Odd Looks but Sweet Comments

Yesterday, my nephew, Casen, joined our Wednesday morning adventure. Looking back, it was a little crazy to take on a 6-month and 9-month old out while running errands running, but thought... Why not! It was Wednesday!

Just before it was time to head out the door at 9, the cousins got to spend a few minutes talking, playing, and examining.

Then it was off to the Chiropractor. About half way there, I realized I forgot my phone. {I didn't realize until yesterday how attached I have become to the cell phone and how helpful it is, especially if you forget to look up directions at home (for part of the errand running) and for when it came time to meet up with my sister later in the day to hand off Casen.}  Anyway, we arrived on time to my Chiropractor appointment - which I was slightly surprised by. The women that work in the office are accustomed to seeing Brianna, so when I walked in with Casen in my arms and Brianna hidden in the stroller, there was slight hesitation and curiosity as to what was going on! Once I explained the relationship and why I had two that day, the two little ones we showered with attention. I believe one comment was, "That was a quick labor and delivery!"  I was adjusted and asked if the doctor had any recommendations for Brianna's minor ear infection. He checked her to see if she needed adjusting, and turns out she may have food allergies (more on that to come), all the while Casen is relishing the affection.


Next it was time to eat for the pair of them. I got back to the car and buckled Casen in and thought I would try feeding Brianna before we left the parking lot. No go. Casen was getting hungrier and distracted Brianna easliy. I quickly got Brianna situated and started looking for somewhere I could heat up a bottle. Caribou was right around the corner... perfect. We got everybody out... warmed up the bottle... they ate... we piled back in... all was good.

Our last stop was to return a bolt to the Saturn dealership in Bloomington. Here is where the directions or phone would have come in handy. I wasn't exactly sure of where it was (but no calling Jon for help), so I was more or less guessing as I drove around, but once you spot one dealer, more are sure to be close. I was surprised at my excellent navigating because it seemed as though we drove straight to it without much backtracking. Bolt returned!

It was getting later in the morning and I was in Bloomington, my sister in Minneapolis, and I wasn't sure if I had enough time to make it all the way home or just take my time getting to my sisters'. I choose to stop off at Mortenson for a short visit. We packed out of the car one last time and headed inside. I think people thought I was crazy, hauling in the two of them. We walked around briefly, said hello to a few friends, and found Jon to use his phone. All worked according to plan... kindof! It was a fun morning. Thanks Casen for joining us - we had fun!

If you Insist!

Yesterday we were all wanting to get out of the house for a short time but not spend too much time in the car getting to our destination. What used to be a Salvation Army Camp recently converted into Silverwood Park, was just the nature adventure we needed. There is a wonderful trail that wraps around in a circle with a bunch or areas to sit and enjoy the surroundings. One such moment was captured here.

Like clockwork, we set Brianna down, she picked up a leaf, Jon took the pacifier out of her mouth (to make for a better picture), and the leaf started to go in the mouth... Yum! She learns through all of her senses!

Tonight I Love a Pit Bull Named Peanut

The last couple of days, Brianna has been down for the count. She had a slight fever and gagged when we tried Tylenol. She has never been a cuddler, but it came as no surprise this personality trait changed has her symptoms worsened. Although I relished every cuddly moment, it took a lot of sanity to make it through the screams and tired arms. Add on top of that craziness a rowdy pup desiring a walk... a trip to the dog park... or even settle for a little love and one on one time. I was just so tired after she went to bed, that all I wanted to do was do the same.

Tonight, we made it to the dog park! Usually, Eko just wants to play fetch and ignores the other dogs - and you can forget about the more aggressive players... but today it was different. Maybe it was the lack of exercise over the last few days or maybe he's turned a new leaf, I don't know. But what I do know is it was a nice change of pace from just sitting at the park picnic table waiting for Eko to be ready to go. Today, a couple walked in with Gus and Peanut (If you're familiar with dog parks, owners are known by their dogs names not their own!). We've seen them before and he completely ignores them. Once a few other dogs left and it was down to just Eko, those two dogs and one other I didn't know, it was as if Eko came out of his shell to play with peanut (pun intended). They ruff-housed for a good 30 minutes (after the 45 min we were already there) while I chatted with the girl who was admiring Brianna. It was even difficult to get his attention when it was time to leave, meaning he was having a LOT of fun. As soon as we got home (at 6) he laid down and has been sleeping ever since. Hooray for the dog park - Huzzah for Peanut!

Trunk-a-dunk-a-do

Everyone knows trees are good. Everyone knows they provide myriad environmental and aesthetic benefits. However, there was one tree in our backyard that was practically begging to be removed. After last fall we promised ourselves we would cut this one tree down before next fall.

