A Duck, a Kitchen Cabinet, and a Remote

The title on this post sounds like the start of a "walk into a bar" joke, but really it is just a catch-all for a few pictures of random cuteness from the past couple months.

A Duck

Eli is a big fan of duckies - duckies in books, ducky toys, and his ducky that sleeps with him at night. For some reason, the large wooden duck did not initially win his favor (they are buddies now).


Stop looking at me, Duck!


A Kitchen Cabinet


This looks fun


Let's just see what we can find in here


5 minutes later


A Remote

Eli is fascinated with remotes. He enjoys the toy ones, but can definitely tell that they are not the real deal. Grandma gave him an old real remote, and he tries to use it on all sorts of things around the house.


Sharing the remote with Percy


So that's where he gets it from

Biker Boy

Eli was the cutest thing on two wheels this weekend during his first bike ride. While he did not have the styling bicycle clothing like GG and G-Pa, he did have a cool helmet and a comfy ride in the bike trailer. For this first time, we rented a trailer and rode on a bike trail downtown. We stopped by a friend's house for a quick visit and almost made it back to the rental location before Eli determined that he had had enough biking and wanted to be out of the trailer (like, right now!). Eli and Mom took a break for a snack and playing in the grass while Dad rode the bike trailer back to the car, and then came to pick up Eli and Mom. We'll still count this as a success for the first time out, and it was a perfect day to be biking in Madison!


Not so sure about wearing a helmet


Ready to roll


Brasel Boys Biking


Mini-picnic while waiting for Dad to pick us up

Eli's Grand Adventure!

Eli hit another big milestone this week...his first overnight(s) away from Mom and Dad (it was a pretty big deal for Mom, too). While Mom and Dad were in Door County to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary, Eli stayed home with Grandma and GG. Eli kept everyone busy, and Grandma and GG packed a lot of fun into the 2.5 days. After these adventures, everyone probably needed a nap! Many thanks to Grandma and GG for taking such good care of Eli so that Mom and Dad could go on an adventure of their own.


Out for a walk with the grandparents and great-grandparents


Okay, now I'll pull you all in the wagon


Emptying Grandma's purse is one of my favorite games


Wow, I get presents from Mom and Dad while they are away!


Playing at the Brasel Water Park


Storytime at the bookstore

On the Move!

After many weeks of pulling up on furniture (or Mom, or the cats, or anything within arms' reach) and standing solo, Eli decided to start walking! It really did seem as if he just decided one day, "hmm, I think I'll walk now". Of course, he likes to be an independent walker (no hand-holding, thank you very much), and he has been doing laps around the house, often while carrying a watering can, or a kitchen utensil, or some other random object.


Taking some steps


Watching himself on the video camera

Smile! One Year Pictures

The cuteness was out in full force when Eli went in for his professional one-year-old photos. This means that we got many great shots, and also that Mom and Dad bought way too many pictures! Here's a sneak peek at some of our favorites.


Brasel family picture


Mr. Smiley


Cheese!


I'm one year old!

Final Concerts on the Square

All good things must come to an end, and so this week we bid a fond farewell to the Concerts on the Square. Eli will miss the picnicking and people watching, as well as the opportunity to spend lovely summer evenings outside with Mommy and Daddy.


Great night for a picnic!


Looking cool in Daddy's hat


Multitasking at its finest: drinking, standing, strolling, and watching people

A Hair-Raising Experience?!

Eli is looking cute (even cuter than usual) this week, as he had his first haircut! Mom tried out her barber skills, and Dad was filling the role of baby wrangler. No tears were shed (by Eli or by Mom), and it really was only a snip or two to even things out. All of this was in preparation for going to get one-year pictures taken. Watch for those pictures to be coming soon!


Before


After (still happy...don't let the serious face fool you...just approaching bedtime)

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream (and Swimming!)!

Eli experienced a rite of passage in the Evans family...his first taste of ice cream! Of course, it had to be quality ice cream for the first taste, so it was off to the Memorial Union for Babcock ice cream.


Love at first bite


Just chillin' at the Union


With Mommy


Straws are fun for everyone


Eli finally made it to Grandma's house on a day that was warm and sunny - perfect for a dip in the pool!


Trying out the new raft while being filmed by the PAPArazzi


You - get in the pool!


Out of the pool and ready for church