Twin Cities

Recently, we visited Chris' family in the Twin Cities. We also had the opportunity to visit the Como Zoo and Conservatory and the MN Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Museum.

We asked Gavin what he wanted to see at the zoo and he said, "Jaf". So, we saw the giraffes, real and fake.
We also saw some monkeys. This one was playing with Gavin through the window, but I didn't catch the greatest shot--he was kind of playing "hide and seek".
The Conservatory was lots of fun and smelled wonderful. Gavin kept telling us how "neat" all the plants were.

Throwing money into the fountain.

While we were visiting the MN Sculpture Garden I happened to see a flier that talked about the 1st Saturday of every month being free and kid focused at the Walker. So, we walked across the street and took part in a few of their free, kid-friendly activities.
These are some cool glasses the boys (well, with LOTS of help) made.

The Photo Shoot

When Gavin turned two, my mom insisted on getting professional photos taken of him. They were a great idea! Now that Reily is almost two, we did the same thing with him. His pictures will be a nice addition to the living room as it currently looks like we only like Gavin! Here are a couple shots I took myself once the professional shoot was over. It was tough getting a good one with two toddlers together, but we got several great ones of Reily and at least one decent one of the boys together.

Illinois

My friend, Aimee, and I recently ventured down to Illinois for my sister's wedding. We stayed with my paternal grandparents in Sprinfield and got to spend some time downtown with my cousin (and Abe Lincoln, as you can see). Then, we headed to the wedding. I was so glad that I was able to be there.Unfortunately, I didn't get any great shots from the wedding. It was a late evening wedding and my camera just doesn't do night shots--or I don't know how to work it. I'll post some when I can. For now, this will have to do.

Typical Friday

Our typical Friday evening includes a pizza from Little Caesar's and a trip to the park to eat and play (when the weather is nice).

More Fall Fun

First Field Trip

Gavin had his first preschool field trip this week. Gavin is the one in the white hood. He had a great time and I got to tag along.Gavin picked his very own pumpkin from the patch. It took FOREVER, but he picked a great one.

Fall Fun

Pumpkin Patch

We've decided that we'll head to Rice Lake at least once per year--in Sept/Oct to visit the pumpkin patch. It was quite an adventure this year--"boots" on Gavin and all.

Walking through the corn maze--Gavin didn't make it too far, but had fun initially.



The "boots" haven't slowed Gavin down one bit. He climbed up and down these stairs all by himself at least twice.
Wagon ride
There is a petting zoo at the pumpkin patch.
Feeding the goats was lots of fun.

Bunny rabbits! Reily calls all animals bunnies, so it was nice that he got it right this time!

Idiopathic Toe Walker

Well, Gavin refused to quit walking on his toes. This afternoon he got a cast on each leg. It is an attempt to correct the constant toe walking. We'll see how it goes. He'll be wearing these lovely blue boots for three weeks.
As you can see, it hasn't slowed him down one bit. He climbed up on the counter all by himself!

MOPS

We had our first MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting of the year today. I am the coordinator of our area MOPS group. This is only our second year and we had 38 moms at our first meeting. It was a very exciting morning.

Karena helped out in the nursery. There were more kids than moms. It was a busy morning.

First Day of School

Gavin had a VERY big day today. He had his first day at preschool (at the church where I work) AND he pooped on the potty (hopefully he keeps that up--cross your fingers for us).
Breakfast out before school. Of course, he also got lunch at McDonald's for the toilet accomplishment. It's been a good day in Gavin's world. Right now, he's sucking down a huge lollipop that was promised to him for pooping on the potty many months ago...
Gavin's cubby.
Playing with new friends and the teacher. He did great!

Gavin's Artwork

Gavin's still into taking photos. I didn't think this one was too bad.

Outdoor Fun

Lately, we've been letting the boys play in the garage without us--mostly because we don't want to hear the screaming that happens when we force them inside. Yesterday, they got into the backyard and had all kinds of fun for the 30 seconds they went unmonitored.

Fun's over...kind of.