On the Farm

On our way home from Hayward last week we stopped in to see Meg's mom and stepdad. Grandpa Gary owns a farm and let the boys come for a visit. Vincent and William were pros at farm life but it was Tyler's first time on an actual farm. He loved seeing all the big trucks and buildings but loved the doggy and horses most of all. He got to pet Duke and Brandy the horses and even got to feed Duke a little snack! We were so grateful for the hospitality and the wonderful lunch Meg's mom prepared for us all. We hope to come back for a visit soon!

Hayward, Year 2

Last Summer
This Summer

This past week Tyler and I enjoyed our 2nd annual trip to Hayward, WI with our neighbors to their family cabin. This year all three boys were bigger (as you can see from the pics above) and able to enjoy the cabin life that much more. There were outdoor activities abound! There was fishing, swimming, duck feeding, nature walks and exploration and boat rides to name a few. On one of the cooler mornings we ventured into the cute downtown area for a little shopping and a trip to the candy store. Tyler had a blast spending so much time with his surrogate big brothers, Vincent and William. We can't wait until next year!!

Wet 'n Wild

Up North

During the summer months up here in Minnesota it is a great pastime to travel "up north" for the weekend to a cabin on a lake. Most people here seem to own or know someone who owns a cabin in northern Minnesota or Wisconsin and spend many weekends traveling there to boat, ski, fish, etc. We, luckily, have some good friends who have a cabin in their family and were invited up this past weekend. Their cabin was a beautiful, relaxing retreat and we had a blast. We built campfires, rode on several boats, swam, drank, skied (or at least attempted!) and jumped on a trampoline! Talk about fun! Unfortunately, I only took pictures on our first day there so you'll just have to imagine the rest. Jim's parents came for the weekend to watch Tyler and Jim and I are so thankful for the needed weekend away together!

18 Months and Looking Good

Today Tyler turned 18 months old, officially one and a half. When on Earth did this happen?!? It seems amid all the running, playing and having fun we've been doing the last 6 months have slid right on by. We actually had his well check appointment yesterday and here's what we learned:

weight: 28.1 pounds (76th percentile)
height: 31.5 inches (25th percentile)

He's finally started to level off on the 'ol growth chart! Our doctor was pleased with all his developments and he passed with flying colors. She also answered a few questions I had, namely when I should take him to the dentist and if he could eat peanut butter now. Since he has so many teeth she recommended we go ahead and make his first dentist appointment. As for the peanut butter, she said to go for it, so we did. That afternoon he had his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich and it was a hit. In the time it took me to make one of my own he had scarfed down half of his!

Visitor from the Big Apple

My sister, Jessica, lives in New York and works as a hairstylist. For the past couple days she was in town teaching a class to several local salons so we were able to visit. It had been over a year since we'd seen each other so it was great to catch up. The last time she saw Tyler he was only 4 months old! Imagine her shock at what he is today; running, talking and jumping on her bed! It took him a few minutes to warm up but by the time he left he was giving kisses and high fives. Afterwards Jess and I got to enjoy a great dinner together along with a colleague of hers. It was so wonderful to see her and spend some quality time together in person. We love you Auntie Jessie!!


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In Need Of Prayer

There's a new element to our blog, located on our sidebar. This button will lead you to the incredible blog belonging to a friend of a friend. I've never met this woman but have become inspired and humbled reading of her and her unborn son's recent struggles. Her faith and her strength in the face of such trying times is amazing. To learn more about her and her need for your prayers click on her button and visit her blog.