (and no, I did not cry, Grampy). Mom said "ta-da" and now I keep putting my arms up and saying "da!" "da!"

Shaquille O'Ling

Hi guys. Katie here. I had a very tiring week getting ready to move up to the one-year-old class at school. I spent this week visiting their class a bunch and I start full time tomorow. I will be eating my lunch and snacks at a tiny table and chair (instead of in the high chair) and there are lots of new toys to play with.

We went to Gymboree class yesterday morning and Dad encouraged me to play basketball and I loved hanging on the rim. (I think I was supposed to be doing something in this week's rocking theme, but this was way more fun).

We had a fun day today- waffles for breakfast, lots of playing, a trip to the mall and more playing. I like handing things to people and having them hand them back to me. I even try to hand my toys to Lily, but she doesn't get it (speaking of Lily, look at her tongue in the third photo!) This week I am obsessed with my board books. I like to carry them around and turn the pages. Even as I am falling asleep I still like to have a book in my hand.

Happy New Year's

Happy New Year's everyone. Hope you all have had a nice weekend. Mom had Thursday and Friday off, so we've had lots of play time (and boy is she tired)! I am on the move pretty much all of the time these days, so if I am not eating or sleeping Mom and Dad are busy chasing me around the house.

I started drinking whole milk in a cup this week and made the change without any complaint. Really, Lily is the only one with reason to complain because I do enjoy throwing my cup off the highchair tray, which is where Lily likes to lie in wait for any meat that might come her way. Let's just say she has taken a cup to the noggin a few times . . .

I am enjoying my new learning table and dance when the music plays. (we will send video of this soon).