Farewell

Nickolas saw the President off today at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Aimee's friend Holly was kind to let us stay at her place in Maryland so we didn't have to deal with the one bridge that was open over the Potomac for all of Virginia to use. Nickolas had all sorts of excitement looking at helicopters and planes and people in uniform with big firearms. He even met a pilot (that was on standby) for Marine One, the President's helicopter who was quite nice. Nickolas was also very excited by the big blue Air Force buses on base that took us to one hanger for a security check and to the hanger where the send-off took place.

The temperatures were bitter cold, but we were well protected from the cold and wind in the hanger listening to a military band and seeing friends. Nickolas was also quite fond of the base hot chocolate. The Bush's and Cheney's eventually arrived via Marine One when the hanger doors opened and they said some great remarks -- all the while Nickolas fell asleep on Holly and then in his stroller. He had a long day, but all in all, had fun and said his goodbyes and gave his best wishes like the good boy he is.

This hanger is cool!


Drinking hot (luke warm) chocolate.


Holly with the magic touch. Nickolas was up early and eventually couldn't contain the excitement and passed out around 1:30.


President Bush (left) and the plane (only referred to Air Force One when the sitting President is on board).

The Cheney's and the Bush's.

Lovely Laura.

A passed out and cozy wee one.

Farewell as the Bush's board.

I'm awake now, I'm going to make some new friends (helicopter pilot on right).

And, a short clips of the hanger doors opening and Nickolas.

Final Day at DOI for Daddy and Mommy

I left daycare a little early today along with my friend Sidney to join our parents (and encourage mommy, who was dragging her feet with the office clean-up) for their final hours at the Department of the Interior. Daddy worked there since the beginning in 2001 while mommy was there since 2002 under the Bush Administration. I'm told I'm a product of the Administration -- the accomplishment daddy says he's most proud of during his tenure. Mommy jokingly says she's a work in progress for daddy. Apparently, they worked with some fun coworkers, worked hard, and were delighted by the opportunity to do so. Good times they were.

One last shot of daddy's office view of Mr. Jefferson and the WWII Memorial (through the trees).

Don't pack me, Tricia!

Mommy's dear friend Ashley.


How did daddy make THIS list at each security desk posting?

Really, who does this guy think he is? (Secretary Kempthorne)

Again, unless that's President Bush on the phone, I'm occupied. Oh, but thank you for letting Sidney and me use your chair. Running and crawling around your big office is tiring work.

Try to catch me, Tami (Secretary's photographer whom mommy's travelled with a lot.)

Mommy with my aunties Monica and Holly.

Monica showing me a picture book of Grand Teton National Park. Perhaps mommy and daddy will take me there sometime.

Me as a baby for the 4th of July fireworks from outside daddy's office window (Capitol in the background).

Here's Nickolas's first day at work back in March 2007:

http://weechitlin.blogspot.com/2007/11/nickolass-first-day-in-office.html

Happy Birthday Grandma

Nickolas and Grandpa took Grandma out to eat for her birthday on New Year's Eve when she turned 61 years young. Uncle David and Liz also stopped by to play with me and wish Grandma a happy birthday.

Happy Birthday!


I insist on being the welcoming committee when anyone pulls in.


Story time with Uncle David and Liz.


Grandma in la-la land with her grandson.

Children's Museum

Milwaukee has a fun children's museum Nickolas checked out for the first time. Daddy and Nickolas equally had fun with all of the toys and games. Nickolas played with Nickolas-sized cars, lawnmowers, play house, and explored every inch for nearly two hours. We will certainly make our way back there again. http://www.bbcmkids.org/

Doing yard work.


Why don't our pots and pans at home hang on the wall just like this for me to play with? This place is too fun.


Architect hopeful (mommy's hope)

Nickolas's favorite car to drive pulling up to the bank teller window.

Mommy at the anchor desk -- you stay classy, Milwaukee.


Another fun truck.

Learning the physics of ski jumping.

Following the ping pong ball with daddy on the roller coaster. Weeeeeeeeeeee!

Catch me, Grandma, before I run off the next fun activity!

Merry Christmas Wisconsin Style

Nickolas opened his Christmas presents from Santa on Christmas Eve and daddy arrived just in time after being snowed out for a day (Nickolas and mommy were snowed out of WI for 3 days!). Eventually, we were all in one spot and enjoyed Grandma Julie's cooking and sharing gifts. Overall, Dan and Aimee had a relaxing time while Nickolas played with his uncles and grandparents by sleeping in. The weather didn't quite cooperate to play in the snow -- either it was below zero or the snow melted with random rainstorms and later turned to ice. Perfect sleeping-in weather to say the least.

I hope Santa realized I'm in Wisconsin.

PRESENTS!

Daddy helping me open up a new toy car. Love it!

Grandma had a beautiful baptismal gown made for Nickolas's baby sister and future grandkids from the material of Great-Grandma Felicia's wedding dress she wore in 1946. Mommy was quite shocked and touched.

Four-man acoustical jam with Nickolas's new instruments. Who knew daddy could play the harmonica?

Uncle David looking Totally '80s in his Rayban sunglasses and Polo.

I was a good boy for Santa.

Fun with Grandma's Toys and the Piano

Nickolas had a fun time in Wisconsin in part with the many toys old and new Grandma Julie found for him. He was particularly fond of the farm the he often played with Grandpa Jim. Perhaps he'll get one for his birthday next month...

Peak-a-boo through the barn door with Grandpa.

Farming is hard work -- taking a break from the farm to watch "Noddy" with Grandma.

Doing something silly with the farm with Godmother Amy.

Nickolas also had a grand time banging, I mean, playing the piano at least 5 times a day. Even more fun was playing the piano with Grandma's kitchen utensils. Who knew a wisk could make such a sound?

Playing with Uncle Brian.

Final Kindermusik Class

December 13 was Nickolas's final Kindermusik class after a fun semester with Miss Tracey that began in September and met each Saturday morning. Perhaps he'll take a similar class again in the summer or fall. For the final class, they played instruments, danced with scarves, swung in the blanket, and played in the parachute. Nickolas also received his very own special diploma for completing the class. Even though the class is over, we still listen to the class cd in the car as we drive singing "Rise Sugar Rise", Nickolas's favorite song along with other good ones.

Instrument time

Dancing with the scarves.

Story time

Spinning in the parachute.

Swinging in the blanket.

Receiving his diploma.