When important things happen in the Tri-States...

... Lise knows where to turn. Like her sister, Lise has become an avid reader of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.

If it were allowed Lise would become a literal "consumer" of the news every morning.

A satisfied TH reader

Claire: "Hmmm. I wonder what tomorrow's news will bring?"
Lise: "Pffft."

The lost symbol

Dan Brown has got nothing on Claire. Here is an excerpt from her latest, written entirely in symbols.

But what does it mean? Call Robert Langdon!

No, she did not write it with her right foot, though she has tried.

Sunday at EPP

Sunday mornings are family outing time for the four of us. Eagle Point Park was the destination today after past hikes in the Mines of Spain and Swiss Valley. This meant fantastic views from high above the Mississippi, climbing on the rocks around the fish pond and, best of all for Claire, her choice of quite a few sets of playground equipment.

We managed to spend several hours there without getting bonked on the head by any acorns.

The haze over the river takes some (but not much) of the beauty from the picture

Claire hones her rock climbing skills in preparation for her next trip to the mountains

Claire explores one "park."

Taking a break from scoping out the pond for fish, Claire eyes the camera

Lise just takes a break

Big news, both good and bad

Lise has figured out how to roll over. She did it a couple times yesterday and at least once today.

Unfortunately, today was also the last day at Amber's house for the girls. She made the decision to shut down her day care very suddenly, leaving us to begin the quest for good daycare yet again.