The "Yake"

We're about to visit MN again for our cousin Miranda's wedding (can't wait!), so I need to get this post done - covering our last trip to MN. We visited MN over Labor Day and had a fabulous time. I came with the kids and stayed for about a week with my parents, and then Phil joined us for a long weekend up at The Lake ("Yake" as Adam says) in Hayward, Wisconsin. I miss being at The "Yake." It was so great to relax a little bit and see some of my favorite people. These are just a few highlights from our time.

Phil and Matty found this ladder ball set in the garage and tried it out until the mosquitoes (MN's state bird) got the best of them.

The action shot.

Clara spending some time relaxing with Aunt Paula. I was so thankful for my mom and her sisters. They watched the kids a lot so Phil and I could play and have some relaxing time.

Marble Works! Adam was fond of this make-shift hat.

I don't know who was having the most fun with this...

Adam says, "Ready, Set, Go!"

Great fun had by all.

Why is Phil so sad???

Take a closer look at the glass. The cousins went out to this little bar in town to hang out one night. It was disgustingly adorned in Packer crap - we did not approve. I know, I know, what can you expect when you're IN Wisconsin. Still, it made us throw up a little bit.

We still managed to have a fun time. I got to have my first cheese curds in quite some time - they don't "get" cheese curds outside of the REAL midwest.
Cousins! Love these people. (We were missing cousin Claire)

Adam was thrilled to go on the boat.

He insisted that he wanted to go in the water. Big thanks to Claire for going in with him - such a trooper! It was a little too cold for Mama to take the plunge.

Once Adam realized how chilly it was, he was in the mood for a good cuddle with Mama.

Phil tried out windsurfing and did a great job. He also got to go kayaking - FUN!

This is a little embarrassing...

Having some fun with Aunt Bethy. I'm not totally sure what this game was all about, but it was fun.

Bye bye, Yake. See ya next time!

WOOoooOOOoooOOOooo!

Adam's been working on his fire engine noise for a while now and has become increasingly interested in the trucks we've seen on the road. Little did he know that he is related to a REAL fire fighter! Unco Matty recently became a member of the Lakeville Fire Department and it's been really exciting to hear all about his hard work and accomplishments - we're so proud of him! When we were visiting MN over Labor Day, Adam got a special tour of the fire station.

Adam was so excited that he got to go IN the engines. He got to see the lights flash, but didn't really like the siren. It was pretty loud with the station doors closed up.

Unco Matty showed Adam where the fire fighters sit and how the flashlights work. We also got to see all the equipment that gets stored in the trucks. I had no idea there were so many secret doors with pretty impressive tools stored in them.

Adam thought it was all pretty awesome.

Fire Fighter Matty!

Matty's locker. I think I could be on board with being a fire fighter. Everything is SO clean and organized - I LOVE it!

Sweet.

Checking out the driver's seat.

This is in the break room, which is more like a little family room. Matty will get to sign the hose up on top there after he finishes his probationary period (I forget when that is). It's pretty cool.

Matty showed us how to roll a hose. He has skills!

Adam loved playing peek-a-boo in the engine windows.

One lucky and happy little boy!

Thanks SO much Unco Matty for such a special time. We loved it!

Seven Months (Well...more like 7.5 months)

Once again, I am very behind on blogging. Here is Clara at nearly seven-and-a-half months old! She is really becoming a little lady.

She continues to want to be right in the action and is very interested in everything her brother does. Now that she is more mobile, Adam has a little shadow more often than not.

Still no teeth, but plenty of drool. She's been doing great with solids. Her favorite is sweet potatoes, but she also enjoys green beans and, surprisingly, peas. Not too big on fruit, but we're working on it.

This is when I knew she had outgrown the bouncy seat.

She wanted to GO, and began to get upset at her limited mobility...soon to be remedied.

Up on all fours. This has been confusing to Adam. When Daddy and Mama get in this position, it is fair game for a horsey ride. He has tried this with Clara a couple of times and it hasn't gone well. Now, he just points at Clara and says "horse."

I thought she was no where near sitting up when she was six months old, but all of a sudden she had a burst of development (as little ones often do).
Just hangin' out on her belly.

Next, she was sitting with support.

Before we knew it, she was sitting all by herself like a big girl (still fascinated by the camera). She's been full out crawling for about two weeks now and babbling away. She's become quite the conversationalist.

Showin' off her baby blues.

Catching up with a Sneak Peek

Wow, haven't posted in a while. We've been busy traveling and living life, so we've got lots to share with you. Several posts will be coming, but here is a sneak peek of what's been going on - just to build the anticipation!

Just a note: I left the good camera at home so I was using my parents' point-and-shoot.

We went back to MN and spent Labor Day up at the lake. Adam couldn't be bothered to go inside to put his swimsuit on. He wanted to watch his daddy windsurfing!

Clara turned 7 months and is becoming a very big girl.

Adam got to go visit Unco Matty at the fire station! He had a special hands-on tour of all the trucks and the entire station. Mama enjoyed it too!

Clara also enjoyed her Unco Matty and Aunt Jessie. Here is our side of the table. What are we laughing at?

The other side of the table! (another photo I couldn't turn)

We had a visit from Aaron, Kitty, Eleanor, and new baby Elise. This was our best attempt at a photo of all the kids. Not terrible considering we have two babies and two almost-three-year-olds! Wish I would have had my good camera for this one especially, though. This doesn't do justice to all the cuteness.

Clara and Adam both had some wonderful time with Grandpa and Grandma L.
Clara chillin' with Grandpa.

Catching up on her reading with Grandma.

Much more to come!