Fire Station Visit

WEE-ooo! WEEE-ooo! WEEE-ooo!

We took a small gaggle of kids to see the fire station down the road. VERY cool, though I think the Moms may have been more interested in what they firemen had to say. The kids liked the big truck!

Our local fire station specializes in wildfires, and they have driven/flown all over the country to assist other fire fighters. The guys we spoke with were clearly big boys who like their toys. But they're there to protect us.

I bet the dads would like to take the kids next time.

Scott's Method

I asked Scott to brush off Olivia after dinner. This is what happened. And, of course, Zach wanted in on the action. (Roll eyes)

And, a couple of cute naked baby shots.

11/10 Trucks n Tykes

Zach Loves Trucks.
Olivia Loves Zach.

Sibs

We've had a busy morning. My "coffee walk" group met at our house this morning. I served a raspberry coffee cake, and (thanks for the how-to, Mom) coffee, German Pancakes, and meusli - oh, and the $11 melon Scott bought by mistake.

Afterward, we left Olivia to nap while Zach and I joined Theresa & Ella, Regula & Michael & Daniel at the park. Scott was working in the basement.

Zach showed us that yesterday's first day back at the daycare center for a few hours had drained him. When it became apparent we needed to leave, I'm sure the others at the park were thinking, "well, duh!" He screamed the whole stroller ride home. Pleasant. But he was hungry and tired, so we fed him, and I think he's down for the count.

Olivia's busy investigating all the toys still strewn about. She's on the move, slap, slide, slide, slip, crawling toward Daddy who's on the way to the gym. She and I will hang out for a bit, until I can put her back to bed and take a nap myself, hopefully. It's been a long week with Scott in Chicago til last night.

The shots attached were of the kids watching a little TV.

Happy Weekend to you!

11/9 Merry Go Round

Formerly known as the "May-o-ee-o Rown," this carousel is in the center (i.e. you can barely go from store to store without shelling out some dough to ride) of the Colorado Mills Mall we frequent for stuff we never knew we needed and exercise.

Zach's (2nd) First Day of School

Beginning November 8th, Zach started attending the KinderCare center across the street from us. He was VERY excited to go to school again. He had gone last year for a few weeks before Olivia arrived. Isn't he cute carrying over his big back of supplies? He really learns a lot of cool stuff, and comes home with new art and songs.

(Remember his FIRST first day of school?)

While he was gone, Olivia and I did girl stuff. Some girlier than others.

Bear Creek Walk

We got out to enjoy a beautiful, fall day.
And, later, Olivia had her first egg (yolks).

Happy Hump Day

We didn't do anything special today, so I thought we'd better document it.

Mr. Boots

As in Bossy Boots. Our little Zach barks orders right and left. I guess maybe we need to work on the delivery of our requests…

A minute ago, I was told, "Don't put dat [pen] in yoh mowf. On-LY FOOD."

Sorry Olivia!

I can't figure out how to change the picture on our profile, so poor little Livia isn't in the family portrait. Any tips, readers?

Lil Punkins

Zach and Olivia both love playing with trucks. The hobby horse is another favorite for both of them!

Zach and Ella
This year's "My Little Pumpkin" (Remember the first one?)

Halloween's Approaching

Zach is obsessed with frogs, so we're okay with letting him wear the same costume again! It just barely fits.
Olivia's going to start the tradition of being a cat every year...maybe! Her suit is a little big, so maybe Little Lesinski could borrow it next year too!

What a Help-ler!

For the MN Fans

I like the little nose squinch!

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game"

Zach's a performer!

And if you haven't had enough, click HERE .

Olivia's First Tooth

Olivia's first tooth came in the day after the PA at our pediatrician's office told us we could probably expect her teeth to come in near when Zach's did (9.5 mos.). I tried to get a few shots of the new tooth, and got a few sad and cute faces too.

MN 8/22

The forecast was for only "partly cloudy" so we made plans to do a belated birthday celebration for Laura at the lake. Before we left, Zach got a little front-loader time in.

He negotiated in the car, saying he was going to nap so he could have his "pah-sih-uh." He still held his book, though upside down, and eventually gave up the pah-sih-uh when there was too much temptation to look around.

We met Marie and Carlton and Lois for birthday BBQ and cake, frosted (and taste-tested) by Zach. Yum! The weather held, and even cleared up, so we swam, fished, dug, and frolicked.

Zach missed his nap, had a pillow fight with Carlton, and spent some QT in the nude. Olivia charmed with her smiles and even took her first dip in Sugar Lake without any tears.

SO glad we got a day in! Needless to say, both kids zonked on the ride home.

MN 8/21

After Olivia's morning nap we packed up for a trip to the Mall of America's theme park. Lunch was on the agenda, but a little java was all we got until after the rides.

Olivia took it all in from the stroller. Zach did his best to take it all in on foot. The joint is SO BIG, he barely skimmed the surface.

We did manage to ride the "big rigs," a mini roller coaster, and the Red Baron ride. No amusement park visit is complete without a funnel cake, so we partook in one. It was perfect to share with Auntie Laura and Zach.

On our way out, we bought a few postcards and Minnesot-ah items and thought we dropped Olivia's toy (pictured below, probably in her mouth). I left Laura with the kids and hustled back from the car to retrace our steps. My hustle and some wet floors led to a bit of embarassment when I did a full-on slide into the elevator. Yes, a family of 6 was waiting to board the elevator as I ran and fell in front of them. I was too embarassed to call myself "safe!"

Of course the toy was in Olivia's carseat.

Lucky Laura and Chris's kid will have a wonderful time at the park up the street. Zach loved it!

MN - 8/21 Zach at Mall of America

With all the rain we got during our visit, we spent a good deal of time indoors. On Tuesday, we went to the Mall of America to ride some rides. Zach was thrilled with all the activity. Click on the title to see a YouTube clip.

(And please forgive the loud lady next to us while Zach rode the airplane. Her Zach wasn't operating the craft accurately, and she had a runnning commentary the entire ride.)

MN 8/19

Sunday morning, we hosted an impromptu brunch for the Smith relatives. Uncle David and Aunt Wendy were in town to pick up Uncle Jonathan who blew in from CA on Saturday. I don't remember the last time I saw him, so that was fun - especially after a frappacino brought him up to speed. Emily had returned from a work trip to Reno Saturday night too, and Margaret had just moved in with Em and Ellison, so it was a big weekend. Susie was also able to come over for the brunch. And later in the afternoon Jody, Orie and Barb joined us as well. Zach busily entertained the group and Olivia smiled and snuck a nap in when she was able to wriggle free of all the hugs. We enjoyed an evening stroll by the "act-uh-vay-tuh."