Anniversary Adventure Part I

A few weeks ago, Jon and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary! It has been an amazing 6 year adventure, with twists and turns - so what better way to celebrate than to attend Jon's 10-year high school reunion. There was a little sarcasm in that statement, but it really was a fun time. I got to see again or meet for the first time Jon's friends and Jon was able to reminisce; it just wasn't exactly how we both pictured spending our anniversary. So for our second celebration, we headed on a northern adventure a week later.

Most of the adventure was a surprise to me as Jon planned where we were going to stay, what we were going to do and the meals we would be eating. It was so much fun to get away for a long weekend and just enjoy each other (including Brianna) and the outdoors.

Friday morning we packed up and headed to N&N's to drop off Eko and enjoy a bite to eat with them before heading out for good (thanks for the yummy soup!). Friday night we stayed in Duluth. We took their skyway system down to the pier, looked around a bit and ate dinner.

Saturday, we woke up with our Brianna alarm clock and decided to hit the road as soon as we were packed back up. On the way to our Saturday night destination, we stopped to get in some hiking. There are so many hikes up north it's hard to choose which ones to do. We had fun exploring and walking in the woods at Tettegouche State Park's high falls and shovel point. We arrived in Grand Marais later that afternoon. We walked around town and capped off our evening by eating the awesome Sven and Ole's pizza. What a fabulous day!

To be continued...

Adapting to Change

This week we learned that Brianna has a Gluten sensitivity. Yup... Gluten. Neither Jon or I have allergies, at least that we know about (or might want to accept), so this news came as a little bit of a surprise. She was/is eating mainly fruits and vegetables, but we still had to take a closer eye at what finger foods we had around the house for her and make some adjustments. So far this week... a success!

Right now I'm on Gluten overload - not literally (though there are a lot of things I love that contain gluten), there is just a lot to learn and adjust to in a short amount of time. Thankfully there is a heightened awareness to gluten sensitivities and celiac disease these days, that it is somewhat easier to spot gluten-free foods without reading every label. We still have much to learn, but I would do anything to help Brianna feel better. Hurray for new challenges!

Any tips or websites that others have found useful?

Your Smile Brightens Mine

I love the changing of the colors in the fall; it's my favorite time of year. We have quite a collection of leaves, ever growing in our backyard. This afternoon, I thought I would take the opportunity for a mini amateur photo shoot with Brianna. She studied and examined each leaf, and to my surprise didn't put any in her mouth.

 

Twins Fan for Life!

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?