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I can’t believe my baby is 4 already! I remember that morning when my water broke and Dustin got to turn around after just arriving at work. I remember being in labor forever. I remember that terrifying trip down the hall when we decided it was time to be done and go for the c-section. I remember listening to the doctors talk about how they had just fallen asleep or were so tired but came into work anyway. I remember the amazing sound of hearing my baby cry for the first time.

Now he’s become an actual kid. He’s silly and sweet. He loves anything with wheels. He loves playing with his brother and his cousin. He is distractable and doesn’t always listen so well. He lives for a challenge. He loves to read books. He is smart and very ungraceful. Best of all, he’s my 4 year old son that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Batman and Robin saved the city while collecting candy. They were a tad excited but poor Batman was worried he would look funny with so many layers under his shirt. I assured him it was okay, we could just call it muscle. It would be better to be puffy rather than cold. Robin, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind. Now we have a pile of candy for mom to raid.

Growing up I remember looking forward to MEA weekend.

It’s two days in October that kids in Minnesota get off of school so the teachers can go to workshops. I know some teachers go to awesome workshops and get lots of stuff and knowledge. I know a lot of other teachers enjoy two days off instead.

In our household it meant going and doing something. We would either do a quick vacation or go out on the town. We’d try to do something with a little educational value, like museums.

It meant eating lunch out and quality one on one time with mom.

MEA is still going strong, although I think it’s officially called something else now.

I felt strongly about continuing the tradition of going and doing something with the kids.

Mom still takes the days off, even though she has no connection to school days off anymore. So I got to take my boys and my mom to the History Museum this year.

We had a great time exploring, reading and learning, and being hands on with history.

Of course we had to get lunch while we were out and it just so happened that Cossetta’s was right there. It was like it was meant to be. The boys weren’t sure until they sat down with their slice of pizza that was the size of their heads.

After we were full, we decided the day wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping. We went to Once Upon A Child and found a ton of stuff! I’m going to have some handsomely dressed little men. Then we went down the strip mall to the shoe store. Mom wanted new shoes. Somehow we ended up buying new shoes for everyone but me! It was not fair. I did take a picture of the ones I’d like. Maybe some day I’ll get my turn.

The boys took swim lessons this summer and mostly loved it. Peter is a fish who, if he actually paid attention, does awesome. Tex, on the other hand, loved the pool until one day he didn’t. I have no idea what clicked in his little brain but one day he decided he didn’t want to get in the water. Then once he finally got back in, the water was fun once again. Go figure!

I have such good intentions of posting often and regularly… but life happens.

We spent lots of weekends up north this summer

Playing inside and in the lake

Water is fun out of the lake too

Overall, we have a good time

My little butterball baby is a 1st grader and that is amazing to me! I know everyone says how time seems to fly by but it doesn’t sink in until moments like these.

He was so very excited to get his stuff ready and go meet the teacher during the open house. He walked a little taller as we went past the kindergarten wing and down the hall to the 1st grade rooms.

The first morning of school came and he was up and ready to go before I even was in the shower. I had to convince him that the school was in fact not open at that point and maybe we should eat breakfast and get dressed first. He was much too cool to stop for pictures but I decided that wasn’t a choice. He did finally appease me and stood for a few pictures.

It wasn’t until we actually went into the building for the first day, went into his classroom, and it was time for Thomas and I to leave that there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. I gave him the giant hug and asked if he wanted a kiss or not. I wasn’t sure if 1st graders were too cool yet. He thought about it and asked for a high five instead. Both Thomas and I gave him a big high five and we left the room. I know he would do awesome but that’s when my heart skipped a beat for just a second… thinking of how big he truly is!

It was a big day for Thomas as well. This was his first day in the Panda Room at daycare. He was so very excited to be in the big kid room until he realized he would no longer be in the other room. He was a tad leery when it was time to actually go in but when the day was done, he had nothing but excited happy things to say!

My boys are growing up so fast and I couldn’t be more proud of both of them!

Sprinklers are awesome! They’re even better on a hot, sunny July afternoon.

“Those construction workers are the most awesomest ever!”

The street on the side of our house is getting re-done.  The one day we got to sit in our yard and admire their work.  In the middle there was a mountain of dirt.  On each side were huge holes deep enough for the workers to stand in without being seen.  There were tractors going back and forth.  It was amazing if you are a short boy!

Then we had to stop watching to bring Zoey to visit the vet for her annual check-up. All is well with Zoey. The boys did well entertaining themselves while we were there…

 

My dearest friend Bethy was due July 13th with her first baby boy. As any person who’s been pregnant, much less pregnant in the summer, knows… she was ready to be done much before that date so when it came and went, she put in the eviction notice. It only took him 4 more days to get the hint and he decided it was time.

I had the honor and privilege to be there with Bethy and Bob as they welcomed their sweet little boy into the world. Going through the process twice on my own, it was a whole different thing to be on the other side. I am in awe at how amazing and strong we are as women. The process of bringing life into this world is beautiful, messy, and emotional. I am so grateful for the chance to witness such a miracle.

Our happy family went north for the weekend of the 4th of July.

We had our usual cabin fun of course.

Like our cabin version of skeleton.

And the boys got their own fishing poles!  They loved it until a fish was actually caught.  Small steps.

Then there was the bonus festivities!

We started with the parade in town.  The boys found their headphones that were meant for fireworks but they work well for loud sirens too.

Then we went to Pede’s for fun before the big show.

Then we got on our boat and got to watch the fireworks from the lake. It was pretty cool!