Elizabeth's First Camping Trip

This past weekend, Elizabeth and I enjoyed what I hope to be the first of many camping trips and other outdoor excursions together.

Friday night we drove the 7 miles to Olmsted County's Chesterwoods Park. She was excited all week, and the buzz didn't stop until 11:00 that night. We got there, unpacked a bit, and had roasted sweet corn courtesy of the Gupta family we were camping with in adjacent sites. You can see Adam enjoyed it as well.
After the customary smores for dessert, it was time to get settled in. Inside the tent, Elizabeth walked in circles as she explored the tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, headlamps, etc. The first major test of Elizabeth's compatibility with camping was if she could safely stay out of the fire and all of its attendant dangers. After round 1, so far so good. The second major test now began inside the tent: Could Elizabeth actually get to sleep and sleep well enough to warrant another camping trip? I am happy to report that Elizabeth got to sleep and slept through the night. In the morning, I opened my eyes to find her perpendicular to me, lying on her stomach and looking at me with a big smile. Immediately she said "Good morning Daddy!" Yes, Elizabeth was pumped to be a camper.

Saturday morning found the group at the lake fishing and stopping at the playground before lunch. After the kids napped, Sam and Adam rejoined us for time at the beach and supper. All the while, Elizabeth had fun playing with Angie and Ash's two kids, Milan and Amani. Sunday morning would ultimately bring Sam the opportunity to save both Amani, who is not quite 2, and Adam from the lake. Amani simply lost his balance on the dock, and Adam flipped his beach toy while attempting to lunge out. While both were in about 2 feet of water, neither were in it more than a second or two. Clearly these back-to-back encounters reinforce the necessity to supervise children around water.

Overall, Elizabeth had a great time with her first camping experience, and is eager to go again. And I can't wait to take her.

Ash with Elizabeth and Adam

9 Months Old

Adam is 9 months old! He's still our crabby little baby, but new mobility has brightened his days. He loves exploring the world around him and is a maniac crawler. He can also stand and cruise, so walking is the next frontier. Terrorizing his sister is his favorite especially now that he can grab all her toys and put them in his mouth. There are many moments where the two of them are face to face screaming.

Adam hates when anyone shuts the back gate on him, locks the door, or shuts a door to keep him out. He is a stubborn little guy and will let us know that he doesn't appreciate being denied entrance to anything he wants.

Happy 9 months old little boy!

Welcome Penelope!

Today my best friend welcomed her second daughter into the world. We prolonged our trip up north so I could meet the little lady. Penelope Jane was born this morning, weighing 8lbs 3 oz and 19.5 inches. She was a sweet little pumpkin wrapped in a blanket and pink hat. Can't wait to see you grow!

Makes Me Laugh

Elizabeth is never short on personality and is always saying funny things. We have to get better at documenting them because in a couple of years she probably won't be talking to us! Here are a couple of recent stories.

A couple of days ago, I had a mommy meltdown and yelled at everyone that was breathing in my house. Josh took the kids in the porch to give me space, but Elizabeth came into the living room, gave me a stern look, and said, "Mommy, that is ridiculous. Ridiculous." Being scolded by a two year old made me burst out laughing- she was so right!

Elizabeth and I were playing outside, I grabbed a flower that was blooming in the yard and asked her to smell it. She took a big sniff and said, "Smells like a piece of heaven." Where does she come up with these lines!

In other news, Adam is a crazy crawler. His new trick is pulling up to standing. Next is walking...

Magnus Dean

Congrats to Jesse & Leah Underbakke on today's birth of Magnus Dean! He was 9 lbs. 1 oz and 21. 5 inches. Lena is officially a big sister!