Babysitting

Our wonderful neighbors asked if I'd consider

babysitting their little ones.

We decided to try it out... it's only been 2 days, with some very definite up's & down's.

Audrey's been very interested in this new house guest

(4 mos. younger but just as tall as her)!

...although she's resorted to a daily Diet Coke due to an added sense of fatigue - oh wait - that's me...

ha ha ha
"Hands off my pop kid!"
Ian insisted on wearing his Packer attire as well so they could match.
So far these two do not get along well... hopefully that will change.

Caught Kneeling

I sat Audrey in the family rm while I cooked dinner (in eye-shot). The sound of silence caused me to look up - and there she was - helping herself to her toy box. This may not seem like a big accomplishment but it highlights her ability to get what she wants! (I should also mention the toy box wasn't even on the pink blanket when I left the room??) This "discovered" look on her face is priceless.

Also ~ she's ALMOST crawling (will keep you posted) and she finally has that twinkle back in her eyes. She's been sick since August 19th (starting with a UTI) and ending (hopefully!) with this current virus (We think the kids are coming off H1N1) After weeks in a fog she's finally her old, happy, spunky self ~ yay!

(Just ignore my MN accented "whatcha doin' ya der' hey?")

Jen, Rich, Jameson Visit!

The anticipation leading up to their visit was almost too much for Ian, "I need to see my cousin 'Jaminson'!" we heard for weeks.

Eating Blue Moon ice-cream at the Milw. Zoo

(takes after his aunt Jenny's taste buds)

Jen & Rich got to meet Audrey for the 1st time!

She loved her aunt & uncle...

Aww ~ Jameson & Audrey napping together

thanks for the bunny ears Rich :) We had so much fun seeing you guys & can't wait to visit in the spring!

Art Street

When I told uncle Ryan we went to art street he groaned "boring!" Well, either things have changed since we were kids or Ian is too little to know it's boring :)

We spent 5 hours walking around the crowd filled streets - it was sort of like our alternative to our annual MN State Fair trip. We enjoyed some excellent food, face painting, art projects, music & dance. Yes, he actually sat through 3 performances & immitated the dance moves during the show. There was also an "animatronic" wild animal exhibit that knocked Ian's socks off.

All the kids in line were girls getting butterflies. The lady sort of freaked out when he asked for a car...
Watch out Desi Arnaz!

I think he spent 2 hrs. playing all sorts of instruments to all sorts of music...

I like his freedom of expression & loose brush strokes ;)

Singin' in the Rain

Aunt Jenny outfitted Ian with this cool monkey rain gear that he loves!!

We took advantage of a warm summer rain to do some puddle jumping.