I don't know who is more excited?

So after sifting through some pictures, I came across this one and zoomed into Anthony's face. Apparently being a dad equals crazy facial expressions for him because this is not the first time (remember Ethan's first feeding video?) Oh Anthony, Ethan loves your enthusiasm and so do I :)

*more pictures*

Watching the fish

Ethan LOVED riding the horse

building those leg muscles :)

The wave machine at the Aquarium

Playing with the boats with mommy

"Up North"

Ethan and Daddy on the pier at Canal Park with the Lift bridge in the background

Ethan and Mommy with beautiful Lake Superior in the background

Ethan seeing a real horse for the first time- he loves horses in all his books and to hear Daddy make the horse sound :)

Ethan enjoying breakfast in our hotel room in Ely with Daddy

My dad, Ethan and I at the Chocolate Moose for breakfast

This past weekend we enjoyed the long weekend in northern MN. We stayed at the Grand Ely Lodge, where my uncle Joe and my new Aunt Jessica, were married in a beautiful outdoor wedding overlooking Lake Shagawa. It was great to see all my family who made the trip to Ely and for some of them to meet Ethan for the first time!

Anthony and I decided to drive down scenic Highway 1 to Duluth for a quick visit on our way home. I had not been to Duluth since I was a kid and Anthony had only driven through on a business trip. We walked all around Canal park, had some lunch, and explored the Aquarium. Ethan dipped his toes in Lake Superior since it was actually a very warm (85 degree) day. We arrived home Sunday night and were so happy to have another day to relax before heading back to work. We ended our weekend with a nice barbecue with our neighbors, Brent and Camie and new friends Jen and John. Anthony grilled his famous slow roasted pulled pork and everyone loved it!

This week it is back to school week for me- with a whole new crew of kids. It is always amazing to me the amount of growth that takes place in the 4-5 year old transition from preschooler to kindergartner. It is also very different this year for me to watch the difficulty some parents have with this huge milestone- now that I am a parent myself I have a whole new understanding!

Enjoy the short week :)

Our "little" laugh-fest

summertime

We have been busy so far in August. Ethan has been busy learning many new "tricks." He can now clap, raise his arms up when we say, "so big!" and even signs "more" when he is eating and would like...well more!
We bought Ethan his first baseball cap & he leaves it on for the most part. He looks like such a big boy in this picture- where has our little baby gone?
Anthony, Ethan & I had a great night in our neighborhood for National Night Out. It was this first year our community participated and it was really neat to meet more people in the area. Plus I won a target gift card in the raffle!
Last weekend Ethan and I went home to visit family and friends and finally got to meet my cousin Emily's little girl, Hattie. Ethan and Hattie got to play together for just a short time, as they were on opposite schedules for the morning: Hattie had just woken up and Ethan was ready to go down for a nap. Hattie was a such a sweet little baby, smiling and very happy. We look forward to seeing them again in September at Joe and Jessica's wedding.
Ethan 8 months old & Hattie 9 months old