KK and J at the Zoo

A couple of weeks ago we met our friends Laurie and J for our annual birthday trip to the zoo. It was a hot day, but we had a great time! Our show-off peacock friend was excited to put on a show for the kids again this year. And we met a very inquistive Gorilla. Thank goodness for thick glass; he was handsome but kind of scary. J was our official navigator and took care of the map so we wouldn't get lost. Every year gets more and more fun! Thanks for the special day Laurie and J!

You are my Sunshine

Auntie Sunshine came to visit us for a long weekend; it was great to have her here and I wish she would come back every weekend. Or just move in. And bring the boys.

We spent a night in Denver and saw Dr. Horrible and Serenity (movies by Joss Whedon, the guy who wrote Toy Story and Auntie Sunshine's soul mate) and then strolled the mall with our cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. We were both a bit confused by the cow art downtown -- do cows really have both horns AND udder bags? Hmmmmm.... The next day we drove to Estes Park and were pleasantly surprised that a Scandinavian Festival was going on. KK magically turned in to a Scandinavian butterfly.
That afternoon we went to ride the aerial tramway, but it was so crowded they had to close early and we didn't make it on. So, we went back again the next day and hung out up in the mountains. Thanks for coming to visit, Auntie Sunshine!!! We can't wait to see you again - here, there, or anywhere!

Tappin' the summer away

This summer the only "official" activity we signed KK up for was a 6 week creative movement and tap class. She loved the first class, but the second class was a little challenging. When all of the kids put those shoes on and start tapping at the same time, the sound is enough to drive anyone crazy. KK wasn't loving it, and stood with her fingers in her ears or sat to the side of the class for most of the session. Of course this was the only class I brought a camera to. That seemed to be the only class she didn't love, and since then she has participated happily. She loves the teacher, Mrs. B, and runs back to give her a hug about five times after each class. I think she is a beautiful little dancer, even when her fingers are in her ears!

Father's Day Camping

We climbed some altitude over Father's Day weekend and went camping with our playgroup friends. Last year when we planned the same trip we had 30 degree weather and snow (in AUGUST!) and ended up snuggled in a cabin. While we still had a great time last year, this year we got to do all of the things we had hoped to do on a camping trip. Hiking, fishing, stargazing, cooking over the open fire, sleeping under the stars...it was grrrreat! 10 adults and 10 kids under the age of four - it doesn't get much more fun than that! With the announcement of a set of twins arriving in our playgroup this fall, next year the grown ups will be outnumbered! Hooray!!!

Midwest Madness

Back in early June KK and I spent an amazing week in the midwest. The trip started off with a good chuckle at the airport. KK was looking out the window, watching the planes and workers. She turned to me and said, "Mommy, is our plane the one with the pink lip gloss?" Indeed it was...

It was nice to be home with very little on the schedule...just hanging out and being close to family and friends. Of course that is not to say that we didn't keep busy, because busy we were!!!

Most of our time was spent at Grandma and Grandpa's getting spoiled. Uncle Rod and Auntie Shawna came over with homemade cupcakes that we decorated ourselves. Auntie Shawna doesn't waste time with your average cupcake pans, either. These were as enormous as they were delicious, Yum-o! Puppy cousin Ruby got a lot of attention from KK, and I even got to go with her to her obedience class. She is such a good puppy!


We spent an afternoon at Nickelodeon Universe with Auntie Sunshine and KK's Godcousin, Rubilicious. Dora! Boots! Diego! SpongeBob! The girls were best friends from the beginning and they had so much fun! We might have to keep a close eye on these two when they are teenagers - they've already gotten in trouble for stalking SpongeBob together. Really.

Auntie Sunshine, Jboy, Macaroni and I had dinner at the Chatterbox to celebrate birthdays. Besides the wonderful company, all I remember is dessert. Drool.
KK got her Auntie Sunshine time, too! We spent another entire afternoon at the Minnesota Children's Museum. All I can say is that place rocks!


Most importantly, we drove to South Dakota to visit our "Triple G" (Great Grandma Gladys). It was nice to see her, but hard at the same time. She is doing very well in her new home, but has become completely dependent. Completely. It was hard to see strangers (to me, anyway) feeding her meals and pretty much doing everything for her. The good news is that she is still a spunky monkey -- if anyone in the family tries to feed her she is more than happy to tell them where to go. Thanks to the 'strangers' she has gained almost 20 pounds and is back in the triple digits for weight. I love her so much.


Since Great Grandma is in a home now, we had the privilege of staying with my mom's best girlfriend from high school. Ida and her husband Mark live in a GORGEOUS farmhouse in the very very northwest corner of Iowa. We had a bonfire and s'mores, KK and Grandma got a little wild four-wheeling, and KK made all kinds of new friends on the farm!

(The frog got many kisses, but alas, never turned into a prince...)



It was another wonderful visit, and next time we aren't waiting so long to go back. September...20 year high school reunion...wow.

It just might be time for a haircut...

...and as soon as I find time to make that happen, I'll also post updates on our very busy summer, including:

- Our exciting Minnesota/South Dakota/Iowa trip (KK can now say "Uff da!" without prompting AND in context.)

- Our awesome Father's Day Weekend Camping Trip with 10 adults and 10 children under the age of 4. (We survived this year, but next year the adults will be outnumbered.)

- The results of KK's enrollment in a ballet/tap class (she LOVES loud music, but 10 children in tap shoes apparantly scares the hell out of her.)

- An amazing adventurous weekend with the amazing and adventurous Auntie Sunshine! (Follow the link if you want the update early...because it might be a few days before I get that far!)