This tree had, what seemed like, millions of tiny pinky sized leaves which were impossible to rake up and dispose of. Plus its branches were leaning and drooping over our deck. And the icing on the cake (or nail in the coffin from the trees perspective) was this spring when half the leaves didn't come in and looked as though it was dying. It did make a recovery during the summer but it was too late.

Even Eko got in on the action

So, while Brianna was inside sleeping peacefully for her afternoon nap on Sunday Eme and I were outside revving the chainsaw and planning our felling technique. It didn't quite work as planned, but after we involved a 2x4 and rope the four of us rocked it into falling the right direction (which would be away from our deck and house).

All's well that ends well. We got it down, cleaned it up and neatly stacked the wood. Anyone want some tree branches?

Hanging Out in Chaos

What do you get when you have two 9-month olds, a two and a half year old, two adults, and three dogs?

Eko's the only one who wouldn't "pose" for this picture!

Yesterday was my sister Margaret and her husbands anniversary (Happy Anniversary!). To hep out, I went over to my parent's for a little while until my mom got home from work to watch Lucius and Oliver so Margaret and Jerimy could sneak out early and enjoy their evening. It was exhilarating! While my dad entertained Oliver, I was able to play with Lucius and keep this crawling Mr. Funny out of trouble, plus keep the dogs occupied so they didn't bark all afternoon. {Kleo (the small dog) is not a fan of Eko, but doesn't mind Copper (big dog shown above), so when both Copper and Eko are over, Kleo doesn't bark as much at Eko and the two big dogs can have some fun running around.} We had a good time. It's nice that everyone is close in age and will be able to grow up hanging out.

Once I got home, we had made last minute plans with friends to do our usual pizza and a movie. In the meantime, my other sister called, Michelle, and asked if we could watch Casen (which really meant just putting him to bed). No problem at all! Casen joined our evening and got to hang out with Lana, our friends little girl, who is one day younger than him. What a fun filled, baby crazy day!

Little Miss Independent

More and more I am noticing that Brianna is becoming an independent individual. Tonight she had some sweet potatoes and since she loves to do things herself, I gave in and let her take over to see what she would do. She grabbed the bowl like a an old pro, stuck her fingers in to grab some potatoes then put her whole hand in her mouth. It was quite entertaining. I caught the end of our meal together!

As an added bonus today, Brianna took an extra long afternoon nap! I was able to work on a small project. A few years ago in Chicago, my coworker created this graphic for me for the girls youth small group I was working with. I just bought this cute little shirt on clearance and thought I would spruce it up - and I had just the solution. It pretty much sums up our little one. She is just so content almost all of the time (note the use of the word almost).

Blast from the Past

While out disc golfing with friends, we came across a hill which is normally used for sledding during the winter. It was such a perfect day on Saturday and the grass was so inviting that I just couldn't help myself...

There was also a gigantic playground and long slides that Jon took advantage of.

How have you embraced your inner child lately?

Hugs All Around

It's pretty obvious that Eko doesn't mind the extra hands in the house to give him attention. There was no coaxing or placement for the making of this picture, it happened entirely on it's own...

I mean really. What is he thinking??!

Good Things Come in Twos

2 adults making their way on a fun (free) adventure at the Landing

2 babies all bundled for a cool September morning

2 BOBs geared up for a stroll on a bumpy dirt road

2 lunch packs ready when hunger strikes

and a 2 year old with an apple, energy and curiosity!

I don't see their beds in there!

A couple more minutes.

Just chillin'.

Are you done with your apple? Not Yet.

See more pictures of our adventure here!

Why Not! (wednesday)

Yesterday Brianna and I walked the short distance to the library. Usually not a huge fan of libraries but they seem to be making a come-back in my life. We picked up one of those free museum passes and a book for me. I'm not much of a reader, but hey, why not! It's never to late to start... again.

A little back story - I was filling out a few pages in her baby book and one of them was all about news/movies/events - "The world as it was when you were born" kinda pages. One little section asked about popular books. As I was looking up the information, I came across The Shack by William Young. According to marketingcharts.com, this book was the #2 Fiction book of 2009. I've heard of it before and heard good reviews, so why not! That's the book I checked out from the library.

Already 120 pages into a 240 some page book, it reminds me of what reading should be - enjoyable. It's all about finding the right genre combined with the right style of writing. For me it's something that leaves you in suspense but at the same time gets to the point, a real page turner. Since I'm making good head way on this book and it doesn't seem to be taking me long to get through it, and I should really continue to read every once in a while to keep my mind sharp... I thought, why not! Any suggestions?

