Minnesota pics, a little late

2 weeks ago we took a road trip to Minnesota. Nate's family is from Minnesota and Nate has spent many memorable summers on the lake boating, fishing & swimming. Naturally, he was excited for everyone to meet Kevin and for Kevin to enjoy some of the summer fun he reminisces about. Too bad, the weather did not cooperate, but we did have a fun time visiting with everyone. A highlight of the trip was the wonderful campfires that Scott & Joe built each night.

-View from the dock of Linda & Scott's place-

-As always, Uncle Joe was a big help getting Kevin ready to swim-

-Nate thinks the water was mighty cold. I wouldn't know, I never got in-

-Kevin loved playing with the dogs & watching them leap for the ball from the dock. I'm running away before the spray me-



-2 year olds don't care if the water is cold-

-Neither do the doggies-


-On the way home we stopped for a bit of culture... The Jolly Green Giant is in Blue Earth, MN. I suggest you stop if you're on a road trip, it was a good excuse to have ice cream afterwards-

Thanks, Kevin

Dear Kev,

You made our road trip to Minnesota last weekend very fun. You were teriffic in the car. Yes, there were lots of snacks, silly songs, lovies, and your binky to keep you happy - but you were happy! Can you please be a good boy for our drive to Chicago today?

Love, Mom.

ps - You loved your new sleeping bag. Please sleep good at Grandmom & PopPop's house too. It will make everyone so happy! That is all I need for my birthday.

"Where'd Kevin go"?

We are getting set for a trip to Minnesota. Kevin is now way too big for the pack & play, so we are borrowing a travel toddler cot from some friends. I thought we could put his new sleeping bag on top of the cot. We'll let you know if he actually sleeps in (or on) it. I am doutbful!

Finally caught this on video!

Reading time at school

Last week Kevin's teacher asked if I would volunteer to read the kids a few stories after nap time this week. I was thrilled with the chance to read to all of them! After all, the reason I am working part-time is to spend more time with Kevin.

I was asked to bring in 2 of Kevin's favorite stories to share with the class. We chose Pancakes, Pancakes and Make Way for Ducklings. As soon as I sat down to start reading, chaos broke loose!

The scene: 12 2-year olds, all post-nap, pre-snack. The teachers told them they couldn't have their snack until after story time (mistake #1). Kevin was so proud sitting in my lap, some were sitting on the floor next to us, a few more were roaming the room (seemingly crying for no reason whatsoever!) I tried to us my best friendly-library-lady voice. I started with the Pancake book. I asked all the kids to raise their hands if they LOVE pancakes. Kevin sure did, a few others were able to follow along and raise their hands too. We made it a few pages into the story, but most of the kids weren't listening. It was so frustrating. The teachers told me to keep reading, some would follow along. We finished the Pancake book, but only made it a few pages into the Duck one. The teachers thought I selected books that were too detailed, too advanced for kids that age (mistake #2). How could this be? Kevin loves these 2 stories, we read them all.the.time. Of course - it's because he's brilliant, right! In order to reign in the chaos the teachers let me help with snack time. That was really the only point in the afternoon where I had any control of these kids. They will do just about anything for some goldfish crackers & apple juice. Wow - I have such respect for his teachers who can handle the chaos each & everyday. I'd best stick to banking...

I'M LOUD!

Don't ask... sometimes he just likes wearing his bike helmet in the house. I sure hope this is just a phase

Very weird, chilly weather last weekend

Friday night was chilly. When we got home Friday night I asked Kevin if he wanted to change into long pants, instead of wearing shorts. When we went upstairs he decided to wear his favorite Elmo jammies, his lounging clothes.

We played with this popcorn tin all night - very silly! Sometimes it was a hat, but mostly it makes a very loud drum!