St. Joe Festival

The St. Joe Festival is such a cute festival for the kids for a few hours in the morning.  Some St. Joe residents bring their animals for a petting zoo, tractors are on display, and the firetrucks are open for the kids to explore. One of our neighbors had a big party later in the day so it's great to catch up with everyone.



Adam driving a firetruck

Adam honking the horn and turning on the lights

Adam with a 7 week-old kitten

Checking out the mane on "Fireball"

Getting a ride from the horses

Adam LOVES sitting on the tractors

Evan does too

Adam ringing the trolley bell

Adam with neighbors, Dillon and Willy in the firetruck

Evan climbed around inside of one as well.

Adam and Addie enjoying some dessert later in the night

Lots of fresh air + lots of time with friends = lots of good sleepers!!

Willow River State Park

It was another gorgeous day and I heard cooler weather was in the forecast, so I insisted that we spend as much time outdoors as possible.  We decided to check out the waterfalls at Willow River State Park because I hadn't been there yet and it is just a short drive.

Spectacular

The boys were impressed too

A fun morning!



Adam really wanted to get his feet wet



Taking a break - there was a BIG hill to get back to the car

Evan's Birthday Party

We had a party for Evan on Labor Day before Jenn and Mike had to fly back to California.  Since we call Evan our Lil' Monkey, we had a monkey-themed party.  It was a perfect day for grilling and being outdoors. Thanks to our families for making it so wonderful.





Family shot

Evan with Aunt Jenn

Grandpa and Papa

Monkey cake pops - I wish I could take credit for making these:)

Soaking up some sun

Nana with Hanna

The crew

Adam and Soren were happy to help Evan open presents

Riding his new blue horsey

Bouncing on his trampoline

Wondering why everyone is staring and singing

Mmmm

A chocolate lover like his Mommy

The boys enjoyed cake pops and ice cream too

Cabin

We headed north after Adam finished preschool.  We rented a cabin for the long weekend to celebrate my Mom and Dad's 40th wedding anniversary.  It was a nice little getaway and fun to have everyone in one place.  Here are a few pictures from the trip.

The Birthday Boy

Enjoying a birthday cookie

Our home for a few days

So relaxing to look out at the lake

Driving with Grandpa

Evan's turn with Bubba

Getting tickled by Grandma

Waiting patiently for a bite

Hanging with Daddy

Bubba relaxing

Evan loves the outdoors...

... and the water.  We couldn't keep him out of it.

Grandpa and Ev

Catching a big one:)

Adam liked the canoe

The cabin had a boat house full of fun stuff

Everyone enjoyed the water

Adam's first round of mini golf

Evan knew just what to do - he dropped his ball by every flag and did some putting

Evan is ONE

A very happy GOLDEN birthday to our little Evan.  He is such a sweet little guy, yet full of fire too.

• Nicknames include Ev, Evers, Lil' Monkey, Stinker
• Stats- Weight: 19lb 7oz (6.78%), Height: 29.5" (38.35%)
• He started taking steps just before his birthday and is now walking all over (since I'm a little late posting this)
• He is a great eater.  I can hardly keep up putting food on his tray and he will try everything.  He will tackle anyone that has food/beverage if he doesn't also have something, especially Adam. His favorite foods are pizza, quesadillas with guacamole, grilled cheese, enchiladas, mac n' cheese, ravioli, and yogurt.  He is still having tummy trouble and is up throughout the night uncomfortable so we are trying a lactose free diet for a few weeks to see if that helps.  So far he is not a big fan of soy milk, so we will see how this goes.
• He is busy, busy, busy.  I cannot take my eyes of him for a second.  He loves going up and down the stairs, climbing anything and everything, and opening every cabinet door.  Plus, he is fast!
• He loves both Adam and Chase.  He doesn't like to leave either one of them alone.  As soon as Adam wakes up from his nap, Evan cruises up the stairs to greet him. Then he follows him around wanting to play with whatever he has.
• Evan babbles a lot and repeats mama or dada sounds a lot.  He does a lot of pointing too.  We sure don't have any problem understanding what he is trying to communicate with us, despite his lack of words or signs.
• He has seven teeth, with #8 on the way I believe.
• He gives lots of hugs, kisses, and cuddles.  It is the best!

First Day of Preschool

Adam started preschool two days a week this year. Jenn and Bubba were in town and Daddy was off from work so we all went along for drop-off.  He was so excited that he ran inside as soon as his teacher opened the door without even a goodbye.  He has told me he "loves his teacher" and he "can't wait to go back".  We are thrilled he is enjoying it so much.