Saturday, July 31, 2010

Big Boy!

Leo loves sitting in this chair, he feels so proud that he can climb into it all by himself. Playing with the Jungle toy

Climbing through the tunnel


Putting the letters in the mailbox


Pushing the Lion through the kitchen


Sittin on the Zebra



Leo has outgrown his baby rattles, teethers and shakers. Now he loves to play with his big boy toys! He is such a busy worker and loves to build, shake, tap, dig, empty baskets, fill baskets and push riding toys. He can play independently for awhile and is very interested in everything around him. He loves to climb and no longer just wants to swing at the park. He wants to go up the stairs, go down the slide and dig in the rocks. He is BUSY and would rather crawl off the blanket than sit on it nicely and play with toys. He used to be a wonderful shopping companion but now he wants OUT of his stroller and is not interested in waiting while I shop. He has just started wanting to cuddle and after playing for awhile will crawl into my lap and give me a little love and then go back to playing. He loves to laugh and giggle and is very ticklish! He is such a joy and he is my big boy!

Friday, July 30, 2010

Happy Birthday Gramps!







We went to my parents house for dinner to celebrate my Dad's birthday. Leo loves to look at Gramps and listen to him talk. He thinks his moustache is interesting and he is always curious about what Gramps is doing. They are good buddies!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Summer Babes!




Leo and Clare are good buddies! Leo is only 3 weeks older than petite sweet little Clare. It is so fun to watch them interact and grow together. It's amazing how they do the same things because they are at the same developmental level. They both love to clap, wave, and tap. We had a great time with Clare and big brother Bennett at the Excelsior Beach today. Happy Birthday to Clare tomorrow!!!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

River City Days

Watching the remote-controlled car race with Dad Climbing in the giant tunnel



Playing the dart game


Planning a strategy


Showing Dad how to play darts

Sizing it up!


Listening to the directions on how to play the fishing game. Sounds complicated...


We will skip the fishing pole this year and just use our hands...

Every year Chaska hosts a small fair called River City Days. It is held in the town square and there are all kinds of games, vendors, food tents, and music. We brought Leo there today and he had a great time playing and watching the people. Kevin and I had a great time eating (burgers, cheese curds, ice cream etc.) and watching Leo. We will be back next year!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Raspberry Day Parade

Tapping to the beat of the drummers in the marching band. Can you see the rapid arm movement?



Wishing I was up on that float...


Leo and Dada at the parade.


Sitting and watching with Mama

Walking down Mainstreet



Growing up, my family always went to the Raspberry Day Parade in Hopkins. My Dad would go down to Main street at 5am and set out chairs and blankets to reserve a spot to sit. We would bring our bags to collect candy and our coolers full of snacks. We would sit for hours in the hot sun watching the parade. My favorite part was always the float with the Raspberry Princesses and Queen. I wanted so badly to be the Princess of the parade. I could just picture myself sitting on top of the float in a fancy dress waving to the crowd. I loved going to the parade! This year we took Leo to watch the parade. We thought he would last a few minutes and then we would have to go but Leo LOVED it! We sat for two hours watching the firetrucks, police cars, clowns, motorcycles, bands and floats. Leo loved all of the action. His favorite part was the marching bands. He tapped his hands to the beat of the drums and clapped and clapped! It was such a fun day!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

A "ROARING" Good Time!


Leo's Cake


Diving into the good stuff



Loving it!
Playing with the Meyers



Henry and Leo love the mailbox toy





Getting splashed in the sprinkler


Grandma Allen, Auntie Jenny and Cousin Ellie enjoy the shade


Splashing in the pool


Loving the sandbox


How does this work?




Some of the gang playing in the ball pit

So fun!

Opening presents


A darling backpack from G and G Allen


Our Family!
The proud grandparents!


Grammy, Gramps and the birthday boy!

G and G Allen with the one year old!




This tunnel is so fun!

Thanks Grammy and Gramps for the ball tent!


We celebrated Leo's first birthday with family and friends last Sunday at my parents house. We had a Safari themed party with lots of fun outdoor activities. Leo loves the water and the sand so we had a kiddie pool, a sand box, an alligator sprinkler and a ball tent. It was so fun to watch all of the little kids play together in the backyard. Leo spent most of the time in the sand box and the kiddie pool and once again loved it when everyone sang to him. He got a lot of really nice gifts and had fun opening all of his presents. It was such a great day! A special thanks to Grammy and Gramps for hosting the party!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

4 years


"Someday, many years from now, we'll look back on this crazy time in our life together and wonder how we did it all... And then, those ordinary, everyday moments that we often take for granted will shimmer like stars as we recount them...I'll sit beside you, you'll take my hand in yours. We'll look at each other and say: I'd do it all again...and I wouldn't change a thing. There is no one I would rather go through life with than you. Happy Anniversary."


Four years ago today, Kevin and I stood in front of one another in a HOT church surrounded by family and friends as we professed our love for each other. At that moment, we had no idea where life would take us but we knew where ever we went or whatever we did, we would do it together. Happy Anniversary to my best friend, the love of my life and the the most wonderful "Dada" ever! I love you!


Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Itasca State Park


























Itasca State Park is about 20 miles from my parents cabin. It is a beautiful park that includes hiking and biking trails, several lakes, a lodge with a restaurant and the headwaters (the start of the Mississippi River). Before Leo came along, Kevin and I would always go into the park and rent bikes and bike along the trails. This year we took Leo into the park to have breakfast at the Lodge and to see the headwaters. I think it's so amazing that the mighty Mississippi river begins at such a small, peaceful point. The waters are so calming and the scenery is beautiful. We had such a fun visit to the park with Grammy and Gramps.