Over the River and Through the Twin Cities, to Grammy and Grampy's House(s) We Went!

So if someone gave you the choice between spending approximately 11 hours in the car with a 3 yr-old and a 9 month-old or hmm, let's see, any one thing that you greatly fear and dread, what would you pick? I'm happy to report that after our experiences this past month, we can happily choose the car ride. Both the kiddos did GREAT on our trip to and from Grammy and Grampy's house, and they were also good little helpers (or at least were not troublemakers, which is probably the best way for a preschool and a baby to help) during the big move from the country home into town. In the midst of all the moving mayhem, it was fun to spend some time up north with family, and we were able to attend a family reunion, check out the park in Grammy and Grampy's new neighborhood, and visit the cows on Uncle Randy's farm. For the record, Eli mentions Uncle Randy's farm about once every other day since that trip. We also rode the 4-wheeler and tractor as we said our goodbyes to the old house, and got to spend some time with our favorite former Minnesotan, current Canadian, Auntie Lois. I'm not sure if this one successful trip is inspiring overconfidence, or if the fresh Minnesota air went to our heads, but now we're considering driving to Florida for vacation in the coming year. Do-able or crazy talk? May need to think on this one a little...

Picnic and playground break by the river during the drive

Time for lunch!

After all that time in the car...he picks the car to play in at the playground!

Evelyn and Daddy chose a less-conventional mode of transportation

Making pancakes with Grammy

Grammy and her little girl

Love my daddy!

The crew is here and ready to move it move it!

We'll have to photoshop in Uncle Mike

Moving is easy when you have a tractor to help you

How did the little kiddo end up getting the biggest tractor?

Even the little miss wanted a turn to sit on the tractor

 Mommy shows Evelyn the calves

Eli loved our tour guide, Cousin Savannah

I'm not sure the cows were used to such a parade going through their barn

Little boy. Big wheel.

Eli made sure he got to sit on every tractor on the farm

Bath time fun at the new house

Bed time treats at the new house

The Brasel ladies (we'll have to photoshop in Aunt Kim)

 At the new home

Ten (Months) is Terrific! (and Some Big Boy Updates, too)

The little lady celebrated the big 1-0 (months) this week. She took a brief break from her usual schedule of crawling all over the house, usually towards whatever her brother is playing with, to don a cute dress for a quick photo section.

Sweet little ladybug

You'll just have to trust us that the other chalkboard says "10"

Even her sad face makes me say "awww"

Many exciting milestones lately for our preschooler, the most significant being the move to the big boy bed (really, just taking the side off the crib) and bidding adieu to diapers (so far, going pretty well). 

Everyone on the big boy bed for some stories

Good story-reading, Daddy!

Doesn't every 3-yr-old want to install their kiddie toilet seat themselves?

Many helpers

Evelyn's not sure what the boys are up to, but she sure thinks it is exciting!

Pool Day, Cousin Play, Day Away

In honor of today's rain, here's looking back at a recent sunny day trip to Mimi and Pa's house for some time in the pool and visiting with cousins. Also included is a visit to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. We were so busy having fun playing at the museum that there are no pictures to share (I suppose that is the way it should be, right?), but there are a few pictures of the cousins enjoying lunch at the art museum cafe to refuel after all the play time.

Eli and Daddy cruisin' in style

Eli gets a solo ride (screwdriver in hand, of course)

Cousin Isaac found his own ride, too

The boys work together to gas up the dump truck

The ladies

Cousins! All looking the same direction! (but not at this camera)

Eli and Evelyn are rocking out

Happy lady

Taking a break on the park bench

So fun to see Eli enjoying a park from my childhood

Lunch at the art museum

Evelyn's seat at lunch

Beaches, Bikes, and Building

We're packing a lot of fun into the final weeks of summer (final weeks...ugh, not ready for summer to end quite yet!).

Whether in town or on short day trips, we have been hitting the beach!

The boys working together on a very. important. project. 

(Yes, my child is only in a diaper...sometimes you can't interrupt the fun to change into "proper" attire)

The little lady is quite the happy sand crab.

Ooh, that water is refreshing!

My beach babies

Beach baby

We finally picked out a bike trailer in hopes that Mommy and Daddy can get back on their bikes more frequently (more frequently than twice in the past year should be an easy goal to meet), and to allow the kids to join in the biking fun. Eli and Daddy took the trailer for its maiden voyage; this fall Evelyn should be big enough to ride along as well.

Ready to ride

Looks cozy

Evelyn watched from her own set of wheels for now

We're lucky to live in a city that has numerous parks to explore. Our most recent find included a super-big, toy-stocked sandbox!

 The trench was there when we arrived, but the kids were happy to continue work in it.

All that buildin' means time for some snackin'