New addition to the family

It is with much excitement that Matt, Carter and Cate introduce you to the newest member of our family. Matt and Carter returned yesterday with a surprise for CoraLynn--a new puppy!

Matt has always wanted a brittany so I should have known when he went with the ultimate dog lover, Carter, to a pheasant festival yesterday, we would be in trouble.
The good news is Cate adores him and he is helping her learn how to share. One thing she will share for sure is her birthday. He was born on 12/4/2009!

He doesn't officially have a name yet. The boys want it to be a golf theme. Currently, Carter likes "Ace" the best. We are taking suggestions for names (and also dog food, dog toys, anything else you would like to send for baby dog gifts!)

Will you go to prom with me?

Carter is quite the romantic! Yesterday he sent his girlfriend, Haley, on a scavenger hunt throughout places of significance for the two of them in Ankeny. It finished with a trail of 500 candles--and candles spelling out "PROM?" I don't know about you...but I think this girl is really LUCKY! I didn't get asked to prom like that! Carter gets lots of style points!

VEGAS BABY!

Thanks to a great gift from Grandma Jane, Matt and I were able to take our first trip since Cate came along. Matt and I went to Vegas and Cate got to go stay with Pop and Grandma Jane. We had a wonderful time staying at the Bellagio and watching the fountains. We even got to take in Carlos Santana! We donated a bit to the economy even though I was sure if I "voted" for enough of the Daytona 500 drivers I would win something! Vegas wasn't our favorite destination but we really enjoyed escaping the Iowa winter and spending time together.

Happy Valentine's Day from Cate

Emily taught Cate how fun it can be to play the piano! All the Nichols girls would be proud...
It is becoming more and more difficult to get pictures of Cate sitting still!
This video really is not great--but proof that she is really getting around...

Happy 17th Birthday, Carter!

Not near as exciting as Sweet 16 but Carter is ready to live it up for Year #17.

He was nice enough to share his chocolate chocolate cake with Cate!