Landon is 10 Months!

My little man is now 10 months old! Before this latest birthday, he a few very busy days. Last Thursday, he began getting up on his knees and getting around using "real" crawling, although he quickly revert to his much faster moving army crawl. On Friday, I found his standing next to the picnic table. And on Saturday, as Daddy headed off to work, he sat in front of the gate and waved bye-bye.

Although I will miss watching him achieve these really exciting milestones (can't wait for those first steps!!!), I am truly enjoying the moments I have with me and look forward to all those things to come. I'm a little sad that the baby days are coming to a close, but the possibilities that await him cause even more anticipation!

Happy 1 months, buddy! You're almost bigger than brother :-)

Look At Me!

Look at my little man!! He is getting so big and acting so grown-up. He had his first experience with corn on the cob (he loves it!) and is working on dressing himself. He will pick out his own clothes and insists "I do it!" I'm amazed at the conversations we can now have--it simply is incredible! Now, I just wish he'd show some interest, even a glimmer, in getting out of those diapers!!

The Fair Is In Town

On Sunday, we headed to the fair! Although it was all the same as the last two years, it was fun watching Bennett identify the animals (he kept calling the goats cows, though). He would also walk into the different barns making the animal noises--the best was when he was mooing at the cows!

The best part this year was that we finally got Bennett on a pony for a ride! We asked him several times if he wanted to ride. He kept repeating "ride my pony." Then, we asked again, and he said he didn't want to go. So, after we paid our money, I was a little worried whether he would actually get on or not. But he did and didn't seem scared at all. Before the ride was officially over, he said, "all done" and started climbing off! I knew we were done at that point :-)

Now, I just have to get Ryan on a horse . . .

Choo Choo!!!

This last weekend, Daddy had to work so I was in charge of taking both boys to Rail Fest. A local train was open for touring and I figured Bennett would love it!

Bennett loved driving the trains, too!

As we were pulling out of the parking lot, I happened to see a line of people waiting to ride the train--I whipped into reverse and quite literally dragged the kids to get in line, too. We hopped on and enjoyed a fun ride on the choo choo. As we were getting off, Bennett even got to hop up and ring the bell. Despite the horrible heat, we had a great time!

Crazy Cousins!!

Family Reunion

While we were out of town, my sister and my two nieces came to visit--great timing :-) We missed each other for much of her visit, but got a little time to join up at our local children's museum. All four kids had the chance to run around, play, and hang out with each other--they seemed to have a blast!

Aunt Heather helps Landon play in the water!

Bennett and Paloma watch their boats go down the river.

Mattea puts on a hard hat and vest to work the crane.

All the kids are digging in the wood chips.

After a long morning playing, we headed to a restaurant for lunch. The poor waitress! First, there are 3 adults with 4 children. Within a short time span, we suffered two major spills! Bennett had to be like his cousins and order apples and wanted to sit by Loma.

We also had a little time to visit a bookstore for story time. The girls seemed to enjoy the books.

Mattea then spent some time reading to us :-)

Paloma helps her cousin by giving him his paci back ~ what a sweetheart!

Even though the time together was short, we certainly enjoyed hanging out! We're sorry we couldn't spend more time with you but are so glad you were able to come home! The girls are getting so big and they are such a hoot! I can't wait for the kids to get to know each other even better!

Not Me Monday

So, I'm taking part in my first (I think) not me Monday. I certainly did not do ANY of these things this week :-)

1. I never assumed that my master's degree meant learning a new job would be a breeze--oh, no, I know better, right?

2. I certainly did not make a HUGE mistake when cashing a check that was not signed by the issuer--because I should know better after all my training. And I did not attempt to do, No I certainly did not send her away with money for my supervisor to have to get back--That could NOT have been me.

3. I absolutely did not purchase my third shower curtain for my bathroom in 3 years. The last one I bought, was "the one." But now, this one really is the one--I mean it this time!

4. I most certainly did not place the vaporizer on the floor were my very curious 2 1/2 year old would put his hand over the steam and start crying that his hand was "hot." I've been a mom long enough to know better than to do that . . .

Here's hoping to an easier week at work and learning how to do my new job well and to making better choices when it comes to my kids. But despite my mistakes, I did follow my instincts and took little Landon to the doctor this morning and sure enough, he was sick--on top of the ear infection, he has croup. So, here's wishing you a week filled with love, good intentions, and minimal damage to our children :-)

Congratulations, Kelly and Jake!

This weekend, we had the pleasure of helping Ryan's sister celebrate her marriage to Jake. It began with a fun morning at the salon for hair and makeup. We headed back to the house for a few pre-wedding toasts, pizza, and hanging out. Kelly was a stunning bride! Bennett did a great job as the ring bearer--he never took off his tie and he dragged the flower girl down the aisle!

After the ceremony, we headed to a local park for some pictures. Bennett had fun looking for the fish! It was a gorgeous day for a wedding!

What a handsome group of men--especially my two guys!

Bennett and the flower girl let loose on the golf course at the reception site--they were too cute!

We got a few good pictures before Bennett crashed behind the head table for th evening! The boys both did a great job and managed to hang in until the reception ended at midnight! (although they were a little cranky the next day!).

Kelly and Jake ~

Our family had a great time being a part of your special day! We love you and wish the both of you a long and happy life together! Congratulations!

Weekend Get-Away

Over the 4th of July, Ryan and I had the opportunity to get a way for a few days--alone! We left Saturday morning and headed to a wedding for a friend of Ryan's and ended up running into several people we knew! Between the wedding and reception, we detoured to Lambeau field. I had never been there, so we snapped some pictures got a snack at one of the restaurants, and wandered around. The wedding was wonderful and we had a great time!

The next day, we took an hour and half drive and met up with Ryan's sisters Kristen and Kelly and their fiances--Jake and Mike. We all pilled into Mike's car and headed to Alpine Valley to see Dave Matthews.
Hanging out before the concert!

Finally, the show began. I have to admit, after the first few songs, I wasn't too impressed. He wasn't playing any of favorites and I was worried that the concert was going to be a bust--I should know better! Pretty soon, he started rocking out all the good tunes and the jam sessions in the middle of the songs were incredible!!!! He played Grey Street, Ants Marching (my absolute favorite!! I've never heard it live before!), Trippin' Billy, Bartender, Seek up . . . and on and on. He played until about 11:00, took a quick break, and came back for the encore--and what an encore it was. He typically plays 2 songs, but for 4th of July he rocked out 4 songs and ended the show with the best version of Watchtower. It was an amazing weekend! A much needed break for Ryan and I and a much needed break from our crazy life!

Boyd, the violin player, is still my favorite, besides Dave :-)