No Hot Water Here

Last night, after unsuccessfully trying to sell our tickets, we opted to change plans and attend the game - a little last minute. It ended up being a wonderful evening for baseball and the Twins (winning 4 to 3). Brianna came with us and did pretty well. She is much older than when we last went to a game together, so she was over stimulated and couldn't help shifting each second to get a better view of... everything. Thankfully, near the end of the game, she focused on 3 women sitting behind us and sat still for a little bit. It was well past her bedtime, but she did well at not fussing.

OK... down to the issue at hand. I have been, so far, very impressed with Target Field and its consideration for nursing mothers, as compared to other stadiums we've been to with Brianna. However, yesterday I was less than impressed when there was no hot water to be found to make a small bottle - my sweet Brianna likes her bottle (really) warm. I might have been able to find a handicap sink somewhere that would have gotten hot enough (not even the family restrooms had dual facets), but instead I tried asking staff where I might find some. It was suggested I try the First Aid room. That sounded good, so off I went. They tried to help, but their facets were not warming up at all. First aid you're questioning, yeah, no hot water... you'd think they would be in some if they didn't have any...   Anyway, then I tried asking a few food stands and finally found a mother of four that was willing to help a girl out. [Thank you lady at the food stand for helping and Tony, also at the food stand, who was so enamored with Brianna that he kept us company while we waited.] Her water didn't get very hot either, but she gave it a go and did pretty well. I'm into saving water and the earth's resources but I have a steadily decreasing like for the push facets where all you get is cold water to wash your hands, or in my case, make a bottle. (soap box dismounted)


On a much higher note  - Things you would never see if baseball were still at the Dome:  With the lights of the stadium brings bugs, moths, and BIG moths. Last night, a BIG moth was flying around and a hawk swooped down, grabbed the moth, and flew a victory lap around the bases (a few feet above the players). The section we sat in were not watching the game at that point but watching the bird show off his dinner. I even saw him devour it right in front of us before retiring back to his dugout!

Apple Picking

Last Sunday, we took our first trip to an apple orchard as a family. We picked some yummy Cortland apples that have yet to be baked into some yummy goodness. We even met up with Grandpa and Grandma B (seen in the background picking their apples) to enjoy the sunny afternoon.

Tell me you just love my hoodie!

Brianna loved sucking on the apples and grinding her two bottom teeth over its flesh. She'd get a few chunks but it didn't bother her - she kept on eating. What you can't see in this picture is her other hand gripping mine, not allowing it to back away.

Yup, this is a good one...

After the apple orchard we made our way to my parents getaway to have dinner together and chat around the fire. It was fun to reminisce about my younger years camping and listen to the campground DJ turn up the hits. We ended the evening with the ever popular smores. Hope you had a fun Labor Day weekend as well and were able to ring in the new school year with flair!

Sunday Paper

Who printed this paper sideways?

I love waking up Sunday mornings and reading the paper with Daddy. Problem is, he always army crawls out of nowhere, tries to take it from me, and then crumples it in his hands!

Here I am trying to get caught up on yesterday's news about the Twins. Good news...they won!

Even Short Visits do Wonders

Brianna and I made the short trip to visit with Auntie Mick and Cousin Casen this afternoon. We were thrilled to play for a little bit, have a bite to eat, and share a little about our weeks. Thanks Mick for the company, it was just what the B&E Bon needed. And thanks Cousin Casen for lending your blanket for a little play time.

As I suspected, on the short trip home Brianna fell asleep. I picked her up out of her carseat and she just laid her head on my shoulder and fell back asleep. She doesn't do this very often, so I thought on this cool Friday I would take advantage of her cuteness. She slept in my arms for about 20 minutes, before I decided that maybe I should lay her down because she was out cold and she might take a longer nap. It was wonderful to snuggle with the little girl, even if it was for a brief moment, reminding me how precious she is and each moment that we have together.

Eko Dog Hunter - Ventures Out!

With my trusty caterpillar and camera crew, I ventured beyond the Eko Dog habitat to somewhere more unfamiliar - The zoo of Como. I knew this was no ordinary day and certain precautions needed to be taken. I buckled and sunscreen lotioned up and we were off.

We came across a large turtle that didn't seem to move. Naturally, my fellow companions opted for a photo since the beast was so welcoming (plus no signs warning to not climb).

I was looking really hard to spot an ostrich, but no luck. I think I must have missed it... maybe it was running and it's speed was just too quick. Valiant effort!

I say, I've never seen a giraffe do the splits before - Show Off!!

We did catch a glimpse of the tiger pacing back and forth. I tried to tell him it was hot out and to just lay down, but tigers can be a little hard headed.

It was a great adventure. Thank you to my traveling companions for a fun afternoon!