Bugs, Hugs, and Hats

We have been practically booted out of our house by Eliza's favorite new buddies...boxelder bugs AND asian beetles.  As you can see, she enjoys catching them, putting them in bowls, and carrying them around the house :)  A budding entymologist I'm sure!!

And here, oh sweet boy, only the first of many times you will be forced to play with dolls.  But, you will have your day I'm certain, and this little gal will probably find worms in her milk cup :)

Can anything be sweeter than this?? Enough said.

Apple Orchard Fun!!

One really cannot beat autumn in MN: the leaves have been waiting all summer to flaunt their inner beauty, the golden corn stalks are standing tall, the apple trees are bearing their fruit, and we get to pull out our favorite flannels and enjoy apple cider!!  

Just because...

No caption needed...his shirt says it all!  (this pic was taken at 6 weeks)

Happy 3 months sweet boy!  Thanks for all the recent smiles!!

It's moments like these that make me stop and thank God that Chris and I get to be parents...together.

Our Sweet Girl is now TWO!!!

Cupcake #1: Yes, all the frosting is licked off of that cupcake...a far cry from her birthday debut last year when she would not for the life of her touch the specialty cupcake made by her Auntie Rachel.

With a lot of help from these two special ladies, as well as the ladies a couple pictures down, we had a great time showering her with birthday fun...cupcake #2!

Being completely enamored with bugs of most sorts, we went with a ladybug theme.  Though I'm now wishing her birthday was this month as she is finding those woolly caterpillars EVERYWHERE and they would have been much easier to design on a cupcake!! :)

Cupcake #3...after this I stopped counting...as her mother I am thinking, "after three what's another one??  She is already going to be running in 5th gear for the entire evening, throw an unruly tantrum before bed, and crash into a fitful sleep that will awaken me directly between James' night-time feedings when I am grasping for anything remotely related to sleep.  Yep, have another one, sweetie, it's your birthday!" 

Two birthday balloons from Daddy...dare I say, her favorite gift mostly because they are from her favorite person.

Celebrating SIX years!!

I know, I know...our anni- was in July but I came across this pic when I unloaded my camera onto my computer and it made me smile.  Six wild daisies from my love; picked from our backyard and delivered to my doorstep :)  Sweet... 

Celebrating 2 months of moments...

...like this...

...and this (that is cornstartch on her face; other instances have involved yogurt, sunscreen, and Vaseline)...

...and this (she pulled up all my pansies---by the roots!)

Gotta love bathtime with Daddy!

...and lots and lots of this.  This little man is a snuggler!  The last two months have been challenging to say the least--2 little bodies to care for and keep track of--we wouldn't trade it!

Aunties Visit...Part II

Fun at the Pool!

Yes, those lips are purple!!

Fun with the Aunties...Part I.

Our kiddos were spoiled this past week by their two adoring aunties who came for a visit from my beautiful home state of ND.  We had a blast and this mama was sad to see them go; It just pulls at your heartstrings when people who love your kids so much have to leave.  But it was great fun to have them and here are some snippets from our adventures.



Time at the park...




hiking at Interstate Park (forced to the Wisconsin side because of the gov't shutdown!)



Lots of swimming!!

and this guy got lots of snuggle time!!  He totally dug it!

More to  come...

If you haven't heard, IT'S A BOY!!!




Here's how the story went...
                                
                 1:30 am Monday, May 30th: water breaks; contractions start.

4:15 am: getting ready to head for the hospital; excited and in good spirits!!



5:05 am: arrive at the hospital; pouring rain.  (Picture not shown)



6:05 am: Baby Boy delivered by the nurses at Fairview Wyoming (an excellent facility if anyone is looking for a great place to deliver).

6 pounds 9 ounces; 20.5 inches long. PERFECT.

Introducing JAMES CHRISTOPHER!!  Such a gift!

And this little lady is officially a BIG SISTER!!  She adores her little 'bubba' and is the first to say 'hii-ii' to him every morning!!

First Photo Shoot!!