Tractor Love

 

Evan figured out how to keep pressure on the gas pedal to keep the tractor moving. He was so proud of himself and his new freedom. He literally drives it until there is no charge remaining on the battery. He started off in first-gear and just going in circles which was so nice. He quickly figured out second-gear and steering. He is a bit of a crazy driver and thinks it is really fun to spin out on the driveway. I even caught him sitting on the engine pushing the gas pedal so he was going backwards. I I am hoping by spring he will have improved his steering skills, but hard not to smile while watching him because he has the BIGGEST grin on his face while he goes "really fast".

 



And here is a video of him just learning.

SJU

A bunch of us decided to make the trek to SJU for the Homecoming football game this year as families. Adam was so excited to watch his first football game. The colors at SJU were stunning and we were actually overdressed with long sleeves. Being on campus brings back so many fond memories or our college days and reminds me how beautiful the campus is. We walked through the dorms and they even smell the same. It was such a memorable day and I am so thankful for the many wonderful friendships that began there.



 

Go Johnnies!

The football stadium

Adam really enjoyed the game

Future Bennies and Johnnies??

Watching the half-time show

The adults (and some of the kids too)

Evan on one of the beautiful trees

Kenna and Adam were so cute chatting down by the lake

A rare picture of all of us!

I love this picture. It was fun to see the current students enjoying the lake.

 

The reflection of the chapel in the lake was gorgeous.

Afton Apple

 

We met up with the Apolds and Nana and Papa for some apple picking! The weather was unseasonably warm and the kids had a blast with all of the activities.

Riding the dino in the play area

Swings!

Tractor ride

Such a happy guy (Papa too)

We picked lots of apples

Trying to decide how we will eat all of our apples

We picked raspberries too - yum!

The Zoo

The entire summer passed by without a single trip to the zoo! Evan is especially interested in the animals right now. I am glad we waited because there were no crowds with kids back at school and the weather was so comfortable. The sea lions were a big hit this trip. They were doing lots of jumps and turns and the boys were entertained watching them for the longest time.



 

Polar bear

I made them walk through the gardens with me

Penguins

A fun day with my little guys

Singing in the Rain

 

Evan received this adorable rain outfit and umbrella for his birthday and the boys took full advantage to splash around a bit on probably the ONLY rainy day we have had in a month!

 

Bittersweet Weekend

 

We all traveled to Cold Spring to honor the life of Aaron's grandmother. It was hard to say goodbye to such a sweet and caring woman. Adam was glad to hear there would be a "party" to welcome her to heaven though. He has been saying lots of prayers for Grandma Renee. Although it was a difficult weekend, we did manage to celebrate Evan's birthday and the best part was the opportunity for all of us to be together.

 

Sidekicks

Getting so big!

Feeding the dino some money

He couldn't wait to blow out the candle

Happy 2nd Birthday, Evan!

St. Joe Festival

 

The Wicklanders joined us for the St. Joe festival this year. We ran into lots of our neighbors there too. Events in small communities are so much fun.

 

Excited to head out to the fire station

Driving a tractor

Evan checking out a guinea pig

Tractor coming!

Adam has been begging for a pet bunny. This didn't help:)

Paintball

Driving a firetruck

Evan and Ethan at the playground

Trolley ride!!

Weeeeeee!

Cheers!

 

Cheers to great friends, Jeanine and Nate! Jeanine lives half way across the globe, but was here spending some time up north with her family. We met in St. Cloud for an evening of laughs before she travels back to Australia. I'm not sure when our next visit will be, but it's nice to know that we always pick up where we left off.

 

Evan is TWO

 

Evan is full of energy and full of personality. He keeps us entertained with his many expressions and all he says and does.

• He weighs 23lbs 2oz (3%) and is 34.5" tall (50%) - he is a peanut!
• He is a great eater and sleeper!!
• Evan is very verbal. He is really stringing all of his words together and communicates well.
• He is a very typical boy - loves to wrestle, run, jump, throw, etc
• His favorite songs are "Twinkle Twinkle", "Can You Canoe?", and "All Aboard the Choo Choo Train"
• Evan plays pretty well with Adam. They love to play trucks and pretend they are farmers.
• He brings me book after book to read in my lap
• His personality is so much fun. He keeps all of us laughing and smiling. He can be sweet and gentle one minute and rowdy and rambunctious the next.  He is always ready to be part of the action and we just love this little spitfire!



 

Cool dude

Tuckered out at lunch after a full morning of playing

Evan absolutely adores Adam

Evan is constantly climbing on the island to "help", especially if I'm baking

He is the best snuggler and loves animals

Full of smiles and giggles

Mr. Mischievious - he carries step stools all over the house and he is quick!